Virgin Media O2’s decision to offload part of its Corneridge UK towers business to GLIL Infrastructure for £360 million marks a key shift in telecom infrastructure ownership. However, this move falls short of industry valuations, indicating price reductions in the investment market. Despite this, VMO2 retains operational and strategic control in this critical asset, striving to enhance 4G connectivity and intensify 5G rollout. This move aligns with the firm’s wider strategy, marking the start of a potentially transformative series of ambitious deals, lightening its footprint while driving growth.
Telecom News | Week #44: T Challenge, End of Vodafone Spain, Nokia’s Technology Strategy 2030, Samsung and O2 testing vRAN.
Initiated by the UK government, the Shared Rural Network (SRN) aims to eradicate coverage black spots and ensure widespread 4G coverage. This project has been approached with differing bravado by top network operators. Juncture tensions arise as key operators plead for deadline leniency, while EE stands confident in its progress. All eyes are on the government’s response to this collective request while interest in the ongoing infrastructure debate climaxes. Stay informed as the narrative unfolds.
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.
Anticipation builds as the international telecommunication industry readies for the 2023 Global Telecoms Awards, offering a glimpse of the brightest advancements in the sector. This year’s fierce competition promises a thrilling revelation on November 30th, stretching from top-shelf 5G innovations to groundbreaking strides in AI and sustainable telecom solutions. Coinciding with the awards, the Future Vision Executive Summit promises to stimulate discussion on pressing telecom industry topics. Don’t miss out, the future of telecommunications unfolds here.
The recent signal disruptions experienced by Sky Mobile users in the UK have been linked to the government-mandated removal of Huawei equipment from the network, fuelling concerns over national security. Network operators have voiced scepticism, predicting significant disruption, increased expenses, and potential delay in the rollout of 5G infrastructure. Sky Mobile, however, assures compliance with the directive and minimal impact on their customers.
TalkTalk, a renowned Broadband ISP, recently unveiled plans for a radical transformation. The organization aims to split into three distinct operations: business, consumer, and wholesale. As this change signals a departure for current CEO, Tristia Harrison, successors are already being primed. This strategic move aims to enhance customer service, streamline operations, and diversify investment routes, despite looming debts and past acquisition attempts. The complete ramifications of this crucial split unfold at Connected North 2024.
Amid growing inflation and swelling telecom budgets, the advent of 6G brings in costly implications tied to Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment. As these financial implications loom, The Next Generation Mobile Network (NGMN) Alliance proposes a different approach to 6G implementation that may spare existing 5G infrastructure from unnecessary renewal. They advocate an operator-driven decision process in refreshing the 5G RAN, maintaining that 6G upgrade should not compromise 5G user experience and should be software-upgradable on existing network elements. As 5G capex reaches its peak in markets like the U.S., NGMN’s stance could potentially redefine traditional strategies in introducing new generations of mobile technology.
While the UK initially took the lead in 5G deployment, recent metrics suggest a shift, with the UK now trailing behind other countries in 5G download speed and coverage. Despite these setbacks, the UK’s 5G journey is far from finished. This communication revolution isn’t just about winners or losers, but about creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, thus promoting economic growth and job creation.
Vodafone’s collaboration with Salience Labs and iPronics aims to advance open radio access networks (open RAN) by harnessing the potential of silicon photonic chips. This light-based technology could promise enhanced network programmability and ultra-low latency powered by their increased speed and reduced energy consumption — elevating critical 5G capabilities. With silicon photonics making waves in data centers, the industry, poised for rapid growth, radiates intrigue on the horizon. Yet, it also questions current cost dynamics, especially around open RAN technology.