Swansea Bay City Deal Awards Dark Fibre Contract for Enhanced Public Sector Connectivity
Swansea Bay City Deal has awarded a dark fibre contract to VMO2 Business, aiming to enhance fibre infrastructure across 36 public sector sites in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot by December 2025. The network upgrade will benefit the Welsh Ambulance Service, local health boards, universities, and local authorities, boosting data speeds and capacity. This initiative is part of the £1.3 billion Swansea Bay City Deal, which seeks to improve regional infrastructure and support the local economy. Financial details of the contract remain undisclosed.
Smartphone Market to Grow Nearly 6% in 2024, Driven by Android and GenAI Innovations
The global smartphone market is projected to grow 5.8% year-over-year in 2024, reaching 1.23 billion units, according to IDC. This growth is driven by a surge in Android device sales in China and emerging markets, rebounding from a challenging period. Affordable Android phones are key in these regions, while premium markets are increasingly adopting GenAI smartphones. These advanced devices, expected to grow 344% and capture 18% of the market by year-end, are significantly boosting average selling prices. Despite slower growth for iOS, Apple is expected to rebound in 2025 with advancements in AI integration.
Patton Acquires Raymar to Sustain Legacy Industrial Networks
Patton, a US-based industrial networking solutions provider, has acquired Raymar Information Technology, a manufacturer of legacy industrial datacom solutions. The acquisition enables continued support for legacy technologies crucial to critical industrial networks. Founded in 1982, Raymar evolved by acquiring legacy product lines, becoming a leader in Dial-Up and Leased Line Modems. Patton’s acquisition ensures long-term support for Raymar’s customers and plans to leverage Raymar’s technology for custom design and manufacturing services in defense, intelligence, and industrial sectors. Both companies emphasize the importance of reliable legacy technologies in critical infrastructure.
EE Issues Guidelines for Age-Appropriate Smartphone Use for Kids
EE has issued guidelines for age-appropriate smartphone usage to address concerns about children’s online safety. The company categorizes recommendations into three age groups: under 11s, 11-13, and 13-16. It suggests feature phones for children under 11, restricted social media and parental controls for those aged 11-13, and managed smartphone access for teens 13-16, including linked parent accounts. EE’s initiative is supported by child safety organizations, with enhancements to its PhoneSmart platform and a national school campaign to promote responsible digital use. This effort aims to help parents make informed decisions about their children’s technology use.
