As the world navigates towards an AI-integrated future, the call for reliable connectivity has amplified. The UK’s telecom market, a beacon of global standing, is pivoting towards this demand. Its thrust for seamless connectivity is stimulated by the push for efficient network management and shared infrastructure. Spearheading this transformation is the UK’s transition to fibre optics, aided by the strategic decision to sunset the Public Switched Telephone Network by 2025.
Two prominent players in the outsourced IT services for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) sector, Uptime Solutions and Inbay, have officially joined forces, marking a pivotal moment in their industry collaboration. This merger solidifies their collective standing as the ultimate destination for comprehensive outsourced IT services tailored to the evolving needs of MSPs.
Ekinops, a telecom solutions leader, has unveiled its OneOS6-LIM, a game-changing virtualization solution. This innovation optimizes hardware, integrating an efficient ONEe600 router to provide top-notch services, debunking doubts about uCPE economics. Ekinops’ partnership with EANTC AG solidified its position as a potent player in NFV, offering quick ROI for service providers.
Kcell, Kazakhstan’s leading operator, is set to revolutionize the nation’s telecommunications landscape by launching a colossal seven-year 5G rollout plan with Ericsson at the helm. The mission includes a considerable shift towards a united Radio Access Network strategy merging 5G with existing networks, which proves to offer optimize utilization and smoother transition to advanced technology. Furthermore, this project incorporates Fixed Wireless Access, providing internet solutions in challenging terrains.
Amazon’s Project Kuiper and Vodafone join forces to bolster 4G and 5G availability in Europe and Africa using cost-effective low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This partnership aims to connect distant cellular antennas to core networks, enabling telecom services without relying on intricate fibre-based systems. With a larger goal of bridging the digital divide, the collaboration also plans to offer backup services for disruptions and connect distant infrastructure.
Reliance Jio Infocomm is arming itself with a significant offshore loan around $2 billion to fuel its 5G ambitions, with sources pointing towards Swedish telecom giant Ericsson as a potential gear supplier. A noteworthy credit safety net from Sweden’s EKN credit agency plays a crucial role in this strategic play, while banking behemoth BNP Paribas is slated to disburse a massive chunk of the offshore funding.
Deutsche Telekom, in collaboration with AirHop, Juniper Networks, VIAVI Solutions, and VMware, has been testing the waters to leverage telecom technology bound by Open RAN specifications. Treading an intriguing path of innovation, they trialed Non-RT RIC technology by performing a RAN closed-loop optimization proof, embraced by ONAP and Open RAN standards. The journey unfolded two pivotal use case scenarios revolving around PCI optimization and energy-saving dynamics powered by AI and machine learning.
As internet giant Hurricane Electric curbs access to the notorious web forum Kiwi Farms, it raises pivotal discussions around online free speech. However, the Electronic Frontier Foundation forewarns of a hazardous trajectory, as hysteria around controversial platforms could pave the way to excessive intervention from mighty internet infrastructure providers. Meanwhile, the role of such companies in managing online content remains a hot topic.
Phoenix Tower International has bolstered its French network with two acquisitions totaling 1,978 sites, strategically placed in populous regions. With the latest addition of SFR-hosted and Bouygues Telecom sites, PTI’s French portfolio now stands at 3,600 sites which is expected to surpass 5,000 within two years. CEO, Dagan Kasavanas highlighted how these acquisitions will enhance wireless connectivity across France, positioning the country as a key player within PTI’s 21-country operation range.
Infovista is set to revolutionize telecoms with their Ativa™ Suite. Promising to reduce fixed voice blackouts and service disruptions, an impressive aspect of the tech is that it could potentially reduce solution times for CSPs by 66%. This major step towards automation could transform customer relations. While on the other side, milestones such as Ericsson and TDC NET launching Denmark’s first 5G Standalone network, Vodafone initiating the UK’s largest Open RAN rollout, and Vodacom and Eskom venturing into virtual power wheeling, signal a fast-paced evolution of global telecommunications.


