Almost half of Britain’s deprived rural areas lack access to 5G, according to a study by Vodafone. Urban communities fare better, but the digital divide remains significant. While this disparity supports Vodafone’s push for a merger with Three to improve coverage, government approval is still pending. Is this research merely a tactic to justify the merger, or does it genuinely highlight the urgent need for connectivity solutions in these regions?
Diving into the complex dynamics of the telecom industry, Telecom Italia (TIM) pushes forward with the sale of its fixed-line network to US-based KKR, forecasting considerable debt reduction. Yet, Vivendi’s discontent raises questions about ownership rights, stirring an interesting conflict.
Marlink has teamed up with Eutelsat OneWeb to bring satellite connectivity to the luxury icebreaker cruise ship, Le Commandant Charcot. Their innovative hybrid network enhances both operationally and leisurely experiences, using layered, encrypted technology for robust security. Remarkably, it allows for separate crew and operational systems on one terminal and ensures unprecedented internet access in remote locations.
Sinch, which powers meaningful conversations between businesses and their customers through its Customer Communications Cloud, today announced that it will deliver a digital transformation project for Beyond ONE in the growing Latin American market. The newly announced project will see Sinch optimizing Beyond ONE’s digital infrastructure to improve customer experience for its users.
The FCC plans to reassess the current broadband state in the U.S, looking to upgrade from the outdated 25/3 Mbps standard and set long-term gigabit speed goals.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.
Virgin Media O2’s decision to offload part of its Corneridge UK towers business to GLIL Infrastructure for £360 million marks a key shift in telecom infrastructure ownership. However, this move falls short of industry valuations, indicating price reductions in the investment market. Despite this, VMO2 retains operational and strategic control in this critical asset, striving to enhance 4G connectivity and intensify 5G rollout. This move aligns with the firm’s wider strategy, marking the start of a potentially transformative series of ambitious deals, lightening its footprint while driving growth.
The Port of Tyne, a key player in UK’s maritime infrastructure, is embarking on an exciting technological journey, partnering with Ericsson and BT to establish 4G and 5G private network connectivity. By engaging revolutionary standards in safety, efficiency, and sustainability, the Port aspires to become an exemplar among smart ports. Uniquely, the port-wide private network incorporates both 4G and 5G standalone connectivity, benefitting legacy devices while enabling cutting-edge 5G applications. This technological upgrade paves the way for futuristic applications that could revolutionize port operations while reducing carbon emissions. Learn more about this visionary initiative and its potential implications for the maritime industry.
Reliance Jio’s introduction of JioSpaceFiber, a satellite broadband service, has rocked the telecom landscape. Offering gigabit speed connectivity even in remote Indian locations, this innovation brings affordable online engagement to all. Leveraging SES’ medium Earth orbit satellites, the joint venture holds the potential to transform India’s digital reach. Yet, this ambition is not without competition.
Against a robust backdrop of escalating system complexity, cloud-native DevOps emerges as a promising tool to simplify system development. Leveraged by Internet giants and SMEs alike, it’s heralded for boosting innovation efficiency and expediting industry monetization. Yet, its implementation is not without hurdles, as highlighted by China Mobile Jiangsu’s experiences. Their collaboration with Huawei, however, turned the tide, unraveling the potential of agile delivery and intelligent O&M to drive business growth.
The White House’s recent call to Congress for increased funding of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has significantly stirred the telecommunications sector. Putting forth a request to extend the ACP’s operations, the Biden Administration aims to stretch free and discounted internet provision to eligible households until December 2024.
