Aberdeen-based UK broadband and I.T solutions provider Internet for Business (IFB), which was first established all the way back in 1995, has been acquired by Converged Communication Solutions (CCS) for an undisclosed sum and after briefly falling into administration on 19th February 2025.

According to company records on The Gazette, IFB appointed Michael James Meston Reid (IP No 7327), of MHA, to act as their administrator (credits to one of our readers, Chris, for spotting this). The same records indicate that IFB’s company accounts remain overdue (since 30th June 2024) and they previously received a first gazette notice for compulsory strike-off toward the end of August 2024, although this was discontinued a few days later.

Suffice to say that the company, which seemed to have been in some difficulty and was struggling to make a profit, needed to find a buyer to help preserve the business and its 15 employees. The good news is fellow Scottish ISP CCS appears to have been quickly able to step into that role in what seems to be a pre-packed arrangement (this was formally signed on 20th February).

Neil Christie, CTO of Converged Communication Solutions, said:

“This acquisition is a natural fit, uniting two local businesses with a shared passion for using digital technology to drive business success. IFB’s expertise in providing connectivity solutions perfectly complements our enhanced business offering, meaning customers will benefit from an even greater range of services. Additionally, this move expands our market share and brings our combined turnover closer to £10 million. We are delighted to welcome the IFB team into the Converged family and look forward to delivering the same high-quality services our customers expect.”

Graeme Gordon, CEO of IFB, said:

“Co-founded by Chairman, John Michie, IFB has been at the forefront of delivering innovative connectivity and IT solutions to businesses for nearly three decades. Joining forces with Converged allows us to take our service offering to the next level, giving our customers access to an even broader portfolio of solutions. In addition, Converged shares our values of reliability, security, and customer focus, making this an excellent match for our future. Joining the Converged Group of companies is a great outcome for IFB, our team, and, most importantly, our customers, who can be reassured that it is business as usual.”

The two entrepreneurs enjoy a long-standing relationship, with Neil having started his career at IFB before founding Converged 20 years ago. All 15 IFB employees will now join Converged, with the entire team relocating to Spires Business Centre, alongside Converged’s HQ. The collaborative move should ensure continuity of service and centralise the company’s talent pool, bringing the Group’s headcount to 63.

The deal marks CCS’ third acquisition in two years.

A new study from the cross-industry UK Spectrum Policy Forum (UKSPF), which was conducted by Smith Institute and Spectrivity, has recommended that the telecoms regulator, Ofcom, should adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to help manage the nation’s finite wireless radio spectrum more efficiently.

The think-tank highlights how mobile networks, smart devices, and emerging technologies, like 6G based mobile broadband, are pushing current spectrum management strategies to their limits and that more innovation is needed to “prevent congestion” and maximise efficiency. “Traditional spectrum management methods often struggle to adapt to the dynamic needs of modern wireless networks, leading to inefficient use of valuable spectrum resources,” said the UKSPF.

According to the UKSPF, AI technologies could be used to “revolutionise spectrum management” by “optimising resource usage, reducing interference, and enhancing network performance“. This would come from leveraging data-driven decision-making and using AI to “dynamically assign spectrum based on real-time demand“. Some previous attempts to do the latter have had mixed success.

UKSPF – Key Recommendations

➤ AI for licensing applications: Large Language Models (LLMs) and predictive machine learning could be employed to streamline application reviews and assess potential interference risks, reducing manual workload and improving decision-making efficiency.

➤ AI for monitoring and compliance: AI-driven sensor placement and proactive monitoring could enable a shift from reactive to predictive compliance enforcement, ensuring better adherence to licensing terms.

➤ AI for spectrum sharing and interference management: Advanced machine learning models, including deep reinforcement learning, could enhance spectrum sharing strategies, minimising interference and optimising resource allocation.

➤ Synthetic data and international insights: AI could generate synthetic datasets based on international proxy data, addressing gaps in UK-specific information and improving predictive accuracy.

➤ Simulations and digital twin development: The study advocates for the creation of realistic RF environment simulations and, in the long term, a comprehensive digital twin to test and refine new policies and technologies before real-world implementation.

Matthew Evans, Director of Markets and Chief Operating Officer at techUK, said:

“The UK has the opportunity to drive a new wave of spectrum management. By embracing AI, regulators can improve flexibility, ensure efficient spectrum utilisation, and support the continued expansion of wireless technologies that power our digital economy.

This report gives clear guidelines to regulators and industry on how they can use AI-driven solutions to drive efficiency for the telecommunications sector.”

At the time of writing, the full report hadn’t yet been published (it should be by the time you read this), although we’d agree with the broad thrust that there is potential here for AI to help enhance UK spectrum management and regulatory oversight. At the very least this is something that Ofcom should explore and trial, before deciding upon whether the pros outweigh the cons.

News 

Deutsche Telekom has published its 2024 financial results, reporting a strong performance that exceeded expectations and setting ambitious targets for this financial year 

The company’s total revenue grew by 3.4% to €115.8 billion, while service revenues saw a 3.9% increase to €96.5 billion. Adjusted EBITDA rose by 6.2% to €43 billion, and free cash flow climbed by 18.7% to €19.2 billion, reflecting the company’s strong operational performance. 

CEO Tim Höttges described 2024 as “another record year” for the company.  

“We are growing across all business areas. Our flywheel, at the centre of our strategy, is spinning and generating the momentum we need to keep building on the successes of 2024 in 2025,” he said in a press release. 

The company anticipates adjusted EBITDA to reach approximately €44.9 billion in 2025, with free cash flow expected to grow to around €19.9 billion.   

Shareholders are set to benefit from this strong performance, with Deutsche Telekom proposing a record dividend of €0.90 per share, the highest in its history, pending approval.  

The company’s performance was bolstered by strong growth in key markets. In Germany, the company experienced increased adoption of its fibre network, with 472,000 new customers added in the previous year, bringing the total customer base to 1.5 million.. Mobile revenue also increased in Q4 by 2.1% year-on-year. 

T-Mobile US also contributed significantly, adding 6.1 million postpaid customers and increasing service revenues by 4.5% to $66.1 billion.  

In related news, Deutsche Telekom this week announced a partnership with Google Cloud to develop an AI-powered network agent to boost Radio Access Network (RAN) operations. Built using Gemini 2.0 in Google Cloud’s Vertex AI, the AI agent analyses network behaviour, detects performance issues, and takes corrective actions to improve reliability and reduce costs. 

“Traditional approaches to network management are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of 5G and beyond,” said Abdu Mudesir, Group CTO of DT in a press release. 

 The RAN Guardian, tested by Deutsche Telekom, uses AI to detect issues and implement self-healing measures to optimise performance, to be able to manage real time network challenges. 

The agent will be presented at next week’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. 

Keep up to date with the latest international telecoms news direct to your inbox with our newsletter 

Also in the news:
AIS’s 5G speed boost service hits 180,000 users, points to new growth model
Telefónica sells Argentinian unit to Telecom Argentina for $1.25 bn
EU approves €227 million for Austrian semiconductor plant 

Podcasts

On this episode, we discuss strategy and the mission to win hearts and minds on behalf of rural broadband

Charles Thomas, the Chief Strategy Officer for Rural Broadband Partners (RBP), says he tells ISPs in rural areas not to view themselves as rural providers.

Instead, he asks them to look at urban providers and to examine the resources those entities have. “You want to build that into your location,” he says.

According to Thomas, who will be speaking at Connected America next month, that might mean employing IoT technologies or entering into public/private partnerships.

While the battle to win hearts and minds for rural broadband continues, Thomas says rural providers often face a shortage of resources.

He elaborated, saying it could be a shortage of financial resources, equipment resources, people resources, or knowledge resources that is holding some rural ISPs back.

Thomas said helping ISPs to retain people resources in rural areas is probably the largest obstacle he faces.

“It’s a big challenge,” he said, adding it’s important to create an environment of continued learning.

He also said it’s important to have workers that are excited about the role they’re play in connecting communities.

“It really is life changing for people,” he said. “When people see that, it’s exciting for them.”

Meanwhile, Thomas said rural ISPs also have to maintain a mindset of growth for the future.

To hear the full Beyond the Cable episode featuring Thomas on Spotify, click here.

Click here to listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts.

News 

Meta has entered into discussions to build a number of major data centres for its AI projects, an article from The Information has revealed, citing people familiar with the matter 

According to the article, senior meta executives have already toured potential data centre sites, with campuses in Louisiana, Wyoming, or Texas being considered. Costs are expected to be over $200 billion, according to the sources. 

However, a Meta spokesperson has denied the report, calling it “pure speculation” and reasserting that the company’s current data centre plans and expenditures are in the public domain. 

Last month, CEO Mark Zuckerberg confirmed that Meta plans to invest around $60 billion this year alone on a Louisianna data centre to power Llama 4, its newest AI model. The data centre is “so large it would cover a significant part of Manhattan,” said the Threads post. 

“This is a massive effort, and over the coming years it will drive our core products and business, unlock historic innovation, and extend American technology leaders,” it continued.  

Meta is vying to become a global AI leader alongside the likes of Microsoft, who last month announced $80 billion in AI data centre spending for 2025. Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith confirmed that over half of the funds will be invested in the US, demonstrating a “commitment to this country and our confidence in the American economy.” 

Both companies have ramped up spending in the race for dominance in the emerging AI market. Combined capital expenditures by major players like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta are projected to exceed $320 billion this year, according to TechSpot. 

In addition to competing with one another, these companies are also facing global competition from China. 

“The United States is in a strong position to win the essential race with China by advancing international adoption of American AI,” said Smith. “American products are more trusted than their Chinese counterparts, and our private sector is unmatched in its ability to invest in infrastructure around the world. With a balanced and common-sense approach to export control policy, the United States can solidify the diplomatic relations that will be critical to global AI adoption.”  

Chinese AI companies, such as DeepSeek, have recently claimed to develop AI models that rival Western counterparts at a fraction of the cost. This has fuelled urgency among US tech giants to accelerate their AI progress and reinforce their dominance in the global market. 

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

Also in the news: 

AIS’s 5G speed boost service hits 180,000 users, points to new growth model
Telefónica sells Argentinian unit to Telecom Argentina for $1.25 bn
EU approves €227 million for Austrian semiconductor plant 

CHICAGO – Feb. 25, 2025 – Aeris, a global leader in secure cellular IoT platforms and solutions, today launched Aeris IoT Watchtower, the world’s first fully integrated security solution for cellular IoT. Aeris IoT Watchtower delivers enterprise IoT visibility and control to prevent IoT security breaches, significantly reduce the impact of any IoT security event, improve operational efficiency and ensure regulatory compliance.

Aeris’ groundbreaking solution comes at a pivotal time. IoT devices are already a primary target for cyberattackers looking to penetrate enterprise networks. In its 2024 Cyber Threat Trends Report, Deloitte found a 400% increase in IoT malware attacks across various industries. And Forrester predicts “a major IoT breach will disrupt a large class of devices” in 2025.

Telna enters into strategic partnership with Bridge Alliance

Bridge Alliance to leverage Telna’s eSIM capabilities for new connectivity and revenue opportunities

Toronto, Canada – February 25^th, 2025 – Telna, a leader in managed eSIM connectivity, today announced its strategic partnership with Bridge Alliance, a prominent mobile alliance comprising major mobile network operators (MNOs) across the Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. The partnership will enable participating MNOs to deliver a seamless mobile roaming experience for subscribers, drive new revenues and capitalise on the growing demand for travel eSIM services.

With the partnership, Bridge Alliance can leverage Telna’s roaming eSIM enablement platform to equip its members with advanced roaming eSIM distribution capabilities, tapping into the wider eSIM distribution ecosystem. This implementation will enable onboarded MNOs to seamlessly integrate eSIM technology, ensuring their connectivity services are future-proofed and optimised to address new roaming challenges. They will be able to enhance their retail offerings and unlock new growth opportunities, allowing them to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving mobile landscape.

Telna’s eSIM-Ready digital platforms – including APIs, web, mobile, and super app solutions – are helping to redefine international roaming. By embedding eSIM activation into every digital touchpoint, Telna enables MNOs and MVNOs to deliver a hassle-free international roaming experience that is underpinned by seamless and flexible international connectivity. This removes the need for physical SIM cards and delivers a frictionless experience for subscribers who can access flexible, and affordable, data plans directly through web stores and mobile apps. Additional business opportunities can be created through third party eSIM integrations, enabling brands to deliver travel services via their own super apps.

Gregory Gundelfinger, CEO of Telna, explains: “eSIM technology is efficient, cost-effective, and flexible. It allows for faster and more efficient provisioning of services, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards which reduces costs. eSIM enables seamless mobile connectivity, with plans tailored to customers’ needs and usage patterns. This creates new revenue opportunities through data plans and device management services.”

Telna’s solution embeds eSIM connectivity into high-traffic super apps, allowing for instant eSIM activations for millions of users. Additionally, Telna’s eSIM solution is white-labelled and customisable, enabling MNOs to brand their own digital eSIM storefronts and mobile applications for further revenue opportunities. Its API-first approach ensures flexibility, scalability, and ease of integration. MNOs can connect their systems with the platform’s APIs to exchange data, plan information, and provisioning requests. The platform will then generate the necessary eSIM profile and deliver it directly to the customer’s device, communicating with the MNO’s network to complete the provisioning process.

Gundelfinger added: “The flexibility and simplicity of eSIM technology appeals to customers. It will help MNOs to monetise the so called ‘silent roamers’, subscribers that tend to avoid using mobile services while they’re abroad, preferring to rely on WiFi instead. Operators have long sought for a solution to activate silent roamers and recover those revenues, but with little success. Now, eSIM offers that solution, allowing MNOs to provide affordable and easy-to-use roaming packages that help customers maintain control over their connectivity.”

Ken Wee, Senior Vice President for Partnership and New Business at Bridge Alliance, said, “We’re delighted to have Telna join our Bridge Alliance Technology Partnership Programme. We look forward to deepening our partnership in enabling the roaming eSIM distribution ecosystem and to meet emerging needs in new roaming industry trends.”

Note to the editor

Telna is exhibiting at MWC Barcelona 2025, located at Hall 7 Stand 7C31 / Kiosk 8 of the Canada Pavilion, of the Fira, Gran Via, exhibition centre. Gregory Gundelfinger is speaking at the GSMA hosted eSIM Summit – eSIM the connection of the future, which is being held at 14.30 on Wednesday, March 5^th at the Partner Theatre 4, Hall 8.0 – 4YFN & Partner Theatres. 

About Telna

Telna is a global leader in providing managed wholesale eSIM platforms to Mobile Network Operators, Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), and other telecom providers. Telna’s platform enables seamless eSIM activation, management, and connectivity across multiple devices and networks, offering innovative solutions that drive scalability and revenue growth for its partners.

In the last week of March 2025, students from Maple Bear School will establish the first-ever direct radio contact between Bulgarian students and astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) through the ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) program.

The connection will take place between March 24 and 28, 2025. A week before the event, the exact date and time will be announced on https://spacecontact.bg/, where the live broadcast will also be available.

The website provides fascinating information about the ISS, space challenges, amateur radio, and NASA images.

The conversation with the astronauts will last about 10 minutes. As the ISS passes over the students, they will ask questions from Earth and receive answers directly from space.

“The idea to apply with a Bulgarian school for the ARISS program came about a year ago when I became passionate about amateur radio. Before that, I never imagined the ISS could be so accessible to us. Thanks to the collaboration between LZ1KRN – Neterra’s amateur radio club – and Maple Bear School, we are making this idea a reality. The students will have a unique opportunity to speak directly with astronauts on the ISS, inspiring many to pursue science, technology, and hopefully amateur radio,” said Mariyan Rangelov, a member of Neterra’s amateur radio club (callsign LZ3MAR) and Neterra’s CFO.

“I have always believed that a person is as big as their dreams. That is the mindset we embrace at the start of every school year at Maple Bear,” said Lilyana Nikolova, founder and director of Maple Bear Sofia School. “Everyone needs to dream and strive for something greater than themselves. Experiencing a scientific achievement like the ISS through the ARISS program is an incredible opportunity for our students to believe that dreams are achievable. It takes courage, imagination, and hard work.”

“ARISS is yet another opportunity our school provides for learning beyond the classroom. We believe real-life experiences inspire children to learn and explore the world. This project is a shining example of how we can spark their curiosity about science through hands-on experience. We are grateful to Neterra’s amateur radio club for the invitation, as well as their support and enthusiasm, which made this wonderful project possible.”

To prepare for this extraordinary event, a series of educational seminars will take place in March. Speakers will include Viktor Marinov, one of Bulgaria’s leading amateur radio operators (callsign LZ1NY), and Neven Dilkov, an amateur radio enthusiast (callsign LZ1COM) and founder and CEO of Neterra. They will share knowledge, experience, and interesting facts with students, covering topics such as radio waves, antenna construction, and radio communication principles.

About ARISS

ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) is a program that allows students worldwide to establish direct radio contact with astronauts on the ISS, fostering interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

About Maple Bear School

Founded in 2020, Maple Bear Sofia is part of the global Maple Bear Canadian Schools network, the world’s largest school group with a presence in 39 countries across five continents, over 400 schools, and more than 60,000 students.

At Maple Bear, the child’s holistic development – physical, intellectual, emotional, and social – is at the core of the learning process. The school’s educational approach nurtures a lifelong love of learning and key 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, communication, teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, innovation, and digital literacy.

About LZ1KRN Amateur Radio Club

Founded on June 14, 2017, by Neterra employees, the LZ1KRN amateur radio club promotes knowledge of technology and fosters friendships worldwide. Club members participate in international competitions and organize interactive radio workshops.

Neterra is a global provider of connectivity, telecommunications solutions, and IT assets management. The company has won the “Best Connectivity Provider in Central and Eastern Europe” award at the Capacity Global Connectivity Awards in both 2023 and 2024.

Adelaide, Australia & Carlsbad,Calif. – 26 February 2025. Myriota,the telco for global field intelligence, today announces the exciting expansion of its connectivity portfolio with the launch of Myriota HyperPulse^TM, a 3GPP 5G-based Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Network (NB-NTN) service built in partnership with Viasat, a global leader in satellite infrastructure.     

Myriota HyperPulse^TM is the first solution of its kind powered by Viasat’s dynamic leasing capability, which allows partners like Myriota to scale their satellite connectivity footprint up or down depending on demand. Myriota HyperPulse^TMcustomers will benefit from Viasat’s global, highly-reliable geostationary L-band network and 3GPP-compliant spectrum, along with Myriota’s hybrid network management platform and power optimized LPWA (low power, wide area) satellite connectivity technology.

The result is a connectivity solution ready for Myriota’s partners to apply in the real world, experiencing the benefits of standards-based, satellite-driven connectivity optimized specifically for IoT.

Complementing Myriota’s commercially available UltraLite^TMservice – which is focussed on the most extreme energy efficiency, security and spectrum efficiency – Myriota HyperPulse^TM expands the solution base to deliver connectivity designed for sensing, tracking, and remote management applications, with combined standards compatibility, battery-only energy efficiency, and regular, near-real time reporting.

Myriota’s Early Adopter Program (EAP) is now open, and the company is accepting applications for the first cohort of development partners to access the Myriota HyperPulse^TM service from April 2025.

Leveraging Viasat’s existing satellite infrastructure and Myriota’s own experience deploying and operating commercial-grade space-based IoT connectivity, the company aims to quickly and cost-effectively scale its global field intelligence and monitoring services to meet rising customer demand.

Deploying a service designed to be fully 3GPP compliant in the global IoT market is an important milestone for the Myriota team and aligns with its mission to democratize satellite access to deliver critical field-based monitoring solutions to a global market in a way that is both cost effective and designed to “just work”.

“The global market for satellite-based communications networks is constantly advancing through technical breakthroughs and network expansions, and Myriota is at the forefront of this,” said Ben Cade, CEO of Myriota. “Building on more than a decade of experience in delivering highly secure and power efficient direct-to-satellite solutions, Myriota HyperPulse^TM, in partnership with Viasat, reinforces how leaders in respective fields can collaborate to support our customers as they apply our unique sensor-based connectivity with their deep customer understanding to deliver disruptive, new approaches to solve crucial problems.”

Andy Kessler, Vice President, Viasat Enterprise, said: “We are excited to be combining the strength of our L-band satellite network with Myriota’s telecom expertise to deliver reliable, low-power IoT connectivity solutions. Our collaboration will see the first 5G NTN commercial service based on our dynamic leasing model, which enables Myriota to deliver a cost-effective, standards-based solution optimized specifically for the needs of customers leveraging IoT. All of it done in a way that is simple and easy to deploy for critical industries looking to operate more safely, efficiently, and sustainably.”

EAP Sign-up: Development partners can apply now to be a part of the first EAP cohort to experience the benefits delivered by Myriota HyperPulse^TM. Interested parties are invited to submit their application by visiting: https://myriota.com/hyperpulse-5g

About Myriota 

Myriota is a global leader in low-cost, low-power, secure direct-to-orbit satellite connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT), and small power-constrained devices. Founded in 2015, Myriota’s space-based network delivers scalable, affordable IoT data services and energy-efficient hardware that is essential for sectors such as agriculture, logistics, water management and environmental conservation.  

For more information, visit myriota.com

Follow us here: LinkedIn, X, Facebook, YouTube

Myriota Media contact:

Stephen Orr, Temono for Myriota

stephen.orr@temono.com

About Viasat

Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people’s lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea, while building a sustainable future in space. In May 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner.

Learn more at www.viasat.com, the Viasat News Room or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, and YouTube.

Viasat Media contact:

Contacts for media inquiries: PR@viasat.com

ENDS

The full-day event at the Scottish Exhibition centre on 13 March 2025 will spotlight pioneering projects driving real-world change through smart technology and 5G-enabled solutions. 

Featuring keynote speeches, expert panels, presentations and an afternoon showcase event, it will demonstrate the latest advancements in smart housing, independent living, and connected social care – demonstrating how innovative projects are driving real change in communities.

Date: Thursday 13 March 2025

Venue: Scottish Exhibition Centre

Register Now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/glasgow-city-region-innovation-showcase-event-tickets-1088507999729?aff=oddtdtcreator

The day will provide an opportunity to:

• Explore cutting-edge projects tackling key challenges in housing, health, and connectivity.
• Engage with industry leaders, innovators, and public sector professionals.
• Learn how smart technologies are enhancing independent living, air quality, and frailty prevention.
• Discover how 5G-enabled solutions are shaping data-driven decision-making and real-time monitoring.

You can attend the entire day or join just the afternoon showcase focused on three themes: Housing Smart Social Assets, Connected Care and Wellbeing, and Independent Wellbeing and Living.

Morning: Keynotes and Expert Panels

The event will kick off with keynote speeches, expert panels and presentations covering:

• How 5G and digital transformation are driving smart city innovation
• The future of connected housing, smart social assets, and tenant wellbeing
• Data-driven decision-making in health and local government

Afternoon: Innovation Showcase Sessions

In the afternoon, interactive showcase sessions will focus on three key themes, allowing attendees to engage with real-world innovation projects that have been developed over the last 6-8 months across Glasgow City Region.

Register now at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/glasgow-city-region-innovation-showcase-event-tickets-1088507999729?aff=oddtdtcreator