The mobile operator, Vodafone Ukraine, intends to launch their 4G network for the 1800 MHz band on 1 July, 2018. The expansion of the 1800 MHz band network will allow Vodafone to cover a wider territory, enabling access for millions of Ukrainians to 4G mobile Internet. This fourth generation service will be available in 50 settlements across 10 main regions of Ukraine: Kiev, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Odessa, Mikolayiv, Poltava, Sumi, Kirovograd and Kherson. Besides the advantage of wider coverage, Vodafone is excited about the higher speed, improved connection stability and faster network response times for their mobile users. The other two major Ukrainian operators, LifeCell and Kyivstar, who won the 1800 MHz 4G LTE mobile license along with Vodafone at an auction held this March, will also be introducing similar services in early July.
5G will be available for trial in seven cities across the UK. Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, and London were selected to run the tests on the upcoming network. Those new infrastructures will be running the new 5G at the end of 2018 between October and December. Earlier this year, Vodafone paid £378 million, to get 50Mhz of the 3.4GHz spectrum. Nick Jeffery, Vodafone’s chief executive stated, “We want to make 5G and new fibre broadband services available to consumers and business throughout the UK, delivering a Gigabit society for all. We will also be bringing ultra-fast 4G to several hundred sites in hard to reach rural areas this year, building on our position as the network that offers the best voice coverage in the UK.” Vodafone’s goal is to launch a full 5G service in the UK by 2020, when 5G devices will be available on the market.
BSNL’s 5G tender mandates local equipment, sparking dissatisfaction among giants like Ericsson and Nokia. This local focus aligns with BSNL’s 5G Standalone expansion strategy in New Delhi.
Virgin Media O2 strengthens its focus on digital innovation by selling an 8.33% stake in Cornerstone to Equitix. As the UK’s largest tower operator, this move highlights Virgin Media O2’s strategy to optimize its infrastructure investments while prioritizing future advancements in 4G and 5G development.
Exciting news for VoIP enthusiasts: EE expands its 5G standalone network to 16 more UK locations, promising improved connectivity. By year-end, EE’s 5G coverage will reach 21 million people across 30 towns and cities.
BT’s innovative mobile site in Shropshire exemplifies the future of sustainable connectivity by utilizing solar panels and a wind turbine, generating 70% renewable energy. This eco-friendly approach promises economic benefits and highlights BT’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
Vantage Towers is considering selling its Spanish telecom tower assets amid a pricing conflict with Vodafone Spain. In collaboration with Morgan Stanley, the sale could fetch €1 billion, attracting interest from firms like Cellnex and American Tower.
Ericsson has achieved another significant VoIP milestone, securing a multi-billion-dollar contract with Bharti Airtel, reinforcing its presence in India’s telecom market. This aligns with recent collaborations with Vodafone Idea to enhance 4G and introduce 5G services.
The GSMA and MSSA partnership is set to revolutionize global communication through VoIP and satellite integration. By synchronizing terrestrial and satellite networks, they aim for enhanced connectivity, efficiency, and scalability. This collaboration promises to redefine VoIP solutions, overcoming challenges and paving the way for advanced, seamless global communications.
Egypt has finally embraced 5G technology, as Vodafone, E&, and Orange secure their licenses, marking a pivotal moment in its telecom landscape. With a $675 million investment for 15-year 5G licenses, Egypt aims to enhance communication capabilities.