Unprecedented in telecommunications, the Amitié subsea cable system, an alliance effort of Aqua Comms, Meta, Microsoft, and Vodafone, provides a major boost to international connectivity. This groundbreaking line, stretching an impressive 6,783 km, links Boston directly with Europe, heralding a new era for cross-continental communication. Equipped with unmatched versatility and a notable capacity of 400 Tbps, this project paves the way for a more connected digital future globally.
Liberty Global has strategically increased its shareholding in Belgium’s Telenet to 93.23%, investing an estimated €763 million. This move intensifies Liberty Global’s pursuit of full ownership, enhancing their position in a dynamically changing communication market. They are now prepped to reopen the tender offer, inviting more shareholders to participate. This could result in Liberty Global’s complete acquisition of Telenet, provided some conditions are met, illuminating growth opportunities amidst increasing competition.
In a recently revealed Q2 report, Nokia showed flat sales at €5.7 billion year over year, suggesting reduced capital expenditure by operators. Interestingly, while a 5% sales growth in Nokia’s Mobile Networks unit occurred, a troubling 6% decline at the Network Infrastructure division offset this boost. With stark contrasts across regions, North American sales notably dropped by 42% as 5G deployments slowed, while energetic 5G deployments in India couldn’t adequately balance the losses. Mirroring these figures, Ericsson too reported a 9% year over year decrease in Q2 revenue. A gloomy yet realistic outlook from Nokia’s CEO Pekka Lundmark, coupled with analyst firm Dell’Oro’s forecast on the shrinking RAN predictions, suggests telecommunications could be in for a turbulent few years.
Vodafone UK announces more accessible and fixed-rate wireless options amid the routine living costs in the UK, further bolstering its reputation as a company committed to social tariffs. This latest offering serves as a beacon of hope for families under financial strain, with an impressive broadband speed, zero installation fees, and an escape clause without extra charges. However, critics caution that this may not be the most affordable deal available, despite being from a mainstream provider.
Ribbon Communications Inc., a leading global provider of real-time communications technology and IP optical networking solutions, has made a significant announcement regarding its collaboration with Beanfield, a major player in the Canadian telecommunications industry. Ribbon revealed that Beanfield is leveraging its cutting-edge solution, Ribbon Connect for Operator Connect, to enhance and streamline the deployment of Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams, a move aimed at modernizing and fortifying their networks.
China Mobile showcased its decade of Network Function Virtualization (NFV) innovations at the recent MWC Shanghai, demonstrating how this swift, stealthy technology is redefining the telecommunications landscape. NFV, simplifying network operations by converting physical services into virtual ones, offers benefits like operational efficiency and cost reduction. However, the integration of NFV comes with its hurdles including disrupting long-established procedures and system stability. Nonetheless, the prospect of streamlining network operations and bolstering future technological advancements underscores the appeal of overcoming such obstacles.
In a groundbreaking advancement set to redefine 6G services, field experts are experimenting with brain-inspired computing. Noted engineers from King’s College London and Princeton are spearheading a project aiming to enhance the integration of AI in wireless communications systems. This strategic initiative, fuelled by support from prominent bodies like the ESPRC and NSF, has the potential to reshape sectors such as mobile health care and robotics.
Spain’s government is pumping €448 million into the upgrade of over 8,000 isolated 5G base stations, an initiative set to stimulate economic and civil activity while bridging the digital divide. Interestingly, the bulk of the funds are being allocated to lesser-known entities, including wholesale and retail fibre providers Lyntia and Avatel. The rollout is part of Spain’s broader mission of delivering ultrafast broadband coverage by 2025, concurrently ramping up public access to high-speed connections. Furthermore, a €10 million fund invites proposals for innovative 5G projects in sectors such as agriculture and connected vehicles.
Belgian telecoms group Proximus’ recent investment catapults it deep into the global Communication Platform-as-a-Service (CPaaS) sphere. By acquiring a majority stake in India’s Route Mobile, the company fortifies its ambitions of becoming a global industry leader. This move isn’t just about ownership, but a mutually beneficial partnership, expected to drive substantial value and facilitate significant market expansion.
As the UK government’s ambitious 4G-enabled Emergency Services Network (ESN) faces icy progress, reports suggest potential delays until 2029 and rising costs from the initial $5 billion to over £11 billion. Observers slam the lack of a solid implementation plan, leading to ineffectual spending. Although originally planned to replace the Airwave network by 2019, the slow-paced development has compelled emergency services to incur unnecessary expenses. Further complications arise as Motorola, initially tasked with developing the ESN, withdraws from the project. As the quest for a reliable new supplier begins, it’s clear that these developments will continue to captivate telecoms industry watchers.
