“Project Gigabit”, the UK government’s £2 billion initiative, aims to expand high-speed broadband in hard-to-reach communities. With a vision of future-proofing Britain’s connectivity, the project seeks to connect 80% of the nation by 2025. However, ensuring equal internet access brings pressing questions, such as the cost-effective efficiency of Low Earth Orbit satellites and balancing 4G and 5G network enhancements to avoid inadvertent digital inequality.
UK operator VMO2’s recent innovation eliminates network dead zones across a 126-acre farm, combining telecom and agriculture to test the impact of digital technology on rural farming. This collaboration enables real-time tracking of high-value items, prompt alerts on farm security breaches, and efficient crop health monitoring, thereby potentially boosting farm productivity and significantly reducing losses.
Prominent UK telecom companies like BT, VMO2, and Vodafone have been selected beneficiaries of government funding for research into Open RAN technology. Innovative projects, with a focus ranging from energy efficiency to security, will share in the £88 million ($121 million) funding. The main goal is to figure out whether Open RAN can rival traditional RAN, especially in high-traffic areas and rural deployments, in terms of cost, reliability and energy consumption.
The Online Safety Bill emerges as a tool for platform owners to tackle illicit content. Yet, penalties attached to non-compliance may be a hefty burden. The proposed “spy clause” infamously mandates the scanning of private user content, leading to vocal debates around privacy and the technology needed to enforce this clause. Amidst strong sentiments about potential surveillance, the UK government remains unwavering, resulting in possible market exits by platforms such as WhatsApp. With the telecom industry on the brink of substantial readjustments, the importance of staying informed is evident.
Infovista is set to revolutionize telecoms with their Ativa™ Suite. Promising to reduce fixed voice blackouts and service disruptions, an impressive aspect of the tech is that it could potentially reduce solution times for CSPs by 66%. This major step towards automation could transform customer relations. While on the other side, milestones such as Ericsson and TDC NET launching Denmark’s first 5G Standalone network, Vodafone initiating the UK’s largest Open RAN rollout, and Vodacom and Eskom venturing into virtual power wheeling, signal a fast-paced evolution of global telecommunications.
In a record-breaking flurry of innovation submissions, the Connected Britain Awards are turning the spotlight on frontrunners shaping the UK’s digital frontier. The anticipation builds as the official shortlist for 2023 announces contenders across 15 award categories.
Delving into a recent decision by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), we uncover the reasoning behind a stop order on EE’s 5G-related adverts, which competitors said lacked clarity on EE’s claims to operate the ‘UK’s No.1 5G network’. Without fully revealing the specifics of this heated dispute, let’s dive into selected highlights of the adjudication, considering various past incidents and the industry’s ongoing dialogue surrounding telco advertising transparency.
As Rakuten Symphony’s CEO, Tareq Amin, unexpectedly departs, it heightens the mystery around the company’s subdued performance this year. Despite a promising start and securing a deal with Germany’s greenfield mobile operator 1&1, Symphony’s momentum appears to have plateaued. Yet a recent MoU with Veon to explore Open RAN solutions offers a beacon of hope. Amidst tricky market conditions and scarce major RAN deals, all eyes are now on acting president Sharad Sriwastawa to breathe new life into Symphony.
Bringing 4G to the UK’s remotest realms, Three UK has established 100 dedicated sites through the Shared Rural Network (SRN). This initiative enhances coverage by around 2,800km2, reaching over 37,000 new premises. However, with the ambitious goal to extend 4G coverage to 95% of the country by 2025, one can’t help but ponder, is the UK on pace to meet this target? Participate in the discussion at the Connected Britain digital economy event.
The UK government’s ambitious Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (CLEO) initiative aims to propel satellite communications development, backed by a sum of £160 million. With a main focus on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, this programme holds potential to bridge the digital divide and boost economical growth. This initiative, however, still awaits the green light through regular approval processes.
