Meta’s recent decision to resume using public content from UK users on Facebook and Instagram for AI model training showcases a strategic move to enhance its AI capabilities. This change, following regulatory discussions, aims to better reflect British culture and language, keeping Meta competitive in the AI landscape.
The UK government has officially designated data centres as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), elevating their significance to that of energy and water services. This move aims to boost resilience against cyber threats, IT outages, and environmental hazards, safeguarding key data like NHS records. Enhanced governmental support will enhance cybersecurity and foster the digital economy.
The recent rollout of full-fibre broadband in South Wiltshire under Project Gigabit marks a significant advancement for rural connectivity. With Wessex Internet’s efforts in Stapleford, homes and businesses will experience speeds up to 10Gbps. This strategic move ensures hard-to-reach communities benefit from superior internet capabilities, fostering growth and opportunities.
Visitors, residents, businesses, and students in Reading town centre will soon enjoy enhanced mobile experiences and faster speeds thanks to Virgin Media O2’s deployment of small cells. This VoIP advancement aims to boost mobile capacity in Reading’s busy areas like Reading Station and the Oracle Shopping Centre, improving network efficiency.
EE has launched its 5GSA mobile network across 15 UK cities, including London, Manchester, and Glasgow, aiming to enhance mobile coverage and performance. Alongside this, the new Wi-Fi 7 Smart Hub Pro promises superior home broadband speeds and connectivity. These advancements position EE as a forefront leader in the UK’s cellular network arena.
FiberLocator, the renowned US fibre data platform, has expanded its network planning services to include UK fibre data, integrating UK fibre providers into its extensive database. This expansion aids carriers, mobile operators, and data centre operators by offering comprehensive, timely, and accurate fibre data, facilitating seamless global connectivity and streamlined wholesale transactions.
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.
The UK Ministry of Defence has successfully launched its own satellite, ‘Tyche’, revolutionizing Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. This pivotal event marks the UK’s leap forward in space-based defense. As part of a broader initiative, Tyche will bolster military operations, disaster response, and environmental monitoring, reinforcing national security and technological innovation.
Research by Virgin Media O2 reveals that poor internet connectivity is driving many rural UK residents, particularly young adults, to consider relocating to urban areas. Inadequate internet access hinders remote work, prompting 4.6 million people to contemplate moving within the next year.
Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, introduces robust measures to combat scam calls from abroad. By mandating that phone companies block calls with fake UK landline numbers, Ofcom aims to curb ‘spoofing’ and protect consumers. With BT successfully blocking up to one million calls daily, the initiative promises enhanced public safety and fewer scam calls.
