Virgin Media O2 has expanded its 5G Standalone services across the UK, now reaching 500 towns and cities. This strategic move enhances enterprise-level connectivity, supporting innovative applications such as autonomous transport and remote healthcare.
Ericsson and Telefónica Germany have announced the extension of their core network partnership. This collaboration, involving Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core and cloud infrastructure solutions, currently supports mobile connectivity for 45 million O2 Telefónica subscribers. It spans multiple network generations including 5G Standalone (SA), 5G non-Standalone (NSA), 4G, and 2G.
Bridging the digital divide in vast and harsh terrains like the Scottish Highlands, VMO2 embarks on a novel approach, utilizing a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites from Starlink for critical backhaul services. Bypassing conventional, costly terrestrial infrastructure, VMO2’s tests have proven the potency of satellite technology in improving coverage across the UK.
Telefonica Deutschland recently conducted a successful trial of 5G RedCap devices, promising to revolutionize IoT connectivity. Offering increased data rates, minimal latency, and longer battery life, this development is one step closer towards creating a smoother and more efficient IoT field.
In a bold move to reshape the UK’s broadband landscape, VMO2, backed by shareholders Liberty Global and Telefónica, has announced the launch of a new fixed network company, ambitiously positioned as a direct competitor to BT’s Openreach. Dubbed NetCo for now, this venture aims to accelerate the adoption of full fibre broadband, offering a fresh financing framework and a potential platform for the consolidation of alternative network providers (altnets).
Telefónica’s recent release of a green bond, valued at €1,750 million, experienced an impressive demand. The bond’s oversubscription tripled, indicating keen investor interest in the telecommunication giant’s ecological endeavors. The bond, which will fund projects aimed at modernizing both fixed and mobile telecom networks, is aligned with Telefónica’s goal of dedicating roughly 40% of total funding to ESG criteria by 2026, underpinning the company’s pledge to integrate environmental and financial sustainability.
Taking leaps in autonomous network management, Telefónica skillfully navigates the complex landscape, developing standards and aligning with recognized organizations. With their Autonomous Network Journey program, they unravel the value of AI and machine learning at multiple levels. With successful solutions like Vivo Config, they’ve achieved substantial work savings and dramatically reduced network alarms and reworks, while actively focusing on energy efficiency and emissions reduction – invaluable attributes in the era of sustainability.
In a major step toward network evolution, UK’s Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) has successfully tested and begun selling services powered by cutting-edge XGS PON fibre technology. This move, primed to revolutionize digital connectivity, promises customers symmetric 10 Gbps upload and download speeds but might initially be geographically limited. The transformative technology is expected to rival offerings from other telco giants whilst unlocking the potential for future technological advancements.
Virgin Media O2 faces potential job cuts amid ongoing integration, despite previous assurances of alternative roles for at-risk employees, sparking concerns about future opportunities in the telecommunications sector.
Virgin Media O2 reveals ambitious plans to expand its UK network, reaching 80% full fiber coverage and 50% 5G serviceability by year-end. Growth attributed to nexfibre joint venture and Q1 results showcase increased customer relationships amidst revenue fluctuations.
