News

The plans are the first of its kind in the UAE, according to the company 

Etisalat by e& has announced the launch of two new fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) plans of 5Gbps and 10Gbps to enhance the connectivity experience that the company can bring to customers. 

The 5Gbps plan is priced at AED 1799 ($489.80) per month and the 10Gbps plan is priced at AED 2,699 ($734.83) per month. 

“With the launch of ground-breaking 5Gbps and 10Gbps speeds, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” said Khaled El Khouly Chief Consumer Officer, Etisalat by e& in a press release. 

“This latest innovation reflects our commitment to cutting-edge connectivity, using a brand new XGS fibre network, we believe it will set new benchmarks in the industry,” he continued.  

According to the company, they are the first to introduce speeds higher than 1Gbps in the UAE. 

The UAE is fast becoming a global hotbed for telco innovation. Just this week, Etisalat by e& partnered with Nokia to complete the first trial of cloud RAN in the region, with the aim of enhancing the 5G experience in the mid-band carrier spectrum. The company said that the success of the trial demonstrates how combining cloud computing with the flexibility of radio access networks can enhance the 5G network. 

“It’s the first in the region and paves the way for enhanced connectivity and service delivery, ultimately providing end-users with a more robust and responsive 5G experience,” said Marwan Bin Shakar, Senior Vice President of Access Network Development at etisalat by e& in the announcement’s press release. 

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Also in the news:
South Korean president backs semiconductor mega cluster investment
Malaysia to launch second 5G network alongside DNB
BT signs connectivity deal with Iraqi gas firm

Viewpoint

By Opengear

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into data centres has sparked discussions about its impact on traditional job roles. Rather than viewing AI as a threat, this technological wave unveils a spectrum of opportunities and challenges within the data centre landscape. AI intersects with workforce dynamics, unlocking sector-wide potential and forming a symbiotic partnership with cutting-edge solutions. It promises to shift workers away from routine tasks, steering us toward a future where technology and human expertise converge for unprecedented possibilities.

AI and workforce dynamics

The Uptime Institute Global Data Center Survey 2023 highlights persistent staffing challenges in data centres. While AI is seen as a solution to address these challenges, there is cautiousness among operators, with 75% anticipating a shift in staffing dynamics due to AI.

AI excels in automating repetitive tasks, providing a remedy for the skills shortage in data centres. By streamlining server monitoring and resource allocation, AI empowers human operators to focus on strategic aspects of data centre management, opening avenues for professional evolution. Roles involving manual maintenance tasks become prime candidates for AI-driven automation, requiring traditional data wranglers to evolve into data engineers capable of building automation for data pipelines.

Opportunities across sectors

AI’s transformative potential to revolutionise data centre operations extends seamlessly into the dynamic landscape of the telecommunications sector. As telecom companies embrace digital transformation, AI becomes a key catalyst for innovation, efficiency, and enhanced network performance.

In the telecom industry, the integration of AI reshapes traditional practices. Companies leverage AI-driven solutions to optimise network management, ensuring robust and reliable connectivity. This shift toward intelligent network management contributes to predictive maintenance, proactive issue resolution, and the delivery of innovative services, creating opportunities for professionals adept at the intersection of AI and telecom expertise.

Telecommunications professionals equipped with AI skills find themselves at the forefront of this industry evolution. As AI continues to prove its efficacy in enhancing network resilience, improving customer experiences, and driving operational efficiency within the telecom sector, professionals are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of this technologically advanced domain. This presents a unique and dynamic landscape for career growth, specialisation, and impactful contributions to the ongoing evolution of the telecommunications industry.

AI and network resilience: A symbiotic partnership

In this transformative landscape, Opengear’s Smart Out-of-Band plays a pivotal role, empowering network teams to efficiently manage networks from remote locations. This not only upskills them in the use of network remediation tools but also provides the flexibility needed to adapt to the demands of their working day.

Opengear aligns seamlessly with AI’s transformative potential, with the company’s Network Resilience Platform, enriched by AI capabilities, ensuring that networks thrive in the face of disruptions. This allows data centre operators to focus on strategic initiatives while AI handles routine tasks.

Navigating the path forward

The age of data centres signifies an industry poised for transformation. AI, far from being a job killer, emerges as a catalyst for innovation, necessitating a skilled and adaptable workforce. Professionals are invited to embrace change, adapt their skill sets, and participate in shaping a future where technology and human expertise coalesce for unprecedented possibilities.

In essence, the integration of AI into data centres marks not an end but a new beginning – a dynamic era where human intelligence, augmented by AI capabilities, steers the industry toward unparalleled heights of innovation and resilience.

Want to hear more about Opengear and the AI revolution? Join them in discussion at Connected America 2024 live in Dallas, Texas

News 

Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) was the most complained about provider of fixed broadband, landline, pay TV, and pay monthly mobile services, according to a quarterly study from Ofcom 

UK communications regulator Ofcom has published a report on the number of complaints thy have received from telecoms customers over the last quarter (Q3 of 2023, July–September).  

Virgin Media topped the list for the most complained about service provider when it came to broadband, landline, and pay-TV services, which was a significant rise on the last quarter, notably after the investigation into their cancellation policy. In the broadband category, Virgin Media had the most complaints at 32 per 100,00 customers, followed by NOW Broadband with 18, and TalkTalk with 15. Sky had the least complaints with just 2 per 100,000 customers. 

VMO2, however, argues that these figures have been somewhat inflated by poor publicity earlier in the year related to an ongoing investigation from Ofcom, which encouraged more people to submit complaints. 

In July last year, it emerged that VMO2 had received a large number of complains about their cancellation policy, which customers argued made it intentionally difficult to cancel their services. A subsequent Ofcom investigation was launched into the issue, as the regulators rules state that cancellation policies “must not act as a disincentive for customers who wish to cancel their contract”. The investigation is still ongoing, and if it is found that they have breached the rules, then Ofcom will issue both a fine and remedial action. 

“As well as engaging fully with Ofcom’s ongoing investigation, we are investing in every area of our business to give our customers the best possible experience, with a real focus on resolving any issues at the first time of getting in touch and making it easier for them to get support when they need it,” said a VMO2 spokesperson. 

In pay-monthly mobile customers, O2 took the most complaints (6 per 100,000) followed by BT Mobile and Three with 4 and 5, respectively. 

In landline phone services, Virgin Media had 19 complaints, followed by NOW broadband, and TalkTalk. Sky again had the fewest complaints, with just2. . 

Finally, in pay-TV, Virgin Media again took the top spot with 20 complaints per 100,000 customers, while TalkTalk had the least with just one complaint per 100,000. 

Sky had the least number of complaints across all four categories.  

“Delivering the best Sky experience is not only underpinned by innovative products, unmissable content, and a reliable network, but by offering outstanding customer service,” said Devesh Raj, Sky’s Group Chief Operating Officer. 

“Having watched our teams across the business work with care and dedication every day, I’m very pleased that we’ve maintained our position as the least complained about provider yet again,” he continued. 

The full Ofcom report can be found here. 

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Also in the news:
South Korean president backs semiconductor mega cluster investment
Malaysia to launch second 5G network alongside DNB
BT signs connectivity deal with Iraqi gas firm

News 

Nokia’s 2023 financial results reflect the gloom of the current market, similar to Ericsson and AT&T’s results which have also been published this week 

This week, Nokia have released their financial results for Q4 and the full 2023 financial year. Net sales decreased 21% year-on-year in Q4, which the company put down to continuing macroeconomic uncertainty impacting operator spending.  Net sales for the year declined 8% year-on-year. 

“In 2023 we saw a meaningful shift in customer behaviour impacting our industry driven by the macro-economic environment and high interest rates along with customer inventory digestion,” said Pekka Lundmark, Nokia’s President and CEO in a statement. 

Despite Nokia’s success in the current climate, Lundmark warned that the same “challenging environment” of 2023 will continue into this year Nokia’s biggest revenue division, mobile networks, saw a 17% year-on-year decrease in sales to €2.5 billion in Q4, with Lundmark suggesting that 2024 will see operators remain cautious in terms of network investment. 

In Q4 cash flow performance was positive, generating €1.7 billion of free cash flow, and ending the quarter with net cash flow of €4.3 billion. 

Looking ahead at the next year, Nokia expects to see a comparable operating profit of between €2.3 billion to 2.9 billion 

Upon the news, Nokia shares had risen by 8.5%. 

These results come just a month after Nokia was struck a major blow when US operator AT&T signed a $14 billion 5G deal with Ericsson, significantly reducing Nokia’s presence in the US giant’s network. The deal negatively impacted Nokia share price, seeing it drop down 25% compared to the same time last year.  

Lundmark called the deal a “disappointing development” for Nokia, but added he believes Nokia has the right strategy to achieve a double-digit operating margin longer-term. 

Other key market players such as Ericsson and AT&T have also released their financial results this week, which also reflect the conservative nature of the market, with operators expected to heavily cut back on their purchases of 5G equipment. This has led to extensive cost-saving measures throughout the industry, with both operators and vendors implementing job cuts. 

 Back in February last year Ericsson announced it would cut 8,500 jobs. 

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Also in the news:
South Korean president backs semiconductor mega cluster investment
Malaysia to launch second 5G network alongside DNB
BT signs connectivity deal with Iraqi gas firm

News 

The formal investigation will examine the impact that the deal will have on market competition and what this could mean for customers 

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has begun the first phase of its investigation into the proposed merger of mobile network operators Three UK and Vodafone UK. 

Prior to the investigation’s launch, the CMA collected pre-notification evidence and information from both companies, as well as early views from stakeholders. 

The investigation will last 40 days, aiming to identify whether the merger would cause ‘substantial lessening of competition’ and, if this is the case, where a more detailed investigation will be needed. After the 40 days, the CMA will publish its findings and next necessary steps. 

“This deal would bring together two of the major players in the UK telecommunications market, which is critical to millions of everyday customers, businesses and the wider economy,” said Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA in a government statement. 

“The CMA will assess how this tie-up between rival networks could impact competition,” she continued.  

The high level of CMA intervention is necessary because, if the deal is given the greenlight, it will reduce the number of MNOs in the UK from four to three, with the newly merged company having a market share of 32.1%. 

The merger was agreed last year, with Vodafone taking a 52% in the new business and Three UK taking the remaining minority stake. Vodafone UK’s CEO Ahmed Essam will lead the business, and Three UK’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Darren Purkis will assume his same role at the new enterprise. 

The two companies emphasise that the merger will be beneficial to the UK telecoms market, giving them the freedom to jointly invest £11 billion in services and next generation wireless infrastructure.  

“Thanks to this transaction, 95% of the population and every school and hospital will be covered by standalone 5G by the end of the decade,” said Robert Finnegan, CEO of Three UK. 

The CMA is now inviting views by 9 February 2024 on how the merger could affect competition. 

Keep up to date with the latest news of the merger by subscribing to the Total Telecom newsletter 

Also in the news:
South Korean president backs semiconductor mega cluster investment
Malaysia to launch second 5G network alongside DNB
BT signs connectivity deal with Iraqi gas firm

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