VEON, the global digital operator, is demonstrating its unwavering commitment to Ukraine with a high-level delegation visit to Kyiv and Lviv. Comprising members of the VEON Board and Management, the delegation seeks to bolster the company’s presence and engage with various stakeholders in Ukraine.
Initiated by the UK government, the Shared Rural Network (SRN) aims to eradicate coverage black spots and ensure widespread 4G coverage. This project has been approached with differing bravado by top network operators. Juncture tensions arise as key operators plead for deadline leniency, while EE stands confident in its progress. All eyes are on the government’s response to this collective request while interest in the ongoing infrastructure debate climaxes. Stay informed as the narrative unfolds.
The FCC has set the wheels in motion to reinstate open internet protections, sparking dynamic public conversations around net neutrality. They aim to frame both fixed and mobile broadband as imperative telecommunication services by the Communications Act. This move could effectively address the recurring issue of broadband outages impacting significant sectors like jobs, education, healthcare, safety, and more. However, the proposal doesn’t stop there, it also plans to ensure stringent nationwide open internet regulations to prevent ISPs from manipulating content accessibility based on payment.
Navigating an increasingly challenging market, Nokia is bracing for reductions in staff numbers bolstered by a severe 15% year-on-year sales decline. Despite facing these obstacles, including a slowed pace of 5G deployment in India and underperforming Network Infrastructure division, Nokia’s Cloud and Network Services remain resilient. Amidst downsizing, CEO Pekka Lundmark forecasts a more optimistic fourth quarter, exemplifying the struggle between current hardships and future potential.
Explore EE’s new ‘everything app’, aiming to centralize device sales and manage subscriptions. This all-encompassing platform offers the ability to purchase gaming accessories or trade devices. Alongside this, EE has introduced enhanced broadband and mobile packages, and a focus on personalized customer service. As the company confidently adjusts to its innovative role within the telecommunications landscape, competitors are left needing to pick up the pace.
BT unveils Global Fabric – a pioneering network-as-a-service product bridging various cloud environments. Flaunting adaptability and cost-effectiveness, this tool empowers users with the liberty to select and manage data transit routes. Uniquely functioning on AI-backed digital orchestration, Global Fabric predicts an enhanced application experience. BT envisages this as the future of connectivity, harboring better cost efficiencies, heightened application performance, while maintaining a robust defense against cyber threats. Its introduction holds substantial potential to revolutionize the network management market.
Despite a minor dip in its median download speed, T-Mobile continues to reign in mobile performance. However, Verizon and AT&T are gradually closing the gap, as reflected in Ookla’s recent market report. Nonetheless, T-Mobile remains dominant, not only in download speed but across most network parameters. The race is particularly close in 5G latency and consistency, where all three telecom giants exhibit competitive performance. Stay tuned as these corporate titans strive to have the final say in technological supremacy.
NAVIGATE, part of the UK’s ONE competition, involves renowned telecom providers NEC and Freshwave, working to create a neutral host small cell solution for areas with high signal demand. This project, backed by a substantial £7.42 million funding, aligns with the UK Government’s goal of diversifying the 5G supply chain and nurturing Open RAN spaces. NEC and Freshwave will develop an energy efficient, financially viable solution based on NEC’s Open vRAN software that could significantly boost the multi-operator neutral host network. As the UK joins forces with Australia, Canada, Japan, and the US in the Global Coalition on Telecommunications, this project may herald an inventive, cooperative future for the telecoms industry.
Intriguingly, SpaceX’s Starlink offers an innovative Direct to Cell feature allowing existing LTE phones to function even in remote locations – a potential boon for those often out of terrestrial coverage. With a rollout plan targeting texts by 2024, and full voice, data, and IoT compatibility by 2025, Starlink seems poised for a breakthrough. While the proposition seems formidable, concerns around possible limitations of Starlink’s proprietary technology remind us advantages of relying on industry best practices. Without disclosed pricing details, we can only anticipate how this venture will fare against other satellite connectivity contenders.
The GSMA’s recent State of Mobile Internet Connectivity Report reveals intriguing trends in global smartphone use. While a majority, about 57%, of the global populace now connects to the mobile internet, there’s a stark division in technology adoption. Most users in developed markets rely on 4G or even 5G-enabled devices, while developing regions substantially depend on older 3G and even 2G tech. Surprisingly, the pace of mobile internet user growth also appears to be decelerating. So, how can the world’s telecom industry respond to the challenges of this digital divide? An engrossing discussion waiting to happen at the upcoming Total Telecom Congress!
