The clock is ticking for the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), offering qualified households valuable monthly internet discounts. However, with the fund balance dipping below $1.8 billion, the financial resources may only last until April. Several providers have presented strategies to maintain continuity, offering budget-friendly plans of as low as $10.
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.
Telecommunications heavy hitter T-Mobile finds itself under scrutiny as fixed wireless service providers in Maine, New York, and Maryland report disruptions attributed to T-Mobile’s 5G operations. Bloosurf has appealed to the FCC, seeking a refrain on T-Mobile’s 5G functions where they intersect with its own services, stirring up a complex debate hinging on a 1977 FCC decision regarding interference.
VoIP adoption offers transformative benefits, yet challenges loom. Selecting a reliable provider is paramount, demanding thorough research on reputation, features, and support. Compatibility, call quality, scalability, and network readiness necessitate meticulous planning. Security, emergency services, cost management, compliance, number portability, and employee readiness further demand attention. Successful migration hinges on strategic planning and informed decision-making.
Continuing their established partnership, Swisscom and Ericsson unveiled a multi-year agreement to boost Swisscom’s innovation and increase energy efficiency for its 5G network. The pact includes Ericsson’s Intelligent Automation Platform, facilitating advanced network management. Their united effort aims to significantly enhance user experience, while also pushing for sustainability and substantial operational savings.
Huawei is nearing completion of a large R&D complex in Shanghai focused on semiconductor technology. Fujitsu, NEC, NTT, and DoCoMo have unveiled a groundbreaking ‘top-level sub-terahertz 6G device’ achieving 100 Gbps speeds over 100-meter distances in the 100 GHz and 300 GHz bands. MASV’s Solutions Partner Program simplifies large file transfers using their cloud-based platform. LEAP is expanding global customer outreach with Vonage’s Communications APIs and SIP Trunking for scalable cloud connectivity.
In an evocative change for the telecom industry, French magnate Xavier Niel is looking to buy Datagroup-Volia, Ukraine’s top fixed telecom and pay TV provider. This big move, in the works through Niel’s NJJ company, comes complete with regulatory approval. The Ukrainian firm is a significant player, controlled primarily by a fund run by Horizon Capital.
China’s telecommunication landscape is set for a potential paradigm shift as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) pilots a novel scheme to alleviate foreign ownership constraints in various value-added telecom services. Primarily trialed in Beijing, Shanghai, Hainan, and Shenzhen, this bold change could stimulate innovation by aligning these industries with global trade norms.
Boldly setting a new trend, British mobile network operator EE introduces a direct ‘pounds and pence’ pricing structure allowing easy-to-understand mid-contract price alterations. Putting an end to the perplexing use of complex indices like CPI or RPI, this simplified approach, commencing from 31 March 2025, has announced certain monthly hikes that resonate with essential consumer electronics and services.
Salvador Technologies, a leading provider of cyber-recovery solutions, has gained substantial investment from European telecommunication giant Deutsche Telekom. The investment, by Deutsche’s hubraum Fund, aims to bolster emerging tech businesses, with Salvador planning to use the funding to advance its sales distribution, focusing on mitigating the impact of cyber-attacks.
