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.
UK AltNets Freedom Fibre and VX Fibre Announce Strategic Merger Freedom Fibre and VX Fibre, both prominent UK alternative network providers, have announced their merger, solidifying their position in the market. The combined entity, operating under the name Freedom Fibre with CEO Neil McArthur at the helm, will boast a network spanning 285,000 premises. Freedom Fibre, established in 2020, specializes in wholesale-only services and maintains a strategic partnership with major UK broadband provider TalkTalk. With market consolidation gaining traction, this move is seen as a strategic merger to enhance business strength, diversity, and growth ambitions. Read full article. IBM Acquires StreamSets and webMethods for €2.13 Billion IBM has revealed its €2.13 billion cash acquisition of StreamSets and webMethods platforms from Software AG, majority owned by Silver Lake. These acquisitions, integral to IBM’s focus on AI and hybrid cloud, enhance application modernization and AI deployment capabilities. StreamSets contributes data ingestion capabilities…
In telecom news, global circular solutions provider TXO bolsters its sustainability commitment by acquiring network decommissioning specialist Lynx UK, expanding its team and global presence. Meanwhile, the FCC strengthens rules against telemarketing abuse, aiming to protect U.S. phone subscribers from unwanted calls. Enreach introduces a Contact App Suite for enhanced business connectivity, integrating voice and call control with Microsoft collaboration tools. Additionally, Tollring unveils Record AI, an affordable cloud call recording solution democratizing AI automation for improved customer experiences across organizational scales. These strategic moves signal advancements in telecom sustainability, regulatory protection, business connectivity, and AI innovation.
TalkTalk is poised to acquire Shell Energy’s telecoms clientele from the Octopus Energy Group, marking a development that could impact an estimated 480,000 broadband customers. Delving into the sidelines of this development, continual transformation seems a heartbeat in the telecoms market.
ITU announced a 6G framework, advancing global standards with a focus on spectrum bands, capabilities, and use cases. Eutelsat OneWeb and Imperial College are teaming up to transform space weather monitoring. Google launched Gemini AI model with flexibility to process diverse data types. SoftBank acquires 51% of Cubic Telecom, forming a strategic partnership for software-defined connected vehicles.
Elliott Investment Management criticizes Crown Castle’s underperformance, pushing for an overhaul, including a new leadership team and board. Boldyn Networks activates a ‘small cell’ near King’s Cross, partnering with EE to boost coverage and speed in London. AWS expands Amazon Bedrock with new generative AI features, including leading models, customization options, and safeguards. Windstream’s Kinetic is launching a $32.5 million fiber project in Georgia, partnering with an electric cooperative, aiming to connect 17,000 homes and businesses in Colquitt County.
A new comprehensive guide has been launched aiming to enhance AI understanding among employees for optimal, safe use, subsequently improving performance. The guide addresses fundamental sectors crucial for handling AI and data securely, also spotlighting the use of advanced AI tools. It further divides the learning model into four distinct ‘personas’ based on the increasing level of AI literacy required.
A top-notch fibre network provider in London is revising its strategy, putting its expansion on hold to rather focus on serving their existing customers. This tactical shift, inevitably linked to layoffs, aims to maximise investor return through strategic customer acquisitions, but will it impact their goal to connect millions of homes with high-speed internet?
Magenta Telekom collaborates with Mavenir, deploying a Cloud-Native IMS solution for advanced voice services like VoLTE and VoWi-Fi, supporting 5G Voice and WebRTC. Snom introduces the C620 DECT conference phone, offering a cordless solution with HD audio quality, wireless microphones, and flexibility for varied environments. CallTrackingMetrics unveils LeadReactor for outbound calling and enhances Zoom integration, optimizing agent productivity. Apple surprises with plans for RCS support on iOS, aiming to improve interoperability between Android and iPhone users,
Italian telecom provider Wind Tre faces hurdles in selling infrastructure due to complex 5G network sharing negotiations with rivals Iliad and Fastweb. CK Hutchison delays the deal closure by three months to February 12, citing challenges with Iliad and Fastweb. Meanwhile, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison’s $6 billion merger in Indonesia with Huawei’s support achieves significant growth. France’s Orange introduces satellite broadband, while Norway’s Telenor sells its satellite operations. FCC’s new broadband rules target discrimination, raising concerns of unintended consequences. Mavenir and Nokia achieve remarkable Open RAN interoperability, overcoming past criticisms and showcasing commitment to multi-supplier systems.
