In a bold move that underscores its commitment to leading the UK’s fibre optic expansion, CityFibre has acquired Lit Fibre, a smaller but significant player in the market. This strategic acquisition is set to boost CityFibre’s reach by an additional 300,000 premises, signaling a significant step in its quest to become the nation’s third major infrastructure platform, alongside giants like Virgin Media O2 and Openreach.
In a significant move to ensure the smooth transition of landline services to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), the UK government has announced an expansion in the roster of telecommunications companies committed to safeguarding vulnerable customers. The initiative, led by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), now includes Openreach, CityFibre, and several others, alongside initial participants like BT and Virgin Media O2.
Imagine a search and rescue mission in remote rural areas, being empowered by the wings of a drone, beaming down 5G connectivity. This very scene is unfolding in Warwickshire, UK, thanks to Virgin Media O2’s innovative approach. The drone, armed with a petite mobile base station, creates a nimble communication network, offering vital real-time data to rescuers.
The ambitious nexfibre roll-out strategy continues with plans to extend their services using the advanced XGS-PON architecture, promising symmetrical speeds up to 10 Gbps. This includes expansion into locations like Kent, Cheshire, and Durham. With fruitful collaboration with Virgin Media O2, nexfibre is set to revolutionize broadband access in the UK.
Huawei plans a comeback in the smartphone market with new 5G devices using domestic chip supplies. Concerns persist about the quality of these chips and Huawei’s absence from the Android Play Store. CityFibre challenges Openreach with a faster wholesale FTTH service, while Optus collaborates with SpaceX’s Starlink to expand mobile coverage in Australia’s remote areas. Ofcom investigates O2 Virgin Media over customer complaints, and the European Court of Justice rejects a ruling on the Three-O2 merger, adding to the uncertainty in the telecommunications regulatory landscape.
The Shared Rural Network (SRN) is revolutionizing rural connectivity in Wales by unleashing 30 government-funded 4G mast upgrades. Enhancing mobile connectivity in areas like Llangernyw and Eryri National Park, the SRN empowers local businesses and residents.
CityFibre has secured a remarkable £2.3 billion funding to accelerate its expansion in the UK’s altnet market. This financial boost includes £500 million in new equity and a £960 million debt extension, aiming to strengthen CityFibre’s position against competitors like Openreach.
BT has secured a five-year partnership with DEFRA to connect 34,000 workers and devices across the UK. Using EE’s mobile network and the Shared Rural Network, the project enhances safety, monitors the environment, and supports carbon reduction, helping DEFRA predict weather events and prevent critical incidents in rural areas.
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.
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.
