In a bold move to reshape the UK’s broadband landscape, VMO2, backed by shareholders Liberty Global and Telefónica, has announced the launch of a new fixed network company, ambitiously positioned as a direct competitor to BT’s Openreach. Dubbed NetCo for now, this venture aims to accelerate the adoption of full fibre broadband, offering a fresh financing framework and a potential platform for the consolidation of alternative network providers (altnets).
Diving deep into Ookla’s RootMetrics’ study reveals a thorough testing of UK mobile networks, with EE claiming the Overall RootScore Award, outperforming in reliability, accessibility, and offering a network speed almost twice as fast as its nearest rival. However, when it came to 5G performance, the laurel went to Three UK in an intense rivalry.
VMO2 is set to bolster its workforce with 200 new roles, an exciting prospect for those seeking to embark on careers in the dynamic telecommunications industry. While this initiative presents a pathway to cultivating vital skills and qualifications, the telecom giant’s stride in employment growth seems to have slowed following last year’s ambitious pledge.
In a surprising move, Blackpool-based Internet Service Provider (ISP) Yayzi has outpaced its larger competitors by introducing a 2.3-Gbps consumer broadband service. Leveraging CityFibre’s XGS-PON network, the service, which boasts a symmetrical throughput of up to 10 Gbps, sets a new standard in the UK ISP market.
BT’s recent talks with SpaceX to leverage Starlink’s LEO satellite fleet for remote connectivity in the UK has sparked curiosity, especially given BT’s current partnership with OneWeb, Starlink’s competition. It’s speculated that Starlink’s innovative direct-to-device capabilities, which promise unblemished global coverage without a need for a terminal, could be the allure.
Navigating the challenging mandates of the dynamic telecommunications world, UK’s premier telecom operator, BT, stumbles upon an obstacle. The company has failed to adhere to the deadline for the complete removal of Huawei equipment from its core network. The deadline, already deferred twice, raises doubts over the telecom titan’s ability to successfully transition away from Huawei’s infrastructure within the stipulated timeframe. A UK law dictates all network carriers to rid their systems of Huawei equipment by the end of 2027.
Ofcom has cemented plans to propel UK’s 5G coverage by introducing the nation’s first millimetre-wave (mmWave) spectrum auction. This will span the robust 26GHz and 40GHz spectrum bands, targeting faster 5G speeds across 68 UK towns and cities. Interestingly, mmWave 5G promises impressive speed and capacity upgrades, but struggles with range and penetrability, making it ideal for densely populated areas. The auction awaits a verdict on a key industry merger before commencement.
European telecoms investment firm, Zegona Communications, is reportedly in advanced talks with Vodafone to acquire a hefty stake in Vodafone Spain. Negotiations heat up amid rising competition in Spain’s telecoms market and looming industry-wide reshuffles. However, questions remain about the potential investment’s structure and implications for Vodafone’s balance sheet.
UK’s major mobile infrastructure entities have formed the Mobile Infrastructure Forum, aiming to boost wireless connectivity across the UK and improve network rollout efficiency. Meanwhile, industry insiders are lobbying for a smoother operation process, amidst challenges like mast site location and negotiation with landlords.
Wales’s leading alternative telecoms provider – Ogi – has revealed plans to bring full fibre connectivity to Tenby, one of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic seaside towns. Tenby is the latest of over 60 communities across south Wales to benefit from Ogi’s privately backed broadband rollout launched in 2021. Once work to connect around 5,000 premises in the town is complete, Ogi will be the leading alternative choice in much of west Wales.
