In the recently held Network X event, Orange’s Deputy CEO shed light on their significant fiber expansion and presented an intriguing outlook on 5G’s future, hinting at its potential in achieving the 2040 CSR objectives. Discussing 5G Standalone (SA), she highlighted it as a gamechanger for B2B interactions, fueling varied possibilities. Briefly discussing their triumph at the Barcelona port project, she humbly emphasized the responsibilities that come with connected factories.
BT unveils Global Fabric – a pioneering network-as-a-service product bridging various cloud environments. Flaunting adaptability and cost-effectiveness, this tool empowers users with the liberty to select and manage data transit routes. Uniquely functioning on AI-backed digital orchestration, Global Fabric predicts an enhanced application experience. BT envisages this as the future of connectivity, harboring better cost efficiencies, heightened application performance, while maintaining a robust defense against cyber threats. Its introduction holds substantial potential to revolutionize the network management market.
Telecommunication giant BT, in collaboration with Nokia and MediaTek, is exploring the potential of 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Recently conducted trials at BT’s research centre aimed at uncovering new use-cases for this technology, which, simplified and less complex than 4G, promises a more efficient IoT ecosystem. As suggested by BT’s Chief Networks Officer, Greg McCall, the RedCap technology could “unlock a new wave of innovation” within the 5G landscape.
NAVIGATE, part of the UK’s ONE competition, involves renowned telecom providers NEC and Freshwave, working to create a neutral host small cell solution for areas with high signal demand. This project, backed by a substantial £7.42 million funding, aligns with the UK Government’s goal of diversifying the 5G supply chain and nurturing Open RAN spaces. NEC and Freshwave will develop an energy efficient, financially viable solution based on NEC’s Open vRAN software that could significantly boost the multi-operator neutral host network. As the UK joins forces with Australia, Canada, Japan, and the US in the Global Coalition on Telecommunications, this project may herald an inventive, cooperative future for the telecoms industry.
BT, a dominant force in the UK’s telecommunications landscape, is setting the stage for a drone revolution with the unveiling of the country’s first-ever Drone SIM. Designed to act as the linchpin for beyond visual line of sight (BVLoS) drone operations, this groundbreaking technology combines EE network connectivity with resistance to hazardous conditions, opening up innovative possibilities across several sectors. From enabling swift healthcare supplies delivery and comprehensive infrastructure monitoring to enhancing goods transportation, BT’s Drone SIM offers promising applications. The unlimited data plans and high-priority connectivity contribute to a safer drone usage while facilitating ultra-high definition video streaming from towering heights.
In an exciting move, Vodafone and Arm have united to innovate within the telecom industry, developing an adaptable platform with Arm-based processors ideal for Open RAN base stations. Their collaborative effort showcases both parties’ commitment in enriching the competitive Open RAN landscape, offering robust computational power for 5G services and improved energy efficiency. In addition, illustrious companies like SynaXG, Ampere Computing, and Fujitsu are lending their expertise to test and validate this technology. The joint venture also presents opportunities for Vodafone to reach its net-zero targets.
In a pioneering collaboration, Samsung, Vodafone, and Orange have achieved a significant breakthrough by completing the first 4G calls over shared networks in rural Romania using Open RAN technology. This milestone, with the promise of integrating 2G and 5G, signifies a transformative step towards more efficient, sustainable, and innovative telecommunications.
Taking leaps in autonomous network management, Telefónica skillfully navigates the complex landscape, developing standards and aligning with recognized organizations. With their Autonomous Network Journey program, they unravel the value of AI and machine learning at multiple levels. With successful solutions like Vivo Config, they’ve achieved substantial work savings and dramatically reduced network alarms and reworks, while actively focusing on energy efficiency and emissions reduction – invaluable attributes in the era of sustainability.
In collaboration with technology giants like HPE, Casa Systems, Mavenir and Dell Technologies, Orange Spain launches Open RAN nodes allied with a cloud-native 5G SA core network. This pilot project notches a triumph in network deployment within an hour, brandishing the power of automation in modern technologies. While this showcases POTENTIAL for end-to-end virtual networks management and elevates energy efficiency, a sense of guarded optimism is needed, given a drop in Open RAN and vRAN revenues in Q2 2023.
Nvidia aims to convince telecoms to use its GPUs in 5G networks, citing NTT Docomo’s recent GPU-accelerated 5G launch in Japan. Yet, the role of Nvidia’s GPUs in telecom remains unclear. Meanwhile, the FCC breaks a two-year deadlock, reigniting net neutrality debates. Telefonica Germany partners with Skylo for global IoT connectivity, expanding options for businesses and consumers. Nokia explores rugged 5G devices for harsh environments, catering to specialized industries with challenging conditions.
