The UK’s popular Lake District, plagued by poor mobile service, is set for an upgrade with EE boosting its masts’ performance. The upgrades, part of the ambitious Shared Rural Network program, will improve coverage across less-accessible communities, attempting to achieve 95 percent UK coverage by 2025. While enhancing connectivity in the countryside, meeting an impending 2G and 3G network phase-out, these improvements respect the natural landscape and cater to rural communities’ unique needs. This project is hailed for supporting local lifestyles, businesses, tourism and potentially enabling fresh opportunities.
A surprising surge in UK home broadband speeds reveals unexpected players in the game, with cable services outpacing full fibre. Yet, amid the rise of lightning-fast download speeds, the upload band still sees full fibre reigning supreme. Noticeably, cable packages prove their worth even under the gruelling test of peak hours. Nevertheless, experts advise not to overlook service quality when choosing broadband. A glimpse into the changing landscape of broadband services shows an intriguing volatility that leaves room for industry alterations and subscriber adaptation.
Prominent UK telecom companies like BT, VMO2, and Vodafone have been selected beneficiaries of government funding for research into Open RAN technology. Innovative projects, with a focus ranging from energy efficiency to security, will share in the £88 million ($121 million) funding. The main goal is to figure out whether Open RAN can rival traditional RAN, especially in high-traffic areas and rural deployments, in terms of cost, reliability and energy consumption.
Exploring efficient energy solutions, BT is turning to liquid cooling techniques to lower network switch power usage. Collaborations with Iceotope and Juniper hint at precision cooling for servers—a potentially industry-first initiative. Meanwhile, strategies with Immersion4, Nexalus, and Airsys run the gamut from full immersion to cooling-unit encased cold plates. Crucially, every energy-reduction experiment aids BT’s ambitious journey toward net-zero emissions by 2031.
Intelsat’s recent partnership with Telespazio paints a promising image of the future of global network operations. With the inclusion of Telespazio’s premier teleport facility, Fucino space centre, into Intelsat’s network, seamless European connectivity is underway. Moreover, the alliance caters to the growing global demand for managed satellite services, elevating the standard for high-profile sectors, while improving geospatial communication. This precise move highlights the tremendous potential of combining flexible solutions for global positioning.
Dutch telecom company Veon is adjusting the course of its Russian sector, VimpelCom’s, management buyout, initially agreed for $2.1 billion. The transaction now fully hinges on VimpelCom absorbing part of Veon’s debt – a method born from necessity as sanctions hamper Russian financial institutions. This strategic exit is further complicated by EU sanctions on Russia’s National Settlement Depository inhibiting interest collection on Veon’s Eurobonds.
Apple’s pursuit of self-reliance in 5G technology is put to the test as it continues its reliance on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 5G Modem‑RF Systems till 2026. Despite acquiring Intel’s modem segment after a failed business collaboration, Apple’s efforts to create an in-house 5G modem cast doubt on its separation from Qualcomm. The competition intensifies with Huawei’s claim of a successful 5G modem design, amidst the encroaching discussions on 6G technology.
A notable investment from Saudi Telecom into Telefonica has the Spanish Government on the edge, forcing them to balance their national interest and fostering foreign investment. The complexity surrounding the acquisition decision transcends even Spain’s economic landscape, impacting political alliances and national security. With a swift resolution unlikely, this multifaceted negotiation promises to test Spain’s decision-making in an increasingly interconnected economic world.
In the wake of the European Union’s decision to compel Microsoft to cease bundling Teams with Office applications across Europe, Zoom’s CEO, Eric Yuan, has proposed that the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) consider similar actions within its borders.
Infovista is set to revolutionize telecoms with their Ativa™ Suite. Promising to reduce fixed voice blackouts and service disruptions, an impressive aspect of the tech is that it could potentially reduce solution times for CSPs by 66%. This major step towards automation could transform customer relations. While on the other side, milestones such as Ericsson and TDC NET launching Denmark’s first 5G Standalone network, Vodafone initiating the UK’s largest Open RAN rollout, and Vodacom and Eskom venturing into virtual power wheeling, signal a fast-paced evolution of global telecommunications.