The Global Coalition on Telecommunications (GCOT), launched by the UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, and the US, intends to revolutionize telecommunications through joint R&D, funding alignments, and standard development. Offering insights into the initiative’s broad scope, TMT partner Julian Cunningham-Day highlights the coalition’s focus on supply chain diversification and market competition through Open RAN. Despite the promising advantages, potential vulnerabilities may arise from industry-wide open standards. Additonally, GCOT’s emphasis on yet to be realized 6G technology signals its proactive stance towards future complexities.
In a push for universal cybersecurity standards, the EU faces backlash from global telecommunications titans like Ericsson and Nokia, who warn of supply chain disruptions akin to those experienced during COVID-19. Striking a balance between stringent security measures and smooth product availability is crucial, prompting these industry leaders to suggest increased self-assessment and more lenient implementation timeframes. However, the underpinning question remains – who should ensure industry compliance, the vendors or third parties? Amidst the surge in cybercrime, a secure, streamlined approach is paramount.
A recent survey found that 85% of broadband and mobile consumers find annual price hikes unjust, adding the frustration that 87% believe they should be able to switch providers without penalty if such increases occur mid-contract. However, the reality presented by providers paints a different picture. These unexpected cost changes and fear of penalties for ending contracts prematurely have driven 62% of surveyed participants to consider switching providers immediately after unexpected price increases. This trend prompted a response from Ofcom for clearer pricing transparency, a call further championed by Uswitch and Which?. This has led to new guidelines by the UK’s Committees of Advertising Practice, aiming to ensure providers fully disclose potential cost changes to customers.
The Port of Tyne, a key player in UK’s maritime infrastructure, is embarking on an exciting technological journey, partnering with Ericsson and BT to establish 4G and 5G private network connectivity. By engaging revolutionary standards in safety, efficiency, and sustainability, the Port aspires to become an exemplar among smart ports. Uniquely, the port-wide private network incorporates both 4G and 5G standalone connectivity, benefitting legacy devices while enabling cutting-edge 5G applications. This technological upgrade paves the way for futuristic applications that could revolutionize port operations while reducing carbon emissions. Learn more about this visionary initiative and its potential implications for the maritime industry.
Networking the future with simple text or voice commands? That’s what Nokia’s Bell Labs envisions with their new AI-centric technology – Natural-Language Networking. This breakthrough could revolutionize how network resources are managed by learning user needs over time, resulting in a self-regulating and adaptive system. As a pivotal part of the ambitious UNEXT programme, this technology simplifies network management, aiming for a seamless yet independent functioning of all network elements. An interactive OS that learns and anticipates need – the future of telecoms is unfolding right now.
Stepping into the spotlight, Ericsson unveils a software toolkit aimed at enhancing 5G connectivity services. Harnessing fresh algorithms to optimize performance, modifying RAN slicing for faster service, and promising superior low-latency capabilities, this toolkit is a game-changer. Despite the off-pulse struggle to unlock 5G potential, this toolkit is deemed as a catalyst for transitioning from ‘best-effort’ broadband to premium experience. Yet, the question remains: Will consumers bite? In this backdrop, Network X, a collaboration with the wireline and cloud industries, promises insightful stories and strategies, marking a critical date for telecom enthusiasts.
Telecom News | Week #44: T Challenge, End of Vodafone Spain, Nokia’s Technology Strategy 2030, Samsung and O2 testing vRAN.
AT&T’s vast addition to their fiber net base underlines an impressive income growth. This growth is visible in their third-quarter report, boasting revenues over $30 billion. The influential role of AT&T’s fiber subscriptions reveals a customer base exceeding 8 million aided significantly by a striking 26.9 percent growth in AT&T Fiber revenues. Notably, the company’s recent launch, AT&T Internet Air, foresees further enhancement to their service offerings.
Ciena’s novel approach towards rising above intense market competition involves enhancing its residential fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) solutions. Their business strategy comprises strategic mergers and acquisitions, integration of unique features post acquisitions, and providing comprehensive end-to-end resolutions. Ciena’s ‘one box’ solution is highlighted for its potency on typically challenging scenarios, like rural areas, by offering reduced costs and increased flexibility. Changes are also seen from market players like VEON and Telefonica, amidst this evolving industry.
The Ultra-Broadband Forum 2023 has seen industry leaders propose the revolutionary 10 Gbps City Initiative, aiming to construct digitally transformative and ultra-connected cities. Beyond being a mere term, the 10 Gbps City represents a significant shift in infrastructural development. This ambitious project hints at the power of telecommunications transformation, driving the digital economy to unexplored territories. Governments hold the key role in accelerating these changes, as they can bridge digital divides and facilitate universal digital services.