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News

The German antitrust regulator, the Bundeskartellamt (BKartA), says Vodafone and Vantage have deliberately obstructed the development of 1&1’s mobile network

In a statement released today, BKartA said it suspects Vodafone and its privately owned tower spin-off Vantage Towers of engaging in anticompetitive practises designed to delay its would-be mobile rival 1&1.

The preliminary legal assessment accuses Vodafone and Vantage Towers of failing to provide 1&1 access to thousands of its mobile sites, as per a previous agreement.

“According to the information available to us at this stage, the delay and its negative effects on competition in the relevant markets could, and in view of the prohibition of abusive practices under competition law, should indeed have been avoided,” said Andreas Mundt, president of the BKartA. “At the current stage, we are considering using our powers as a competition authority to enforce the provision of the sites which have not yet been made available.”

1&1 Drillisch won 5G mobile spectrum at auction back in 2019 with the intention of building out its own network and becoming Germany’s fourth national operator. By 2021, 1&1 had signed a deal with Vantage Towers to access up to 5,000 of the towerco’s existing mobile sites, allowing them to more rapidly deploy their burgeoning 5G network.

The contract specified that 3,800 sites were to be made available by 2025.

By the end of 2022, however, it was becoming clear that access to this may sites by 2025 would be unlikely, with 1&1 saying it had been granted access to just five sites. In 2023, 1&1 formally complained to BKartA, who subsequently launched an investigation into the source of Vantage’s delays in providing the agreed upon infrastructure.

1&1 says the delays caused by Vantage have severely harmed their ability to compete in the market,

The BKartA said that Vodafone and Vantage could have taken steps to resolve this issue but instead appear to have focussed on supporting Vodafone’s rollout.

“Based on current knowledge, the companies would have had numerous options to respond to any difficulties in fulfilling the contract without causing such massive delays. For example, the companies could have temporarily shifted Vodafone’s own expansion to locations other than those planned for 1&1 and/or focused more of their own resources on contract fulfilment,” said the statement.

The regulator says it is “provisionally considering, in addition to establishing the antitrust violations, ordering the provision of the remaining sites within three years and accompanying this order with further measures”.

Vodafone and Vantage Towers now both have an opportunity to explain themselves to the regulator, with a final ruling expected “mid-year”.

How is the German telecoms market evolving? Join the discussion at Germany’s leading digital economy event, Connected Germany live in Munich

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Nokia, Telia, and Finnish military demo 5G network slicing across borders
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Deutsche Telekom commits to Google Cloud through 2030 

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

Press Release

KDDI and Okinawa Cellular will start providing au Starlink Direct, a direct to cell service between satellites and au smartphones, on April 10, 2025. This is the first Direct to Cell satellite service in Japan [1] .
The service is compatible with 50 smartphone models and is available free of charge to au users from today for the time being without the need to apply.

The au Starlink Direct service allows au smartphones to directly connect to the Starlink satellite that supports direct telecommunications, enabling connectivity wherever there is a sight of sky, even outside the coverage area. In addition to text messaging with friends, users can receive emergency earthquake alerts and share current location with families, providing peace of mind in emergencies. Furthermore, Android users can simply send text questions to get support for searches and other tasks from Google’s AI assistant, Gemini.

Although au’s population coverage is more than 99.9%, its area coverage rate is approximately 60% due to Japan’s unique topography [2]. au Starlink Direct, which covers all of Japan, enables connectivity in the remaining 40%. The service can be used to communicate with family members and friends, in emergencies, etc., even in mountainous areas, island areas, and campgrounds and at sea where it is difficult to provide a telecommunications environment.

KDDI is expanding the au coverage area to all of Japan to bring the experience of “Connecting the Unconnected. wherever you see the sky.”

Commenting on the launch of au Starlink Direct, Gwynne Shotwell, President & COO of SpaceX, said: “I’m very excited to bring direct-to-cell phone connectivity to Japan through KDDI, the first in Asia and one of the first in the world. Both Starlink and direct-to-cell are game-changing technologies, making connecting the unconnected simple and bringing potentially life-saving capability to the people of Japan for disaster and other emergency responses.”

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Also in the news: 
Nokia, Telia, and Finnish military demo 5G network slicing across borders
Mobile operators quibble with Ofcom over spectrum fees
Deutsche Telekom commits to Google Cloud through 2030 

1. Among direct telecommunications services between satellites and smartphones that enable individuals to send and receive SMS messages.
2. “Results of Survey of Radio Usage Pertaining to Mobile Phones and Nationwide BWA in fiscal 2024 (in Japanese only) (4.1MB)” by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Alternative network ISP Fastr Broadband (formerly UK Fibre Networks) has today announced that they’ve completed the roll-out of their new Adtran powered and 10Gbps capable Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) network across the city centre of York (England), which they claim has put them within reach of 8,000 local homes and businesses.

Based on our earlier article (here), Fastr’s network expansion originally began in the Gillygate area of York during January 2024 and they’ve since been expanding across several additional build phases. The initial goal was to cover c.8,000 premises by the end of 2024, but it took slightly longer to finish.

York is already home to several other gigabit-capable broadband networks, such as Openreach (BT), Virgin Media and CityFibre. But crucially, most of them only have a limited reach into the very heart of the city, which is where Fastr has been concentrating their efforts.

Residential customers of the service can expect to pay from £35.99 per month on a 24-month term for a 150Mbps (symmetric speed) package with free installation and Wi-Fi 6 router, which rises to £59.99 for their 950Mbps plan.

Pete Evans, Director of Fastr Broadband, said:

“Homes and businesses inside York’s city walls, can now access the fastest broadband ‘they’ve never had’ and just like Survive will see a transformative difference in their connectivity, call streaming and overall daily internet usage/experience – which is exactly what we set out to achieve.”

Lindsay Wilkinson, Digital City Executive for York City Council, said:

“It’s really exciting to see the roll-out of this full fibre network progressing across York city centre, so thousands of homes and businesses inside the city walls, and the life-blood of the city’s economy, can now access a strong and reliable internet connection and York can thrive in the digital world.
This private investment by an independent York based internet provider is very welcome and completes one of missing pieces of the jigsaw for York’s digital connectivity, where the mix of historic buildings and cobbled streets have made it challenging to build strong networks.”

Fastr Broadband now says they’re “fully available within York’s city walls“, including: Blake Street, Bootham, Church Street, Claremont Terrace, Colliergate, Coney Street, Coppergate, Gillygate, Goodramgate, Fossgate, High Petergate, Low Petergate, Lord Mayor’s Walk, Marygate, Micklegate, Skeldergate, Stonegate, Swinegate and Parliament Street.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

New customers looking to join one of Virgin Media’s broadband and TV bundles may like to know that the ISP has recently made some further hardware updates, which means that all TV packages now include a Hub 5 router (Flex ‘service’ is excluded). Previously, some bundles still included older routers, like the now somewhat dated Hub 3.

In addition, all TV packages should also now be coming with a Flex (Stream / Apollo) Box instead of the TV360 box, which is a continuation of the gradual phasing out of TV360 that we reported on again last month (here).

“All new TV customers will receive an Apollo box and a Hub 5 on all broadband tiers including M125. Flex is excluded,” confirmed a spokesperson for the provider to ISPreview. One downside of this approach is that the Stream/Apollo box (sometimes also called a ‘Flex Box’, but this confuses it with the ‘Flex service’) lacks a recording function in the UK. This isn’t quite as important in the modern on-demand world, but some people will miss the PVR feature.

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

News 

Industry leaders have called for governments to better protect subsea cables amid rising security threats 

A group of leading European telecoms and infrastructure providers has called on the EU, UK, and NATO to step up joint efforts to protect subsea cable infrastructure, warning of growing threats to systems critical for Europe’s connectivity and security. 

In a joint letter, signatories including GlobalConnect, Vodafone, Orange, Telecom Italia Sparkle, and Alcatel Submarine Networks emphasised the importance of a coordinated response to recent hybrid threats, including recent incidents in the Baltic and North Seas. 

The group stresses that subsea cables are vital to Europe’s “connectivity, competitiveness, defence readiness, and economic stability”, and call for increased collaboration between public authorities and industry stakeholders across borders. 

The letter backs the EU Action Plan on Cable Security, describing it as a “clear approach to further increase the resilience and security of subsea cables”. It also supports the European Commission’s intention to work with industry to define Critical Projects of European Interest (CPEIs) and deploy protection and surveillance technologies. 

“We welcome in particular the reference made to the instrumental aspect of the Connected Europe Facility (CEF),” the letter states, adding that “instruments of the UK authorities and of NATO could strengthen the momentum if coordinated effectively.” 

The group urges decision-makers to develop harmonised, risk-based security practices and to treat the entire subsea cable ecosystem as critical infrastructure. They also highlight the need for streamlined governance and permitting processes to accelerate action. 

Back in January, a Russian vessel used for gathering intelligence and mapping the UK’s critical underwater infrastructure, unexpectedly passed through British waters. The UK Defence Secretary John Healey called the incident “another example of growing Russian aggression”.  

 “I also want President Putin to hear this message: we see you, we know what you are doing, and we will not shy away from robust action to protect this country,” he said. 

However, many in the industry remain cautious about attributing recent cable outages to sabotage. Most damage, they point out, is still caused by accidents. Speaking to The Tech Capital Magazine, an executive at Ciena said that “a cable deliberately damaged and one damaged by accident is going to look the same when you drag it up to repair it and investigate.”   

“If the goal is to impact internet services in a rival country, cutting one subsea cable is unlikely to have much of an effect,” echoed Mike Conradi, co-chair of the international telecoms and digital infrastructure lead at global law firm DLA Piper.   

“To seriously impact a country like the UK, multiple cables would have to be cut simultaneously, at which point the action becomes less sabotage and a more overt attack. In this scenario, a higher-profile target would make more sense,” he continued. 

The letter closes with a clear message to European and transatlantic policymakers: “By acting now, we can safeguard the networks that underpin our shared future.” 

Join us at next year’s Submarine Networks, 27-28 May in London. Get discounted tickets here! 

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NOW Telecom’s mobile licence revoked after ‘grossly deficient’ infra rollout
Nokia, Telia, and Finnish military demo 5G network slicing across borders
Anatel approves expansion of Starlink satellite operations in Brazil

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

News

The regulator’s decision follows the operator’s abject failure to deploy mobile infrastructure after almost five years

This week, the Philippines regulator National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has denied NOW Telecom’s appeal to extend its mobile operating licence.

The regulator said that the operator had failed to meet numerous regulatory requirements attached to the licence, including minimal rollout targets and a sufficient use of assigned mobile spectrum.

“[Now Telecom’s] provisional authority to install, operate and maintain a nationwide mobile telecommunications system, offer services and to charge rates, with the clarification that said authority is not specific to 3G, is hereby deemed inoperative in view of its expiration/non-extension of its provisional authority,” said the NTC in a statement.

Founded as Satellite Paging Systems Philippines in 1992, NOW Telecom acquired a mobile network operating licence from the NTC in 2020, aiming to take on the de facto mobile duopoly of Globe and PLDT. As part of this licence agreement, NOW pledged to rollout 2,306 base stations across the country.

Five years on, however, the NTC says NOW has deployed just six base stations and still does not offer commercial services.

“After more than five years, the frequency band 3520-3540 MHz is used only in six out of 2,306 base stations (0.26 percent) or three out of 245 locations (1.22 percent),” read the NTC’s order.

In addition to this rollout failure, NOW also owes the regulator spectrum payments of over PHP 3.57 billion ($62 million), a figure that the operator contests.

NOW has 15 days to appeal to the decision, according to reports.

Keep up to date with the latest international telecoms news by subscribing to our newsletter 

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Harmeen Mehta Joins Equinix as Chief Digital and Innovation Officer to Accelerate Customer and Employee Experiences
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Original article Total Telecom:Read More

January – Trump on Telecoms

February – Cybersecurity

March – AI

April – Data centre

May – Sustainability 

June – Connected Vehicles

July – 5G evolution 

August – Satellite  

September – Connected Britain

October – Chips

November – Customer experience

December – roundup

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Researchers from the Universities of Bristol and Cambridge claim to have demonstrated the UK’s “first long-distance ultra-secure transfer of data over a quantum communications network” using “standard [single-mode] fibre optic infrastructure“. The test successfully transmitted a live quantum-secured video call over a distance of 410km (between Bristol and Cambridge).

Connections like this are extremely secure and intended to ensure that, should such a communication be intercepted along the way, the sender will be able to tell that the link has been tampered with, and the stolen photons cannot then be used as part of the key, thus rendering the data stream itself incomprehensible to a hacker.

The network itself harnessed two types of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) schemes: “unhackable” encryption keys hidden inside particles of light; and distributed entanglement: a phenomenon that causes quantum particles to be intrinsically linked. The network then used these to demonstrate a live video conference link, as well as the transfer of encrypted medical data, and secure remote access to a distributed data centre.

This is said to be the “first time” that a long-distance network, encompassing different quantum-secure technologies such as entanglement distribution, has been successfully demonstrated (we’ve seen networks working over much longer distances, but not with both of these methods).

The demonstration was carried out using the UK Quantum Network (UKQN), established over the last decade by the same team, supported by funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), and as part of the Quantum Communications Hub project. This covers two metropolitan quantum networks around Bristol and Cambridge, which are connected via a ‘backbone’ of four long-distance optical fibre links spanning 410km with three intermediate nodes.

Report co-author, Dr Rui Wang (University of Bristol), said:

“This is a crucial step toward building a quantum-secured future for our communities and society. More importantly, it lays the foundation for a large-scale quantum internet—connecting quantum nodes and devices through entanglement and teleportation on a global scale.”

Sadly, we don’t get any details about the speed of this data connection, which would have been interesting to know. But the work, which was also supported by Toshiba, BT, Adtran and Cisco, still marks a significant step forward and toward building a national scale quantum secured network.

The team now plan to pursue this work further through a newly funded EPSRC project, the Integrated Quantum Networks Hub, whose vision is to “establish quantum networks at all distance scales, from local networking of quantum processors to national-scale entanglement networks for quantum-safe communication, distributed computing and sensing, all the way to intercontinental networking via low-earth orbit satellites“.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Mobile network operator O2 (Virgin Media) has today warned that they’re still seeing “significant inbound roaming traffic” on their legacy 2G and 3G networks in the UK. This comes ahead of their rapidly approaching plan to withdraw the service from 1st October 2025.

As most people will already know, O2 and other mobile operators are currently already in the process of switching off their older 2G and 3G mobile (mobile broadband) networks (here and here). O2’s move to withdraw 3G is due to reach completion by the end of 2025, while it will take several years to completely retire 2G as it remains necessary for various devices (e.g. Energy Smart Meters) and as a fallback in areas of poor 4G and 5G signals.

The change will free up radio spectrum so that it can be used to further improve the network coverage and mobile broadband speeds of more modern 4G and 5G networks, as well as future 6G services. The switch-off will also reduce the operators’ costs and power consumption.

As part of these changes, O2 last year revealed that they would also be withdrawing inbound roaming services from their 2G and 3G networks on 1st October 2025 (here). This reflects the service that allows users from other operators to access O2’s local network and services. But there’s always a risk that, in some limited areas and circumstances, this could contribute to localised problems with securing basic mobile / voice coverage.

However, despite O2’s earlier notification, the operator has today warned that they are “still seeing significant inbound roaming traffic” on their 2G and 3G networks. “If your organisation does not take action now to check all your connected devices, it could lead to the loss of any services,” said Paul O’Sullivan, Director of Wholesale Mobile at VMO2.

Paul O’Sullivan said:

“We’ve proactively reached out to business customers, trade groups, Government bodies, and key industries – ensuring they are informed and preparing accordingly. As part of this, we are working closely with the Telecare Services Association (TSA), Ofcom and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to equip the telecare industry and critical national infrastructure providers with clear information on what they need to do now. Many telecare providers have already migrated to 4G devices, and the TSA is helping us identify the other SIMs that are yet to migrate.

We also contacted key roaming partners, the international providers whose customers indirectly roam on our network. Letters have been sent to trade organisations to help spread the word, and we’ve engaged in discussions with Government and Ofcom to share our plans and the support that we’re providing to our customers and the companies who use our network.

Despite these efforts, we are still seeing significant inbound roaming traffic on our 2G and 3G networks. Many organisations may already have established migration plans, with ambitions to activate them closer to October. But, for those that haven’t, it’s crucial to act now.

Only other network operators can facilitate roaming on our network – which by definition means anyone doing so isn’t our customer. This creates enormous barriers to us identifying and contacting the specific organisations or devices still relying on these networks. That’s why we’re urging all organisations – whether you’re a Virgin Media O2 customer or not – to check your connectivity solutions and devices by speaking to your provider.”

The situation could become awkward for O2 if they reach the deadline and find that the level of inbound roaming traffic is still “significant“, although at this stage there’s no indication of a delay being planned.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Business internet and managed service provider MLL Telecom has announced that they’ve been awarded a place on the latest YPO (The Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation) public sector procurement service. The decision gives them a place on six LOTS for the new framework.

The Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO) is a publicly owned central purchasing body based in Wakefield, which is owned and governed by a consortium of county, metropolitan and borough councils in Yorkshire and the North West of England. It exists to help the public sector achieve the best possible value when buying products and services.

The nationwide YPO 1229 Network Connectivity and Telecommunications Solutions 2 Framework includes network connectivity, smart city and IoT technologies, cyber security solutions, communication services and mobile, voice and data services. It is focused on supplying Schools, Colleges and Universities, in addition to all major Local Government departments including Social Services, Catering, Transport, Highways, Building Services, Admin and Waste Management, and the Emergency Service Authorities.

The YPO 1229 Framework is focused on technologies that are currently available and those which will evolve through the lifetime of the Framework, which is for two years (18 March 2025 – 17 March 2027) with the potential of offering two further consecutive extensions of 12 months each. MLL has been included on six of the seven LOTS available (there’s a maximum of just 20 supplier places available per LOT).

Stuart Wallis, MLL’s Chief Commercial Officer, said:

“YPO’s streamlined highly accredited framework offers a very straightforward and secure procurement process for our public sector customers, including Local Authorities, Councils, Schools, Social Housing providers and the Emergency Services Authorities. The Direct Award facility will prove very popular with those customers looking to seamlessly extend existing network services contracts or to add on new services.

Apart from underscoring our public sector focused network solutions capability and technical prowess, the YPO award also further demonstrates MLL’s strong underlying quality processes and commitment to service, security, safety, compliance, sustainability and social value.”