Cellnex, an esteemed telecom infrastructure supplier, is collaborating with Forever Manchester to foster digital inclusion, introducing two funds focused on nurturing related projects across Manchester. Reflecting the principles of the Greater Manchester Digital Inclusion Strategy, these funds could support various efforts such as improving online access for job seekers or distributing recycled computers.
Vocus, the Australian fibre giant, eyes a substantial expansion via a potential A$6.3 billion acquisition of TPG Telecom’s enterprise, wholesale, and government assets, including the wholesale infrastructure sector, Vision Network. However, TPG’s Board’s decision remains pending, casting doubt around the contract’s finalisation.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) plans to invest £40m in converting local and regional authorities into ‘5G Innovation Regions.’ The funding will support regions with solid strategies to leverage 5G and wireless tech for sectors such as agriculture and transportation. One potential application is using 5G-powered drones to gather field data, enabling farmers to make efficient, informed decisions.
Formulating the future of UK’s internet, Building Digital UK (BDUK) triggers the procurement process under the £5 billion Project Gigabit framework. Their ambitious objective: accelerate gigabit-speed broadband coverage to capture a minimum of 85% of premises by 2025. However, there’s a twist in the tale, as reaching remote regions still poses a formidable challenge.
With BT Group’s current CEO Philip Jansen’s departure on the horizon, the telecommunications industry is abuzz as Telia’s top-notch leader Allison Kirkby is slated to step into his shoes in 2024. Equipped with a celebrated career within the telecom sector and experience as a non-executive director at BT since 2019, Kirkby’s ascension is anxiously anticipated.
Cellnex, the Spanish infrastructure giant, is rumored to be considering a sale of a minority stake in its Nordic operations, specifically Sweden and Denmark. With nearly €1 billion at stake, this move aligns with earlier sentiments expressed by CEO Marco Patuano. Combining this potential sale with recent acquisitions, loan procurements and collaborations, Cellnex aims to streamline its operations, tackle its massive debts and redefine its strategy for the European tower infrastructure market. Let’s delve deeper into the winding paths and potential outcomes at the upcoming Total Telecom Congress.
Verizon and YouTube team up to offer NFL Sunday Ticket, Cisco and Qwilt enhance content delivery in Italy, Verizon and AT&T notify customers of new fees, Google rolls out safety feature for detecting Bluetooth trackers on Android devices, and worldwide smartphone market sees a 10% decline in Q2 2023.
Dish Wireless, through its Boost Mobile branch, is courting Amazon Prime users with discounted SIM kits for its postpaid Infinite Unlimited plan. The flat rate monthly service promises unlimited connectivity, but with potential speed limits for heavy data users. However, the lack of compatible devices and reliance on AT&T and T-Mobile’s networks pose noteworthy challenges, dampen the impact of the partnership, and call into question its ability to significantly boost Dish’s customer base.
Spectrum Enterprise, a division of Charter Communications, Inc., has recently inked a multi-year contract with the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration. The agreement will grant state agencies, municipalities, and educational institutions access to Spectrum Enterprise’s diverse portfolio of network, internet connectivity, and cybersecurity solutions. This move aims to streamline technology services procurement, fostering connectivity among employees and citizens and ensuring seamless digital operations.
BT’s innovative Etc unit is poised to launch trials repurposing outdated street cabinets into electric vehicle (EV) charging points. Aiming at a smooth transition during the UK’s fiber rollout, this pioneering step initially caters to BT Group and Openreach employees in Northern Ireland, with plans for public engagement. However, the venture’s ultimate impact rests heavily on successful pilot performance.
