Rural broadband ISP Wildanet has moved to improve their network testing and monitoring by adopting a solution from VIAVI, which will enable the operator to “detect and resolve any network issues quickly” on their new Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) infrastructure in Cornwall and Devon (England).

By the sounds of it, Wildanet intend to adopt VIAVI’s remote fibre test system, ONMSi, which will enable them to first verify the quality of its network as it is being built and then to monitor the fibre – “allowing Wildanet engineers to respond quickly to the exact location of an issue, should one arise.” Several other UK operators also use something similar.

Justin Clark, Wildanet’s Chief Operating Officer, said:

“Our partnership with VIAVI allows us to leverage world-class technology and enhance the confidence we have that as we build our network we have that quality assurance built-in.”

The provider, which originally started life as a Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) broadband provider in the same area, has more recently been deploying gigabit-capable full fibre broadband lines – both commercially and via public investment. Wildanet is estimated to have so far covered around 30,000 premises (Ready for Service), which puts them a bit behind the 50k target that was previously set for the end of 2023.

In January 2023 the operator also secured the £36m state aid fuelled Project Gigabit broadband contract to cover more than 19,250 premises in Cornwall (here), which was followed in April 2024 by a £41.2m contract to connect 16,800 premises across the rest of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (here). Both are designed to complement their existing commercial build.

Residential customers of the service pay from £29 per month to receive a 200Mbps (40Mbps upload) package on a 24-month term with free installation, which rises to £69 if you want their top 900Mbps (200Mbps upload) package. The provider also offers a Social Tariff for those on state benefits, which gives you 50Mbps (20Mbps upload) speeds for just £19 per month on a 12-month contract.

Broadband satellite ISP Brdy has stepped in to help homes in the Surrey (England) village of Bramley, specifically the small number of properties that may be finding it difficult to get a working fixed-line internet connection due to the ongoing and long-running underground petrol leak in the area (here).

Brdy claims that, due to the disruptions being caused by the petrol leak, “hundreds” of locals have been left “without internet as Openreach faces delays due to safety concerns about accessing underground cables“. But take note that, so far as we’re aware, most local premises are still connected to their fixed-line service (although it’s possible that a few may be struggling due to restrictions on local engineering activity).

The operator notes that “temporary mobile masts are helping the emergency services“, but it adds that “businesses and residents are still desperate for a solution” and claims that its satellite solution can offer an alternative. Brdy are thus offering 2-months of free service to affected customers (although you still have to pay £5 per month for hardware rental, which is on top of the usual monthly sub).

Residential packages cost from £29.90 per month on a 30-day plan for download speeds of 25-75Mbps or £54.90 for 75-150Mbps (these seem to use Eutelsat’s satellites), although your speeds will be reduced by an unspecified amount after you use up your priority data allowance (100GB and 300GB per month, respectively). However, it’s unclear whether Brdy supports Ofcom’s new One Touch Switch (OTS) migration system, which is now mandatory for all UK ISPs.

Brdy are separately able to provide Starlink based packages for businesses, but then Starlink can also offer those directly.

Brdy Statement

This service provides immediate connectivity to homes and businesses affected by communications disruptions, offering an alternative to traditional broadband which relies on underground cables. Affected businesses, such as Bramley Barbers, have been severely affected, with some facing financial difficulties due to the lack of internet, landline, and telephone connections. Although temporary mobile masts are helping the emergency services, businesses and residents are still desperate for a solution.

Councillor Jane Austin highlighted the worsening situation in the village, saying some businesses were on the brink of closure. While Openreach continues to work with the relevant authorities to resolve the issue, the lack of a clear end date has left residents frustrated. The delays have increased calls for alternative communications solutions, such as satellite broadband.

Brdy’s flexible and affordable options can bypass the damaged infrastructure, ensuring both homes and local businesses can get back online without further delay. With fast installation and affordable prices, Brdy’s satellite broadband can fill the gap and provide much needed stability in Bramley.

If your internet connectivity has been affected by the petrol leak in Bramley, contact Brdy today to restore your connectivity and take advantage of the 2-month free service offer for affected customers by quoting “BRAMLEYSURREY2024”.

Debt-troubled UK ISP TalkTalk has this afternoon issued a second update on their recently agreed refinancing package, which was announced on 12th August 2024 (here and here) and is said to be worth around £400m. As of today, 100% of the RCF and over 97% of bondholders have now signed up to the binding Lock-Up Agreement.

The deal essentially extended the group’s debt maturities to September 2027 and buys them more time to fix the foundations, or to find a buyer for the parts of their business that can still be saved. The latest update confirms that TalkTalk has now secured almost total support from the key parties, making it easier to proceed.

Refinancing Update: Update on support level for the transaction

Further to the announcement on 2nd September, the Company is pleased to announce that additional [revolving credit facility] lenders and bondholders have entered into the binding Lock-Up Agreement supporting the transaction.

As of 16th September 2024, 100% of the RCF and over 97% of bondholders have now signed up to the binding Lock-Up Agreement.

The level of support from lenders means the Company can now implement the transaction consensually via contractual amendments under the RCF and a consent solicitation and exchange offer, which is expected to be the quickest and most cost-effective implementation route.

The Company thanks creditors and stakeholders for their ongoing support and looks forward to closing the transaction in the coming months.

News

More than half of these jobs will be cut this month, with the full total to be cut by March next year, according to the operator

Back in June, Verizon announced its intention to cut around 4,800 jobs as part of wider restructuring. This “voluntary separation program” would impact US-based management positions and see the company’s 105,400-strong workforce reduced by around 4.5%.

This week, the initial cost of the job cutting measures has been revealed, with Verizon facing a $1.9 billion pre-tax charge in Q3 related to severance pay.

The majority of the job cuts are expected to be implemented this month, with the remainder to be carried out until March 2025.

In addition to these cuts, the company also expects to record charges of $230 million to $380 million during the same period related to the company ceasing to use real estate assets and exiting non-strategic portions of certain businesses, according to reports.

Combined, these measures are expected to make up a large part of CEO Hans Vestberg’s plans to save Verizon up to $3 billion by 2025.

Verizon – alongside its competitors AT&T and T-Mobile – has been attempting to slimline its workforce for a number of years now, citing a highly competitive marketplace and a struggle for organic growth. Last year alone saw the company scrap over 6,600 jobs, with a large number of these jobs reportedly being shifted oversees.

In total, the company has reduce its headcount by around 34,000 since Vestberg’s inauguration in 2018.

It should be noted, however, that Verizon is not tightening the purse strings across the board – in fact, quite the opposite.

Earlier this month, Verizon signed a deal to purchase fibre network operator Frontier Communications for $9.6 billion. The deal, the largest in Verizon’s history, will add around 2.2 million broadband subscribers to its footprint in 25 states.

Vestberg described the deal as a ‘strategic fit’, arguing that growth in the broadband market would be more achievable compared to mobile.

How is the US connectivity landscape shifting in 2024? Join the industry in discussion at Connected America

Also in the news:
CMA questions Vodafone–Three merger after second probe
UK govt to class data centres as critical national infrastructure
Connected Britain 2024: The Award Winners

News 

The company initially received backlash back in June before an intervention from the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) 

Meta has announced that it will begin training its AI models using public content shared by users on Facebook and Instagram in the UK, having paused the training in June due to regulatory clashes. 

The company intends to start this process in the coming months, with customers of their platforms to be informed via in-app notification.  

Meta argues that the use of this training will allow the company’s AI models to better reflect British culture, history, and language. In reality, of course, this is more about accessing the many millions of posts that will help to enhance their product offerings and maintaining a competitive edge against rival models. 

The decision follows discussions with the ICO after Meta paused its AI training in the UK to address regulatory concerns. Meta has since received clarity from the ICO, which confirmed that using public data under the legal basis of “Legitimate Interests” is acceptable. As a result, Meta expects its AI models to launch in the UK sooner than originally planned. 

Stephen Almond, Executive Director Regulatory Risk at the ICO has released the following statement:  

“Meta has since [since June] made changes to its approach, including making it simpler for users to object to the processing and providing them with a longer window to do so. Meta has now taken the decision to resume its plans and we will monitor the situation as Meta moves to inform UK users and commence processing in the coming weeks.” 

“We have been clear that any organisation using its users’ information to train generative AI models needs to be transparent about how people’s data is being used. Organisations should put effective safeguards in place before they start using personal data for model training, including providing a clear and simple route for users to object to the processing. The ICO has not provided regulatory approval for the processing and it is for Meta to ensure and demonstrate ongoing compliance.” 

Meta remains under scrutiny from various regulators over its handling of consumer data, particularly in Europe where the rollout of its Generative AI products remain paused as a result of regulatory inquiry.  

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

Also in the news:
CMA questions Vodafone–Three merger after second probe
UK govt to class data centres as critical national infrastructure
Connected Britain 2024: The Award Winners

The HGAP programme allows businesses to access free support from Gateley Global to overcome their barriers to growth and manage it sustainably. Those businesses that meet the eligibility criteria will be appointed a Key Account Manager (KAM) that will work with them to agree a growth ambition, baseline their current position, identify key challenges, and implement and monitor a plan for growth.

The KAM from the HGAP will provide ongoing, intensive support to implement the agreed growth strategy, using the considerable resources of professional services group Gateley and the large active network of professionals in the WMCA region. There are over 100 service offerings available to eligible businesses, including, but not limited to: strategy and business model development, leadership development, go-to-market strategy, governance, tax, and legal services, finance, HR, IP rights and valuations, commercial property, overseas markets, R&D tax advice, regulatory advice, and capital allowances.

To be eligible for the programme, businesses must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Have increased revenue or headcount by more than 20% for the past 2 years
Carry out 75% of their activities within Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, or Wolverhampton
Have a revenue of between £1 million and £36 million or have received funding of >£500,000 in the past 3 years
Have under 250 employees

The programme is entirely free of cost, with access to Gateley Global’s specialists backed by WMCA.

Dr Jamie Elliott, Delivery Manager – Business, WMCA said: “The High Growth Accelerator Programme is a game-changer for businesses in the West Midlands region, offering invaluable support at no cost. By participating, companies can tap into expert guidance tailored to their specific needs, helping them navigate challenges and unlock new growth opportunities. This programme is an excellent way for businesses to sharpen their competitive edge, drive innovation, and ensure long-term success in the region’s thriving economy.”

“The HGAP supports promising Midlands-based businesses to accelerate their growth, with access to our award-winning consultants to create, manage, and advise on the best strategy for success,” commented Rebecca Bekkenutte, Managing Director of Gateley Global. “This is a fantastic opportunity for business across the region to identify their pain points and overcome them — completely free of charge.”

The programme is specifically looking for businesses from the following sectors: aerospace, electric vehicle manufacturing, health and medical technology, logistics and distribution, professional and financial services, creative content production, future housing manufacturing, modern or low-carbon utilities, very light rail, 5G adoption, and e-commerce.

Are you the director of a business that meets the eligibility criteria, and are looking for complimentary support to accelerate high growth? Express your interest by filling in this form.

Rome, 13 September 2024

Sparkle, the first international service provider in Italy and among the top global operators, announces a new agreement with Nexim Global, Italo-American telecommunication operator, for the provision of International IP Transit and other IP services. The agreement was signed in Amsterdam during the IBC2024 event that draws together the global media, entertainment, and technology industry to share insights and expertise and create business opportunities.

Nexim Global provides a robust international backbone infrastructure and a globally distributed content delivery network (CDN), specializing in media broadcasting and distribution services. With over 8,600 km of fiber optic network, Nexim Global offers unmatched expertise in delivering high-performance multimedia solutions. In addition to media services, Nexim provides on-demand broadcast and AV contribution services for international clients, as well as global connectivity solutions.

Under the agreement, Sparkle will provide IP Transit at its Point of Presence (PoP) in Milan, along with DDoS protection and other IP services in Amsterdam and Frankfurt, enabling Nexim to achieve high-speed, low-latency access to the global Internet, thus enhancing its customers’ online experience. The two operators thus strengthen their collaboration which also includes other synergies in the field of international connectivity.

The deal with Nexim confirms Sparkle as a partner of choice for the media & broadcasting industry offering ultra-fast and energy efficient Internet connections.

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 submarine 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

Media Contacts:

sparkle.communication@tisparkle.com

X: @TISparkle

Sofia, Bulgaria – 12th September 2024: NetIX, the leading global distributed platform for award-winning connectivity and peering solutions, is proud to announce the expansion of its long-standing partnership with DE-CIX by adding five of their exchanges. The addition of these five new DE-CIX Internet Exchanges in Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Munich, Marseille, and New York to NetIX’s global peering platform further enhances the company’s presence across key global markets boosting its customers’ access and reach.

This strategic move strengthens the collaboration between NetIX – part of the Neterra Group – and DE-CIX, creating even more opportunities for networks to access and exchange traffic between these critical locations. Networks now have streamlined access to a greater number of peering partners, including ISPs and CDNs, providing reduced latency, improved network resiliency, and increased redundancy — all without the need for multiple direct connections.

“The addition of these new exchanges to our Global Internet Exchange service marks a significant milestone in our relationship with DE-CIX,” said Dean Belev, VP of Connectivity Services at NetIX. “We have partnered with DE-CIX for over 17 years, and as we continue to grow together, we remain committed to providing seamless global connectivity and empowering networks to peer globally through our one-stop platform. We look forward to continuing this growth journey with DE-CIX and expanding our shared reach across the world.”

With this expanded offering, NetIX continues to focus on delivering unparalleled global connectivity by making these leading exchanges part of its ecosystem. By connecting through a single cross connect to NetIX from any one fo its 220+ locations, networks can now instantly peer at DE-CIX’s newest locations, enabling better connectivity for customers and partners alike, regardless if they’re in a DE-CIX facility or not.

“NetIX has proven to be an exceptional partner; their innovative approach to building a global peering ecosystem has not only earned them respect within the industry but has also set new standards for seamless and efficient interconnection,” commented Karim Tubin, Global Partner Manager, Wholesale Business, at DE-CIX. “Working with NetIX allows us to extend our reach and provide enhanced services to our customers, while simplifying the peering process. Their commitment to delivering high-performance connectivity aligns perfectly with our mission, and together we look forward to further strengthening our partnership to support the evolving needs of networks around the world.”

Only last month, NetIX added four IXPs to its Global Internet Exchange (GIX) service; IX.br’s Fortaleza exchange, Giganet’s exchange in Amsterdam, and 1-IX’s exchanges in Frankfurt and Kyiv. These additions enabled NetIX to offer access to more than 45 IXPs, and now, with the addition of these five DE-CIX exchanges, it means NetIX has already revised and updated this total to over 50 IXPs.

NetIX’s GIX peering ecosystem is unique in the industry in allowing networks to tap into the power of global connectivity with unmatched efficiency; NetIX blends the traffic of its 50+ connected IXPs together and deliver all these routes via one cross connect and one port to the members’ networks. This innovation has already earned NetIX several prestigious awards, highlighting its impact on the global telecommunications landscape. 

NetIX’s platform reaches daily peaks of over 3Tb of daily traffic, a testament to the growing demand for its efficient and expansive connectivity solutions. Are you ready to benefit from NetIX’s award-winning peering services? Reach out to the team to discover new ways to improve and enhance your network reach by emailing contact@netix.net or visit netix.net for more information.

About NetIX

Our next-generation network accelerates the Internet; we connect content creators with users faster, cheaper, and more directly than ever.

Our network stretches across more than 220 global data centres in 100+ cities in 65 countries. The NetIX platform connects our 200+ members to content from 10,000+ visible networks and 50+ Internet Exchanges and reaches daily peaks of more than 3Tb of traffic throughput.

NetIX offers the best possible Internet connectivity: our members can directly exchange traffic with peers, giving their end-users faster page-load times on 90% of the most popular sites.

Our members include Internet service providers, broadcasters, telecoms operators, and content delivery networks – all the peers your customers need to access!

Network operator and UK ISP LightSpeed Broadband, which claims to have already built their gigabit-capable broadband (FTTP) network to cover 250,000 premises in the East of England and West Midlands, has today opened their network up for use by rival ISPs and businesses via a new wholesale division – LightSpeed Networks.

The provider, which was last year acquired by Kompass Kapital (here) after suffering job cuts and a build slowdown in the East of England (here), currently claims to have builds across parts of 32 market towns in South Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Rutland.

However, until now LightSpeed has tended to be more of a vertically integrated provider, but all that has just changed with today’s launch of their new wholesale offerings via LightSpeed Networks (technically it actually launched last week, but the press release only dropped today) – offering partners a range of connectivity options from 100Mbps and all the way up to 100Gbps (everything from FTTP to lightning-fast Ethernet or wavelength connections).

The move sees the LightSpeed Group being split into two distinct brands:

LightSpeed: The ISP providing access for homes and businesses to Gigabit broadband across the East of England and West Midlands 

LightSpeed Networks: Expanding the group’s full fibre connectivity across existing and new areas, and the provider of wholesale connections to partners 

Third-party ISPs joining this network will also be able to benefit from a range of consumer services ranging from 100Mbps to 2Gbps.

Brett Shepherd, LightSpeed Group CEO, said:

“We’re delighted to have launched LightSpeed Networks at Connected Britain this month, discussing all things broadband with likeminded telecoms innovators.

Our mission is to empower homes, businesses, and communities with flexible, high-quality broadband infrastructure. By building partnerships based on shared goals, we aim to push the boundaries of technology and unlock new opportunities for everyone.”

Interestingly, the website for Lightspeed Networks also offers a visual map of their infrastructure, which provides some clues as to their roll-out plan.

News

The announcement follows Sir Chris Bryant, Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms, gaving a speech on the importance of digital infrastructure at Connected Britain 2024 

The UK government has officially classified data centres as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), aiming to enhance their protection against cyber threats, IT outages, and environmental risks.  

The decision, announced by Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, focuses on safeguarding important data such as NHS records, financial information, and personal data, while also supporting the broader digital economy. 

The new status places data centres alongside essential services like energy and water, ensuring they receive additional government support where necessary.  

It also includes better coordination with security agencies, such as the National Cyber Security Centre, and the creation of a dedicated data infrastructure team of senior government officials to oversee the infrastructure.  

Designating data centres as CNI is aimed their resilience against outages, cyber-attacks, and other risks that could impact vital services like healthcare and financial systems.  

This scale of the disruption possible by cyberattacks of unintentional technical faults was highlighted earlier this year, when an unintentional consequence of a Crowd Strike update saw 60% of GP practices unable to access software holding patients’ appointment details, prescriptions, and health records. 

In line with this announcement, the government has announced a proposed £3.75 billion investment in Europe’s largest data centre, to be built in Hertfordshire by data centre company DC01UK. The project, which is pending approval, is expected to create 700 local jobs and support almost 14,000 positions across the UK’s tech sector.  

“Data centres are the engines of modern life, they power the digital economy and keep our most personal information safe. Bringing data centres into the Critical National Infrastructure regime will allow better coordination and cooperation with the government against cyber criminals and unexpected events,” said Technology Secretary Peter Kyle in a press release. 

“The huge £3.75 billion private investment announced today in Hertfordshire is a vote of confidence in those plans and a clear example of my determination to ensure technological advancements are helping to grow our economy and create wealth across the country,” he continued. 

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Also in the news: