In a strategic move to bolster its network reach, alternative fibre builder CityFibre has successfully acquired Lit Fibre, marking the first step in its plan to consolidate within the UK’s burgeoning altnet sector. Lit Fibre, known for its vertically integrated model encompassing both network construction and ISP services, currently serves over 220,000 premises across more than 20 towns in several regions.
The German Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) has launched fresh consultations on proposals to prolong spectrum usage rights for major telecom operators, potentially deferring a competitive auction process until the next decade. This move has reignited tensions with market entrant 1&1, which has previously contested similar initiatives.
T-Mobile US and Verizon are reportedly in talks to acquire UScellular, with negotiations underway to divide the telco’s assets between them. According to sources cited by the Wall Street Journal, both major mobile network operators (MNOs) are strategizing separate deals to secure portions of UScellular’s operations.
Cornerstone, a leading passive infrastructure provider managing Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) and Vodafone’s shared mobile network, is set to introduce a cutting-edge neutral host network utilizing smart street light technology in urban environments.The partnership between Cornerstone and Signify, a Netherlands-based company spun off from Philips in 2016, will leverage Signify’s BrightSites Broadband Luminaire products. These innovative LED streetlamps act as network extenders, supporting a mesh network using 60 GHz millimetre-wave (mmWave) spectrum to facilitate 5G connectivity.
Countries across East and Southern Africa are grappling with a widespread internet outage caused by faults in several submarine cables. According to Cloudflare Radar, which tracks internet disruptions, Tanzania is among the hardest hit, experiencing a significant drop in internet traffic to only 30% of its normal levels.
Black Box, a renowned provider of communication and technology solutions, has announced the inauguration of its state-of-the-art Hyperscale Data Center of Excellence (DCoE) in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. This milestone marks over three decades of Black Box’s presence in Minnesota and underlines its commitment to pioneering innovation and excellence in data center services and the broader technology sector.
South Korean telecommunications giant SK Telecom has secured approval from the International Telecommunication Union’s Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) for its proposal to standardize technology for AI data centers. This development marks a significant step forward in establishing international norms for AI-related technologies in data centers.
The landscape of fibre broadband in the UK is rapidly evolving, with over a fifth of premises now enjoying the choice of two or more fibre broadband providers. This development can be attributed to the efforts of alternative network operators across the country.Recent data from Point Topic reveals that nearly two thirds of UK premises, totaling 20.4 million, now have access to fibre broadband as of March-end.
In a significant development, Hong Kong residents now have access to China Telecom’s satellite direct-to-phone service, marking a pivotal step in the operator’s expansion strategy. China Telecom has long provided satellite options to mobile customers through a range of devices, including dongles, dedicated satphones, and smartphones equipped with built-in satellite antennas from manufacturers like Huawei.
The UK Deputy Prime Minister has given the green light to the proposed merger between telecommunications giants Vodafone and Three, citing national security considerations. The decision, made under the National Security and Investment Act 2021, imposes certain conditions on the merger.
