In a quest to bring hyper-fast broadband to Scotland’s most rural regions, the Scottish government launched the ambitious R100 (Reaching 100%) project. Backed with sizable financing, R100 aims to boost connectivity for over 180,000 premises. However, stumbling blocks including bidding disputes and slow deployment have pushed timelines back, igniting debates over the project’s efficacy and cost-effectiveness.
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.
EllaLink has been selected by French Guiana’s SPLANG to construct an 8,000 km submarine link, a pioneering step towards direct, high-capacity connectivity between Latin America and Europe. This commendable feat also includes the addition of a 2,100 km cable extension, further broadening the EllaLink network. Embracing cutting-edge technology, such as the ROADM WSS branching unit, the extended network ensures direct and speedy connectivity from French Guiana to Europe, with an RTD latency of under 80 ms.
Despite Europe’s stride towards a digitally advanced future, the current uptake of 5G stands at only 2.5%. This stands in stark contrast to how tech giants like North America, China, Japan, and South Korea are faring. While European market figures on Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) appears promising, various challenges, including recent antidumping measures, have stymied progress and exacerbated the digital divide.
ITS has launched the enticing Faster Britain bus initiative, a design tour autour du pays to spread the word about their newly unveiled full-fibre network. The double-decker bus will serve not only as advertisement but a consumer engagement podium, hosting training events at over 70 networks, engaging directly with tech enthusiasts and initiating digital inclusion programs.
In a surprising move, Blackpool-based Internet Service Provider (ISP) Yayzi has outpaced its larger competitors by introducing a 2.3-Gbps consumer broadband service. Leveraging CityFibre’s XGS-PON network, the service, which boasts a symmetrical throughput of up to 10 Gbps, sets a new standard in the UK ISP market.
Ofcom’s proposal to supply backup batteries for mobile sites to improve network resilience has brought forth divergent viewpoints. Vodafone – a prominent voice in the debate – highlights operational complexities and massive costs associated with the backup plan, stressing that mobile operators should not carry the full financial burden.
Wildanet, a Cornwall-based fibre network builder, marks a milestone in corporate sustainability by becoming the UK’s first altnet to earn B-Corp Certification. This accolade spotlights the broader ramifications for the telecom industry as it grapples with its own global responsibility measures. While celebrating the achievement, it ignites the debate over whether the sector is doing enough to address burgeoning demands for a sustainable, equitable world.
Ooredoo drives Qatar National Vision 2030 with a widespread fiber rollout, covering 99.9% of households, maintaining high service levels and introducing innovative technologies. Vodafone UK advocates for the implementation of 5G SA technology, citing its transformative impact on industries, such as renewable energy and agriculture. CableLabs has made strides in deploying 10G network in 2023, advancing DOCSIS 4.0 technology, issuing CPON architecture specifications, and accelerating FTTP adoption. Microsoft’s new Copilot key represents a groundbreaking addition to Windows keyboards, integrating AI seamlessly and signaling a significant shift after three decades.
Unveiling a concerning revelation in the telecommunications network, inside sources disclose that a vast number of personnel are bypassing “whereabouts rules”, exposing client companies to potential cyber threats. Learn about the delicate balance between accountability and security as we explore the disquieting trend and potential remedies within this intricate reality.
