The UK’s telecommunications regulator, Ofcom, is advancing plans to facilitate shared access to the highly sought-after upper 6 GHz band, proposing two primary frameworks to balance the needs of both mobile and Wi-Fi providers. The first proposed approach, known as variable spectrum split, would allow both mobile and Wi-Fi services to use portions of the spectrum not occupied by the other.
New research conducted by consultancy Cluttons in collaboration with YouGov has revealed significant doubts among Conservative MPs regarding the UK’s ability to achieve government targets for nationwide standalone 5G coverage by 2030. The study, which surveyed 104 MPs and 556 local councillors, found that only one-third of Conservative MPs (34%) expressed confidence in meeting the ambitious targets set by the government.
Spain’s top three mobile operators have struck a deal to share spectrum in the 700 MHz band, aiming to improve rural coverage and secure government funding. This agreement involves Telefonica’s Movistar, the newly formed MasOrange, and Vodafone’s Spanish division.
BT has announced a two-year delay in the shutdown of the UK’s copper-based phone lines, now scheduled for 2027 instead of the original 2025 target. The decision was subtly revealed in the company’s 2023 financial results and later confirmed through a press release.
A recent study conducted by Germany’s Verband für Telekommunikation und Mehrwertdienste (VATM) has illuminated the rapid advancements within Germany’s fiber market. The study highlights a steady stride in the country’s fiber rollout, projecting that nearly 19 million households, approximately half of the German population, will have access to fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) connectivity by mid-year, marking a rise of 2 million households since the close of 2023.
On May 15, the US House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to reauthorize the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for the first time since 1992. The legislation, passed with a vote of 374-36, aims to update the mission and functions of the NTIA in response to significant changes in the telecommunications landscape.
Google Fiber (GFiber) is expanding its Nevada network to include the City of Las Vegas, following its initial foray into the state earlier this year. In February, Clark County approved a franchise agreement, facilitating GFiber’s network deployment in the region.
Verizon launches AI-driven apps to improve customer service by streamlining interactions. The European Commission designates Booking.com as a ‘gatekeeper’ and plans antitrust charges against Microsoft for bundling Teams with Office. Telstra establishes a regional network hub in Guam at GNC iX data center. GlobalData underscores US telcos’ struggle to stand out in the B2B channel.
AT&T takes a significant leap forward in its plans to offer satellite direct-to-phone services following the finalization of commercial terms with low Earth orbit (LEO) operator AST SpaceMobile. The agreement sets the stage for AT&T to provide non-terrestrial network (NTN) coverage through SpaceMobile’s constellation until 2030. Although a firm launch date for SpaceMobile’s network is yet to be confirmed, AT&T anticipates the delivery of the first commercial satellites to Cape Canaveral this summer.
Boldyn Networks has successfully completed the acquisition of Apogee Telecom, a leading provider of on-campus connectivity in the US Higher Education sector. This strategic move enhances Boldyn’s offerings in the education market by integrating Apogee’s extensive experience and strong reputation with Boldyn’s global expertise and comprehensive wireless and fiber solutions portfolio. The acquisition aligns with Boldyn’s ongoing commitment to improving connectivity across the United States, where the company has already invested billions of dollars.
