In a recent move, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has chosen to prolong the waiver exempting broadband providers from the requirement of having their broadband data collection (BDC) filings certified by professional engineers. This decision has sparked a mixed reaction within the telecommunications industry.
Kansas has taken a significant stride towards improving statewide internet connectivity by allocating $28.5 million in grants through the Lasting Infrastructure and Network Connectivity (LINC) program. Aimed at bolstering broadband infrastructure, the LINC funding prioritizes achieving minimum speeds of 100/20 Mbps, enhancing internet exchange point facilities, and fortifying middle-mile infrastructure.
As Algar Telecom turns 70, the prominent Brazilian ISP continues to seize market share amidst 10,000 competitors. Serving 1.5 million customers across Brazil, they masterfully intertwine fiber broadband, wireless, and content services, satisfying the divergent needs of B2B and B2C consumers. The strategic blend of high-tech infrastructure and seamless customer experience propels Algar’s journey, pivoting on the indomitable broadband, termed as the “cardinal element”. Additionally, foreseeing the potential of the imminent 5G rollout, Algar’s game plan involves marrying fixed-line connectivity with wireless services, laying a robust groundwork for the future.
OneWeb, a Eutelsat entity, gained India’s coveted regulatory endorsement to usher in its satellite broadband service, evoking enthusiastic response from Eutelsat’s co-chair, Sunil Bharti Mittal. This development signifies a new era for India’s internet coverage in line with the Prime Minister’s digital vision. However, a crucial spectrum allocation by the government awaits, making OneWeb’s journey not entirely smooth sailing. An array of procedural and regulatory hurdles demands navigation, alongside competing market perspectives delaying the process.
The FCC plans to reassess the current broadband state in the U.S, looking to upgrade from the outdated 25/3 Mbps standard and set long-term gigabit speed goals. This broad evaluation, reinforced by recent Congressional directives, seeks to uncover inequities in affordability, availability, and adoption of broadband nationwide. With the new Broadband Data Collection, the commission gains greater insight into specific regional broadband accessibility, helping shape the future of telecommunications in the country. Additional industry developments highlight the continued evolution of this crucial sector.
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.
At the European Conference on Optical Communication, Huawei’s cutting-edge FTTR solution solidified its standing as the industry leader by winning the Most Innovative PON/5G/FTTx Product Award. Catering to a wide range of users—from homes to small businesses—Huawei’s solution offers superior bandwidth, minimal latency, uninterrupted Wi-Fi connectivity, and self-management capabilities, making it a favorite among global broadband users and operators. Moreover, it’s built on a point-to-multipoint all-optical networking architecture, providing ultra-gigabit Wi-Fi networks. Remarkably, the FTTR rollout is efficient and aesthetically pleasing, using a unique self-adhesive transparent optical fiber with fast deployment times.
The Ultra-Broadband Forum 2023 has seen industry leaders propose the revolutionary 10 Gbps City Initiative, aiming to construct digitally transformative and ultra-connected cities. Beyond being a mere term, the 10 Gbps City represents a significant shift in infrastructural development. This ambitious project hints at the power of telecommunications transformation, driving the digital economy to unexplored territories. Governments hold the key role in accelerating these changes, as they can bridge digital divides and facilitate universal digital services.
The recent rebranding of Hyperoptic signals a transformative shift towards customer-centered service. Offering an enticing alternative to rivals grappling with unsatisfactory service, opaque pricing, and unreliable connectivity, Hyperoptic aims to shine in the realm of customer experience. Their radical expansion across the UK, encompassing over 1.4 million homes, while maintaining stellar service is an undeniably ambitious move. Yet, they strive to connect even more customers, emboldened by a substantial investment by KKR.
In a game-changing move, Voneus aligns with Broadway Partners, Cadence Networks, and SWS Broadband, facilitated by Macquarie Capital, IIF, and Tiger Infrastructure Partners, alongside a hefty £250 million investment. Known for boosting superfast broadband in underserved UK rural areas, Voneus’ ambitious scope partnered with Project Gigabit has proven an investment magnet. Phantom impacts of this colossal merger are yet to unfold, but Voneus sets its sights on servicing 350,000 premises across the UK in a dynamic shift in the telecommunications sector.
