Telecoms and broadband ISP giant BT has today revealed that their UK network is logging 2,000 signals of potential cyber-attacks a second (200 million per day), while malicious scans of online (Internet Protocol) networks and devices have surged by over 1,234% in the last year alone.

The data, which was unveiled at BT’s Secure Tomorrow cybersecurity festival at its Adastral Park research site, showed that web-connected devices are scanned over 1,000 times a day by known malicious sources – an average of once every 90 seconds. While some scans are conducted legitimately for security monitoring, the operator claims that 78% are not harmless (i.e. hackers are looking for weaknesses in the online systems of businesses and public services etc.).

BT’s analysis also revealed that IT, defence and financial services are the three most targeted industries for cyber-attacks but, increasingly, less traditional sectors like retail, education, and hospitality – which may not have focused as much on their security – have also found themselves in the sights of cyber criminals.

Tris Morgan, Managing Director – Security at BT, said:

“Today, every business is a digital business, and our data shows that every 90 seconds hackers are checking connected devices to find a way in – like opportunistic burglars looking for an open window. Tools like AI provide new routes of attack, but they can also be the first line of defence. At BT, we’re constantly evolving our network security to stay one step ahead and protect more than a million businesses, day in, day out.”

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has similarly said that AI will “almost certainly increase the volume and heighten the impact” of cyber-attacks over the next two years, while cybercriminals are increasingly using the tech to conduct their reconnaissance and carry out more sophisticated attacks. The global ransomware threat is also set to increase due to AI, not least by making it easier for novice cyber-criminals to hack into businesses.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has today told the Connected Britain event in London that a new framework (wayleave) agreement has been reached with several network operators that will help to spread full fibre gigabit broadband across 200,000 social housing properties within the combined authority.

At this stage there doesn’t appear to be an official press release available. But Thinkbroadband are reporting that the new agreement is being supported by Virgin Media (via nexfibre’s build), Openreach (BT) and Hyperoptic. The agreement is not restricted to these providers, and Andy Burnham appears to be hoping that more network operators will join in due course.

The main focus here will no doubt be on larger residential buildings / MDUs (Multi-Dwelling Units), which is an area where all three of the aforementioned providers have traditionally had quite a strong focus. The new framework is said to have taken 18-months to create, and it will bring together 20 different housing associations / groups.

The details are currently quite thin, although the way it’s been presented and the fact that the framework is launching with three different network operators suggests to us that there may be an element of infrastructure sharing involved to help reduce duplication of the build effort. But we could be very wrong and are currently attempting to clarify via the GMCA.

Viewpoint Article 

by Jarlath Finnegan is Group CEO of AllPoints Fibre Networks (APFN)

As the industry approached the launch of One Touch Switch (OTS) on 12 September, there was an increasing amount of commentary on its perceived faults and features. Regardless of which side of that debate we stand, at APFN, we see OTS as an inflection point which should give pause for thought to all of us involved in the industry.  

Over the past ten years, our backers have poured billions of pounds of private sector capital into brand new full fibre infrastructure, which is already benefiting millions of customers. Much delayed and under-publicised, it is a common hope across the industry, government, and the regulator that OTS will encourage more consumers to engage more deeply with the telecoms market. 

But we already know that OTS is not an industry cure-all. None of us should be under the impression that customer take-up of full fibre broadband will rocket from mid-September onwards. To make a more competitive marketplace a reality, we need the government and the regulators to step in. 

At the stroke of a pen, and without spending any money, they could do a lot to help. Ofcom’s new guidance on the use of the word ‘fibre’ in marketing comes into effect four days after the new OTS process goes live. Using the word ‘fibre’ without qualification will now be banned by Ofcom, and according to them, consumers should also be informed about the technology used to deliver their broadband. But the Advertising Standards Authority has declined to follow suit. So providers will be able to market their networks in one way on their websites, and an entirely different way on an advertising billboard. In no other industry would this be tolerable and the government and Ofcom needs to pressure the ASA to change its guidance immediately, as has happened in France and Ireland. 

Secondly, the government has failed to meaningfully support the industry to communicate the benefits of fibre. Successive administrations have overseen a remarkable success story in terms of the rollout. The availability of full fibre connections grew to over 60% in January 2024 according to Ofcom compared to 7% in January 2019. But we need consumers to switch and take advantage of this new technology. If consumers voluntarily move on to faster, more reliable connections, that benefits everyone: they get a better service; productivity increases; and the government can further digitise public services. The government should run a public information campaign to ‘make the switch’, just like it did for the digital tv and radio switchover. For those that need it, the government should also prioritise digital skills training, particularly for those adults who missed out when they were in school. We cannot unlock the full potential of the UK without it. 

Finally, we are approaching another inflection point when the copper networks are switched off and consumers are moved to full fibre networks by their ISPs. Like OTS, this has not received the publicity and scrutiny that it deserves. This is important for Openreach, as well as those that use their networks. There is no point in Openreach, the industry and consumers paying for the costs of running two networks, a 20th century part-copper network based on old landline technology and a modern fibre optic one. At the point of switch off, it is vital that consumers can make an informed choice of network, rather than having their contracts automatically rolled over to a full fibre one by their existing ISP. The government and the regulator should intervene on this now so that the rules are clear before the switch off takes place and we can inject much needed competition into the broadband market. Copper switch-off is a once in a generation opportunity to do it. 

Broadband isn’t generally argued about much in the chambers of Westminster because, for the most part, everyone agrees: it’s a fairly-priced daily essential that facilitates our lives. But there needs to be a healthy broadband market for that situation to continue, and for that, we need the government to get more involved.  

 

One Touch Switch is being introduced on Thursday 12 September! Get the latest reactions from the UK telecoms industry live at Connected Britain

Jarlath Finnegan is Group CEO of AllPoints Fibre Networks (APFN), which was created from the merger of Giganet, Swish Fibre, Jurassic Fibre and the existing AllPoints Fibre brands. Cuckoo Fibre is also part of the same group. His background is in telecoms and renewable energy infrastructure.

Mobile operator and UK ISP Vodafone has today celebrated the launch of faster One Touch Switching (OTS) between home broadband providers by reminding new customers that they will offer up to £100 towards exit fees with your old ISP, which should make it easier for those still stuck in longer contracts to migrate.

Nearly all of the market’s largest broadband and phone providers, as well as many smaller players (i.e. those that lock you into a longer minimum contract term), will typically levy some form of Early Termination Charge (ETC), which applies to customers that choose to exit their contract early. Often this reflects a portion of your normal monthly fees and will vary depending upon how many months your current term has left to run.

Some ISPs that want to entice you away from your existing provider will often try to tackle this obstacle by offering bill credits as an incentive to those who can prove (e.g. copy of your bill) that they’ve incurred ETCs by switching. Since July 2024 Vodafone has been offering up to £100 towards such exit fees, although how much you can claim does vary depending upon your package choice.

Up to £25 account credit on:

Fibre 1
Fibre 2
Full Fibre 74
Full Fibre 80

Up to £50 account credit on:

Full Fibre 150

Up to £100 account credit on:

Full Fibre 500
Full Fibre 910
Full Fibre 1.6Gbps
Full Fibre 1.8Gbps
Full Fibre 2.2Gbps

Rob Winterschladen, Consumer Director of Vodafone UK, said:

“Thanks to the launch of One Touch Switch, switching broadband providers has never been easier. Customers who have been discouraged from getting the best deal by an often difficult and time-consuming process can now do so easily. We hope that customers will find that switching is no longer hard work – they just need to speak to us and we will take care of the rest – meaning they get Vodafone’s reliable Full Fibre Broadband for less without the hassle”.

Customers of UK broadband ISP Virgin Media (O2), specifically those who take their pay TV service via one of the operator’s TV 360 or Stream platforms, may like to know that the operator has added support for MUBI‘s global streaming and film distributor platform via a new app on their set-top-boxes. You’ll also get a special discount.

Customers will benefit from an exclusive 70% discount for six months (usually £11.99 per month or £95.98 per annum) when signing up to the service via their Virgin TV set-top box or through Priority from O2. Priority members will also gain an exclusive opportunity to win an invitation to a special screening with MUBI. Virgin TV customers who would like the chance to enter should keep an eye on the Priority app over the coming weeks.

David Bouchier, Chief TV and Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “We are delighted to add the movie-lover’s destination MUBI to our entertainment line-up. Not only does it provide 24/7 access to incredible, award-winning films, but Virgin TV customers can benefit from an exclusive discount so they can sit back, relax and enjoy extra savings while they watch.”

The SCTE Membership App is designed to bring all the various verticals the SCTE is known for into one place. Under the various missions of the SCTE itself – Information, Communication and Collaboration – users can access the latest technical specifications, register for events and access discount codes, catch up on webinars, training sessions, lectures and podcasts via our Spotify and YouTube channels as well as read a mobile-friendly version of the SCTE’s quarterly publication, Broadband Journal, for the first time.  Using their website login credentials, members can also access the Members Area which includes a members directory and archive.

The app has been designed for easy use with a clean interface and sleek design, reflective of the recent rebrand the organisation underwent earlier this year. The app is built on the latest technology stack and can be used on both android and iOS devices.

“We are incredibly excited to finally be launching the SCTE Membership App,” said Dr Anthony Basham, President of the SCTE. “Our team has poured their hearts and souls into this project, and it’s been a vision of ours for some years now. We truly believe that it will change the way people interact with the SCTE, and more specifically Broadband Journal. We can’t wait for users to experience it for themselves.”

He added, “Our membership is diverse but one thing is certain; we are using our phones now more than ever. It is the right time to provide such added value to our members, and the app is another illustration of the SCTE continuing to reinvent itself as time – and technology – progresses.”

The SCTE Membership App is now available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/scte-membership-app/id6670315010

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.scte.scteapp&pcampaignid=web_share

 

Rome (Italy) /Gurugram (India), 12 September 2024

Sparkle, the first international service provider in Italy and among the top global operators, has signed an agreement with Airtel Business – the B2B arm of Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers – for additional capacity on a diversified low latency route between Asia and Europe.

Airtel Business is India’s leading and most trusted provider of ICT services with strategically located submarine cables, satellite networks and global networks spanning 400,000 Rkm (including IRU) across 50 countries and five continents. With 1200+ global carrier partnerships, the company enables its customers to connect across the world including hard-to-reach areas. In India, Airtel Business offers a wide gamut of solutions that include secure connectivity, cloud and data centre services, cyber security, IoT and cloud-based communications to enterprises, governments, carriers, and small and medium businesses.

Under the agreement, Sparkle will provide capacity on the Blue & Raman Submarine Cable Systems which will connect India to Italy. With this additional capacity, Airtel will further diversify its global network across multiple international submarine cable systems to serve the growing demand for data services in India and neighbouring countries.

The two companies will also work together on the development of new business opportunities and projects in the Indian sub-continent, leveraging their respective cable infrastructures.

Vani Venkatesh, CEO of Global Business at Airtel Business, said: “We are happy to partner with Sparkle as we further consolidate our leadership in global connectivity. This partnership will further diversify our network with large integrated capacities to meet the ever-growing connectivity needs and data demand of our customers.”

“We are very pleased with this agreement, based on the new solution provided by Blue & Raman, which supports the digital growth of the region and strengthens our historical partnership with Bharti Airtel”, added Enrico Bagnasco, CEO of Sparkle.

  

About Sparkle

Sparkle is TIM Group’s Global Operator, first international service provider in Italy and among the top worldwide, offering a full range of infrastructure and global connectivity services – capacity, IP, SD-WAN, colocation, IoT connectivity, roaming and voice – to national and international Carriers, OTTs, ISPs, Media/Content Providers, and multinational enterprises. A major player in the telecommunication cable industry, Sparkle owns and manages a network of more than 600,000 km of fiber spanning from Europe to Africa and the Middle East, the Americas and Asia. Its sales force is active worldwide and distributed over 33 countries.

Find out more about Sparkle following its X and LinkedIn profiles or visiting the website tisparkle.com

 

About Bharti Airtel

Headquartered in India, Airtel is a global communications solutions provider with over 550 million customers in 17 countries across South Asia and Africa. The company ranks amongst the top three mobile operators globally and its networks cover over two billion people. Airtel is India’s largest integrated communications solutions provider and the second largest mobile operator in Africa. Airtel’s retail portfolio includes high-speed 4G/5G mobile broadband, Airtel Xstream Fiber that promises speeds up to 1 Gbps with convergence across linear and on-demand entertainment, streaming services spanning music and video, digital payments and financial services. For enterprise customers, Airtel offers a gamut of solutions that includes secure connectivity, cloud and data center services, cyber security, IoT, Ad Tech and cloud-based communication. For more details, visit www.airtel.com

 

 

Sparkle Media Contacts

sparkle.communication@tisparkle.com

X: @TISparkle

 

Bharti Airtel Media Contacts

corporate.communications1@airtel.com

 

Many regions struggle with poor connectivity because operators cannot find economically-viable sites for their infrastructure in key locations. Site Finder solves this problem by proactively identifying areas with poor connectivity and capacity, and facilitating the use of shared sites.

WM5G’s Site Finder service identifies locations with poor coverage, finding sites on public land that can be shared by multiple operators. By bringing in neutral host providers and tower companies, Site Finder makes it feasible for operators to deploy infrastructure in previously neglected areas.

The Site Finder service uses WM5G‘s Connected Map – developed in conjunction with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), local authorities and public asset holders – to provide a comprehensive, dynamic inventory of buildings, land, and infrastructure that can be used to support the UK’s expanding telecoms infrastructure. 

WM5G’s distinctive position in the industry means it is uniquely positioned to address the critical challenges involved with infrastructure deployment. 

Chris Hudson, connectivity director at WM5G, said: 

“Connectivity is crucial for businesses and citizens alike, but are we doing enough to address poor coverage areas? Our site finder service pinpoints key regions for new coverage, and today’s announcement of our service expansion underscores our commitment to providing ubiquitous connectivity across the West Midlands and beyond. Improved connectivity will drive economic growth, enhance quality of life, and ensure that no one is left behind in our increasingly digital world.”

The Site Finder service is a game-changer for tower companies and operators, enabling the rapid and efficient rollout of crucial telecoms infrastructure, as well as simplifying the complex process of site identification and acquisition. It is an approach that promises to turn the vision of a fully-connected society into reality. 

Features and benefits

Proactive Identification: Unlike traditional reactive methods, Site Finder actively seeks out locations with poor coverage.

Shared Sites: By identifying sites that can be shared, the service reduces the cost burden on individual operators.

Economic Viability: Operators can now afford to provide connectivity in areas that were previously not financially viable.

Accelerated Rollout: The service simplifies the complex process of site identification and acquisition, speeding up the deployment of telecoms infrastructure.

Real-World Impact: More coverage to benefit citizens, businesses & public services

A series of new private 5G networks is set to transform food and wine production across West Sussex, enabling local businesses with the tools and skills to thrive in the digital age. This transformative initiative will co-develop foundational 5G use cases, testing technologies like sensors, drones, and cameras that can revolutionise farming practices and promote sustainable food production.

 

The announcement marks the next phase of the ‘Growing Sussex 5G Innovation Region’, an ambitious project aimed at driving sustainable food and drink productivity through 5G technology.

 

Boldyn Networks, a leader in shared networks infrastructure, will design and build four high-bandwidth private 5G networks across two grower sites and participating colleges, to pilot cutting-edge technologies such as automation and real-time remote control and monitoring. The networks will launch in Q1 2025.

 

From autonomous tractors to advanced drones, the project aims to trial new innovations across the region’s agriculture sector, to increase the uptake of 5G technology in growing practices across the country, to improve productivity, yields and profitability. By fostering the development of thought leaders, managers, and data analysts, the project will open exciting new career paths in the growing sector.

 

The project, a consortium of West Sussex County Council, West Sussex Growers, Brighton University, education centres and commercial producers, secured £3.8 million in funding from the Government’s Department of Science, Innovation and Technology as part of its 5G Innovation Regions programme.

 

Steve Waight, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Digital Infrastructure said: “Sussex provides a fertile environment for sustainable food and drink production, aligning with the government’s Food Strategy. By placing education at the core, we are equipping the workforce with digital skills to utilise modern technology across fields, farms, and vineyards. This approach not only supports local job creation in our key sectors but also broadens employment opportunities for students and workers, encouraging more to consider careers in horticulture, agriculture, and viticulture.”

 

The West Sussex horticulture sector generates £1 billion in annual sales and employs 10,000 full time employees. Recognising agriculture is a cornerstone of this region, this project will be looking to drive the industry’s expansion with greater job security and a desire for enhanced productivity.

 

Rachael Williams of West Sussex Growers’ Association said: “5G will be a game-changer for growers across the region. It has the potential to give growers the tools to further improve the efficiency, productivity and sustainability of growing practices. Through leveraging Boldyn Network’s technology – increased automation will provide better quality and timely data to enable improved decision-making to increase yields and productivity of home-grown fresh produce here in West Sussex. This project also has education at its heart, working together with our local colleges to update curriculums. Our aim is to develop the local workforce with the essential skills needed for commercial horticulture.”

 

Fionnuala Furmston, Country Manager UK, Private Networks Europe at Boldyn Networks said: “From increasing productivity to equipping the next generation of agricultural workers with the essential digital skills they need to thrive in this evolving landscape. We’re committed to helping shape the future of farming with the support of private 5G networks to accelerate a new era for agriculture. By integrating cutting edge technologies and enabling key use cases, we’re excited to transform the agricultural industry and help boost the West Sussex economy.

 

Furthermore, the project will establish a replicable model for 5G adoption in growing sectors across the UK. By enabling British growers to produce food and drink more efficiently and sustainably, it aligns perfectly with the current UK Food Strategy.”

 

Paul Rolfe, Associate Principal (Employers & Stakeholders) at Chichester College Group, said: “We look forward to the impact digital connectivity, including 5G, will have on agriculture and the future leaders of the industry, like the students at Brinsbury College. Technologies such as real-time data, precision studies, and AI will drive a sustainable food revolution that goes beyond improving food and wine production.

 

As part of the Growing Sussex Innovation Region, we are committed to leading change and equipping future generations with the digital skills they need for success. Through new qualifications in agriculture and land management, we are proud to develop a workforce ready to shape the future of farming in the UK and globally.”

 

ENDS

 

About Boldyn Networks

 

Boldyn Networks is one of the world’s largest neutral host providers, delivering the advanced shared network infrastructure needed for a smart, inclusive, and sustainable future. It brings together the combined scale and expertise of industry-leading companies with a single purpose: to unlock the power of an interconnected future. From interconnected transit, venues and enterprises, smart cities, next-generation and bespoke private networks, to smart campuses –through Apogee Telecom, a Boldyn Networks company- Boldyn enables new possibilities in the way people live, work and play. Bringing connectivity to the most complex environments. Our portfolio is harnessing fiber, advancing 4G/LTE, accelerating 5G, preparing for 6G–and looking beyond to the next breakthroughs. With headquarters in the UK, our global operations span North America, Europe, and Asia. Boldyn Networks. Reimagine tomorrow. Transform today. 

 

Learn more at: www.boldyn.com  

 

For more information contact

Boldyn Networks

M <07921 450882> | E < boldyn@lexcomm.co.uk >

Etten-Leur, Netherlands, 11 September ’24 – Future Connections, the independent telco solutions provider and software developer with in-depth experience in network performance assurance, RAN optimisation and automation and in telco managed services, today announced the expansion of its operations with the opening of new offices in Mexico.

 

The company has set up the new operations in the Americas to respond to a specific request from customers and partners alike. Its move to be closer to the American market makes more readily available to local mobile network operators its expertise in developing and implementing customer-focused, scalable, cost-effective automation and orchestration solutions.

The office will be located in Polanco, the popular business district of Mexico City. It will be headed by Jair Segura, a local professional with extensive knowledge of the American market, having previously worked in senior roles in Business Development, Sales and Technical Sales for companies such as Viavi, Samsung, TeleWorld Solutions and LCC (Tech Mahindra). Jair commented: “I am excited to join Future Connections at a time when its presence in the region is desired and automation and orchestration of network processes and operations are recognised worldwide as the enablers to achieve much needed higher efficiency levels and end-customer satisfaction”.

Alejandro Medina, CTO at Future Connections, added: “As service assurance and autonomous network solutions evolve with the attractive adoption of more sophisticated and promising technologies and methodologies such as OpenRAN, cloud native developments and AI/ML, we felt compelled to bring our expertise in these areas closer to customers, prospects and partners located in the Americas. This is in line with our customer-centric approach and supports our mission to help communication service providers (CSPs) worldwide to achieve highly improved levels of efficiency in their network performance and satisfaction of their end-customers. We welcome Jair in our team and look forward to working closely with him in the American market”.