Mobile network operators (e.g. EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three UK) appear to be increasingly raising concerns over the impact that leasing firm AP Wireless is having on their already sluggish deployment of 5G based mobile broadband technology. This is said to be pushing up their build costs and thus allegedly threatening the viability of future deployments.

In the past it wasn’t uncommon for landowners to extract highly lucrative rental agreements in return for allowing telecoms operators to lease their land in order to deploy new infrastructure (e.g. mobile masts, trenches for optical fibre etc.). But this often made it too expensive for mobile operators to expand their coverage as much as they would have liked, which inhibited the roll-out of new services, particularly in less lucrative rural areas.

The government started to correct this in 2017 by revising the Electronic Communications Code (ECC) to make it easier and cheaper for operators to access public or private land (here). But that initially swung the problem back in the other direction (here and here) and resulted in some providers, particularly mobile operators, trying to force the adoption of dramatically lower rents (e.g. slashing some rents to just a few tens of pounds).

However, over the past few years we’ve seen a number of tribunal rulings and wider political efforts, which have helped to produce a fairer balance (e.g. here and here). At the same time, the new Government has signalled that they want to make a “renewed push to fulfil the ambition of full gigabit and national 5G coverage by 2030.” But now mobile operators are raising concerns over a new problem that, they warn, could disrupt such plans.

The issue appears to stem from how AP Wireless, and its affiliated Icon Tower company, are behaving. Mobile operators have historically tended to lease their land directly from landowners, but more recently APW has been stepping in to buy mast leases from existing landowners and then charging mobile operators a premium to use the same sites. APW has also won some tribunal cases that have raised the rentals for certain sites (example).

According to a new report on the Telegraph (paywall), APW’s sister company, Icon Tower, has recently been constructing brand new mobile masts, often close to its existing sites. “These new masts are not subject to rent protections owing to a loophole in the ECC regulations. Operators have accused the infrastructure group of attempting to force them on to these new masts when existing leases expire – a move they say will pave the way for sharp rent increases,” said the newspaper.

Mobile operators complain that Icon Tower is planning to build many more sites in this way, which has them worried enough that Cornerstone (the mast sharing joint venture between Vodafone and O2) is now locked in a legal battle with APW over the issue and an 8-day court hearing is taking place this month. This is to say nothing of prior tribunal cases, with one network operator claiming to ISPreview that up to 80% of tribunal cases (estimate) now concern APW directly.

An industry spokesman said:

“The land aggregator’s business model, whereby they appear to be seeking to force operators off an existing mast which has legal protections, to a replacement one that doesn’t, is a cynical ploy to bypass the code to solicit higher rents off the mobile operators.

Far from assisting the deployment of critical national infrastructure, land aggregators are hindering rollout and in some cases actively duplicating existing masts simply to force operators off perfectly good ones impacting on the existing coverage and capacity vital to the people they serve.”

The mobile operators argue that the only ones who really benefit from this are “the land aggregators themselves“. But a spokesperson for APW disputes this and claims that the entry of Icon Tower into the market will “lead to lower costs for mobile phone users by increasing competition” (this is fairly debatable). “This litigation is an attempt to shut out competition in the market for mobile telephone infrastructure and protect a monopolistic position,” said APW. But some might argue that APW’s approach is not much better.

On the flip side, APW claims that their approach is about fighting for fairness over rents, which is perhaps one of the reasons why they’re often opposed to further reform of the ECC (i.e. this may threaten the premiums they charge by making it easier or cheaper for operators to build/upgrade mast sites) and established the Protect & Connect campaign a few years ago.

Finding the right balance between landowners and mobile operators has never been an easy or simple task, but this area now appears to be getting much more complex for all involved. The mobile operators would naturally like the Government to take more of an interest in all this, particularly given their efforts to foster 5G deployments. But government’s also have a nasty tendency to do things in a retrospective way, and operators are worried that by then it may be too late.

The Argyll and Bute Council (ABC) in Scotland has joined forces with network analyst firm Streetwave and the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) to conduct the “first county-wide mobile coverage survey” in Scotland, which will mirror similar studies that are already being conducted across other parts of the UK.

Just to recap. Streetwave have been harnessing waste (bin / refuse) collection lorries to map mobile network / broadband coverage and speeds in various parts of the UK, particularly Wales (here, here, here, here and here). In this setup, refuse trucks are installed with four off-the-shelf Smartphones using software from Streetwave on top, which run continuous network tests (once every 20 metres in rural areas and 5m in urban areas) as the vehicles go about their routes.

However, as well as providing a general performance map, the data can also be used to see how mobile broadband performance changes over time in specific areas and generally provides a more accurate report than the operators themselves are usually able to produce.

This latest initiative will thus gather detailed data on mobile network performance across the region’s diverse landscapes, from the mainland to over 20 islands. In total, mobile coverage data will be surveyed across more than 2,500 kilometres of road network within Argyll and Bute. Volunteers will also use portable data collection units to help measure connectivity in more remote areas, where bin lorries are unable to venture.

Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess said:

“This is a ground-breaking initiative that will be of huge benefit to our communities. A reliable mobile phone signal is vital, especially in some of our more remote locations. By gathering precise data on mobile network performance, we can better address digital exclusion and push for essential coverage improvements, ensuring connectivity for all our residents and businesses, no matter their location.”

The results of this study, which will also be made available to residents and businesses. All of this should help the local authority and mobile network operators to identify locations that may be in need of further intervention to improve local 4G and 5G coverage.

Alternative network operator and UK ISP Quickline has today issued another small progress update on their £60m state aid supported gigabit broadband roll-out contract for North and West Yorkshire (Lot 8 – here), which ultimately aims to reach 28,000 additional premises in hard-to-reach rural areas.

Back in September 2024 we reported that the first 4,500 premises under this contract (note: 1,725 were via state aid, with the rest from complementary commercial build), including in areas such as Escrick, Crofton, Elvington, Sutton upon Derwent and Wheldrake, had been reached by the new FTTP network (here).

By comparison, today’s update reveals that the operator has since added c. 600 premises in villages like Streethouse, New Sharlston, Emley and Upper Cumberworth – a further 1,100 premises have also gained access via Quickline’s commercial build (58,000 premises in the area will ultimately be reached via their complementary commercial builds).

Julian Chalk, Head of Network Engagement and Enablement at Quickline, said:

“We’re proud to be delivering gigabit capable broadband to rural communities in West Yorkshire as part of the government’s Project Gigabit programme. Our goal is to make an impact quickly, connect these areas as soon as possible and make a meaningful impact to those living and working there.

Reliable broadband is essential and we’re committed to helping our customers to thrive in the digital world.”

Project Gigabit aims to help extend 1Gbps (download) capable networks to reach “nationwide” coverage (c. 99%) by 2030 (currently over 85%). Commercial investment has already delivered more than 80% of this, which leaves the government’s scheme to focus on tackling the final 20% (mostly rural and some suburban areas), where the private sector alone often fails. The project is technology neutral, but Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) networks are strongly favoured.

Eastbourne-based network operator and UK ISP Lightning Fibre, which has been building a new Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband network across parts of Sussex and Kent in England, has today confirmed that they’ve resumed their roll-out in the town of Tenterden. The build was stopped during early 2024, while the operator went through a re-structure.

The alternative network, which has built to a number of locations like Eastbourne, Brighton and Hove, Worthing, Lancing, Hastings and St Leonards, Heathfield, Hellingly and Broad Oak, Hailsham and Polegate, originally planned to cover 140,000 premises with their gigabit-capable network. But it remains unclear how many premises they’ve reached, and they’ve since had to slow their network build again due to various challenges (here and here).

One of the locations to be affected by Lightning Fibre’s earlier restructuring was Tenterden, which is despite the operator previously stating that their roll-out in the area was already mostly completed. But the good news today is that they’re now returning to complete the previously stopped build, which they aim to finish sometime during “early 2025“.

Lightning Fibre’s Statement on Tenterden

Lightning Fibre commenced their Tenterden Full Fibre roll out in 2023, but stopped (unexpectedly) in early 2024 as the company went through a re-structure. This meant civils work slowed down or, in the case of Tenterden, stopped completely. However, Lightning Fibre has largely completed their work in East Sussex and funds and resources have now been deployed to Kent to complete the Tenterden Full Fibre network build.

This network is independent of the Openreach copper and Fibre networks, and offers consumers more choice. Choice tends to mean better pricing and improved customer service, and it’s positive for Tenterden residents and businesses that Lighting Fibre is providing an alternative network for the town. The build will be completed in early 2025.

A quick look at the town via Thinkbroadband’s database suggests that the provider may have only managed to put their FTTP network live in an area stretching across the northern half of the town (optimistically guesstimating around 20% of premises). But it’s plausible that they may have partially completed a much larger network than that, which has yet to go fully live (RFS).

The town is already well covered by Openreach’s FTTP network, but it’s just big enough that there should be room for another player.

News

The fibre wholesaler is calling on the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to update its guidance on the use of the term ‘fibre’

New research from AllPoints Fibre, conducted in partnership with YouGov, shows that the UK public remains confused about what exactly constitutes ‘fibre’ with regards to broadband advertising.

The study, which polled 2,000 adults online, found that 70% of Brits were aware that fibre provided faster and more reliable broadband than copper, but 77% were not aware that part-copper (i.e., fibre-to-the-cabinet, FTTC) connections could still be described as ‘fibre’ in advertising.

As a result, 72% of Brits agreed that advertising FTTC as ‘fibre’ was misleading.

In an open letter to the ASA, AllPoints Fibre CEO Jarlath Finnegan called on the regulator to update its guidance based on these findings.

“The ASA’s decision from November 2017, when full fibre broadband was available to less than a million premises (or around 3% of the UK), needs to be revisited urgently,” reads the letter. “Full fibre is now available to over 23 million premises (or over 70% of UK premises). Our research finds that the buying behaviour of customers changes once they understand the difference between part-copper and full fibre broadband, directly contradicting the research that underpinned the ASA’s decision in November 2017.”

Confusion around the terms ‘fibre’, ‘full fibre’, and ‘FTTC/FTTP’ is nothing new for the UK broadband industry. Around this time last year, Ofcom adjusted its guidance based on research showing that 46% of customers that reported being on ‘full fibre’ were actually on FTTC. That same research showed that and 27% of customers do not fully understand the vernacular used by broadband providers relating to network technology.

Ofcom’s new guidance tells ISPs to provide more thorough description of their services’ underlying technologies, as well as avoiding using the term ‘fibre’ on its own to describe services.

In his open letter, Finnegan notes that the advertising authorities of various European countries have already clamped down on the ambiguous use of the term ‘fibre’; for example, French regulators limited the term to cases related to ‘full fibre’ (i.e., fibre-to-the premise, FTTP) in 2016, with Ireland doing likewise in 2019.

“In a public statement in September 2024, your organisation said that it was keeping a ‘watching brief’ on this issue. Given that fully seven years have now passed since your original decision, we believe the time for consideration is now over. We urge you to take action on this vital issue,” concluded the letter.

Is the UK’s fibre rollout moving fast enough? Join the network operators in discussion at Connected North 2025 live in Manchester

Also in the news:
VMO2 launches UK’s first 5G standalone small cells in Birmingham
BT says Labour’s budget will cost company £100m
Vodafone Spain and Telefonica complete FibreCo deal

BROOMFIELD, Colo. & FOSTER CITY, Calif. — Nov. 19, 2024 — Exabeam, a global cybersecurity leader that delivers AI-driven security operations, today announced its partnership with Wiz, a leader in cloud security. This collaboration provides organizations with improved threat detection, investigation, and response (TDIR) capabilities, ensuring a more secure and resilient cloud environment. With its open architecture the Exabeam New-Scale Security Operations Platform supports a best-of-breed ecosystem that includes hundreds of product integrations to accelerate time-to-value and strengthen on-premises and cloud security.

“As organizations embrace cloud environments, the surge in cyberattacks is unprecedented, and visibility alone is not enough. Exabeam and Wiz are coming together to deliver what has been a missing piece in enterprise security,” said Steve Wilson, Chief Product Officer at Exabeam. “By uniting cutting-edge cloud security intelligence from Wiz with AI-powered analytics from Exabeam, we are transforming how security teams defend against evolving threats. Together, we’re empowering enterprises with the unmatched ability to see and stop attacks before they escalate.”

As cloud adoption continues to increase, so do the opportunities for new attack vectors. According to Gartner, by 2027, investigations involving cloud or third-party infrastructure will account for more than two-thirds of all reported incidents. This surge in cloud-focused threats makes it crucial for organizations to adopt more robust, integrated cloud security strategies that provide complete visibility and actionable intelligence across hybrid environments.

With the Wiz integration, customers will experience enhanced cloud security insights and streamlined onboarding to the Exabeam New-Scale Platform. The collaboration will integrate Wiz’s in-depth visibility into toxic combinations of risk with Exabeam AI-driven behavioral analytics to give teams the ability to see trends of attack paths and remediation over time.

“At Dataminr, we’re thrilled to see two of our key security partners join forces to elevate our platform’s protection. The integration of comprehensive cloud security insights with AI-driven behavioral analytics will not only strengthen our defenses but also streamline our security processes, enhancing our ability to safeguard both our data and customers.” – Ryan Mednick, Senior Director, Cybersecurity and Trust at Dataminr

Additional benefits from this collaboration include:

• Comprehensive Threat Detection for Streamlined Investigations: By connecting Wiz’s cloud insights with data from other security tools, the Exabeam New-Scale Platform offers a unified view for investigations. This integration allows security teams to identify and analyze patterns over time, track issue trends, and quickly prioritize critical threats across cloud and hybrid environments, strengthening their response capabilities.
• Rapid and Guided Cloud Security Intelligence: The pre-configured Wiz tile in the Exabeam New-Scale Platform simplifies onboarding, accelerating access to Wiz insights. With full API documentation support, organizations can quickly integrate the solution into their workflows, save steps, and reduce the time it takes to protect cloud assets.

“Our partnership with Exabeam aims to make cloud security more accessible and effective for our customers,” said Oron Noha, VP of Product Extensibility & Partnerships at Wiz. “By combining our capabilities with advanced threat detection tools from Exabeam, we’re giving security teams the ability to see potential risks more clearly and respond faster. This partnership ensures that organizations can better protect their cloud environments without adding complexity to their operations.”

Exabeam and Wiz are poised to support even more organizations looking to fortify their cloud security. Exabeam will remain a catalyst for Wiz’s growing integration capabilities, powering their continued advancements to ensure customers stay ahead of emerging threats.

To learn more about the Exabeam and Wiz partnership, please visit: https://www.exabeam.com/find-a-partner/?search=wiz

About Exabeam
Exabeam is a global cybersecurity leader that delivers AI-driven security operations. High-integrity data ingestion, powerful analytics, and workflow automation power the industry’s most advanced self-hosted and cloud-native security operations platform for threat detection, investigation, and response (TDIR). With a history of leadership in SIEM and UEBA, and a legacy rooted in AI, Exabeam empowers global security teams to combat cyberthreats, mitigate risk, and streamline security operations. Learn more at www.exabeam.com.

After many years of regulatory, standardization and technical implementation activities, the United States’ dynamic, three-tiered, hierarchical framework for coordinated shared use of 150 MHz of spectrum in the 3.5 GHz CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) band is experiencing a renewed wave of enthusiasm. This reinvigoration of interest follows a recent relaxation of rules and guidelines – collectively referred to as CBRS 2.0 – which extends uninterrupted commercial operations in the CBRS band from 78% to 97% of the country’s total landmass, among other refinements. Complementing these initiatives are new FCC (Federal Communications Commission) proposals aimed at fostering innovation and continued growth of CBRS networks through additional changes to the spectrum sharing framework, ranging from higher transmit power levels to interference protection for critical private network users in indoor facilities. 

Although the shared spectrum arrangement is access technology neutral, the 3GPP cellular wireless ecosystem is at the forefront of CBRS adoption, with close to half of the more than 400,000 active CBSDs (Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices) based on LTE and 5G NR air interface technologies. The rest of the market comprises fixed wireless broadband networks built using non-3GPP equipment supplied by the likes of Cambium Networks and Tarana Wireless.

LTE-based CBRS deployments encompass hundreds of networks – operating in both GAA (General Authorized Access) and PAL (Priority Access License) spectrum tiers – to support use cases as diverse as mobile network densification, FWA (Fixed Wireless Access) in rural communities, MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) offload and private cellular networks in support of IIoT (Industrial IoT), distance learning and smart city initiatives. Additionally, there has been a surge in the adoption of CBRS small cells as a cost-effective alternative to DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems) for delivering neutral host public cellular coverage in carpeted enterprise spaces, public venues, hospitals, hotels, higher education campuses and schools. Some examples of LTE-based CBRS networks supporting neutral host connectivity to one or more national mobile operators include Meta’s corporate offices, City of Hope Hospital, Stanford Health Care, Sound Hotel, Gale South Beach Hotel, Nobu Hotel, Arizona State University, Cal Poly, University of Virginia, Duke University and Parkside Elementary School.

Also well underway are commercial rollouts of 5G NR network equipment operating in the CBRS band, which are laying the foundation for advanced application scenarios with more demanding performance requirements in terms of throughput, latency, reliability, availability and connection density – for example, Industry 4.0 applications such as connected production machinery, mobile robotics, AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and AR (Augmented Reality)-assisted troubleshooting. 5G NR-based CBRS network installations range from private 5G projects at the manufacturing and logistics facilities of Tesla, Toyota Material Handling, BMW Group, John Deere, LG Electronics and Walmart to Comcast’s and Charter’s ongoing 5G RAN (Radio Access Network) buildouts based on strand-mounted CBRS radios.

SNS Telecom & IT’s “LTE & 5G NR-Based CBRS Networks: 2024 – 2030” report predicts that annual investments in LTE and 5G NR-based CBRS RAN, mobile core and transport network infrastructure will grow at a CAGR of approximately 15% between 2024 and 2027 to surpass $1.3 Billion by the end of 2027. Much of this growth will be driven by private cellular, neutral host and fixed wireless broadband network deployments, followed by a slow but steady expansion of investments in 5G buildouts aimed at improving the economics of cable operators’ MVNO services. Complemented by an ever expanding selection of 3GPP Band 48/n48-compatible terminal equipment, the market size for end user devices is even bigger, with unit shipments of IIoT and FWA devices projected to account for $2.4 Billion in annual sales by 2027. For more information, please visit: https://www.snstelecom.com/cbrs

Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 19 November 2024 – Ezditek, a leading expert in data center and digital infrastructure services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), has broken ground on its flagship data center facility, RUH01, in Riyadh to provide a sustainable and scalable foundation for local digital transformation. The facility will be located in the world’s biggest female university, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) on a 35,000+ sqm plot and is expected to go live by Q1 2026. 

RUH01’s strategic location provides an ideal entry point for hyperscalers, cloud providers and enterprises looking to establish a presence in the KSA with direct access to major carriers. RUH01 will reach 100% of public and enterprise customers in the Saudi central region and deliver a maximum capacity of 24 MW. 

“As one of the most vastly developing and transforming cities in the world, Riyadh provides a natural hub for digital transformation. It is the heart of the KSA’s rapidly expanding technology sector, and this makes it the perfect location for our flagship data center,” said Ibrahim Almulhim, CEO at Ezditek. “We’re matching experience with delivery across the Kingdom. Breaking ground on RUH01 marks a critical milestone in our mission to make it simple and efficient for organizations to grow their local presence in the KSA.”

RUH01’s capacity to reach 90% of Saudi population within 25 milliseconds enables it to serve growing demand for rapid connectivity. The facility supports digitalization by enhancing the Kingdom’s data sovereignty and strengthening its position as a global digital hub. It will host Saudi Arabian Internet Exchange (SAIE), available at 100+ GBPS of speed to reduce latency and improve localization of content and traffic. 

“We’re committed to ensuring the region’s cloud, connectivity and AI needs are met while advancing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. RUH01 matches AI-enablement with sustainability, enabling customers to benefit from emerging technologies and meet ESG goals,” said Almulhim. We’re ready to meet scaling demand for future-ready data center facilities as we affirm our on-the-ground presence in the Kingdom and commitment to minimizing environmental impact.”

Ezditek is focused on delivering high-capacity infrastructure to support local connectivity needs in the AI-era. The construction of RUH01 follows the launch joint venture with Gcore to deploy an ‘AI Factory’, which can be used for building, training, and deploying generative AI solutions locally and across the globe.

About Ezditek

Ezditek is a leading Saudi Arabian company specializing in the development and operation of state-of-the-art data centers. With a proven track record in delivering scalable and energy-efficient data center solutions, Ezditek plays a key role in supporting the Kingdom’s growing digital economy. Learn more at Ezditek.com.

Press Release

Nearly 93,000 adults over the age of 75 in Greater Manchester are considered digitally excluded – a third of these have never used the internet

• Around 170 Digital Champions currently support residents in Greater Manchester communities to develop essential digital skills and confidence
• A regional Digital Champion volunteer training programme has been launched, offering tools and training to new and existing volunteers across Greater Manchester
• The programme, developed and delivered by current Digital Champions, will provide sustainable, long-term support for volunteers
• Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)’s Digital Inclusion Action Network, has brought community training provider Starting Point together with local authorities to provide standardised training across all 10 boroughs

The launch of an innovative volunteer training programme marks a significant milestone in Greater Manchester’s commitment to fix the digital divide across the city region. The programme is a cross-sector collaboration between GMCA’s Digital Inclusion Action Network, global telecoms provider Cellnex and Stockport community organisation Starting Point.  It is funded through a £30,000 investment from Cellnex, and Starting Point will lead delivery of the 12-month bitesize training programme across all 10 boroughs. Its aim is to ensure volunteers in our communities are well equipped to support residents so they can benefit from technology and access essential services online, helping them to live well. Community volunteers play a key role in bridging the digital and social divide in Greater Manchester.  They provide residents with support and advice to help improve digital literacy and give them the confidence to use technology safely.

Tackling digital exclusion helps people make the most of technology, connecting them to others and making their lives easier. It can also positively impact on local services such as primary care by helping people to learn simple tasks like booking GP appointments, managing their healthcare online or finding alternative support from groups in their local community. The Digital Champion training programme will provide standardised training for around 170 Champions already volunteering across the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester. This will help them confidently support residents, new community volunteers, and each other. This is part of Greater Manchester’s wider ‘GM Live Well’ ambition that will ensure everyday support is consistently available in every neighbourhood across Greater Manchester. This brings together a wide range of public services, community organisations and other partners to provide simple support and advice that helps residents live as well as they can and deal with the problems they may have.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “We want to ensure that everyone across Greater Manchester can access everyday support in every neighbourhood to live well. In an increasingly digital world this means anyone ,regardless of age or background, should have the opportunity to build their digital skills and confidence.

“Our Digital Inclusion Action Network is committed to tackling the digital skills gap in our region and empowering our workforce and volunteers, so no one is left behind in this digital age. By addressing the digital skills gap we can help more people into good work, we can help them find activities in their community to keep them healthy and happy, and we relieve pressures on other services so that these in turn can help more people.”

Cellnex and Starting Point are members of GMCA’s GM Digital Inclusion Taskforce, a group of more than 250 organisations across Greater Manchester who work together to tackle digital exclusion in the region. It brings together public sector partners such as local authorities, schools and health services with the voluntary and community sector and industry.

Nicola Wallace Dean, Co-Founder of Starting Point said: “We are thrilled to launch Starting Point’s Greater Manchester-wide digital champions training, generously funded by Cellnex. With over 20 years of experience supporting residents, we understand the evolving needs of our communities.

“This programme is a game-changer, addressing the realities faced by those unable to access technology or the internet. The Greater Manchester Digital Inclusion Action Network, coordinated by the GMCA, has been instrumental in enabling collaboration between Starting Point and the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester. This coordination ensures that our efforts are unified and impactful across the region.

“You don’t need to be a digital expert to make a difference; even basic digital literacy can empower individuals and foster a more inclusive community. This foundational programme ensures that everyone can contribute to fixing the digital divide and supporting those in need. Together, we are building a digitally inclusive future for Greater Manchester.”

Jonathan Freeman, Strategy and Regulatory Director for Cellnex UK, said: “Using technology to bring people together is at the heart of what we do at Cellnex UK so it’s fantastic to see Greater Manchester leading the way in bridging the digital divide for communities across the city. We’re delighted to play our part in the project, partnering with Starting Point, Forever Manchester and the GMCA to ensure everyone can benefit from the digital age”

Nick Massey, Chief Executive, Forever Manchester said: “A lack of digital access and skills can have huge negative impact on a person’s life, leading to increased loneliness and social isolation, less access to jobs and education, which in turn are associated with poorer health outcomes and a lower life expectancy and issues with financial exclusion.

“Forever Manchester have been collaborating with Cellnex UK in support of their ESG goals, delivering the Cellnex Digital Inclusion Fund which has been designed specifically to fund and support community projects tackling digital exclusion across Greater Manchester. We’re delighted that the Fund is supporting Starting Point to extend their Digital Champions programme into more communities across the region.”

Today’s launch reinforces how collaboration is the catalyst for positive change, driving forward Greater Manchester’s mission to fix the digital divide and support more people to live well.

Together, GMCA, Starting Point and Cellnex are paving the way for a digitally inclusive future, one Digital Champion at a time.

Is the UK telecoms industry doing enough to promote digital skills across the country? Join the network operators in discussion at Connected North 2025 live in Manchester

Also in the news:
VMO2 launches UK’s first 5G standalone small cells in Birmingham
BT says Labour’s budget will cost company £100m
Vodafone Spain and Telefonica complete FibreCo deal

Broadband ISP YouFibre, which is one of the retail outlets for Netomnia’s (inc. Brsk) 8Gbps capable full fibre (FTTP) network, has worked with NFWare to deploy the “industry’s first” 400Gbps virtual Carrier Grade Network Address Translation (vCGNAT) servers to its customers. The move should help them to keep up with their rapid subscriber growth.

Netomnia’s full fibre network currently covers over 1.8 million premises, but they’re aiming to reach 2 million UK premises (homes and businesses) and 235,000 customers by the end of 2024, before then rising to 3 million premises by 2025 (inc. 1 million customers by 2028).

However, delivering an annual build rate of 1 million premises passed, while also growing their customer base by 100k in the space of just nine months, does mean they need more IPv4 addresses. YouFibre already tackles this by adopting IPv6 addresses with a mix of CGNAT (i.e. IP address sharing) on consumer plans, while also offering Static IP addresses as an extra option (£5) for those needing more flexibility.

The big development today is that they’ve worked with NFWare to deploy their 400Gbps vCGNAT servers too. “This vCGNAT performance utilized four 100GbE network interface cards (NIC) and is double the previous fastest server. This throughput is a result of performance improvements in the latest version of NFWare’s vCGNAT software and the use of tuned Intel® Xeon® Scalable Processor-based servers,” said the announcement.

Sam Defriez, Director of Networks at YouFibre, said:

“We’re building our network to give our customers a great internet experience even as we grow our business very rapidly. Having a 400 Gbps vCGNAT server is not just a bragging point – it provides significant value in accommodating our growth and keeping our infrastructure costs as low as possible.”

YouFibre has so far installed the 400Gbps vCGNAT setup at three of its highest volume Points of Presence (PoPs), while also using 200Gbps NFWare vCGNAT servers at less busy sites. The servers are based on 36-core, 2.4GHz Intel® Xeon® Platinum 8360Y CPUs. NFWare engineers consulted with YouFibre to tune the servers, including using non-uniform memory access (NUMA) to ensure fastest possible memory access for the CPUs. Each server features eight 100GbE connections provided by four Mellanox Connect X6 network adapters.

“Some people still think that there is a performance tradeoff when using virtualized software but it’s not true,” said Alex Britkin, co-founder and CEO of NFWare.