IS-Wireless has marked a significant milestone in Poland’s telecommunications sector, unveiling the country’s first 5G campus network. Designed on the Open RAN model and utilizing local frequencies, this implementation at Bialystok University of Technology is primed to cultivate future 5G and 6G experts. The Open RAN, a rapidly expanding telecommunications model, allows for the integration of versatile components, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution.
Anticipated mobile and broadband price hikes this April could resonate with a multitude of customers. Key carriers, EE, Three, and Vodafone, plan substantial increases, impacting users financially. Meanwhile, telecom regulator Ofcom has proposed banning mid-contract price rises linked to inflation.
UK’s government and Vodafone settle on ‘proportionate measures’ to assuage national security concerns over UAE-based e&’s increasing ownership stakes. This agreement follows the government’s expressed apprehension about e&’s potential influence on Vodafone’s policies due to its status as the largest shareholder. In response, a ‘national security committee’ will be created within Vodafone to monitor initiatives that could affect national security.
In a significant development in the field of satellite communications, Hellas Sat has joined forces with Thales Alenia Space, a collaboration between Thales and Leonardo, under a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement marks the beginning of their joint venture on a pioneering optical communication satellite project.
Prominent telecom operator, BT, steps into the fray of a groundbreaking class action lawsuit. At the core lies accusations of excessive pricing for traditional landline users, contrasted against fairer prices for bundle consumers. While BT robustly contests any allegations of abusing its market dominance, millions of claimants eagerly seek compensation.
Facing an economic upheaval, telecom leaders like Nokia, Ericsson, and AT&T post disappointing financial outcomes for 2023, attributed to factors like changing customer behavior and a challenging macro-economic environment. However, there are glimmers of hope, evidenced by Nokia’s significant free cash flow generation amidst a major slump in sales.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is set to play a pivotal role in Japan’s artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud strategy, unveiling plans to invest a staggering 2.26 trillion yen ($15.3 billion) by 2027. The focus of this significant investment is the expansion of AWS’s cloud infrastructure in Osaka, aimed at accelerating the development and widespread adoption of AI and machine learning. Additionally, this move aligns with supporting enterprises in their digital transformation (DX) endeavors.
Telecommunications giant Kirin partners with Chinese auto manufacturer Dongfeng, aiming to innovate in ‘new energy’ automobiles. The deal looks to infuse Huawei tech into Dongfeng’s vehicles, sparking curiosity around specifics and outcomes. Voyah, the brand at the center of the deal, ambitiously plans to double their output, leveraging China’s vigorously blooming EV market.
Telia, Sweden’s telecom giant, is reportedly considering selling off its broadcasting division, TV4, with negotiations in progress with potential buyers. This comes as TV4’s value declines, attributed to dwindling ad revenue and challenges with premium sports content. Critics suggest Telia misunderstood the complexities of the TV industry, with former CEO of TV4, Jan Scherman, openly critical of the acquisition.
CTIA President and CEO, Meredith Attwell Baker, has underlined the pressing need for a national spectrum policy synchronized with recent presidential directives. Pointing to the drawbacks of not conducting spectrum auctions, she asserts that inaction could further extend America’s shortfall in this domain. Expounding on an upcoming plan, Baker believes that the imminent strategy has the potential to amplify America’s lead in wireless innovation.
