CTIA President and CEO, Meredith Attwell Baker, has underlined the pressing need for a national spectrum policy synchronized with recent presidential directives. Pointing to the drawbacks of not conducting spectrum auctions, she asserts that inaction could further extend America’s shortfall in this domain. Expounding on an upcoming plan, Baker believes that the imminent strategy has the potential to amplify America’s lead in wireless innovation.
Singtel ramps up its maritime digital services by integrating the innovative satellite technology from Starlink. This breakthrough aims to inspire ship operators into adopting digital solutions such as AI, 5G, edge computing, and cloud-based technologies for improved operational efficiency and safety measures. Starlink, a first-of-its-kind low Earth orbit broadband service included in Singtel’s comprehensive iSHIP offerings, offers enhanced connectivity and reduced latency.
In a surprising move, Blackpool-based Internet Service Provider (ISP) Yayzi has outpaced its larger competitors by introducing a 2.3-Gbps consumer broadband service. Leveraging CityFibre’s XGS-PON network, the service, which boasts a symmetrical throughput of up to 10 Gbps, sets a new standard in the UK ISP market.
BT has voiced plans to simplify pricing, aligning with Ofcom’s push for clarity in broadband advertising and curbing mid-contract price fluctuations. The restructure is likely to see broadband prices rise by about £3 monthly, while mobile may see a £1.50 increase. BT’s current model adjusts customer fees annually by inflation plus 3.9%, a method unclear to most clients, inciting dissatisfaction and a rise in complaints. Ofcom seeks to ban mid-contract inflations under review until mid-February.
In a significant move to bridge the digital divide, Colorado is investing $113 million from its Capital Projects Fund (CPF) in 27 broadband projects. These initiatives aim to connect nearly 19,000 homes and businesses, underscoring the state’s commitment to improving internet access.
In a significant digital milestone, Openreach reports a 9% surge in broadband traffic across the UK throughout 2023, totaling a staggering 94,722 petabytes of data. To put this colossal figure into perspective, one petabyte equals a million gigabytes, and an average 4K movie stream consumes approximately 7.2 gigabytes per hour, as highlighted by Openreach.
In a dynamic year for the cable industry, Comcast took center stage with the successful launch of DOCSIS 4.0, surpassing its commitment to be in the market by the second half of 2023. Unveiling a groundbreaking symmetrical multi-gig service boasting speeds of up to 2 Gbps, Comcast initially introduced this innovation in Colorado Springs, followed by Atlanta and Philadelphia. While plans for a nationwide DOCSIS 4.0 rollout in 2023 are in the pipeline, specific markets remain undisclosed.
In a significant development, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has released updated guidelines for the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The revised framework, known as Uniform Guidance, outlines rules and requirements for federal financial assistance awards and subawards, aiming to enhance the efficiency of the grant management process.
House Republicans are seeking clarity from the NTIA on its stance on Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program initial proposals, pertaining to potential rate regulations. They argue such regulations may contravene the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) directives. Amid rising concerns, Louisiana becomes the first state to have its BEAD program approved.
Ofcom’s annual report, “Connected Nations,” provides a comprehensive update on the state of broadband and mobile services in the UK. The report reveals a noteworthy advancement, indicating that 78% of the UK now enjoys gigabit-capable broadband, marking an 8% surge from the previous year’s 70% coverage.
