In a groundbreaking move, Mavenir is joining forces with Terrestar Solutions, a satellite operator based in Canada, to pioneer a project that seamlessly blends satellite connectivity with Open RAN terrestrial networks. This collaboration, revealed just before the Mobile World Congress (MWC), aims to offer users across the globe uninterrupted connectivity by merging satellite and terrestrial network capabilities.
BT launched NB-IoT network covering 97% of the UK to boost IoT use in sectors like utilities and construction. Elisa and Nokia showcased 5G Advanced’s L4S technology, demonstrating its potential to improve connectivity. Nokia’s Virtual Power Plant Controller Software enables mobile operators to lower energy costs, earn revenue, and reduce carbon emissions. LeapXpert and ASC collaborate to offer a compliance recording solution for Microsoft Teams, enabling regulated external communications.
Telecom analytics titan Mobileum Inc. has been selected by NTT Communications Corporation for integrating its cutting-edge technology platform into the rapidly evolving global connected car market. Mobileum’s solution, composed of connectivity management, testing, and fraud prevention capabilities, aims to ensure continuous, secure connectivity, whilst addressing the associated rise in potential fraud threats.
The radio access network (RAN) equipment market experienced a significant downturn last year, as highlighted by recent reports from Omdia and Dell’Oro. These reports, drawing from detailed market analysis, reveal a challenging period for the industry, with global RAN revenues dropping by 11% to just over $40 billion.
Breaking new ground in the European telecoms sector, France’s Orange and Spain’s MásMóvil have won European Commission approval for their joint venture with a proviso. A stipulation of the deal instances Romania’s Digi – Spain’s largest MVNO – to acquire spectrum from MásMóvil. With this move, Digi could transform into the fourth mobile operator for the Spanish market.
As debate swirls around potential alterations to EU telecom sector merger regulations, European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager maintains her stance. Even with industry pressure for a shakeup due to challenges like 5G rollouts and shrinking profit margins, she insists on preserving existing rules.
The cellular Internet of Things (IoT) market is set to undergo a significant transformation, thanks to the advancements in eSIM technology, as highlighted in recent research conducted by Omdia. The adoption of eSIM is expected to skyrocket, driven by the GSMA SGP.31/32 specifications, offering unprecedented efficiency, flexibility, and choice to enterprises across the globe.
In an ambitious move to enhance mobile connectivity across Japan, Rakuten Mobile has announced its plan to offer satellite-to-mobile services by 2026, partnering with AST SpaceMobile. This initiative aims to leverage AST SpaceMobile’s space-based cellular broadband network, enabling direct access to smartphones for text messaging, voice, and data services.
VMO2 faced a substantial loss of £3.3 billion in 2023, worsened by a £3.1 billion goodwill impairment rooted in increased capital costs. While their debt soured under challenging economic conditions, they still managed to attract 64,000 new broadband and 47,000 mobile customers. Nevertheless, revenues witnessed a slight tumble as consumer fixed income dipped and the B2B sector lagged.
In an ambitious move to enhance the United States’ emergency services network, AT&T, in partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), has announced plans for a significant upgrade and expansion of FirstNet. This initiative, which could see an investment exceeding $8 billion over the coming decade, aims to build upon the network’s already extensive coverage and capabilities.
