AT&T’s partnership with Kinetic aims to enhance rural areas through bundled fiber and wireless offerings. This collaboration addresses the digital divide, offering high-speed internet and cost-effective solutions to underserved regions. With significant investments and strategic initiatives, both companies strive to connect more users and improve digital accessibility nationwide.
AST SpaceMobile’s five BlueBird satellites are set to launch on September 12, heralding the start of their commercial non-terrestrial network services in collaboration with carriers like Verizon and AT&T. This pivotal event not only enhances global cellular connectivity but also signifies a major milestone in low Earth orbit telecommunications.
SoftBank and Eutelsat’s OneWeb have partnered to enhance communication services in Japan by integrating OneWeb’s LEO satellite connectivity. The multi-year deal will improve secure, reliable communications, particularly in remote areas. SoftBank’s SmartVPN service will benefit, and there’s potential for expansion abroad.
Ogi has secured £45 million from the Cardiff Capital Region to expand its full-fibre network across South Wales. This investment will enhance connectivity in key areas, supporting economic growth and bridging the digital divide. The expansion aligns with broader UK efforts to improve digital infrastructure and boost regional development.
Fujitsu is taking a bold step to popularize open All-Photonics Networks (APNs) by inaugurating a specialized lab in Düsseldorf, Germany. Scheduled to run from November 2024 to March 2025, this lab is the first outside Japan. This initiative aims to promote the global spread of Innovative Optical and Wireless Network, including APN technology.
The FCC has approved $9 billion in subsidies to boost 5G services in rural areas through the 5G Fund for Rural America. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by providing advanced mobile connectivity where it’s economically unviable.
Telstra and Ericsson have launched a revolutionary RAN Compute platform, advancing Australia’s 5G landscape. The newly deployed Ericsson RAN Processor 6672 significantly boosts capacity and efficiency while reducing energy consumption by up to 60%. This innovative technology, powered by advanced AI, paves the way for enhanced mobile connectivity and future 5G advancements.
The Swansea Bay City Deal awarded VMO2 a contract to upgrade fibre infrastructure. The global smartphone market is expected to grow, driven by Android sales in China and emerging markets. Patton acquired Raymar Information Technology to continue supporting crucial legacy industrial technologies. EE has released age-specific smartphone usage guidelines.
Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, in collaboration with Huawei, has successfully completed a vital core network consolidation project in Jakarta. This rapid 14-month execution significantly enhances Indosat’s mobile communication technologies, benefiting over 100 million users across Indonesia, including rural and remote regions. Such advancements promise improved internet performance, especially for gaming and video streaming.
Major UK business groups are urging telecoms regulator Ofcom to extend the automatic compensation scheme for broadband outages to encompass all businesses. This demand highlights frustrations over unreliable broadband services impacting productivity and economic growth. Existing compensation covers only domestic-grade services, leaving many businesses without recourse for connectivity issues.
