In the third quarter of 2023, Ookla Speedtest Intelligence data reveals a robust global uptrend in fixed network speeds. The median download speed for fixed networks worldwide reached an impressive 83.95 Mbps, marking a substantial 19% increase from 70.3 Mbps in the same quarter of 2022.
Broadband users face the most disruptions during peak hours, particularly at 11 am on Fridays or Wednesdays, according to a recent survey. The study pinpointed additional vulnerable time slots between 6 pm and 9 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm, and 10 am. The primary culprit for disconnections, as reported by users, is broadband provider outages, accounting for a majority of the incidents. Other contributors include power cuts (42%), planned maintenance to external cables (18%), and router issues (17%).
Several prominent German telecoms associations, including ANGA, Bitkom, BREKO, BUGLAS, and VATM, have united in a call to the German government, urging a reduction in funding for fibre-optic projects. Citing concerns over the overwhelming response to the German Gigabit funding program, the associations propose a cut in funding to €1 billion between 2024-2026.
In a swift response to Tuesday’s widespread cyber-attack, Kyivstar, the Ukrainian subsidiary of global digital operator VEON Ltd., has successfully restored mobile internet services nationwide, encompassing all communication standards, including 4G. International roaming services have also been reinstated within the past 24 hours, marking a significant recovery effort.
EPB, the city-owned broadband provider, has launched a new 2.5-gig residential internet service, expanding its symmetrical speed offerings on the fiber optic network. Priced at $97.99 per month, the 2.5-gig service comes with the installation of EPB’s Wi-Fi 6e router and is available across the service area. VP Katie Espeseth emphasized EPB’s commitment to diversifying network options, with an eye on providing service up to 25-gig.
The Idaho Broadband Advisory Board (IBAB) has approved the allocation of $120 million from the Idaho Capital Projects Fund to support 18 broadband initiatives, providing a significant boost to over 30,000 homes and businesses across the state. In collaboration with the state government, the advisory board strategically targeted projects to enhance crucial areas including distance learning, telehealth, telework, economic development, and public safety.
A recent report by the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) reveals that fiber internet has now reached over half of U.S. households, surpassing 51.5% of primary homes. The survey, conducted by RVA LLC Market Research and Consulting on behalf of FBA, highlights 2023 as a record-setting year for annual fiber-to-the-home growth, with network operators connecting an unprecedented nine million new homes.
In a recent move, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has chosen to prolong the waiver exempting broadband providers from the requirement of having their broadband data collection (BDC) filings certified by professional engineers. This decision has sparked a mixed reaction within the telecommunications industry.
In the third quarter of 2023, the North American Optical Transport equipment market experienced a 4 percent year-over-year contraction, according to a recent report by Dell’Oro Group, a leading source for market information in telecommunications, security, networks, and data centers. This stands in stark contrast to the global market, which saw a positive trend for the third consecutive quarter, growing by 6 percent year-over-year outside the North American region.
In a groundbreaking move, AT&T has selected Ericsson as the primary supplier for its Open RAN equipment, set to handle 70% of its wireless traffic by the close of 2026. The five-year agreement, valued at an impressive $14 billion, signals a significant shift in the North American telecommunications landscape. Under the deal, Ericsson will replace some of Nokia’s equipment in specific areas of AT&T’s network.
