In a significant boost to rural connectivity, Virgin Media O2 has recently achieved a landmark in the Shared Rural Network (SRN) initiative by completing upgrades or constructing 100 sites under its management. This development is set to offer unprecedented mobile coverage quality to rural communities, benefiting not just its own customers but also those of Three and Vodafone, thanks to a collaborative effort to enhance infrastructure.
Local government digital leaders across England, Scotland, and Wales continue to prioritize gigabit broadband rollout, viewing it as essential for connectivity improvements, despite differing opinions on 5G and a lagging focus on environmental sustainability. This was highlighted in a recent survey conducted by FarrPoint, a UK-based connectivity consultancy, which released its findings from a December 2023 study involving councils from various regions.
Stage X won South Korea’s fourth mobile operator spot with a $322 million bid for 5G spectrum. Yellow.ai and Infobip have partnered to enhance global customer support through AI-driven voice automation and conversational experiences.
Breezeline invests in a 525-mile fiber network to boost internet for 45,000 homes and businesses in New Hampshire. DARPA, in partnership with Nokia’s Bell Labs and others, aims to develop a sustainable Moon base with a robust telecom network to support future Mars expeditions.
Forging a powerful alliance, Virgin Media O2 and Tesco affirm a ten-year extension of their two decade-long partnership, potentially marking a new era for Tesco Mobile, UK’s leading mobile virtual network operator. With over 5.5 million customers, and a recent 9.4% increase in sales generating £970 million in revenues, this joint venture shows no signs of slowing down.
In a significant move for the telecommunications sector, Parallel Wireless has partnered with SUSE to integrate the SUSE Adaptive Telco Infrastructure Platform (ATIP) into its Open RAN solutions. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in enhancing the flexibility, security, and cost-effectiveness of managing and processing data in network operations.
In a collaborative effort to bolster marine conservation initiatives, Orange Business, the business-to-business (B2B) segment of a prominent European telecommunications group, has joined forces with Tēnaka, an organization dedicated to safeguarding marine ecosystems. The partnership aims to enhance coral reef restoration within a Marine Protected Area of the Coral Triangle in Malaysia, focused on the protection and preservation of wildlife.
Recognizing the growing demand for mid-band spectrum, the International Telecom Union (ITU) appends new frequency bands for 5G usage. A significant addition was the 6GHZ spectrum, which is anticipated to facilitate the 5G evolution. Multiple global operators have conducted successful tests, making strides toward a seamless shift to 5G-Advanced. This advancement not only opens a myriad of industry opportunities but also promises an improved user experience potentially comparable to the fiber experience.
In 2024, the telecom industry is witnessing a transformative shift driven by evolving customer needs, technological advancements, and environmental concerns. Key trends include the rise of self-service platforms, the migration to VoIP as PSTN becomes obsolete, standalone 5G networks taking center stage, AI integration for enhanced connectivity, and a strong commitment to sustainability. These trends are reshaping how telecom carriers operate and innovate, promising new opportunities in a rapidly changing landscape.
Lucent W1, a new mixed-use development behind the world-famous Piccadilly Lights, is working with Freshwave so its tenants and visitors will enjoy in-building connectivity from all four mobile network operators (MNOs). Connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service provider Freshwave is deploying the 4G distributed antenna system (DAS) as an ongoing managed service.
Ofcom’s annual report, “Connected Nations,” provides a comprehensive update on the state of broadband and mobile services in the UK. The report reveals a noteworthy advancement, indicating that 78% of the UK now enjoys gigabit-capable broadband, marking an 8% surge from the previous year’s 70% coverage.
