Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Independent data from Thinkbroadband has today revealed an updated assessment of how big – in terms of network coverage (premises passed) – the top 17 largest Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) based broadband ISP networks in the UK have become by March 2025. Once again, we compare this data against official coverage claims.

One of the difficulties with keeping close tabs on the rapid growth of UK full fibre networks is that some operators often make coverage claims that are difficult to independently verify. Similarly, we’ve often found that the official “premises passed” figures put out by some of those providers may not always reflect reality.

For example, in some cases official figures can include partially built areas that aren’t fully live yet and, in other cases, the network may be technically built, but customers in some of the covered areas won’t be able to get it ordered or installed by an ISP (i.e. not yet truly “Ready for Service” – RFS). Similarly, in a smaller number of cases, operators can sometimes make mistakes in their data.

The latest State of Broadband Report (March 2025) from TBB is thus quite useful because we get an up-to-date summary of how much coverage has been independently verified to exist (RFS) across the largest alternative network (altnet) operators in the full fibre space. We can then compare TBB’s data with the official coverage claims from operators.

Naturally, there are some caveats to consider when doing this, which need to be reflected. Firstly, TBB is not perfect, and they do sometimes miss bits and pieces of network coverage (please email them if you spot this). Secondly, conducting independent analysis of network builds like this is slow and laborious work, thus over the years we’ve tended to perceive that TBB’s latest data can be up to 2-3 months behind actual build.

Such a time lag, which will vary between operators, may not seem like much, but it can create large gaps between independent and official figures. Such gaps are most likely to occur during the early ramp-up phase of a new network build, where smaller networks may – over the course of a year – go from having a few tens of thousands of premises passed to hundreds of thousands (very few operators are in that phase today).

Suffice to say, it’s wise not to make the mistake of automatically inferring that a big gap is because an altnet may be overstating their coverage. In addition, we’ve also dated the official claims below as most operators only very occasionally provide an official update on their build progress and some haven’t done one in a long time, which will thus be out of step with TBB’s latest modelling.

Finally, we’ve included TBB’s previous figures from July 2024, which help to show whether or not a network operator has slowed its pace of build or even stalled.

Top 17 Largest UK Full Fibre Networks by Coverage – March 2025

We aren’t going to micro analyse each operator above and, in any case, most of TBB’s real-world focused estimates of Ready for Service (RFS) coverage are roughly where we’d expect them to be when compared with official claims. But there are a few caveats to point out for certain operators.

Firstly, Virgin Media’s network is currently in the middle of a major upgrade, which is seeing XGS-PON based FTTP being deployed into areas that could previously only access their Hybrid Fibre Coax (HFC) network. Currently, it’s a little bit difficult to accurately track these XGS areas (it’s only now starting to go live), and thus TBB has only included the figure for their older Radio Frequency Over Glass (RFOG) based FTTP build and not the HFC upgrades.

Meanwhile, the nexfibre build is technically a separate company and so gets its own entry, despite only selling packages via Virgin Media (more ISPs will join this year). Officially, Virgin Media and Nexfibre claim to have passed a total of 6.4 million premises with FTTP (as above, the missing gap above reflects Virgin Media’s HFC to XGS upgrades), which is up from 5 million in July 2024.

Elsewhere, we’re now treating Netomnia and Brsk as a single operator post-merger, while we’ve also done the same for FullFibre and Zzoomm due to their recent consolidation. The table also now includes toob, which is useful because the last time we had an official build update from them was in August 2023.

Broadly speaking, most of the listed operators seem to be tracking close enough to their official claims to be reflecting reality, although G.Network, F&W Networks and Hyperoptic’s official vs estimated coverage data continues to show wide gaps.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Infracapital-backed network operator and UK ISP Ogi, which is rolling out a 10Gbps capable full fibre (FTTP) broadband network across South Wales (100,000 premises are covered / RFS), has today launched a new ‘Pro’ package for business customers that comes with eero’s TrueMesh WiFi technology from Amazon.

The official announcement actually tells us very little about the new router and package, except to state that it offers “eero’s cutting-edge TrueMesh wifi technology, enhanced security and real-time control.” The move is also said to make Ogi the “first telecoms provider in Wales” to offer Amazon’s latest WiFi technology to businesses, although you can of course buy the same kit directly from Amazon.

“With the ability to support up to four separate networks, businesses can securely manage key processes and payment systems, side-by-side with a fully customisable public wifi experience. The intuitive eero app helps business owners to manage their networks remotely, providing real-time insights and network control from anywhere,” added Ogi.

The Ogi Pro eero for Business solution is said to be easy to install, scale and supports offices with up to 75 devices. Side-by-side with this new solution, Ogi also offers local, Wales-based support through a dedicated Ogi Pro business service desk.

Ogi’s Director of Business Sales, Andy Dow, said:

“As businesses look to technology to improve efficiency and user experience, Ogi is here to equip them with the tools they need to grow and thrive.

With eero for Business, the Ogi Pro solution not only provides high-performance connectivity but also makes sure that businesses have the security, control, and support to navigate today’s staff and customer expectations.

We’re excited to bring eero for Business to our suite of Ogi Pro solutions – an essential tool for those looking to drive innovation and maintain a strong digital presence.”

As above, the announcement is extremely light on detail and doesn’t mention anything about other package details or prices. However, from the mention of “75 devices” above, it almost sounds like they’re bundling the older eero Pro 6E router with this package. But we’ve had it confirmed that they’re actually offering the eero Pro 7 (supports 200+ devices) and eero Max 7 hardware and the eero app software bundle – and in the lab, they are currently testing the eero PoE Gateway hardware.

The router is an interesting choice for business users, not least due to the fact that the Pro model only features two 5Gbps Ethernet ports (although you get four ports on the Max 7), which means you’ll need extra networking kit to boost that port count or to support the transition from analogue to digital phone services. Sadly, not many smaller ISPs are bundling routers with phone ports (FXS/FXO) for IP voice / VoIP these days.

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

News 

The Spanish government agency Society for Technological Transformation (SETT) has invested €13.8 million in satellite company Sateliot 

The investment, approved by the country’s Council of Ministers, is part of Sateliot’s ongoing Series B funding round, which aims to raise €70 million. 

The funds will be used to expand Sateliot’s existing constellation of six LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites by over 100 additional satellites, which will support sectors such as defence, security, and logistics. The company provides its service through roaming agreements with MNOs and MVNOs, meaning it can deliver coverage to “hundreds of millions of users everywhere.” 

With the new funding boost, Sateliot has raised €58.8 million of its €70 million target. The company has also received contributions from other investors, including Global Portfolio Investments which added €10 million.  

The company has also secured €30 million in debt funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB), the bank’s first venture debt deal in the space sector. This financial support comes as the EU and NATO increase their focus on enhancing defence and space capabilities. 

“The confidence shown by SETT and other institutional investors confirms that Sateliot is Europe’s answer to the growing need for secure, accessible, and autonomous satellite connectivity—essential for critical applications in civil, security, and defence sectors,” said Jaume Sanpera, CEO and co-founder of Sateliot in a press release. 

Sateliot’s most recent launch saw four satellites sent into orbit in August last year.  

The company is planning to begin commercial services this year, with the company currently holding €270 million in contracts with over 400 clients across 50 countries.  

Sateliot says it aims to reach €1 billion in revenue by 2030. 

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

Also in the news:
Ofcom wants UK to be ‘first in Europe’ to use direct-to-device satellite services
AT&T mulls acquisition of Lumen’s consumer fibre unit
Viasat joins ESA’s Moonlight project for lunar connectivity 

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

News

The regulator is proposing that direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services make use of spectrum already licenced by mobile operators for 4G and 5G

This week, UK telecoms regulator Ofcom has proposed new rules that would allow D2D satellite services to be provided using the same spectrum and terrestrial mobile networks.

The regulator says the rules would make the UK the ‘first country in Europe’ to adopt such an approach, giving the nation a lead in this emerging technology.

“For years, we’ve seen satellite calls in disaster movies on special handsets. We’re now on the cusp of people being able to make them on their everyday smartphones,” said Ofcom’s Spectrum Group Director David Willis. “Ofcom always strives to be at the forefront of technological change, and we’re the first country in Europe to press ahead with the next frontier in mobile connectivity. This would unlock investment, open doors to innovation and growth, and bring much-needed mobile coverage to rural areas.”

D2D satellite communication has been a growing topic of interest for a number of years now, with the technology potentially allowing mobile operators to ensure their customers remain connected wherever they go.

Currently, satellite communications typically require a satellite to connect to a terminal deployed by the end user, which then relays the signal to the end user’s device, or to a specialised satellite phone. D2D services do away with this middleman, allowing customers to connect directly to the satellite itself using an unmodified smartphone.

Elon Musk’s satellite behemoth Starlink is currently testing its D2D capabilities with T-Mobile in the USA, while other players like AST SpaceMobile are also advancing their capabilities. Just last week AST sought permission to launch the latest model of its BlueBird satellite, with the aim of launching commercial D2D services in 2026.

From a regulatory standpoint, however, these emergent services raise a question over spectrum usage. Current mobile spectrum licences for 4G and 5G do not provision for connection to satellites (at least in the UK) and doing so poses the risk of interference of existing mobile services.

Despite these technical challenges, allowing operators to make use of their existing spectrum licences is very attractive, potentially allowing them to roll out D2D services more quickly and efficiently. It could also potentially help them to reach their rural coverage obligations, in some instances.

Ofcom is suggesting three possible approaches to D2D satellite services: (i) a licence exemption; (ii) a variation to the MNO’s existing base station licence accompanied by a licence exemption; or (iii) a new licensing regime. The regulator says its preference is for option (ii) but is seeking comment from the wider industry.

The consultation will continue until 20^th May 2025, with commercial D2D services potentially becoming available later this year if the proposals are approved.

How is satellite connectivity reshaping the UK’s telecoms industry? Join the discussion at our Connected North conference live in Manchester!

Also in the news:
Google announces agreement to acquire Wiz for $32bn
How small moves ignite industry-wide change
Liberty Global in talks to acquire Vodafone’s stake in Dutch JV VodafoneZiggo 

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Telecoms analyst firm Point Topic has today introduced a new interactive map of broadband connectivity across UK Local Authorities (LAs), which is said to “reveal significant disparities in digital infrastructure” and aims to support LAs by helping to inform their local digital strategies. The maps are also freely available to the public (recent data only).

A quick look at the new maps appears to show various data points being split by LAs and districts, including local FTTP + gigabit broadband coverage (inc. roll-out progress), details on average internet speeds, the availability of different networks, population / business premises, affordability and coverage details for other technologies (e.g. FTTC, ADSL and Cable / Coax).

The data is quite useful and allows you to see how each area has changed over time, although it doesn’t allow users to drill down to the level of individual premises and instead offers a more generic overview of each local authority.

Oliver Johnson, CEO at Point Topic, said:

“Despite substantial investment and progress in broadband infrastructure, digital inequalities remain a pressing issue. The data highlights areas where Local Authorities need targeted support to bridge connectivity gaps and ensure no community is left behind.

It’s not just about faster speeds; connectivity underpins economic development, social inclusion, and local services. Local Authorities need clear strategies to address the gaps in coverage and take-up of broadband.”

The announcement also makes reference to 4G and 5G mobile networks, although we couldn’t see any data for those networks being shown on the maps themselves.

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

News 

AT&T has entered into acquisition talks with Lumen Technologies’ consumer fibre operations, according to Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter 

A potential transaction between the two companies could value the unit at $5.5 billion.  

Sources say that discussions are still in the early stages and no formal decision has yet been made. 

As of the start of the year, Lumen’s residential broadband network covered 21.97 million premises across 16 US states. Of these, 4.16 million were using fibre, while the remaining 17.81 million relies instead upon legacy copper infrastructure. Lumen began the process of selling off the unit in December, as it seeks to “phase out its legacy mass markets business and reduce its sizable debt pile,” people familiar with the matter said. It has since started working with Goldman Sachs to gauge interest in the unit. 

At a financial conference late last year, Lumen’s CFO Chris Stansbury said the fibre business was “a great asset, but an asset that is probably better suited in somebody’s hands that has a wireless offering.” 

AT&T has been actively investing in fibre expansion as it seeks to strengthen its broadband offerings amid increasing competition from cable and alternative fibre providers. For example, last October, AT&T signed a multi-year deal with fibre specialist Corning to supply the fibre optics for the expansion of its broadband network across the US. Acquiring Lumen’s consumer fibre unit could accelerate AT&T’s ability to reach more customers, particularly in markets where it currently has limited infrastructure. 

AT&T is currently aiming to expand its fibre network to pass 50 million locations by 2029. 

In addition to talks with Lumen, last week Bloomberg reported that AT&T has been approached by BT regarding potential partnerships for BT’s international business. The article suggested that a partnership could include the sale of part of BT’s global division, although the discussions remain in the early stages. 

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

Also in the news: 
Viasat joins ESA’s Moonlight project for lunar connectivity
Segro and Pure DC form £1bn data centre JV
CityFibre begins M&A drive with acquisition of Connexin’s fibre network 

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

News

The satellite operator will serve as the project’s ‘end-to-end communications lead’, helping to deploy a satellite communications network orbiting the Moon

This week, satellite connectivity provider Viasat has been selected to design the lunar orbiting satellite communications system for the European Space Agency (ESA)’s Moonlight project.

The Moonlight Initiative was formally announced by ESA in 2021, aiming to deliver uninterrupted satellite communication between Earth and the Moon. The system is expected to become a lunar ‘data highway’, allowing people, spacecraft, and lunar vehicles to seamlessly communicate with each other and with support teams back on Earth. It will also focus on providing precise location data for all users. Ultimately, it is hoped that Moonlight will serve as the communication framework for long-term human activities on and around the Moon, from mining to space tourism.

As per this new contract, Viasat will oversee the development of a lunar orbiting navigation and communication system, as well as handling related infrastructure on Earth and the lunar surface user terminals.

“Moonlight is among the most forward looking and exciting projects undertaken by the European Space Agency and the UK Space Agency. Viasat’s participation builds on our heritage of delivering and operating highly innovative and ambitious satellite communication programs,” said Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO of Viasat. “Alongside Telespazio, we look forward to supporting the Space Agencies by leveraging our commercial orientation, network engineering and operational skills, to reliably and securely support future generations of space exploration.”

The Moonlight Initiative will be rolled out in phases, with initial capabilities expected to be operational by the end of 2028. The system is expected to be fully operational by 2030.

Viasat’s involvement in Phase 1 of the project is fully funded by the ESA.

“Moonlight is a game-changer for lunar exploration. By providing reliable communications and navigation as a service, we’re enabling future missions to dedicate more of their payload capacity to mission-critical instruments,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications. “This interoperable infrastructure will significantly enhance mission capabilities while reducing complexity and cost, ultimately accelerating humanity’s return to the Moon.”

The announcement see’s Viasat join Moonlight’s growing industry consortium, which is led by Telespazio, a joint venture by Leonardo and Thales Group that designs and manages orbital systems and services. Telespazio won a €123 million contract for the implementation of the Moonlight programme at the end of last year.

Other partners included in the consortium include Hispasat, Thales Alenia Space Italia, SSTL, Qascom, MDA, KSat, Telespazio UK, Telespazio Iberica, SDA Bocconi, POLIMI, CRAS, and SIA.

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

Also in the news:
Google announces agreement to acquire Wiz for $32bn
How small moves ignite industry-wide change
Liberty Global in talks to acquire Vodafone’s stake in Dutch JV VodafoneZiggo 

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Mobile network operator O2 (Virgin Media) have this morning announced that they’ve begun to enhance 4G mobile (mobile broadband) capacity across the Devon (England) port city of Plymouth, which has involved the deployment of several small cells from network technology provider Ontix.

Small cells are akin to mini shoebox sized mobile (radio) base stations, which are designed to deliver limited coverage (usually up to around 100 metres) and thus tend to be more focused on busy urban areas and specific sites – it’s not uncommon to find these sitting on top of lampposts, CCTV poles or old payphone cubicles (i.e. they can be more cost-effective than building new street assets or trying to secure wayleaves on buildings etc.).

The latest project follows similar small call deployments in other large towns and cities across the UK. In this case, six of the new Ontix small cells – powered by Virgin Media’s full fibre network – have been deployed around parts of the busy Drake Circus shopping centre, and at the popular Theatre Royal.

Dr Robert Joyce, O2’s Director of Mobile Access Engineering, said:

“At Virgin Media O2, we are investing around £2m per day and constantly innovating to bring reliable mobile coverage to all our customers. These small cells, powered by our existing fibre network, will improve the mobile experience in some of Plymouth’s most popular locations.”

The operator currently boasts of having the “largest deployment of small cells of any operator“, with a large number live across the country and growing.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

A new report from the Digital Communities All-Party Parliamentary Group (DC APPG) has been published, which examines the ongoing industry-led switchover from Openreach, BT and KCOM’s legacy phone lines to new digital (IP / VoIP based) networks. But it warns that, despite recent efforts, vulnerable users still face a “risk to life” from the switch.

Just to recap. The big switch-off was recently delayed to 31st January 2027 in order to give broadband ISPs, phone, telecare providers, councils and consumers more time to adapt (details). But the main focus of this delay was the 1.8 million UK people who use vital home telecare systems in the UK (e.g. elderly, disabled, and vulnerable people), which aren’t always compatible with digital phone services. Take note that for everybody else, the switching deadline is still technically Dec 2025.

The industry-led shift to digital phones is being driven by two major changes, including the looming retirement of copper lines in favour of full fibre (FTTP) broadband (inc. future exchange closures) and the fact that reliability of the old network is in decline (i.e. it’s becoming harder for operators to source parts and skills for older technologies). Not to mention that it is not economically feasible to maintain both the old and new networks long term.

Both the past and present governments have already responded to these concerns by encouraging the industry to adopt various changes (here and here), such as by ensuring that no vulnerable customers are migrated by the major providers (e.g. BT, Virgin Media, Vodafone and Sky Broadband) until their telecare systems have been confirmed to work with the new digital phone service.

In addition, many of those same providers have also recently introduced enhanced battery backup solutions, which can help to provide additional protection to vulnerable users during protracted power cuts (here). Not to mention that BT and Openreach are currently also working toward launching their Pre-Digital Phone Line (PDPL) product this year (aka – SOTAP for Analogue).

The PDPL essentially attempts to replicate how the old phone service worked, albeit over a more modern network (i.e. it does NOT require a broadband connection to function or require battery backup). But PDPL is only a temporary solution until 2030 (i.e. when mass exchange retirement starts), and it will only be available to vulnerable and edge use cases (inc. CNI) users on existing lines (not new customers) who would otherwise “face challenges” in migrating to IP based voice solutions by the deadline. But there is a catch as “PDPL is not compatible with lines connected to broadband“ (i.e. it’s for voice-only lines).

Findings of the DC APPG report

However, despite all of the above efforts, the new DC APPG report – ‘Care to Connect‘ – finds that the current industry-led approach has created a “complex landscape in what is a technical project with deeply personal repercussions“, while highlighting the previously covered deaths of two “vulnerable” Virgin Media Phone customers (here) – this is partly what led to the government putting more pressure on the industry over the past year.

The group is now calling for the role of government “to be clearly defined in digital transformation projects” and has made various other recommendations (see bottom of article), such as calling for Ofcom to require longer-lasting battery backup within broadband and mobile networks (e.g. 6 hours instead of 4 for “newly installed” street cabinets).

The report also supports the plan for a national awareness campaign (National Telecare Campaign), although it fears that “industry fragmentation has the potential to undermine the delivery of an effective NTC“. Witness evidence is said to have highlighted the critical need for “buy-in and support from the voluntary and community sector (VCS)” to deliver an effective communication campaign.

Concern was also raised about the overreliance of residents to self-identify as ‘vulnerable’ throughout the PSTN migration. Further evidence raised the potential risk of an increase in scam activity (i.e. fraudsters using the switchover to pressuring customers into parting with financial details etc.), and there is growing concern that this may worsen as a result of the national campaign.

Helen Morgan MP (North Shropshire), Chair of the APPG, said:

“The APPG agreed to fast track an inquiry into the PSTN migration and shine a light on the risks associated.

The digital switchover should be known and understood by every resident across the country to ensure the most vulnerable in our communities are protected.

Successive governments have not provided leadership or coordination to this programme, and it is now time for this new government to correct course. The risk to life if residents are not safely migrated is real. A digital transformation project of this kind cannot be allowed to be led by industry operatives alone.

Unfortunately, whilst a national campaign is essential, DSIT must urgently intervene to ensure coordination and provide clarity to the wider network of stakeholders. This will ensure the campaign has a strong ground-up approach to complement TV and radio adverts.”

The report makes a lot of fair points and recommendations, although it should be said that Ofcom, broadband ISPs and the government are already in the process of delivering on some of the areas they touch upon. In other cases, such as in terms of battery backup for street cabinets, the regulator has already softened its stance due to the costs involved (here), although it is still considering options for mobile networks (here). But ISPs have also been improving the customer side of things with better protection for homes (here).

Elsewhere, we’re not completely convinced that the complex and highly technical project would have been better managed if it was centrally controlled by the government (MPs haven’t exactly proven themselves to be terribly competent when it comes to modern telecoms networks), although much would depend upon the structure. In any case, this is more of a consideration for future projects than the PSTN switch-off.

We’ve summarised the report’s main recommendations below, although we recommend reading the report itself in order to get the full context. But one of the main problems with this report is that it comes far too late in the process, near the end of what started being planned around a decade ago.

Recommendations

National government

• The PSTN Charter should be updated to include the agreed supported journeys definition during the PSTN migration.

• The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology must set out how it monitors compliance with the PSTN Charter and the PSTN non-voluntary migration checklist.

• The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology must set out how it plans to enlist all CPs to both the PSTN Charter and the PSTN non-voluntary migration checklist.

• The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), working with the TSA, must take every reasonable step to end the sale of analogue-enabled telecare devices.

• The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology should deliver ringfenced funding that enables combined authorities/strategic authorities to improve capacity and capability of dedicated digital teams to coordinate and deliver digital transformation and adoption.

• Future digital transformation projects should be coordinated centrally by national government, leveraging local and regional government and industry representatives.

• A ministerial statement must be heard in Parliament ahead of the launch of the national telecare campaign to support awareness raising.

Local government

• Local authorities and housing associations should sign DSAs with all relevant communication providers, regardless of where they are at with the digital switchover.

• Local authorities should perform an audit of the technology they own to understand what might be impacted by the digital switchover.

Businesses

• Businesses should perform an audit of the technology they own to understand what might be impacted by the digital switchover.

Power and battery back-up solutions

• Ofcom, Ofgem and the Government should continue discussions on power back-up solutions. As a first step, Ofcom should update its guidance on resilience solution in the home during a power cut for customers reliant on their landline to call emergency services and to increase this from one hour to at least four hours.

• Ofcom should update its guidance to increase the minimum requirement for power back-up solutions from four hours to at least six hours for equipment in newly installed cabinets of fixed networks.

• Where battery back-ups are used as power solutions in the event of an outage, the battery back-up deployed should run for at least six hours.

• Resolving the issue of power back-up solutions should be a joint undertaking between energy and communication providers, with oversight from Ofgem and Ofcom.

• The APPG supports the creation of a multi-sector priority service register covering energy and communications.

• CPs performing the PSTN migration must undertake an audit with residents to understand what alternative means of communication they have in the event of a power outage and inform them of the support that is available to them, embedding Ofcom’s guidance as standard practice.

Telecare sector

• All telecare service providers and suppliers, including private providers and suppliers, must be certified to TEC Quality’s Quality Standards Framework to reach the highest standards on their digital switchover procedures.

2/3G sunsetting

• Data gathered on ‘vulnerable’ people through DSAs should be shared with mobile network operators (MNOs) as 2G and 3G sunsetting progresses. If this is not possible, the London Office for Technology and Innovation (LOTI) and the LGA should recreate a universal DSA for MNOs to use.

• CPs should be actively informing consumers about 2G and 3G sunsetting when performing PSTN migrations.

• Audits should be conducted by local authorities and businesses to understand what technology is owned that might be impacted by 2G and 3G sunsetting.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned several TV, radio, paid-for social media and digital poster adverts for UK ISP EE’s (BT) home broadband service. This occurred after they were found to have made “misleading” claims about the capabilities of the provider’s new Wi-Fi 7 Smart Hub Pro router and Smart Wi-Fi Pro device.

The new Wi-Fi 7 capable router and wireless booster hardware was officially introduced in September 2024 (here). At the time, EE were still one of the only broadband ISPs in the UK market able to offer such kit, and the following month they launched a series of adverts to help promote that fact.

The adverts made various similar claims, which appeared to indicate that the use of the latest WiFi (wireless networking) standard would improve device performance: “When everyone’s caning the broadband, Wi-Fi 7 on EE makes every device work better, even yours”, said one advert, while small text added: “Works better vs previous Wi-Fi technology”. In another advert, EE claimed that “XBOX PLAYS BETTER ON WIFI 7” and so forth.

The catch here is that Wi-Fi 7 can only really deliver its biggest improvements, such as when compared with older Wi-Fi 6 or 6E kit, if the devices it’s connecting to are also able to support the same Wi-Fi 7 standard. But most people don’t currently have any other Wi-Fi 7 capable devices in their homes.

In response Vodafone, CommunityFibre and 19 members of the public, who understood most devices available at the time the ads were seen did not support Wi-Fi 7, challenged whether the ads were misleading and the ASA ultimately upheld those complaints. In particular, the ASA noted that EE hadn’t provided enough credible evidence to substantiate all of their claims.

ASA Ruling (G24-1265502 EE Ltd t/a EE Ltd)

“We understood that, alongside the Wi-Fi 7 router, an extender was supplied as part of the package to extend the range of the router’s signal around the home. However, we considered that was not clear from the ad. We acknowledged that the claims in the ads were always qualified with the text “EE’s exclusive Smart Wi-Fi Pro”. While this implied the product was unique to EE and may have offered benefits that were not available from other Wi-Fi 7 routers, we did not consider that it clarified how the products worked. Although ad (b) referenced the router, none of the ads indicated that the Smart Wi-Fi Pro included both the router and the extender. We understood from EE that the ad claims were based on the performance of the two combined.

We understood the tests were designed to record the speed, consistency and reliability of the Wi-Fi connection between the router and a device. The results showed that both the Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 devices’ broadband connection speeds were faster, more consistent and more reliable when connecting to the internet using EE’s new Smart Hub Pro and extender, compared to their older hub and extender which did not have Wi-Fi 7.

However, while the devices tested varied in generations of Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 5, 6 and 7) and demonstrated the backward compatibility of the new router with devices which were not Wi-Fi 7-enabled, they were all laptops. This limited testing scope, confined to a single device type, meant that the evaluation did not encompass a broad range of devices, such as smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles or smart home gadgets. The tests also did not evaluate device performance while multiple devices were being used simultaneously. Consequently, we considered that the testing was not adequate to substantiate the claims in the context of ads (a), (b) and (c) that “every device works better”, as consumers would understand them.

Ads (c) and (d) referenced devices such as the Xbox and Google devices, including the Google Nest Hub and Google Nest Home. Because those devices were not included in the testing, we considered the evidence was not adequate to substantiate stated and implied claims that those devices performed better. We also understood that none of those devices were Wi-Fi 7-enabled devices.

Because the evidence was not adequate to substantiate the claims as consumers would interpret them, we concluded that the claim “EE’s new Wi-Fi 7 router makes every device work better” in ads (a), (b) and (c) as well as the references to specific devices in ads (c) and (d), were misleading.”

As usual, the ASA banned the adverts and told EE not to claim that “EE’s new Wi-Fi 7 router makes every device work better” or make similar claims, “unless they held adequate evidence to support the claims“. They also must not claim that specific devices “work better on Wi-Fi 7” unless they held adequate evidence to support them.