A new survey reveals that poor internet access is holding back UK farmers, with nearly one in ten farms entirely offline. As reliance on smart technology grows, slow connections hinder productivity, innovation, and well-being. Full fiber rollout is crucial to bridging the rural digital divide and unlocking the full potential of British agriculture.
Octopus Group is set to disrupt the UK mobile market by launching a MVNO through its telecom investment branch, Fern Trading. Targeting telecom giants like EE, Virgin Media O2, Vodafone, and Three, Octopus aims to enhance its telecommunications portfolio.
The UK government is pioneering a ban on ‘SIM farms’ to combat rising fraud and scams. SIM farms are hubs for multiple SIM cards enabling mass messaging for fraudulent activities. This legislative action targets the method, disrupting major fraud operations and safeguarding the public.
The UK Biomass satellite is a game-changer in satellite technology, poised to map Earth’s forests in 3D for the first time. With its innovative P-band radar, Biomass surpasses past limitations by penetrating clouds and foliage.
Virgin Media O2 is revolutionizing connectivity in Northern UK, emphasizing a sustainable digital future through significant investments and cutting-edge VoIP technology. Their ambitious move promises over 3.4 million connections, delivering gigabit speeds 16 times faster than average, and a robust expansion of their 5G network—bridging gaps in accessibility and digital inclusivity.
The UK’s major mobile operators are challenging Ofcom’s proposed changes to spectrum annual license fees. Despite a proposed 21% reduction in fees for the 900MHz and 1800MHz spectrums, and a 12% increase for the 2100MHz band, operators argue the fees are still too high.
The United Kingdom’s AI Energy Council is harmonizing clean energy with AI infrastructure. Key players like Microsoft and AWS aim to ensure sustainable power for data centers and AI facilities. This initiative aligns AI growth with renewable energy sources, enhancing the U.K.’s computing power and economic development.
Apple is fighting a UK government demand to weaken its encrypted cloud services, sparking a landmark legal battle. A tribunal ruled the case must be public, rejecting secrecy claims. Privacy advocates hail the decision as a win for digital rights, warning that forced backdoors threaten global security.
The UK government’s proposed Cyber Security and Resilience Bill signifies a crucial advancement in enhancing national cybersecurity. Aimed at fortifying digital security for critical infrastructure, this legislation targets the escalating cyber threats faced by hospitals, energy networks, and IT providers.
The UK’s efforts to modernize its public sector with AI face significant challenges, according to a report by the Public Accounts Committee. Issues like fragmented data, outdated technology, and a skills shortage hinder progress, casting doubt on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s pledge.
