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The UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT / DCMS) has today proposed “tougher fines and prison sentences” for those who damage subsea infrastructure essential for UK broadband access and trade, with consultation planned to take place later this year.

Damage to submarine cables is sadly not all that uncommon. According to the United Nations ICPC (here), an average of 150 to 200 faults occur globally each year and require about three cable repairs per week (97% of such breaks are NOT malicious). In addition, it usually takes a few weeks to fix a break, but this depends upon the type of break, its depth, weather conditions and various other factors.

Most of the breaks that occur are caused by accidents due deep sea fishing trawlers, as well as ships accidentally dragging their anchor over them. Not to mention abrasion, equipment failure or marine life deciding to take a nibble (the latter is only really an issue for smaller / older cables that haven’t been buried). But over the past few years the act of deliberate sabotage has also become a real problem (example).

Unfortunately, the existing Submarine Telegraph Act 1885 is weak and can only impose a £1,000 fine, which isn’t a deterrent against costly cable damage accidents related to negligence or sabotage, particularly those that occur in the gray zone of conflict (e.g. the deliberate use of civilian vessels to cause damage). Not to mention the difficulty of extending any law beyond the UK’s own territorial waters and the lack of resources to protect so many cables.

However, improvements are being made in terms of monitoring (Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing) technologies and military measures, but today the focus is more on the side of supportive legal measures. Previous inquiries have found that the UK has “plenty of cable routes and good repair processes for business-as-usual breakages“, but that the rules need to be toughened to help cope with today’s heightened threat environment (here).

What is the government planning?

Speaking at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) today, the UK telecoms minister, Liz Lloyd MP, set out plans to consult on replacing 140-year-old legislation to make the law clearer, and much harder to evade – with tougher fines and prison sentences for vessel owners and operators that intentionally or recklessly damage cables.

She also highlighted that the Government is considering new security obligations on cable owners and operators, ensuring they take the “necessary steps to prevent, detect and respond to security compromises in a consistent and timely manner“.

New emergency powers to direct businesses to protect this infrastructure will also be included in the proposals, which would strengthen government’s ability to respond to major subsea cable incidents and minimise disruption to UK connectivity. The proposals will be set out in detail through a white paper later this year.

Take note that acts of sabotage clearly linked to a hostile state can already carry a risk of life imprisonment for the most serious cases, but proving that can be difficult.

Telecoms Minister, Liz Lloyd, said:

“The UK already has strong protections in place for our subsea cables, but in a more uncertain world we cannot stand still.

As hostile activity by Russia and others grows, protecting these cables matters more than ever for our economy, security and daily lives. That is why we plan to go further with tougher penalties for reckless damage, stronger security obligations and new powers to respond quickly when incidents happen.

True resilience depends on having a healthy thriving telecoms sector, and government must play an active role in creating the conditions for commercial success. By building a strong domestic industry we don’t just protect infrastructure, we strengthen the UK’s position as a global centre for digital trade.”

The Minister also pointed to existing plans to support further investment into cable upgrades through “common-sense regulation” that “supports growth rather than holds it back” – pointing to exemptions on environmental red tape for the laying, maintenance and removal of subsea cables in deep waters, where the impact on marine life is claimed to be “extremely limited“.

As we’ve said before, cutting lots of subsea cables within the same short period of time (i.e. to cause maximum disruption), while a risk, is something that would be both extremely difficult to completely prevent and to actually carry out. On the other hand, the more such attacks take place, the greater the strain on limited resources for repairs, which risks causing a build-up of cumulative delays and thus connectivity problems.

The catch for an aggressor is that the same sort of attacks and strategies could then also be used against them. The fact that so much international trade is carried over the internet also means that other countries will be harmed by such an activity, which in a conflict may end up including the attacking state or its allies to some extent (i.e. directly or indirectly).

Suffice to say that tougher laws are needed and will be welcomed, although it will take more than that to create a truly effective deterrent against deliberate sabotage. As an island nation we have good reason to be highly protective of our subsea links, not only for fibre but also energy etc.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

The UK telecoms regulator, Ofcom, has today revealed that one million people have now used their upgraded Map Your Mobile Postcode Checker since it launched a year ago (here). The service was enhanced to better match people’s real-world experiences of 4G and 5G (mobile broadband) performance and signal strength across EE, Three UK, Vodafone and O2.

The goal of the service was to allow anyone to see which mobile network is “best where they live, work or travel“, helping people choose the right operator before signing up or switching, so they can get the best possible value for money from their contract.

However, despite making some improvements to boost its accuracy (see our original article for details), Ofcom’s map continues to only provide fairly basic / simplified results and no data on mobile data speeds, latency or splits by different technologies (4G vs 5G etc.). But the regulator is planning to make further improvements in the future.

Natalie Black, Ofcom’s Group Director for Infrastructure and Connectivity, said:

“One quick check of our free tool can show you how mobile networks compare in your area. If your signal keeps letting you down, you need to Map Your Mobile”.

Consumers looking for a bit more detail could alternative try one of Streewave’s coverage checkers, although they haven’t yet gathered information from the whole of the UK yet (here). Unlike Ofcom’s study, Streetwave uses data gather from kit installed on bin lorries, which provides a cost-effective way of mapping mobile coverage and also includes data on mobile broadband speeds down to the premises level.

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UK ISP Plusnet has updated the discounts on their home broadband plans for new customers, which for example has slashed the monthly price of their top 900Mbps (gigabit) Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) package to just £28.99 per month on a 24-month term. Some packages also now include reward cards (pre-paid Mastercards) worth up to £150.

The internet provider’s fibre broadband packages are typically data-only plans (no phone) that include unlimited usage, a Hub Two wireless router (re-branded BT Smart Hub 2), a 24-month minimum contract term, Plusnet SafeGuard and Protect – both powered by Norton – and free activation.

The usual catch is that, on 31st March each year, the monthly package price will now increase by £4. We’ve summarised what this means and the latest deals below.

Plusnet’s May 2026 Broadband Discounts

Full Fibre 145Mbps (30Mbps upload)
£140 Reward Card
Price: £22.99 per month

Price increases to £26.99 on 1st April 2027 and £30.99 on 1st April 2028

Full Fibre 300Mbps (50Mbps)
£140 Reward Card
Price: £23.99

Price increases to £27.99 on 1st April 2027 and £31.99 on 1st April 2028

Full Fibre 500Mbps (75Mbps)
£ Reward Card (pre-paid Mastercard)
Price: £26.99

Price increases to £30.99 on 1st April 2027 and £34.99 on 1st April 2028

Full Fibre 900Mbps (115Mbps)
£ Reward Card (pre-paid Mastercard)
Price: £28.99

Price increases to £32.99 on 1st April 2027 and £36.99 on 1st April 2028

The provider also sells a 74Mbps FTTP or SOGEA (FTTC) based home broadband package that start at £19.99 per month.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

A new legal action portal called Starlink Sucks has been launched by Nik Fox, a UK broadcast technology expert, which accuses the popular satellite broadband provider of hitting consumers with a “predatory … hardware trap” — an allegedly “calculated corporate strategy” where subscribers are said to have been locked into “expensive, non-transferable physical equipment” before their service plans are stripped away.

Starlink currently has nearly 10,400 satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) – mostly at altitudes of between c.340-550km. Residential customers in the UK previously paid from £40 a month for the ‘Residential 100Mbps’ unlimited data plan (kit price may vary due to different offers), which also promises uploads of c.15-35Mbps and low latency connectivity. Faster packages exist at greater cost, while more restrictive (data capped) options also exist for roaming users (e.g. £55 per month for 100GB of data).

However, some of the provider’s recent antics did rub a few customers up the wrong way, such as with their recent price hikes (here). The new portal accuses Starlink of luring UK consumers in with attractive legacy subscription, before warning that only after they’ve “invested hundreds of pounds in expensive, entirely proprietary hardware” does the company then “close the loop“.

“Recently, Starlink has begun unilaterally downgrading users to severely capped alternative options like the “Standby” plan without consent—only to issue automated notices weeks later inflating the price of those unwanted plans while setting their incoming support emails to bounce,” states the website. Indeed, Standby Mode did suddenly double in price from £4.50 per month to £9.

The Standby Mode feature allows customers to remain connected to the service – even if they aren’t currently planning to use it for anything heavy, at a significantly reduced speed (0.5Mbps) for unlimited data (handy as a quick backup mode). But in fairness, aggrieved customers can still cancel and then restart the service at a later date, but that process is a bit more laborious and some people do want Standby Mode to be active.

Nik Fox, a UK broadcast technology expert and founder of the portal, told ISPreview:

“Starlink is acting as if its internal corporate terms of service override national statutory laws. They trap you into a high-cost hardware investment, wait until the standard return window closes, and then rewrite the contract to your severe financial detriment. When you try to reject it, you are locked inside a broken, automated AI app loop that deliberately stonewalls human escalation. It is wholly predatory behaviour.”

Nik, who is a Principal Consultant Engineer at Cotswold Group (Cotswold Comms), believes that Elon Musk’s Starlink service may be at risk of having breached the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (Section 50 and Part 2) and potentially other notable rules.

Alleged Breaches of UK Consumer Law

➤ Consumer Rights Act 2015 (Section 50): Core pre-contractual plan details form a binding term of the contract. They cannot degrade the service description without breaking the contract.

➤ Unfair Contract Terms: Any term allowing a trader to significantly change a contract while a consumer is trapped using locked, proprietary hardware is legally deemed an “unfair term” and cannot be enforced.

➤ Fitness for Purpose: Because Starlink dishes cannot be transferred to alternative service providers, modifying the contract renders your expensive physical dish completely unfit for purpose, creating grounds for a full equipment refund.

We are not solicitors and so cannot accurately judge the veracity of this position. But no doubt Starlink, if they ever do respond to our comment request (they never have before), would strongly disagree with the campaign group’s claims.

Meanwhile, Nik, who says he’s received “zero engagement from Starlink’s corporate compliance team” following formal legal letters that were allegedly served to their physical office in London, has responded by launching the new portal as a “free, non-commercial automated toolkit for the UK public“.

The website is said to provide downloadable, pre-formatted Word Document templates citing specific breaches of Section 50 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, step-by-step instructions on serving pre-action notices to their London footprint, and comprehensive guides on how to take Starlink to the CISAS Ombudsman or the HMCTS Small Claims Court entirely for free.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Mobile operator Vodafone UK (VodafoneThree) and network supplier Ericsson today claim to have completed a “world-first network upgrade” by becoming the first mobile operator to successfully unify core and radio network sharing over a multi-vendor 4G and 5G network – helping to unlock faster mobile broadband speeds for around 71% of UK people.

The work forms part of VodafoneThree’s post-merger plan to invest £11bn into upgrading the UK’s 5G mobile infrastructure and coverage over the next decade (here, here and here). The combined business has also previously stated that it aspires to reach more than 99.95% of the UK population with their 5G Standalone (5GSA / 5G+) network by 2034 and push fixed wireless access (mobile home broadband) to 82% of households by 2030.

The latest development in this effort essentially completes VodafoneThree’s work to unify core-level sharing through their Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology with its existing Multi-Operator Radio Access Network (MORAN) infrastructure.

As it stands today, up to 28.6 million Vodafone and Three UK customers are now automatically connecting to the best available coverage, at no extra cost – “eliminating 16,500km² of mobile not spots, improving speeds when using 4G and 5G, and boosting network capacity and resilience to provide a better experience for all customers“.

The latest development is covered in a new white paper from Ericsson, which shows how the new network works and its benefits. The result is said to be a “single, intelligently orchestrated platform that delivers measurable improvements in performance, reliability and efficiency“. As part of this, they’ve also unlocked the benefits of shared C-band spectrum (3.4GHz to 3.8GHz) across sites nationwide with up to 50 million people (71% of the UK population) claimed to be seeing faster 5G speeds.

Stated Benefits of the Latest Upgrade

➤ Dynamic access to the best coverage – Vodafone and Three customers are automatically using each other’s network, getting the best available coverage, at no extra cost. This seamless transition improves speeds, enhances reliability and crucially, requires no action from the user.

➤ Eliminating 4G not spots – By providing 4G coverage to areas of the UK where it wasn’t previously available to either brand’s customers, VodafoneThree has removed 16,500km² of not spots, an area ten times the size of London.

➤ Enhanced 5G coverage – Up to 50 million people, around 71% of the UK population, now have access to VodafoneThree’s fastest 5G speeds, thanks to bringing the networks together and an accelerated 5G roll out plan.

➤ Reliability and resilience – Busy times, such as rush hour, put a strain on the network, as sites can be flooded with more customers than they can provide a good quality service to. Thanks to this technology, customers will be moved from a busy site to one that is able to provide the required level of performance. This reduces congestion, improving performance for affected users and providing a better experience for all customers.

➤ Improved coverage for high-footfall venues – Strategic coverage, including tactical deployment on temporary sites, indoor solutions and upgrades at high-footfall venues such as stadiums, airports and event spaces, ensure service levels remain strong during spikes in demand.

The improvements mentioned above form part of VodafoneThree’s “first phase of network integration“, with more to come.

Andrea Donà, Chief Network Officer at VodafoneThree, said:

“This world-first network upgrade shows how VodafoneThree is using cutting-edge technology to transform the UK’s digital infrastructure. By unifying core and radio sharing at a national level, while also introducing intelligent orchestration and dynamic capacity management, we’re setting a new benchmark for network performance.

This upgrade means customers are already experiencing improved reliability and coverage and as well as access to our fastest 5G speeds today, but this is just the beginning. As we continue rolling out upgrades through our £11 billion investment, customers can expect even better performance, with even faster speeds.”

Take note that Vodafone and Three UK eventually aim to have a single core network that will do away with the need for the MOCN side of things, but that’s still “many years away” and MOCN itself is currently still being deployed (i.e. the roll-out of MOCN is expected to complete by 2033). The reason why some masts take longer is because many of the initial batches were merely software upgrades, while others will need new hardware, especially in remote rural areas (that takes time).

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Gaerwen-based virtual mobile operator Clear Mobitel has revealed that they aspire to deploy a new 5G Standalone (5GSA / 5G+) based radio access network, including fibre optic and Microwave backhaul, which will be used to deliver a Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) broadband network to homes, businesses and at wholesale for UK ISPs. Starting in Wales.

The plan was revealed as part of the company’s application for Code Powers from Ofcom, which are typically sought in order to help speed-up deployments of new fibre networks and cut costs, not least by reducing the number of licences needed for street works. The powers can also help with supporting access to run new fibre cables via Openreach’s (BT) existing cable ducts and poles (PIA).

According to the application, Clear Mobitel plans to initially focus the deployment of its proposed electronic communications network and system of infrastructure in Wales, before later moving to “explore cross-border connectivity opportunities across the UK“.

The roll-out of this network would initially cover 5,000 premises in its first year, then 25,000 by year five – targetted “underserved areas in Wales and across the UK with limited or no connectivity“.

Ofcom Statement

The Applicant also intends to provide a system of infrastructure which it proposes to make available for use by other providers of electronic communications networks. This system comprises mast and pole structures, duct infrastructure, dark fibre connectivity, and cabinet/equipment housing — all of which would be offered to other operators on an open-access, wholesale basis. The Applicant has noted its proposed open-access wholesale infrastructure model is a core element of its business plan.

The scale points to this being a very targeted network deployment, and it’s worth noting that submissions like this to Ofcom are often more aspirational, but time will tell. In addition, the associated company records (07067025) highlight how Clear Moditel currently has some long overdue accounts and last month avoided a compulsory strike-off action. The company’s previous micro-accounts to the end of 2023 also didn’t look particularly healthy, so they’ll need to find new funding to build a significant network.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Mobile operator Vodafone UK (VodafoneThree) and network supplier Ericsson today claim to have completed a “world-first network upgrade” by becoming the first mobile operator to successfully unify core and radio network sharing over a multi-vendor 4G and 5G network – helping to unlock faster mobile broadband speeds for around 71% of UK people.

The work forms part of VodafoneThree’s post-merger plan to invest £11bn into upgrading the UK’s 5G mobile infrastructure and coverage over the next decade (here, here and here). The combined business has also previously stated that it aspires to reach more than 99.95% of the UK population with their 5G Standalone (5GSA / 5G+) network by 2034 and push fixed wireless access (mobile home broadband) to 82% of households by 2030.

The latest development in this effort essentially completes VodafoneThree’s work to unify core-level sharing through their Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology with its existing Multi-Operator Radio Access Network (MORAN) infrastructure.

As it stands today, up to 28.6 million Vodafone and Three UK customers are now automatically connecting to the best available coverage, at no extra cost – “eliminating 16,500km² of mobile not spots, improving speeds when using 4G and 5G, and boosting network capacity and resilience to provide a better experience for all customers“.

The latest development is covered in a new white paper from Ericsson, which shows how the new network works and its benefits. The result is said to be a “single, intelligently orchestrated platform that delivers measurable improvements in performance, reliability and efficiency“. As part of this, they’ve also unlocked the benefits of shared C-band spectrum (3.4GHz to 3.8GHz) across sites nationwide with up to 50 million people (71% of the UK population) claimed to be seeing faster 5G speeds.

Stated Benefits of the Latest Upgrade

➤ Dynamic access to the best coverage – Vodafone and Three customers are automatically using each other’s network, getting the best available coverage, at no extra cost. This seamless transition improves speeds, enhances reliability and crucially, requires no action from the user.

➤ Eliminating 4G not spots – By providing 4G coverage to areas of the UK where it wasn’t previously available to either brand’s customers, VodafoneThree has removed 16,500km² of not spots, an area ten times the size of London.

➤ Enhanced 5G coverage – Up to 50 million people, around 71% of the UK population, now have access to VodafoneThree’s fastest 5G speeds, thanks to bringing the networks together and an accelerated 5G roll out plan.

➤ Reliability and resilience – Busy times, such as rush hour, put a strain on the network, as sites can be flooded with more customers than they can provide a good quality service to. Thanks to this technology, customers will be moved from a busy site to one that is able to provide the required level of performance. This reduces congestion, improving performance for affected users and providing a better experience for all customers.

➤ Improved coverage for high-footfall venues – Strategic coverage, including tactical deployment on temporary sites, indoor solutions and upgrades at high-footfall venues such as stadiums, airports and event spaces, ensure service levels remain strong during spikes in demand.

The improvements mentioned above form part of VodafoneThree’s “first phase of network integration“, with more to come.

Andrea Donà, Chief Network Officer at VodafoneThree, said:

“This world-first network upgrade shows how VodafoneThree is using cutting-edge technology to transform the UK’s digital infrastructure. By unifying core and radio sharing at a national level, while also introducing intelligent orchestration and dynamic capacity management, we’re setting a new benchmark for network performance.

This upgrade means customers are already experiencing improved reliability and coverage and as well as access to our fastest 5G speeds today, but this is just the beginning. As we continue rolling out upgrades through our £11 billion investment, customers can expect even better performance, with even faster speeds.”

Take note that Vodafone and Three UK eventually aim to have a single core network that will do away with the need for the MOCN side of things, but that’s still “many years away” and MOCN itself is currently still being deployed (i.e. the roll-out of MOCN is expected to complete by 2033). The reason why some masts take longer is because many of the initial batches were merely software upgrades, while others will need new hardware, especially in remote rural areas (that takes time).

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Mobile operator Vodafone UK (VodafoneThree) and network supplier Ericsson today claim to have completed a “world-first network upgrade” by becoming the first mobile operator to successfully unify core and radio network sharing over a multi-vendor 4G and 5G network – helping to unlock faster mobile broadband speeds for around 71% of UK people.

The work forms part of VodafoneThree’s post-merger plan to invest £11bn into upgrading the UK’s 5G mobile infrastructure and coverage over the next decade (here, here and here). The combined business has also previously stated that it aspires to reach more than 99.95% of the UK population with their 5G Standalone (5GSA / 5G+) network by 2034 and push fixed wireless access (mobile home broadband) to 82% of households by 2030.

The latest development in this effort essentially completes VodafoneThree’s work to unify core-level sharing through their Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology with its existing Multi-Operator Radio Access Network (MORAN) infrastructure.

As it stands today, up to 28.6 million Vodafone and Three UK customers are now automatically connecting to the best available coverage, at no extra cost – “eliminating 16,500km² of mobile not spots, improving speeds when using 4G and 5G, and boosting network capacity and resilience to provide a better experience for all customers“.

The latest development is covered in a new white paper from Ericsson, which shows how the new network works and its benefits. The result is said to be a “single, intelligently orchestrated platform that delivers measurable improvements in performance, reliability and efficiency“. As part of this, they’ve also unlocked the benefits of shared C-band spectrum (3.4GHz to 3.8GHz) across sites nationwide with up to 50 million people (71% of the UK population) claimed to be seeing faster 5G speeds.

Stated Benefits of the Latest Upgrade

➤ Dynamic access to the best coverage – Vodafone and Three customers are automatically using each other’s network, getting the best available coverage, at no extra cost. This seamless transition improves speeds, enhances reliability and crucially, requires no action from the user.

➤ Eliminating 4G not spots – By providing 4G coverage to areas of the UK where it wasn’t previously available to either brand’s customers, VodafoneThree has removed 16,500km² of not spots, an area ten times the size of London.

➤ Enhanced 5G coverage – Up to 50 million people, around 71% of the UK population, now have access to VodafoneThree’s fastest 5G speeds, thanks to bringing the networks together and an accelerated 5G roll out plan.

➤ Reliability and resilience – Busy times, such as rush hour, put a strain on the network, as sites can be flooded with more customers than they can provide a good quality service to. Thanks to this technology, customers will be moved from a busy site to one that is able to provide the required level of performance. This reduces congestion, improving performance for affected users and providing a better experience for all customers.

➤ Improved coverage for high-footfall venues – Strategic coverage, including tactical deployment on temporary sites, indoor solutions and upgrades at high-footfall venues such as stadiums, airports and event spaces, ensure service levels remain strong during spikes in demand.

The improvements mentioned above form part of VodafoneThree’s “first phase of network integration“, with more to come.

Andrea Donà, Chief Network Officer at VodafoneThree, said:

“This world-first network upgrade shows how VodafoneThree is using cutting-edge technology to transform the UK’s digital infrastructure. By unifying core and radio sharing at a national level, while also introducing intelligent orchestration and dynamic capacity management, we’re setting a new benchmark for network performance.

This upgrade means customers are already experiencing improved reliability and coverage and as well as access to our fastest 5G speeds today, but this is just the beginning. As we continue rolling out upgrades through our £11 billion investment, customers can expect even better performance, with even faster speeds.”

Take note that Vodafone and Three UK eventually aim to have a single core network that will do away with the need for the MOCN side of things, but that’s still “many years away” and MOCN itself is currently still being deployed (i.e. the roll-out of MOCN is expected to complete by 2033). The reason why some masts take longer is because many of the initial batches were merely software upgrades, while others will need new hardware, especially in remote rural areas (that takes time).

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Mobile operator Vodafone UK (VodafoneThree) and network supplier Ericsson today claim to have completed a “world-first network upgrade” by becoming the first mobile operator to successfully unify core and radio network sharing over a multi-vendor 4G and 5G network – helping to unlock faster mobile broadband speeds for around 71% of UK people.

The work forms part of VodafoneThree’s post-merger plan to invest £11bn into upgrading the UK’s 5G mobile infrastructure and coverage over the next decade (here, here and here). The combined business has also previously stated that it aspires to reach more than 99.95% of the UK population with their 5G Standalone (5GSA / 5G+) network by 2034 and push fixed wireless access (mobile home broadband) to 82% of households by 2030.

The latest development in this effort essentially completes VodafoneThree’s work to unify core-level sharing through their Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology with its existing Multi-Operator Radio Access Network (MORAN) infrastructure.

As it stands today, up to 28.6 million Vodafone and Three UK customers are now automatically connecting to the best available coverage, at no extra cost – “eliminating 16,500km² of mobile not spots, improving speeds when using 4G and 5G, and boosting network capacity and resilience to provide a better experience for all customers“.

The latest development is covered in a new white paper from Ericsson, which shows how the new network works and its benefits. The result is said to be a “single, intelligently orchestrated platform that delivers measurable improvements in performance, reliability and efficiency“. As part of this, they’ve also unlocked the benefits of shared C-band spectrum (3.4GHz to 3.8GHz) across sites nationwide with up to 50 million people (71% of the UK population) claimed to be seeing faster 5G speeds.

Stated Benefits of the Latest Upgrade

➤ Dynamic access to the best coverage – Vodafone and Three customers are automatically using each other’s network, getting the best available coverage, at no extra cost. This seamless transition improves speeds, enhances reliability and crucially, requires no action from the user.

➤ Eliminating 4G not spots – By providing 4G coverage to areas of the UK where it wasn’t previously available to either brand’s customers, VodafoneThree has removed 16,500km² of not spots, an area ten times the size of London.

➤ Enhanced 5G coverage – Up to 50 million people, around 71% of the UK population, now have access to VodafoneThree’s fastest 5G speeds, thanks to bringing the networks together and an accelerated 5G roll out plan.

➤ Reliability and resilience – Busy times, such as rush hour, put a strain on the network, as sites can be flooded with more customers than they can provide a good quality service to. Thanks to this technology, customers will be moved from a busy site to one that is able to provide the required level of performance. This reduces congestion, improving performance for affected users and providing a better experience for all customers.

➤ Improved coverage for high-footfall venues – Strategic coverage, including tactical deployment on temporary sites, indoor solutions and upgrades at high-footfall venues such as stadiums, airports and event spaces, ensure service levels remain strong during spikes in demand.

The improvements mentioned above form part of VodafoneThree’s “first phase of network integration“, with more to come.

Andrea Donà, Chief Network Officer at VodafoneThree, said:

“This world-first network upgrade shows how VodafoneThree is using cutting-edge technology to transform the UK’s digital infrastructure. By unifying core and radio sharing at a national level, while also introducing intelligent orchestration and dynamic capacity management, we’re setting a new benchmark for network performance.

This upgrade means customers are already experiencing improved reliability and coverage and as well as access to our fastest 5G speeds today, but this is just the beginning. As we continue rolling out upgrades through our £11 billion investment, customers can expect even better performance, with even faster speeds.”

Take note that Vodafone and Three UK eventually aim to have a single core network that will do away with the need for the MOCN side of things, but that’s still “many years away” and MOCN itself is currently still being deployed (i.e. the roll-out of MOCN is expected to complete by 2033). The reason why some masts take longer is because many of the initial batches were merely software upgrades, while others will need new hardware, especially in remote rural areas (that takes time).

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Mobile operator Vodafone UK (VodafoneThree) and network supplier Ericsson today claim to have completed a “world-first network upgrade” by becoming the first mobile operator to successfully unify core and radio network sharing over a multi-vendor 4G and 5G network – helping to unlock faster mobile broadband speeds for around 71% of UK people.

The work forms part of VodafoneThree’s post-merger plan to invest £11bn into upgrading the UK’s 5G mobile infrastructure and coverage over the next decade (here, here and here). The combined business has also previously stated that it aspires to reach more than 99.95% of the UK population with their 5G Standalone (5GSA / 5G+) network by 2034 and push fixed wireless access (mobile home broadband) to 82% of households by 2030.

The latest development in this effort essentially completes VodafoneThree’s work to unify core-level sharing through their Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology with its existing Multi-Operator Radio Access Network (MORAN) infrastructure.

As it stands today, up to 28.6 million Vodafone and Three UK customers are now automatically connecting to the best available coverage, at no extra cost – “eliminating 16,500km² of mobile not spots, improving speeds when using 4G and 5G, and boosting network capacity and resilience to provide a better experience for all customers“.

The latest development is covered in a new white paper from Ericsson, which shows how the new network works and its benefits. The result is said to be a “single, intelligently orchestrated platform that delivers measurable improvements in performance, reliability and efficiency“. As part of this, they’ve also unlocked the benefits of shared C-band spectrum (3.4GHz to 3.8GHz) across sites nationwide with up to 50 million people (71% of the UK population) claimed to be seeing faster 5G speeds.

Stated Benefits of the Latest Upgrade

➤ Dynamic access to the best coverage – Vodafone and Three customers are automatically using each other’s network, getting the best available coverage, at no extra cost. This seamless transition improves speeds, enhances reliability and crucially, requires no action from the user.

➤ Eliminating 4G not spots – By providing 4G coverage to areas of the UK where it wasn’t previously available to either brand’s customers, VodafoneThree has removed 16,500km² of not spots, an area ten times the size of London.

➤ Enhanced 5G coverage – Up to 50 million people, around 71% of the UK population, now have access to VodafoneThree’s fastest 5G speeds, thanks to bringing the networks together and an accelerated 5G roll out plan.

➤ Reliability and resilience – Busy times, such as rush hour, put a strain on the network, as sites can be flooded with more customers than they can provide a good quality service to. Thanks to this technology, customers will be moved from a busy site to one that is able to provide the required level of performance. This reduces congestion, improving performance for affected users and providing a better experience for all customers.

➤ Improved coverage for high-footfall venues – Strategic coverage, including tactical deployment on temporary sites, indoor solutions and upgrades at high-footfall venues such as stadiums, airports and event spaces, ensure service levels remain strong during spikes in demand.

The improvements mentioned above form part of VodafoneThree’s “first phase of network integration“, with more to come.

Andrea Donà, Chief Network Officer at VodafoneThree, said:

“This world-first network upgrade shows how VodafoneThree is using cutting-edge technology to transform the UK’s digital infrastructure. By unifying core and radio sharing at a national level, while also introducing intelligent orchestration and dynamic capacity management, we’re setting a new benchmark for network performance.

This upgrade means customers are already experiencing improved reliability and coverage and as well as access to our fastest 5G speeds today, but this is just the beginning. As we continue rolling out upgrades through our £11 billion investment, customers can expect even better performance, with even faster speeds.”

Take note that Vodafone and Three UK eventually aim to have a single core network that will do away with the need for the MOCN side of things, but that’s still “many years away” and MOCN itself is currently still being deployed (i.e. the roll-out of MOCN is expected to complete by 2033). The reason why some masts take longer is because many of the initial batches were merely software upgrades, while others will need new hardware, especially in remote rural areas (that takes time).