The UK’s newly-sealed Online Safety Act transforms Ofcom into a powerful Internet watchdog. However, its journey has sparked both acclaim and apprehensions concerning children’s online protection and potential privacy infringements, respectively. Crucially, the legislation’s implementation might take a couple of years.
At the Global Mobile Broadband Forum 2023, Ken Hu of Huawei underscored the impressive growth of 5G networks worldwide, signaling a transformative shift. With 260 5G networks serving almost half the global population, 5G is identified as the catalyst of synergistic growth in the B2B market. However, realization of its full potential will base on consistent network investment, as reiterated by Bruce Lam—CEO, Consumer, at Hong Kong Telecommunications.
IBM has introduced Watsonx Code Assistant, an AI-powered tool for enterprise software development. Riga Technical University partners with IS-Wireless to advance 5G Open RAN technology. Snom’s phones are certified for NetSapiens, streamlining deployment for telecom resellers. Google Maps enhances user experience with AI-powered features, offering Immersive View, improved navigation, and EV charging information, striving to outperform competitors.
Ofcom’s revised net neutrality rules in the UK now allow broadband providers to offer tiered services based on latency, not just throughput. Furthermore, these new regulations also permit the creation of specialized services, paving the way for network slicing and multi-access edge computing in the future. On the somewhat contentious front, zero-rating, or providing unrestricted access to specific online services, gets a green light, albeit with a few conditions.
Ingbert Liebing, VKU Chief, calls for decisive action from BNetzA to ensure Deutsche Telekom’s transparency in its fiber expansion plans. VKU argues that Telekom’s vague plans have hampered national FTTH deployment. However, Deutsche Telekom views this as fair competition. With over 300 complaints about overbuilding, Juergen Grützner, VATM MD believes clearer regulation is urgent to meet expansion goals.
In a surprising twist, T-Mobile has withdrawn its plan to move select subscribers to more expensive mobile plans, a decision triggered due to substantial backlash from customers and the media. While emphasizing the necessity for small-scale tests as part of enhancing customer experience, T-Mobile’s CEO has hinted at the likelihood of similar attempts in future.
Nokia’s 25G PON solutions are boosting Google Fiber’s bold venture into establishing a 20-Gbps service, though the full potential of such capacity remains untapped. However, Google Fiber, focusing on the future, views this as a crucial step towards achieving 100-Gbps services and beyond. Yet, does the necessity of such impressive speeds linger in doubt, or are these advancements setting a thrilling precedent in the field of telecommunications?
The recent partnership between Plume, the cloud wifi platform provider, and one of India’s telecom titans, Reliance Jio, aims to deliver smart home services to almost 200 million properties. Subscribers will gain access to AI powered services offering a range of benefits, from adaptive wifi and performance optimization to enhanced cyber protections. Yet, with great expansion comes potential challenges, such as customer service and quality control.
As cyber threats surge in the UK, BT uncovers jaw-dropping statistics, including an average of 530 attacks every second globally. Industries from defence to hospitality are not exempt. To combat this, BT has launched an illuminating podcast on cybercrime’s impact and potential solutions.
Vodafone’s recent triumph, a successful trial achieving 5 Gbps using the upper 6 GHz band for mobile signal transmission, highlights the upcoming decision on spectral band division at ITU’s WRC23. Through this trial, performed on Madrid’s Vodafone campus, engineers established the 6 GHz band can provide coverage on par with existing 5G networks.
