The UK’s new Data Use and Access Act aims to boost the economy by £10 billion, streamline public services, and improve healthcare data access. It empowers consumers, enhances tech innovation, and strengthens digital ID systems, while also supporting bereaved families and construction workers.
Openreach urges UK businesses to move quickly to digital networks as the Public Switched Telephone Network faces shutdown by January 2027. Delays risk severe disruptions to payment systems, alarms, and phones. With free testing and support available, companies must review, test, and switch promptly to avoid increased costs, security risks, and missed growth opportunities.
The UK government and NVIDIA have partnered to boost AI research in UK universities. Through new programs and a dedicated AI Technology Center, the collaboration aims to advance AI and 6G innovation, provide researchers with critical tools.
Vodafone and Three have completed a £16.5 billion merger, creating VodafoneThree with 29 million customers. Led by Max Taylor, the company plans to invest £11 billion in 5G over the next decade. While the deal promises stronger connectivity and growth, it also brings integration challenges and strategic decisions.
The UK is revolutionizing its cybersecurity approach by launching a dedicated cyber command led by Defence Minister John Healey. This strategic move empowers the nation to tackle state-sponsored cyber threats more effectively than ever before. With a £1 billion investment, the initiative strengthens offensive and defensive cyber capabilities.
In a landmark move, Netomnia and Adtran have launched the first commercial 50G PON service in the UK, revolutionizing the broadband sector. This deployment utilizes Adtran’s SDX 6400 Series to deliver hyper-fast connectivity, seamlessly integrating with existing PON networks. This advancement highlights the power of next-generation PON technology.
Openreach is delivering full fibre broadband to 38 rural UK communities through Project Gigabit, aiming to connect 290,000 hard to reach properties. The initiative is already boosting business, education and local economies, with potential to add £66 billion to UK GDP and support remote work.
AllPoints Fibre Networks has unveiled Aquila, a wholesale fibre platform designed to simplify broadband access for UK providers. By unifying major networks and offering a user-friendly API-driven portal, Aquila enables fast, scalable service delivery to around 19 million premises, eliminating complexity and accelerating market entry for Communication Service Providers.
BT has appointed Peter Leukert as Chief Digital Officer, effective September 1. Currently CIO at Deutsche Telekom, Leukert will lead BT’s Digital unit, driving transformation and innovation. He brings extensive global experience and will join BT’s Executive Committee, reporting to CEO Allison Kirkby.
Zen Internet’s launch of The Fibre Hub marks a pivotal moment in the UK broadband sector. This innovative platform consolidates various altnet networks, streamlining access for Internet Service Providers to Business and Residential FTTP services.
