Ofcom’s proposal to supply backup batteries for mobile sites to improve network resilience has brought forth divergent viewpoints. Vodafone – a prominent voice in the debate – highlights operational complexities and massive costs associated with the backup plan, stressing that mobile operators should not carry the full financial burden.
In a surprising turn of events, Apple, the tech powerhouse, has emerged victorious in the global smartphone market for 2023, surpassing its competitors in sales despite maintaining its position as the most expensive option. This revelation comes from IDC, the first analyst firm to release figures supporting Apple’s unprecedented success this year.
In a strategic move that could redefine the trajectory of Vodafone’s future, the telecom giant has entered into a comprehensive 10-year partnership with Microsoft. Covering all Vodafone markets in Europe and Africa, this collaboration aims to reach a staggering 300 million people.
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.
In a futuristic leap, French telecom giant Orange, in partnership with IT leader Capgemini, has launched commercial operations of ‘Bleu’, a sophisticated cloud platform tailored specifically for the French clientele. This solution, engineered jointly with Microsoft, promises enhanced user access to Microsoft 365 and Azure services. Christel Heydemann, Orange’s new CEO, envisions the project addressing data protection challenges, even as it adheres to French authority standards.
In a recent study by Juniper Research, the forecast for 5G service revenues in 2024 shows a substantial increase of 32%, reaching an impressive $400 billion. As consumer 5G adoption approaches saturation, the study emphasizes the crucial role of 5G Advanced and 5G RedCap (Reduced Capacity) in sustaining this growth, particularly by targeting enterprise IoT users.
Indian telecom giant, Jio Platforms, stands out among potential buyers for a majority stake in Sri Lanka Telecom PLC. It reveals Sri Lanka’s approach to address drastic economic conditions with state-owned enterprises’ privatization.
A first-of-its-kind system in the UK is being trialled in Edinburgh to see if waste heat from a large computing facility can be stored in disused mine workings and used to warm homes. The large amounts of energy needed to power the University of Edinburgh’s Advanced Computing Facility (ACF) could be recycled to heat at least 5,000 households in Scotland’s capital.
BT’s recent talks with SpaceX to leverage Starlink’s LEO satellite fleet for remote connectivity in the UK has sparked curiosity, especially given BT’s current partnership with OneWeb, Starlink’s competition. It’s speculated that Starlink’s innovative direct-to-device capabilities, which promise unblemished global coverage without a need for a terminal, could be the allure.
A Malaysian government-backed task force convenes today, in light of the impending launch of a second 5G network. With the first network boasting over 80% connectivity coverage, anticipation thrives. In an unexpected twist, the government took control after declining a traditional 5G spectrum auction. Initial resistance from local mobile operators eventually sheared, replacing defiance with a collaborative investment. The ensuing 5G network, however, aims to break this monopoly, fostering competition.
