The UK Deputy Prime Minister has given the green light to the proposed merger between telecommunications giants Vodafone and Three, citing national security considerations. The decision, made under the National Security and Investment Act 2021, imposes certain conditions on the merger.
In a significant move aimed at bolstering cybersecurity across the country, the UK government has rolled out stringent regulations requiring manufacturers of internet-connected devices to adhere to minimum-security standards. The new laws, part of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Act 2022, are designed to mitigate the risks posed by weak security features on smart gadgets.
In a significant move to ensure the smooth transition of landline services to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), the UK government has announced an expansion in the roster of telecommunications companies committed to safeguarding vulnerable customers. The initiative, led by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), now includes Openreach, CityFibre, and several others, alongside initial participants like BT and Virgin Media O2.
Initiated by the UK government, the Shared Rural Network (SRN) aims to eradicate coverage black spots and ensure widespread 4G coverage. This project has been approached with differing bravado by top network operators. Juncture tensions arise as key operators plead for deadline leniency, while EE stands confident in its progress. All eyes are on the government’s response to this collective request while interest in the ongoing infrastructure debate climaxes. Stay informed as the narrative unfolds.
The UK’s armed forces will boost their intelligence capabilities with the 2027 launch of the Juno satellite. Led by SSTL, this £40 million project will create 200 skilled jobs, enhance surveillance, and aid environmental monitoring.
Netomnia, a leading UK altnet provider, secured an additional £25 million from the National Wealth Fund to boost VoIP and broadband accessibility. This funding accelerates their fibre network expansion, targeting underserved communities. As Netomnia merges with Brsk, their VoIP services aim to reach 3 million premises by 2025.
CityFibre, the UK alternative network provider, urgently seeks external funding to maintain pace against competitors like Openreach. Despite financial challenges, CityFibre reported impressive growth with a revenue surge to £99.67 million in 2023.
The UK government has officially designated data centres as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), elevating their significance to that of energy and water services. This move aims to boost resilience against cyber threats, IT outages, and environmental hazards, safeguarding key data like NHS records. Enhanced governmental support will enhance cybersecurity and foster the digital economy.
The UK Ministry of Defence has successfully launched its own satellite, ‘Tyche’, revolutionizing Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. This pivotal event marks the UK’s leap forward in space-based defense. As part of a broader initiative, Tyche will bolster military operations, disaster response, and environmental monitoring, reinforcing national security and technological innovation.
LilaConnect, a leading retail ISP, has reached an impressive milestone of 15,000 connected customers, showcasing its commitment to delivering high-quality, full fibre internet. Using Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) technology, LilaConnect ensures faster and more reliable internet speeds.
