After the whopping $6.2 billion acquisition by Inmarsat, Viasat is readying for a major reorganization, with a planned 10% workforce reduction. The move, affecting approximately 800 roles, aims for a substantial year-on-year cost-saving starting from 2025. Despite the promising financial outlook, the firm accepts the substantial costs linked with these transitions, yet considers them a vital investment for the future.
In a groundbreaking revelation, Telus, Canada’s foremost operator, announced the successful two-way communication between smartphones and IoT devices, using Echostar T1, a geostationary Earth orbit satellite. Partnering with TerreStar and Skylo, Telus accomplished this feat using a specially-designed connectivity platform, highlighting the potential for remarkable connectivity throughout Canada, even in remote areas. As this technology differs significantly from regular D2D communication, Telus’s breakthrough is set to redefine the future of connectivity in previously unreachable corners of the country.
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.
Stepping into the spotlight, Ericsson unveils a software toolkit aimed at enhancing 5G connectivity services. Harnessing fresh algorithms to optimize performance, modifying RAN slicing for faster service, and promising superior low-latency capabilities, this toolkit is a game-changer. Despite the off-pulse struggle to unlock 5G potential, this toolkit is deemed as a catalyst for transitioning from ‘best-effort’ broadband to premium experience. Yet, the question remains: Will consumers bite? In this backdrop, Network X, a collaboration with the wireline and cloud industries, promises insightful stories and strategies, marking a critical date for telecom enthusiasts.
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.
At the Global Mobile Broadband Forum 2023, Ken Hu of Huawei underscored the impressive growth of 5G networks worldwide, signaling a transformative shift. With 260 5G networks serving almost half the global population, 5G is identified as the catalyst of synergistic growth in the B2B market. However, realization of its full potential will base on consistent network investment, as reiterated by Bruce Lam—CEO, Consumer, at Hong Kong Telecommunications.
Vodafone’s recent triumph, a successful trial achieving 5 Gbps using the upper 6 GHz band for mobile signal transmission, highlights the upcoming decision on spectral band division at ITU’s WRC23. Through this trial, performed on Madrid’s Vodafone campus, engineers established the 6 GHz band can provide coverage on par with existing 5G networks.
At the European Conference on Optical Communication, Huawei’s cutting-edge FTTR solution solidified its standing as the industry leader by winning the Most Innovative PON/5G/FTTx Product Award. Catering to a wide range of users—from homes to small businesses—Huawei’s solution offers superior bandwidth, minimal latency, uninterrupted Wi-Fi connectivity, and self-management capabilities, making it a favorite among global broadband users and operators. Moreover, it’s built on a point-to-multipoint all-optical networking architecture, providing ultra-gigabit Wi-Fi networks. Remarkably, the FTTR rollout is efficient and aesthetically pleasing, using a unique self-adhesive transparent optical fiber with fast deployment times.
In the recently held Network X event, Orange’s Deputy CEO shed light on their significant fiber expansion and presented an intriguing outlook on 5G’s future, hinting at its potential in achieving the 2040 CSR objectives. Discussing 5G Standalone (SA), she highlighted it as a gamechanger for B2B interactions, fueling varied possibilities. Briefly discussing their triumph at the Barcelona port project, she humbly emphasized the responsibilities that come with connected factories.
Fibre network giant, ITS Technology Group, enlivens UK telecom sector with a hefty funding acquisition of £100 million from Avenue Capital Group. This new influx brings their total funds to £145 million, opening avenues for strategic network expansion and potential merges. CEO Daren Baythorpe echoes the optimism, hinting at enhancements of 10Gpbs-capable network and strategic acquisitions. Epidemic times demand robust connectivity and this new step promises just that. The partnership with Evolve, promises to feed into the rising demands for bandwidth-rich technologies.
