The landscape of fibre broadband in the UK is rapidly evolving, with over a fifth of premises now enjoying the choice of two or more fibre broadband providers. This development can be attributed to the efforts of alternative network operators across the country.Recent data from Point Topic reveals that nearly two thirds of UK premises, totaling 20.4 million, now have access to fibre broadband as of March-end.
In a significant development, Hong Kong residents now have access to China Telecom’s satellite direct-to-phone service, marking a pivotal step in the operator’s expansion strategy. China Telecom has long provided satellite options to mobile customers through a range of devices, including dongles, dedicated satphones, and smartphones equipped with built-in satellite antennas from manufacturers like Huawei.
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.
Sigma Lithium, a leading producer of sustainable lithium, has enlisted Nokia and Alcon to establish what is touted as the inaugural private LTE wireless campus network in the Americas. This groundbreaking initiative aims to bolster lithium mining operations with enhanced connectivity and digitalization.
TIA updated its Data Center Standards (ANSI/TIA-942) to improve performance and efficiency. Network APIs are gaining popularity globally, particularly in antifraud applications. Spirent and Aviz collaborate on Networking 3.0 for 5G, aiming for open, AI-powered traffic monitoring. Granite receives a US patent for edgeboot, an AI-powered managed PDU.
In a collaborative effort, Microsoft and US President Joe Biden have revealed plans to construct a $3.3 billion data center in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin. This initiative aims to bolster technological infrastructure, fostering the development and deployment of advanced cloud services and AI applications for companies across Wisconsin and its neighboring regions.
Cummins Inc, a global leader in manufacturing heavy-duty truck engines, has sealed a groundbreaking deal with Verizon Business to introduce cutting-edge wireless networks at its Jamestown Engine Plant (JEP) in Lakewood, NY. The collaboration entails the deployment of Verizon’s innovative Neutral Host Network alongside a Private 5G Network within the premises of JEP, aiming to cater to both public and private connectivity needs.
Reports this week indicate that the Indian government is expected to postpone spectrum allocations for satellite broadband providers by four to six months, awaiting clarity following the ongoing general elections. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is reportedly holding off on final decisions until after the election results are announced on June 4.
In a significant development for commuters, the Berlin underground (U-Bahn) has finalized the installation of a 4G mobile network, ensuring high-speed internet access across its entire subway system. The initiative, a collaboration between Germany’s O2 Telefonica and Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), marks a milestone achievement after years of planning and execution. Data usage among subway users has skyrocketed, increasing sevenfold since 2019, necessitating improved connectivity underground.
Ooma, Inc., a leading communications platform, has introduced its AirDial® service in Canada, providing a crucial solution for businesses affected by the phase-out of Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) across the country. The move comes as major Canadian providers like Bell Canada and TELUS are set to decommission their copper networks, marking the rapid decline of POTS nationwide. This “copper sunset” poses challenges for businesses reliant on POTS for critical equipment such as fire alarms, elevators, and building entry systems.
