SpaceX has hit a roadblock in its ambitious plan to connect consumer devices directly to its next-generation Starlink satellites, as the FCC rejected its request to utilize the 1.6 GHz, 2 GHz, and 2.4 GHz bands. The regulatory agency has halted SpaceX’s bid citing their current policy on limiting new entrants to these bands.
Tillman FiberCo, LLC, a leading provider of fiber optic broadband infrastructure, has announced a significant expansion of its 100% Fiber-to-the-Premise (FTTP) network in Florida. The expansion aims to cater to the growing demand for high-speed internet access in various regions across the state, including Tampa Bay, Panhandle, South and Southwest Florida, and several major cities like St. Petersburg, Fort Myers, Naples, Pensacola, Miami, Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, and Kissimmee.
RDK Management (RDK) today announced that it has joined the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) and that the two organizations’ members plan to collaborate on industry-wide initiatives such as Operator Managed Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi 7, and IoT. RDK and WBA share many common members across broadband operators and technology companies that are committed to deploying RDK for Broadband (RDK-B).
Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez MP addresses the need for shared infrastructure to tackle excessive fibre network duplication. She spotlights rural areas, where public perception of full fibre deployment is significantly affected by perceived uncontrolled infrastructural rollout. This prompts a change in guidelines to involve communities in the roll-out process, helping operators extend their networks without hindering local approval.
TalkTalk has surged ahead to become the UK’s largest retail fibre broadband provider, boasting a service reach to over 15 million premises, edging out competitors like Vodafone and Zen Internet in the race for the broadest fibre network. This expansion has positioned TalkTalk at the forefront of the UK’s digital infrastructure landscape, despite facing operational hiccups.
Fastwyre Broadband, a legacy communications company, is investing $65 million into amplifying its fiber-optic infrastructure throughout Louisiana. The objective is to deliver unparalleled internet speeds, championing both residential and business connectivity requirements. CEO, Chris Eldredge, outlined the company’s profound commitment to fostering digital empowerment within local communities.
In a bold move, Millicom is widening its synergies with Harmonic, specifically leveraging Harmonic’s advanced cOS broadband technology to expand high-speed internet access across nine Latin American countries. This strategic advancement is enabled by the enhancement of existing nodes using Harmonic’s hybrid fibre-cable technology.
VMO2 faced a substantial loss of £3.3 billion in 2023, worsened by a £3.1 billion goodwill impairment rooted in increased capital costs. While their debt soured under challenging economic conditions, they still managed to attract 64,000 new broadband and 47,000 mobile customers. Nevertheless, revenues witnessed a slight tumble as consumer fixed income dipped and the B2B sector lagged.
As both the UK and US strive to deliver full-fibre broadband, each country grapples with its hurdles; one being persuading landlords to greenlight installation plans within their properties. In the UK, mechanisms are in place to enable operators to seek judicial access if landlord agreement is unattainable, a luxury the US lacks, suggesting the potential need for new legislative action in America. A monumental goal for both nations is eliminating the digital divide which requires a comprehensive combination of varied technology methods.
Local government digital leaders across England, Scotland, and Wales continue to prioritize gigabit broadband rollout, viewing it as essential for connectivity improvements, despite differing opinions on 5G and a lagging focus on environmental sustainability. This was highlighted in a recent survey conducted by FarrPoint, a UK-based connectivity consultancy, which released its findings from a December 2023 study involving councils from various regions.
