The UK telecom industry is launching a Telecommunications Fraud Charter to combat scam calls effectively. Key players like BT, Virgin Media O2, and Vodafone are collaborating to protect consumers using advanced call tracing technology. This initiative aims to deter fraudsters while boosting public awareness and support for victims of VoIP scams.
SpaceX’s Starlink project has secured provisional approval from UK regulator Ofcom for E band spectrum access, significantly enhancing its satellite network’s backhaul data capacity. This move addresses the UK’s current demand-driven capacity constraints. By utilizing three ground stations, Starlink aims to improve service quality, compete effectively, and optimize costs.
Verizon and Nokia are deploying six private 5G networks across Thames Freeport to transform UK logistics and manufacturing. Spanning 1,700 acres, the project supports advanced technologies like AI and IoT at key sites including Port of Tilbury, London Gateway, and Ford’s Dagenham plant.
Openreach urges UK businesses to move quickly to digital networks as the Public Switched Telephone Network faces shutdown by January 2027. Delays risk severe disruptions to payment systems, alarms, and phones. With free testing and support available, companies must review, test, and switch promptly to avoid increased costs, security risks, and missed growth opportunities.
Three UK has trialled Open RAN in central Glasgow, improving 4G and 5G performance in the first dense urban deployment of its kind in the UK. The project showed strong results but raised questions about the future of such initiatives without government support.
A new Opensignal report highlights EE, Vodafone, and Plusnet as leaders in UK broadband performance. The study shows these providers excel in Consistent Quality, Reliability, and Video Experience across both superfast and ultrafast services, with ultrafast connections offering the most reliable results.
Vodafone and Three are exploring a Pay-TV service bundled with broadband, phone, and mobile plans. This comes after their £15 billion merger, aiming to capture a broader audience. Competing against Virgin Media O2 and BT, they’re leveraging existing expertise from Germany and the Netherlands to navigate shifting preferences towards streaming.
The UK’s major mobile operators are challenging Ofcom’s proposed changes to spectrum annual license fees. Despite a proposed 21% reduction in fees for the 900MHz and 1800MHz spectrums, and a 12% increase for the 2100MHz band, operators argue the fees are still too high.
Ofcom’s bold proposal positions the UK as Europe’s pioneer in direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services, enhancing mobile connectivity by bypassing traditional equipment. Utilizing existing 4G and 5G spectrum, this approach promises to boost rural coverage and drive innovation.
Vodafone UK and Three UK’s merger advances with a newly appointed leadership team, led by future CEO Max Taylor. The team will oversee final merger stages, set to conclude soon.
