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In the United Kingdom, a significant transition is underway as the nation shifts from traditional analogue landline services to modern, IP-based digital systems. This change, mirroring a global trend towards digital communication solutions, aims to enhance service quality for the majority of consumers. However, it has raised concerns for certain vulnerable groups who depend on the older technology and may face challenges, particularly during power outages, which could impact their ability to reach emergency services.

Infrastructure

Navigating Full-Fibre Rollout: UK-US Infrastructure Challenges

By Aiste Kryzanovske February 7, 2024

As both the UK and US strive to deliver full-fibre broadband, each country grapples with its hurdles; one being persuading landlords to greenlight installation plans within their properties. In the UK, mechanisms are in place to enable operators to seek judicial access if landlord agreement is unattainable, a luxury the US lacks, suggesting the potential need for new legislative action in America. A monumental goal for both nations is eliminating the digital divide which requires a comprehensive combination of varied technology methods.

Market Watch

Unraveling Inflation-Linked Telecom Hikes: Informative Breakdown

By Kamile Bigenyte January 31, 2024

Anticipated mobile and broadband price hikes this April could resonate with a multitude of customers. Key carriers, EE, Three, and Vodafone, plan substantial increases, impacting users financially. Meanwhile, telecom regulator Ofcom has proposed banning mid-contract price rises linked to inflation.

Telco Buzz

Unraveling BT’s Landline Pricing: A Landmark Tribunal Case

By Kamile Bigenyte January 30, 2024

Prominent telecom operator, BT, steps into the fray of a groundbreaking class action lawsuit. At the core lies accusations of excessive pricing for traditional landline users, contrasted against fairer prices for bundle consumers. While BT robustly contests any allegations of abusing its market dominance, millions of claimants eagerly seek compensation.

Broadband

BT’s Simpler Pricing Strategy: Illuminating Broadband Costs

By Kamile Bigenyte January 17, 2024

BT has voiced plans to simplify pricing, aligning with Ofcom’s push for clarity in broadband advertising and curbing mid-contract price fluctuations. The restructure is likely to see broadband prices rise by about £3 monthly, while mobile may see a £1.50 increase. BT’s current model adjusts customer fees annually by inflation plus 3.9%, a method unclear to most clients, inciting dissatisfaction and a rise in complaints. Ofcom seeks to ban mid-contract inflations under review until mid-February.

Broadband

The state of broadband and mobile services in the UK

By Aiste Kryzanovske December 28, 2023

Ofcom’s annual report, “Connected Nations,” provides a comprehensive update on the state of broadband and mobile services in the UK. The report reveals a noteworthy advancement, indicating that 78% of the UK now enjoys gigabit-capable broadband, marking an 8% surge from the previous year’s 70% coverage.

Telco Buzz

UK Telecoms Adopt Measures to Safeguard Vulnerable Households

By Aiste Kryzanovske December 28, 2023

In response to reports detailing serious device failures during the transition from analogue to digital telephony, the UK’s Technology Secretary, Michelle Donellan, convened a meeting with telecom companies and regulator Ofcom. Following the discussions, phone providers, previously urged to pause any forceful transitions, have committed to a charter aimed at protecting vulnerable households, particularly those relying on personal alarms or telecare for remote support.

Telco Buzz

Virgin Media O2 Boosts Digital Inclusion and Affordability Initiatives

By Kamile Bigenyte December 11, 2023

In a bid to promote digital inclusion and ease the financial burden on its customers, Virgin Media O2, the UK’s second-largest telecoms operator, has taken significant steps to raise awareness of social tariffs. The company, with a customer base of 5 million broadband and TV users, is now including information on its Essential Broadband and Essential Broadband Plus tariffs in the monthly bills of all its customers.

Telco Buzz

Openreach Surpasses Milestones: Lighting Up UK Towns at Unprecedented Speed

By Kamile Bigenyte December 8, 2023

In a remarkable feat of engineering, Openreach, the UK’s leading digital network provider, is illuminating approximately 60,000 new premises every week, equivalent to the size of Tunbridge Wells in Kent. With a commitment to a £15 billion investment, the company aims to connect 25 million buildings by 2026, with a subsequent target of 30 million by the end of 2030.

Telco Buzz

ASA Tightens Rules on Telco Mid-Contract Price Changes

By Kamile Bigenyte November 30, 2023

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ushered in stricter guidelines on mid-contract price changes in telecommunications, increasing the burden of clarity for operators. Historically, telecom contracts often obscured potential price fluctuations, misleading customers with allusions of fixed prices. These deceptive tactics, often rooted in fine print legalese, have necessitated ASA’s initiative for more transparent advertising. With Broadband and mobile contracts especially susceptible to annual adjustments, providers must alert customers clearly about prospective changes.