NEC Corporation has obtained O-RAN Certification from Japan OTIC (Open Testing & Integration Centres) for its MB5450 5G base station radio unit (RU), certifying that the RU conforms with the O-RAN Fronthaul Interface Specifications established by the Open Radio Access Network Alliance (O-RAN ALLIANCE). This RU has been delivered to Rakuten Symphony and is being deployed globally. 

An all-stock merger agreement between Dish Network and EchoStar has been unveiled, generating a stronger entity in network connectivity. M&A

The intriguing merger between Dish Network and EchoStar creates a powerful entity in wireless connectivity, poised to lead in both terrestrial and non-terrestrial realms. Fusing Dish’s comprehensive services with EchoStar’s satellite solutions promises robust connectivity options, utilizing a vast array of technology and expertise. Yet, beyond the marriage of technology, the merger is primarily a tale of economic survival and growth. The incorporation of EchoStar’s financial stability into Dish’s uncertainty may just be the lifeline

TDS, the parent company of UScellular, might be exploring different strategic directions for the mobile operator. Telco Buzz

TDS, UScellular’s parent company, is reportedly reviewing strategic paths for the mobile operator, with market whispers around a possible sale or welcoming new investors, guided by Citi advisor. Currently the fifth-largest mobile service provider in the U.S., UScellular’s assets, including investment in 5G and numerous mobile towers, make it an attractive prospect for big-name telecoms like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. However, its segmented presence may pose challenges.

The Open RAN sector has experienced an unexpected loss as Tareq Amin, the CEO of Rakuten Symphony, unanticipatedly departed from the company. Telco Buzz

As Rakuten Symphony’s CEO, Tareq Amin, unexpectedly departs, it heightens the mystery around the company’s subdued performance this year. Despite a promising start and securing a deal with Germany’s greenfield mobile operator 1&1, Symphony’s momentum appears to have plateaued. Yet a recent MoU with Veon to explore Open RAN solutions offers a beacon of hope. Amidst tricky market conditions and scarce major RAN deals, all eyes are now on acting president Sharad Sriwastawa to breathe new life into Symphony.

According to Akama, there’s been a notable shift in hackers' tactics as abusive use of software vulnerabilities has taken center stage. Telco Buzz

Cybersecurity landscape has been rapidly changing, as hackers abandon phishing for exploiting software vulnerabilities, a trend illuminated in a study by Akamai. The study revealed a dramatic 143% increase in victims during Q1, predominantly due to surging incidents of zero-day and one-day vulnerabilities. Surprisingly, smaller organizations, particularly those within manufacturing, business services, retail, construction, and education sectors are often targeted.

Avaya announced that it has been awarded a cooperative purchasing contract in the UC and Contact Centre categories at Sourcewell. UCaaS

Avaya, a global leader in customer experience solutions, announced today that it has been awarded a cooperative purchasing contract in the Unified Communications and Contact Centre categories at Sourcewell ─ the leading Government Cooperative Purchasing Organisation in North America with more than 500 competitively solicited contracts to government, education, and nonprofit entities

Scientists demonstrated success in using the 3D graphene foam material Gii™ to transform human energy into electrical power. IoT

A groundbreaking discovery at the University of the West of Scotland reveals a transformative way to convert human energy into electricity, powered by a 3D graphene foam material. Primed to revitalize the IoT industry, this research spotlights a pressure-sensitive mat that could generate power simply through human footfalls. Offering a unique solution to energy management, this technology could minimize the environmental impact, while fostering a new era of wireless connectivity.

Three UK has successfully implemented 100 4G sites as part of the Shared Rural Network (SRN), extending reach to UK's most remote areas. Infrastructure

Bringing 4G to the UK’s remotest realms, Three UK has established 100 dedicated sites through the Shared Rural Network (SRN). This initiative enhances coverage by around 2,800km2, reaching over 37,000 new premises. However, with the ambitious goal to extend 4G coverage to 95% of the country by 2025, one can’t help but ponder, is the UK on pace to meet this target? Participate in the discussion at the Connected Britain digital economy event.

UAE's telecom regulator, the TDRA, recently announced the completion of the second phase of its 5G Advanced trials. 5G

Unveiling a fresh milestone, the UAE’s TDRA has concluded phase two of its 5G Advanced trials, achieving a staggering 10 Gbps speed. This development, achieved in collaboration with operators e& and du, utilized the full potential of the 400 MHz bandwidth in the 6 GHz band. This accelerates the data transfer rate, vastly enhancing capacities for IoT, smart city projects, and metaverse evolution.