Navigating controversy and complex negotiations, Rogers Communications’ acquisition of Shaw Communications, perhaps unexpectedly, resulted in significant job cuts. Amidst skepticism and fears of further layoffs, Rogers remains steadfast in their stance, insisting on their commitment to job creation. However, the telecommunications landscape is a convoluted jigsaw, and this merger has merely revealed another challenging piece.
One New Zealand’s strategic acquisition of local operations from UK-small cell provider Dense Air aims to strengthen mid-band spectrum. Promising enhancements to fixed-wireless access services, this merge incorporates a significant 70 MHz of spectrum into One NZ’s 4G and 5G networks. This move aligns with the company’s efforts towards modernizing its network, hinting towards a customer-centric future with expanded 5G network and possible SpaceX collaboration.
This saga involving T-Mobile’s massive $23 billion merger takes a fresh twist as the company is pushed into the spotlight over allegations of anti-competitive activities. Seven complainants allege that the consolidation of the mobile space resulted in AT&T and Verizon hiking their prices. With these lawsuit-triggered questions featuring at the heart of the upcoming Connected America conference, the telecom industry braces itself for this landmark case’s outcomes.
Dell’Oro Group’s RAN 2030 Advanced Research Report hints at long-term growth in the RAN market, suggesting investments could surpass $40 billion by 2030. Despite challenges like short-term boosts due to new technologies, infrastructural opportunities in Fixed Wireless Access and private networks might augment growth. The report also anticipates macro RAN deployments leading the 6G era. However, the analysis remains mindful of potential obstacles clouding this optimistic outlook.
Taking bold steps towards combatting climate change, Japan’s leading telecom firm, NTT DoCoMo, unveils ambitious initiatives looking to drastically cut its scope 3 emissions. These indirect emissions derive largely from the supply chain, making up approximately four-fifths of the company’s total greenhouse gas output. Taking the bull by the horns, DoCoMo is charting an eco-conscious path, pledging to fully utilize renewable energy sources and implement energy-saving measures across its network. With an eye on the future, the telecom titan plans to transform its supply chain to become environmentally friendly by 2040, all while leveraging technology to help suppliers and customers visualize their carbon footprint. As the telecommunications industry continues to battle climate change, stay tuned for further updates.
A recent survey found that 85% of broadband and mobile consumers find annual price hikes unjust, adding the frustration that 87% believe they should be able to switch providers without penalty if such increases occur mid-contract. However, the reality presented by providers paints a different picture. These unexpected cost changes and fear of penalties for ending contracts prematurely have driven 62% of surveyed participants to consider switching providers immediately after unexpected price increases. This trend prompted a response from Ofcom for clearer pricing transparency, a call further championed by Uswitch and Which?. This has led to new guidelines by the UK’s Committees of Advertising Practice, aiming to ensure providers fully disclose potential cost changes to customers.
The FCC plans to reassess the current broadband state in the U.S, looking to upgrade from the outdated 25/3 Mbps standard and set long-term gigabit speed goals. This broad evaluation, reinforced by recent Congressional directives, seeks to uncover inequities in affordability, availability, and adoption of broadband nationwide. With the new Broadband Data Collection, the commission gains greater insight into specific regional broadband accessibility, helping shape the future of telecommunications in the country. Additional industry developments highlight the continued evolution of this crucial sector.
Virgin Media O2’s decision to offload part of its Corneridge UK towers business to GLIL Infrastructure for £360 million marks a key shift in telecom infrastructure ownership. However, this move falls short of industry valuations, indicating price reductions in the investment market. Despite this, VMO2 retains operational and strategic control in this critical asset, striving to enhance 4G connectivity and intensify 5G rollout. This move aligns with the firm’s wider strategy, marking the start of a potentially transformative series of ambitious deals, lightening its footprint while driving growth.
After the whopping $6.2 billion acquisition by Inmarsat, Viasat is readying for a major reorganization, with a planned 10% workforce reduction. The move, affecting approximately 800 roles, aims for a substantial year-on-year cost-saving starting from 2025. Despite the promising financial outlook, the firm accepts the substantial costs linked with these transitions, yet considers them a vital investment for the future.
In a groundbreaking revelation, Telus, Canada’s foremost operator, announced the successful two-way communication between smartphones and IoT devices, using Echostar T1, a geostationary Earth orbit satellite. Partnering with TerreStar and Skylo, Telus accomplished this feat using a specially-designed connectivity platform, highlighting the potential for remarkable connectivity throughout Canada, even in remote areas. As this technology differs significantly from regular D2D communication, Telus’s breakthrough is set to redefine the future of connectivity in previously unreachable corners of the country.
