APFN has completed a major consolidation, merging five firms into two core entities: APFN for wholesale and Cuckoo for retail, both now owned by Fern Fibre. The company also launched aquila, a national fibre platform, and introduced new leadership, marking a pivotal shift toward streamlined operations and future growth in the UK.
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.
ESA and Hispasat have launched a joint effort to develop secure quantum key distribution via satellite and terrestrial networks. The Q-Design project involves major telecom and banking players, aiming to roll out a versatile QKD system by 2028.
Mavenir has restructured its finances in partnership with Siris, wiping out over $1 billion in debt and securing fresh capital. The telecom software firm is retreating from its hardware ambitions in Open RAN to refocus on AI-driven software and core telecom services, betting on a leaner, more strategic path forward.
Proximus and Thales have secured a vital contract to revamp NATO’s Communications and Information Agency’s IT systems, anticipated to enhance security and connectivity. This initiative, pivotal for NCIA, includes deploying secure cloud infrastructure and Wi-Fi, alongside vital services like cybersecurity and networking, ensuring efficient, forward-looking operations through 2029.
AT&T has reached a major milestone in its fiber network expansion, serving over 30 million locations with ambitions of 60 million by 2030. Competing with Verizon and T-Mobile, AT&T’s acquisition of Lumen’s fiber operations boosts its reach, while strategic partnerships broaden coverage cost-effectively.
CityFibre recently dismissed rumors of a potential sale to rival Virgin Media O2, highlighting the company’s commitment to expansion in the fibre network sector. Despite financial pressures and a current debt of £3.9 billion, CityFibre remains focused on its goal to connect 8 million homes by 2025. The company is actively seeking £1 billion in additional funding to support growth and the acquisition of smaller networks. CityFibre underscores its strong market position and expects to announce new financing details soon, solidifying its leadership in the fibre network space.
Nokia leads the EU-backed Proactif project, tapping drones and robotics for infrastructure monitoring across Europe. With 43 organizations from 13 countries involved, and notable partners like Nvidia, the aim is revolutionizing surveillance of power grids.
Colt Technology Services, Honeywell, and Nokia are partnering to develop quantum-safe satellite networking. By using quantum key distribution from low earth orbit, they aim to secure global data transmission against quantum computing threats, overcoming the distance limits of fiber optics.
NTT has launched a new energy storage division under NTT Anode Energy, managing 340 MWh across Japan. The initiative supports grid stability and wholesale energy trading. Alongside, NTT is expanding its global data center footprint, investing $10 billion through 2027 to deliver scalable infrastructure.
