The GSMA and the European Space Agency are planning a collaboration to further integrate satellite and cellular technologies. This new alliance promises to bring non-terrestrial networking (NTN) into the market mainstream, a significant step, previously signaled by NTN’s inclusion in the 3GPP’s 5G standards. With eyes set for integration in future 6G networks, this collaborative endeavor aims to advance unique solutions for businesses and consumers. It’s an astounding opportunity that potentially could yield a high-growth market worth $18 billion between 2024 and 2031.
Unveiling a battery and solar-powered 5G site in Texas, Ericsson demonstrates an innovative and eco-friendly approach to creating energy-smart network solutions. This next-generation site not only offers enhanced energy management, potentially trimming operational expenses and reducing energy consumption, but also hints at lucrative future revenue streams from selling excess power. As Ericsson continues to explore greener alternatives, it’s intriguing to see how telecom companies worldwide will adopt this sustainable model.
Vodafone is poised to offer enhanced streaming experiences to its European and African customers thanks to an edge-based content delivery network (CDN) solution. Developed in collaboration with partners Cisco and Qwilt, this technology simplifies CDN management and allows cached video content and applications to be more accessible to the end-user. The benefits? Responsiveness, agility, and improved access for content owners. The solution thrives on the Streaming Video Technology Alliance’s Open Caching Standard, merging multiple content caches to improve user experience.
Strengthening its lead in the telecommunications sphere, the UK Space Agency has recently allocated £20 million to further drone-based technologies and aerial connectivity initiatives. This exciting endorsement could dramatically shape the future of many sectors, from emergency services to healthcare, illuminating the transformative potential of drone-borne support systems. How will this funding amplify the UK’s fast-growing satellite communications industry and revolutionise our everyday lives? Dig deeper to find out!
The South African telecom giant, Telkom, recently rejected an acquisition bid from a consortium led by its former Chief, Sipho Maseko. The bid, whose details remain undisclosed, sparked extensive board deliberations and was followed by a 7% fall in Telkom’s share price. CEO Serame Taukobong maintains, however, that offers for a takeover will remain on hold until viable proof of deliverability is presented.
Fibre builder Wildanet’s expansion into the Devon region could fuel an estimated economic surge of £1 billion by 2030, primarily through Gigabit-capable broadband, according to a new Curia report. This ambitious outlook, however, hinges on universal access to Gigabit broadband by 2030, a significantly higher benchmark than Wildanet’s initial target of reaching 25,000 premises. The firm’s dedication to end the digital disparity in rural Devon is so far supported by over 60,000 wireless connections, and plans to add 50,000 more by 2023. Meanwhile, additional funds from Gresham House could expedite the broadband rollout, making digital inclusion a tangible reality, even in the most remote locations. Despite this, digital desolation persists, with nearly 78,000 Devon inhabitants having never experienced internet access.
The future of telecommunications is rapidly changing thanks to the surge of Internet of Things (IoT) connections, with an anticipated 142 million 5G IoT roaming connections by 2027. This evolution promises increased speeds, reduced latency, and advanced services, setting the stage for a demand surge in standalone-specific 5G roaming agreements. However, despite these advancements, most connected devices will continue utilizing LTE-M and NB-IoT networks due to their compatibility with mixed traffic. A major hub for 5G IoT roaming is Western Europe, anticipated to host 21% of all such connections by 2027.
Witness an intriguing experiment as three major European telecom leaders dive headfirst into field-testing the European Union’s digital ID scheme, dubbed ‘Potential’. An initiative that aims to streamline identity verification across 19 EU nations, it brings to our digital life convenience, efficiency, and the promise of enhanced security. However, it’s not without its challenges -potential data leaks, risks of stringent gatekeeping and concerns over invasive surveillance.
Emerging as a benchmark for sustainability, Vodafone negotiates a massive 410 Gwh photo-voltaic energy deal yearly with renewable firm Iberdrola, aiming at operations in Germany, Portugal, and Spain. This agreement, an expansion on their existing partnership, likely opens doors to further renewable initiatives. Vodafone’s commitment towards an eco-friendlier future radiates, from charging points for electric vehicles at their primary facilities in Spain to ensuring customers’ benefits from 100% renewable purchased electricity.
A fresh structure designed to secure EU data housed in the US has been implemented, but disputes persist surrounding the safety of EU data during transatlantic transfers. While the EU sees the potential of unwarranted surveillance by US security forces, the US finds it challenging to alleviate these suspicions. Despite concerns raised by privacy activists, notable tech powerhouses like Facebook are in favor of this framework, thinking it’ll protect essential goods and services. This leaves a potent question around the future of data protection lingering in the air.
