Original article Total Telecom:Read More

Press Release

The Buffalo Bills today announced Verizon will be the exclusive wireless telecommunications partner of the new Highmark Stadium, set to open in 2026. The agreement also establishes Verizon as a Founding Partner of New Highmark Stadium.

“Partnering with Verizon as the Official 5G Network and a Founding Partner for the new Highmark Stadium is a major step in enhancing the fan experience at every level,” said Pete Guelli, Buffalo Bills, EVP & Chief Operating Officer, Buffalo Bills. “Verizon’s technical expertise and leadership in 5G will transform how our fans connect with the game and each other, bringing cutting-edge connectivity to our stadium and its surrounding campus. Together, we’re setting a new standard for live sports, creating immersive, seamless experiences that will keep our fans at the forefront of innovation.”

As the Official 5G Network for the new Highmark Stadium, Verizon will own the neutral host Distributed Antenna System (DAS) in the new stadium and provide state-of-the-art technology and wireless solutions to keep fans connected. The Bills will also integrate Verizon Business Solutions and services in the new stadium to drive sustainability, power operations and streamline fan experiences. While the new stadium is under construction, Verizon Business is providing temporary WiFi access points to the site to power the design, integration/logistics and installation of the facility.

“Bills fans are some of the most passionate in the league, and we’re excited for the opportunity to bring them the power of Verizon 5G at the new Highmark Stadium to elevate their game-day experience like never before,” said Chris Flood, Atlantic North Market President, Verizon. “From ultrafast connectivity to enhanced in-stadium features, our partnership with the Bills is all about delivering an immersive experience that keeps fans engaged every play of the game. Together, we’re providing the technology that enhances every moment, both on and off the field, to deliver a next-level fan experience.”

The new stadium will seat 60,000 with an expandable capacity to hold special events, will include state-of-the-art video and scoreboards, sound system, administrative and event staff offices and lockers, broadcast facilities, team store, locker rooms, food service kitchens and concessions, signage, sports lighting, maintenance, and storage areas, plaza, parking, and site landscaping.

Fans interested in becoming a priority list member, which includes access to visit the Bills Stadium Experience and purchase seats following current Season Ticket Members, can sign up at Billsstadiumexperience.com.

In addition to always-on connectivity, Bills fans and stadium attendees will benefit from premium programming, sweepstakes and onsite activations. Unique access and experiences will be available for Verizon customers throughout the season/year. Furthermore, Verizon is donating an additional $20,000 to the Veterans One-Stop Center – a Buffalo-based nonprofit that improves the quality of life of local veterans, service members and their families – following the company’s November 2024 donation of $20,000 to the same organization, for a total donation of $40,000 toward the cause.

The Bills collaborated with global, premium experiences company Legends to secure Verizon as a founding partner for Highmark Stadium. Legends is the Bills consultant on project development, global partnerships, premium sales, ticket sales, retail, and hospitality for New Highmark Stadium.

Verizon brings a mix of public and private network capabilities, a robust technology ecosystem, and 5G partnerships that enable leagues, teams, and stadium operators to create and deliver a first-class fan experience and achieve desired venue operations outcomes. Learn more about how Verizon is elevating the connected venue approach for sports, entertainment and campus partners through Enterprise Intelligence.

Join the telecoms ecosystem in discussion at Connected America 2026, the USA’s leading digital economy event

Also in the news:
Germany appoints first ever digital minister
Signify and Cornerstone to deploy city-wide multi-operator wireless network through street lighting
BT opens new flagship Manchester office

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

Stuttgart, Germany – 13 May, 2025 – 3 Screen Solutions (3SS), a leading provider of software solutions for set-top boxes (STB), smart TV, multiscreen and in-vehicle entertainment, announces that Vodafone Group has selected 3SS and its 3Ready product platform to power the next-generation Vodafone TV user experiences (UX) across all Vodafone TV’s markets.

Following a competitive RFP process, Vodafone Group selected 3SS to lead the new programme to deliver a world-class TV UX based on 3Ready, including the Product Framework and Control Center. Vodafone’s new TV platform will be deployed across multiple countries and devices.

Vodafone TV is available in Germany, Portugal, Romania, Albania, Czechia, Greece and Ireland.

Vodafone Group will benefit from 3Ready’s award-winning user experience and its proven and mature technology foundation to deliver first-class targeted experiences for Vodafone TV customers. Today, 3Ready is used by over 20 telcos and TV operators worldwide.

Super-aggregators like Vodafone can gain a distinct competitive advantage with 3Ready through the ability to curate content across all sources, including third-party providers, and delivering a highly personalized experience targeted to different user segments across all screens.

“We are extremely proud and delighted that Vodafone Group selected 3SS as the right partner, and 3Ready as the right foundation, on which to build its next generation Vodafone TV multi-territory services,” said Kai-Christian Borchers, Managing Director of 3SS.

About 3 Screen Solutions (3SS)

3SS is a global leader in digital entertainment technology, delivering solutions that create experiences people love. Since 2009, 3SS has been trusted by telcos, pay-TV operators and streamers for its expertise in system integration, software engineering, UI/UX design innovation and solution architecture. The award-winning 3Ready product platform accelerates seamless entertainment service launches across all devices, while empowering customer-centric innovation. Today 3Ready powers 30+ service providers, delivering rich, loyalty-enhancing entertainment hubs with total reach of 70+ million users. Blue-chip operators and innovators worldwide have chosen 3SS technology, including 4iG Group (OneTV), A1 Telekom Austria Group, Allente, Altibox, Claro, Elisa Estonia, ENTEL, Norlys, ORS, Proximus, TCC Uruguay, Tele2, TELUS, Vodafone Group and Yes. Expanding beyond the living room, 3SS also delivers next-generation in-vehicle entertainment solutions. The 3Ready Automotive in-car entertainment platform is currently being deployed by leading global OEMs, redefining the connected car experience. Please visit 3ss.tv for more information and follow us on LinkedIn.

For media information, please contact:

Cynthia Ritchie

cynthia@whitetigercommunications.net

+44 20 4518 7555

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

Julie Bradford, Head of Techno-Economic Analysis at Real Wireless, has been re-elected by the CW membership. Julie brings over two decades of experience in the wireless industry, with a deep focus on network economics, sustainability, and public policy. At Real Wireless, she leads analysis for European and UK projects assessing the environmental, economic and societal impact of wireless infrastructure. Within CW, Julie has played a key role as a SIG champion, chaired multiple CWIC conferences, and has been instrumental in strengthening the role and direction of CW’s SIGs to reflect the evolving wireless ecosystem. 

Chris Bruce, an experienced telecoms executive and strategic advisor, has been re-appointed to the Board by co-option. A former Chair of Cambridge Tech Week, Chris has also chaired the Wireless Broadband Alliance and served as CEO of BT Openzone. Over a career spanning BT, Ericsson, and entrepreneurial ventures, Chris has combined deep sector insight with hands-on leadership of innovation programmes. Within CW, he has been a valued member of the Board, leading the Finance & Audit Committee and playing a central role in the successful delivery of CW’s flagship events. 

Dominick Peasley, CEO of SPRK Capital, joins the Board as a newly co-opted member. Dominick brings significant expertise in fintech, SME finance, and growth capital. At SPRK, he leads the UK’s foremost innovation-focused lender to SMEs, working with British Business Investments to support high-growth companies. He previously raised over £5 billion in capital for UK SMEs through his leadership at Funding Circle and has advised government-backed funding programmes. He also brings entrepreneurial experience as co-founder of Salt, a music-tech disruptor, and deep institutional knowledge from earlier roles at Goldman Sachs. 

Jonathan Pearl, founder of Concordian and a former senior legal and governance executive, also joins as a new co-opted Board member. Jonathan’s career includes over 30 years in two global technology firms, where he led corporate governance, compliance, and risk management functions across international markets. A qualified solicitor and accredited mediator, Jonathan now advises public sector bodies and charities on strategy, risk, and conflict resolution. His blend of governance expertise and stakeholder diplomacy will be invaluable as CW grows its product portfolio, geographic reach, and member base. 

Chair of the CW Board, Olu Orugboh, who was also re-elected and retains her seat for a second term, commented: 

“We are pleased to welcome both re-elected and newly appointed members to the Cambridge Wireless Board. The continued involvement of Julie Bradford and Chris Bruce ensures valuable continuity and sector knowledge, while the addition of Dominick Peasley and Jonathan Pearl brings fresh expertise in finance, governance and innovation. 

“This combination of experience and new perspectives will support the Board in guiding CW through its next phase of strategic development and member engagement, led by CEO Michaela Eschbach. We are also deeply appreciative of the increased number of engaged, passionate and diverse individuals who took part in this year’s election process – a clear reflection of our members’ commitment to CW’s mission and future.” 

The new Board composition reflects CW’s ambition to support a growing, increasingly interdisciplinary membership and to reinforce the organisation’s role as a national and international connectivity and digital technology community. 

For more information about Cambridge Wireless, visit www.cambridgewireless.co.uk 

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

ISP partners of VeloxServ, one of the UK’s fastest growing independent wholesale connectivity providers, will benefit from greater choice and competitive pricing for business connectivity in London thanks to a new collaboration with Vorboss.

“The demand for cost-effective and high-performance connectivity for businesses in London is growing rapidly in a fast moving and data-driven economy, which is why we’re delighted to be able to work with Vorboss to offer our ISP partners an even greater choice of competitive full-fibre products to serve the needs of their customers,” said Craig Messer, Managing Director of VeloxServ.

The leading provider of internet connectivity, server hosting and data centre colocation is working with the business-only network provider and owner Vorboss, to offer its partners 10/25/100 Gbps full-fibre services in the capital.

“Building, operating and maintaining our own award-winning network in London enables us to offer leading wholesale connectivity providers like VeloxServ an unbeatable quality of service, installed quickly and at an extremely competitive price,” said Malcolm Puddefoot, Chief Revenue Officer at Vorboss.

The collaboration with Vorboss marks the latest milestone in an exciting phase of growth for VeloxServ, which has recently been shortlisted for three UK Fibre Awards and has built a trusted reputation for excellent customer service over the last 17 years.

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

Research Nester’s recent market research analysis on “Data Center Interconnect Market: Global Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2037” delivers a detailed competitors analysis and a detailed overview of the global data center interconnect market in terms of market segmentation by type, application, end-user, and by region.

Increased Advancements by Data Center Providers to Promote Global Market Share of Data Center Interconnect

Data center providers are improving their cloud and co-location offerings, which is one of the major factors propelling the growth of the market. The public, financial, OTT, and ISP sectors will all be developing use cases for DCI networks as a result of the expansion and dispersion of data centers, increased fiber consumption, and affordable pluggable modules. Product innovation is a crucial way for market players to set themselves apart. Vendors like Ciena, Infinera, Huawei, and Nokia have been pushing the limits of contemporary optics since the beginning of 2020. For instance, in 2022, one of the top digital network integrators in the country, STL unveiled India’s first multicore fiber and cable. This innovative breakthrough will transform India’s optical connection environment.  This has been conceptualized and developed in-house with leading interdisciplinary R&D specialists at STL’s Centre of Excellence in Maharashtra. Using space division multiplexing, STL’s Multiverse increases transmission capacity per fiber by 4X while maintaining the same diameter.

Some of the major growth factors and challenges that are associated with the growth of the global data center interconnect market are:

Growth Drivers:

• Increase in the Number of Data Centers
• Surge in the Global Demand for 5G Network

Challenges:

Several factors must be considered when preparing for the construction of the data center. Some of these aspects are engineering, authorizations and approvals, power systems, insulated generators, conduits or cables for electrical equipment, data center lighting, illumination protection, air quality control, fire suppression, etc. These expenses may soon be compensated for by capital investments. Consequently, the growth of the data center interconnect market may be hindered by this factor.

Some other factors such as data privacy issues and capacity limitations may impede the growth of the data center interconnect market.

By end-user, the global Data Center Interconnect market is segmented into communication service providers, internet content providers/ carrier-neutral providers, governments, and enterprises. The internet content providers/carrier neutral providers segment is expected to hold a share of 32% during the forecast period. Several of the biggest ICPs, like Microsoft, Google, and Facebook (Meta), are producing enormous amounts of internet traffic. For this reason, to connect their data centers, many ICPs are also choosing to construct fiber networks. Several carrier-neutral colocation facilities are making significant investments in DCI technology since flexibility is crucial for these types of facilities. Therefore, this factor is accelerating the growth of the segment.

By region, the Middle East & Africa data center interconnect market is anticipated to hold a share of 15% by the end of 2037. Major international cloud service providers are present in the Middle East and Africa (MENA) region. These providers include Amazon Web Services, Tencent, Microsoft, Google, Alibaba, Oracle, and Huawei Technologies. Microsoft, for example, plans to set up a cloud region in Saudi Arabia. Operators in several Middle Eastern and African nations are encouraged to build data centers by the availability of industrial parks, land, and government assistance. With the introduction of new submarines, the connectivity of the Middle East and Africa data center interconnect market is continuously expanding. It is anticipated that these factors will bolster the market growth in the region.

Research Nester is a leading service provider for strategic market research and consulting. We aim to provide unbiased, unparalleled market insights and industry analysis to help industries, conglomerates and executives to take wise decisions for their future marketing strategy, expansion and investment etc. We believe every business can expand to its new horizon, provided a right guidance at a right time is available through strategic minds. Our out of box thinking helps our clients to take wise decision in order to avoid future uncertainties.

Source:https://www.researchnester.com/reports/data-center-interconnect-market/5904

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

The business division of mobile network operator O2 (VMO2) has today revealed that their O2 Recycle for Business service, which helps companies of all sizes to trade in their old technology (usually in return for cash, credits or a charitable donation), has helped to save 45,000 devices from waste (earning nearly £330k) since it was relaunched in October 2023.

The traded tech (e.g. Smartphones, routers etc.) is typically data wiped, and then repaired, refurbished and resold, or recycled – with zero parts going to landfill, helping prevent electronic waste (e-waste). But the business service is admittedly still dwarfed by the O2 Recycle service for consumers, which since 2009 has recycled more than 4 million devices and paid out over £350m to consumers (last year alone it saved 100,000 devices).

However, VMO2’s own research has suggested that there could be approximately 11.8 million unused business devices gathering dust that could still be reused or recycled, although it remains difficult to get an accurate figure for such things.

Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at VMO2, said:

“We know businesses want simple solutions to help them become more sustainable. That’s why Virgin Media O2 is leading the way in helping companies to reduce their waste, recycle their unwanted tech, and reuse their unwanted devices.

Businesses can also play a vital role in supporting digital inclusion by accessing tech donation programmes, where their unused devices can be given a second life and used by someone in need, helping them to get online, access essential websites and build digital skills.”

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Nexfibre, which shares some of their parentage with ISP partner Virgin Media (O2), recently published their latest quarterly (Q1 2025) build update and confirmed that their new 10Gbps capable Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP / XGS-PON) broadband network now covers 2.2 million UK premises. But a big chunk of their future build plan for 2025-26 has now vanished.

Just to recap. Back in 2022 Telefónica, Liberty Global and InfraVia Capital Partners setup nexfibre as a new £4.5bn joint venture (here), which aimed to deploy an open access (wholesale) full fibre network to reach “up to” 7 million UK homes (starting with 5m by 2026) in areas NOT served by Virgin Media’s own network of 16m+ premises. The funding reflects £3.3bn of fully underwritten financing and up to £1.4bn in equity commitments.

However, it’s worth noting that nexfibre’s latest Q1 2025 build update was recently published, which now reflects the impact from wider events that we covered last week (here). In short, nexfibre now only expects to reach 2.5 million premises in 2025 (they had previously been adding c.1m premises per year), which compares with 2.2 million premises ready for service today (up from 2m in Q4 2024).

The CEO of Liberty Global, Mike Fries, attributed part of this slowdown to JV partner Telefonica and their recently announced strategic review, including the related uncertainty flowing from the Spanish operator’s new leadership (inc. political influence from the government of Spain).

In addition, Fries talked about Liberty Global’s desire toward “retaining capital discipline in an increasingly irrational altnet environment“, although he also spoke of pursuing more growth through M&A (consolidation) with other alternative network operators. So less new build, but possibly more consolidation, seems to be the plan.

Suffice to say that the above changes within the JV have already had an impact on the latest nexfibre build update. For example, a lot of areas across South West and South East England, as well as Wales, seem to have completely vanished from the Q1 map of planned build locations in 2025-26. But on a more positive note, much of nexfibre’s planned deployment across Scotland remains intact.

You can get a better idea by looking at the visualisation of nexfibre’s earlier Q3 2024 and Q1 2025 build maps below.

Nexfibre Build Maps – Q3 2024 (Left) vs Q1 2025 (Right)

The above comparison may also provide some clues as to where nexfibre may be looking when they contemplate future mergers and acquisitions. Speaking of which..

Rajiv Datta, CEO of nexfibre, said:

“As we look ahead, we are mindful that a significant proportion of our build plan would result in overbuild with existing altnet infrastructure in the current fragmented environment. This would clearly be an inefficient use of the significant capital we have available and do nothing to help move the market to a healthier place.

We’ve long said that the current market structure is unsustainable, and we continue to believe that industry rationalisation and consolidation is both inevitable and necessary. That’s why we’re reassessing our plans with a view to using some of our financial capability in a smarter way to seize opportunities as they emerge.

Our mission remains unchanged: to create a national-scale challenger to Openreach, in collaboration with our partner Virgin Media O2”

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

The Welsh Government (WG) appears to have quietly reopened their Access Broadband Cymru (ABC) grant scheme during the middle of last week. This is being backed by an investment pot of £1 million (annual budget) and offers funding to help rural homes get a 30Mbps+ broadband service installed in areas of slow connectivity.

Just to recap. The WG’s scheme was paused at the end of last summer to help bring it more up-to-date (here), particularly in light of the UK’s government’s £5bn Project Gigabit broadband rollout programme – this has long aimed to help extend gigabit broadband (1000Mbps+) networks to reach “nationwide” coverage (c. 99%) by 2030 (here). A number of related contracts for Wales have since been awarded to Openreach (here and here).

The WG had previously stated that the pause in their ABC scheme would allow them to update it to “reflect new broadband technology and market changes“, while also reviewing the “grant limits and how the scheme is run to keep it targeted, flexible, and responsive“. In March 2025 we then posted an update on all this (here), which revealed that the WG “anticipated that the scheme [would] reopen in the Spring” with some changes.

The good news is that, without any big announcements being made, readers of ISPreview have spotted that the WG appears to have quietly re-opened the ABC scheme last week (here). But the updated scheme only appears to have benefitted from a few smaller tweaks, and thus retains much of the same focus as it had before the pause.

For example, there’s no longer the option of a smaller £400 voucher for 10Mbps+ speeds, but they do still offer a single voucher worth “up to” £800 per premises for areas looking to get a 30Mbps+ capable connection installed (funding is split between equipment [£550] and installation costs [£250]). The scheme is open to both homes and businesses.

ABC Core Eligibility criteria

The scheme is open to premises provided they meet all the following criteria:

➤ is within the geographical boundary of Wales.

➤ is not able to achieve a connection of a minimum of 30mbps download speeds via any provider.

➤ has not previously received any public funding from any other UK public sector broadband intervention.

➤ has not received funding from the ABC Scheme within the past 48 months (including the paused scheme) regardless of speeds achieved during this timeframe.

➤ has a unique premises reference number (UPRN)

The scheme states that “any technology is eligible” (e.g. satellite, fixed wireless access, 4G/5G mobile, FTTP etc.), provided the installation is capable of achieving download speeds of at least 30Mbps. But the limited level of funding involved per premises does tend to rule out FTTP as a choice in most rural areas, where such deployments are often a lot more expensive than £800 per premises, except in a few cases.

The revised vouchers are thus unlikely to have a huge impact on the market or even gigabit coverage. But they do at least provide another option to help fully or partially fund solutions for those who can’t get access to a 30Mbps+ connection via existing fixed broadband lines.

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

News

This quarter, BCE, Rogers, and Telus collectively reported their lowest wireless subscriber growth in four years

Canada’s crackdown on immigration is hamstringing growth for the nation’s telcos, according to a report in The Toronto Star.

The latest financial reports from all three of the country’s national mobile network operators – BCE, Telus, and Rogers – show a significant drop in subscriber growth this quarter, which they attribute to the government’s immigration policies.

Collectively, the three telcos added just 54,000 net mobile subscribers over the past quarter, the lowest amount since the coronavirus pandemic.

For the past four years, these telcos have typically enjoyed six-figure subscriber growth, buoyed by a steady stream of foreign students and temporary workers entering the country.

By last year, however, it was becoming apparent that this level of immigration – around half a million newcomers annually – was putting a major strain on both the country’s healthcare and housing systems.

As a result, the government has introduced a host of new immigration policies, aimed at both slowing the number of permanent residents and foreign students. In 2025, the country aims to welcome 395,000 permanent residents, 305,900 students, and 367,750 temporary workers, down 21%, 10%, and 16%, respectively, compared to 2024.

While this deceleration in growth was to be expected, it will nonetheless come as a painful blow to the operators, particularly BCE and Rogers which are feeling the pressure of mountains of debt and falling revenues.

Both companies stock prices have fallen to levels not seen for over a decade, with BCE even deciding to slash its dividend by 56%, reducing it for the first time since 2009.

Also in the news:
Germany appoints first ever digital minister
Signify and Cornerstone to deploy city-wide multi-operator wireless network through street lighting
BT opens new flagship Manchester office

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

News

The combined business is valued up to £3 billion

Today, Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) Business and Daisy Group have announced their intention to merge, creating a new B2B communications and IT giant.

The combined company will have roughly 700,000 customers, annual revenues reaching around £1.4 billion, and an estimated value of £2.5–£3 billion.

VMO2 will own 70% of the merged business and Daisy Group will hold 30%.

The deal is expected to deliver around £600 million in synergies, primarily through “leveraging Virgin Media O2’s own networks, reducing duplicated costs, pursuing cross and up sell opportunities and integrating IT systems”, according to the companies’ press release.

Roughly half of this total cost saving is expected to be delivered within three years.

VMO2 CEO Lutz Schüler described the deal as the “perfect pairing”, saying the deal would create a B2B “powerhouse”.

“For us, it’s a big step forward in our journey to boost B2B growth and provide UK businesses of all sizes with the best digital and connectivity offerings,” he said. “Following completion, the new company will have the scale, talent, focus and infrastructure needed to drive digital transformation and provide business customers with an innovative one-stop shop for all their communications and IT needs. We can’t wait to get started on this next chapter in partnership with Daisy.”

Daisy founder Matthew Riley will serve as Chair of the organisation, while VMO2 Business’s managing director Jo Bertram will handle the day-to-day operations as CEO.

The deal is subject to typical regulatory oversight from the Competition and Markets Authority, but an inside source told Sky News that the companies did not expect any objections.

Assuming approval, the deal is expected to close in early H2 this year.

Join the telecoms ecosystem in discussion at Connected Britain 2025, the UK’s leading digital economy event

Also in the news:
Germany appoints first ever digital minister
Signify and Cornerstone to deploy city-wide multi-operator wireless network through street lighting
BT opens new flagship Manchester office