Neos Networks, which operates a high-capacity business fibre network across the UK – spanning 34,000km and 550 exchanges, has today been named as a supplier on Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) Network Services 3 (NS3) framework. This essentially means it can offer more services to the public sector. NS3 is an update to Network Services 2 […]

Eurasian focused network operator RETN UK has deployed a new Points of Presence (PoP) site in London, at the Lumen DC in Goswell Road, which will enable IP Transit services to new customers and expand their existing presence in one of the world’s major cities (new PoPs have also gone live in Poznań, Poland and […]

PRESS RELEASE

[Shenzhen, China, July 20, 2023] GlobalData, a world-leading consulting company, recently released its FTTP (Fiber to the Premise) Competitive Landscape Assessment. In this report, GlobalData gives high scores to Huawei’s SmartAX MA5800/EA5800 series OLT(Optical Line Terminal) products in terms of Customer and Market Traction, Deployment Flexibility, Density/Scalability, Capacity, and ONT Range; and they named Huawei as an FTTP leader, in recognition of its clear competitiveness.

Huawei’s Intelligent Distributed OLTs scores the highest in GlobalData FTTP Competitive Landscape Assessment.

An ICT data analysis and consulting firm, GlobalData provides market research reports, forecasts, and product analyses to the ICT industry. According to GlobalData’s FTTP report, the construction of 10G PON has been accelerating worldwide since 2019, and more and more users have been demanding gigabit access to improve network experience. For example, users need HD video to run smoothly on demand, and they need multiple applications to run concurrently without frame freezing. Huawei’s SmartAX MA5800/EA5800 series OLT products feature ultra-high throughput and user capacity, end-to-end network slicing, and support smooth evolution to next-generation PON technologies. They can significantly improve user experience with four major upgrades to operator and enterprise networks.

Bandwidth upgrade: In addition to 100GE(Gigabit Ethernet) uplink port on control boards and service boards, Huawei SmartAX MA5800/EA5800 can support symmetric 50G PON service boards in 3-in-1 combo mode. This technology ensures sufficient upstream bandwidth for gigabit services and enables sites to smoothly evolve to 10 gigabits, so resource usage can be maximized.

Digital intelligence upgrade: With unique Fiber Iris technology, each ODN device has an optical ID that the ODN device can be identified by, so the ODN topology can be automatically restored. This makes it possible to accurately restore resource management information as well as detect and locate faults. Hardware faults can be located within 2 meters in 15 minutes or less.

Operation upgrade: Leveraging big data intelligent algorithms, a system can accurately identify and automatically analyze poor quality of experience users, and locate the root causes. The intelligent network perception helps operators and enterprises to streamline the fault location and troubleshooting processes and formulate marketing strategies for potential users, making operations more intelligent.

Low-carbon upgrade: Huawei has developed a 5-level energy saving solution to deliver energy-saving strategies intelligently to different network levels. By adjusting system performance based on traffic levels, the solution can optimize power consumption and visualize power efficiency on the Network Management System, facilitating low-carbon operations of operators and enterprises. Huawei’s intelligent distributed OLTs enable operators and enterprises to quickly deploy FTTP networks and shift from bandwidth monetization to experience monetization. In the future, Huawei will continue to innovate in the optical access field and work with global operators, customers, and partners to bring optical connections to everywhere and build a fully connected, intelligent world.

Broadband ISP WightFibre, which is deploying a full fibre network across the Isle of Wight – near the South Coast of Hampshire (England), has joined forces with artists Emma and Hollie of Community Murals to tackle the problem of graffiti in Ryde by painting the operator’s street cabinets with something a bit more.. attractive. The […]

Budget broadband ISP Plusnet has today launched an additional Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) powered package for residential customers covered by Openreach’s UK network – “Full Fibre 300“, which as the name suggests is based on the network operator’s 330Mbps tier. As usual, all of their FTTP packages include unlimited usage, a new Hub Two wireless router (based […]

A new report from technical UK consultancy firm FarrPoint, which examined the impact of a single network deployment, claims to have proven that investing in better rural mobile connectivity will bring “significant economic, social and environmental benefits” for those it covers. Excluding commercial deployments of 5G and 4G based mobile broadband infrastructure, there are currently […]

News

Bell Canada and Telenor will be the global platforms first partners, focussing on expanding the companies’ eSIM-based network access and service footprints

Today, Verizon Business has announced the launch of its new eSIM-based IoT platform, dubbed Verizon Global IoT Orchestration.

The platform will enable devices to switch connection seamlessly between Verizon’s carrier partners’ networks using an eSIM profile, allowing them to operate as a native network subscribers within that partner’s footprint.

In this way, IoT devices will be less reliant on roaming agreements to function effectively, with eSIM allowing for more streamlined connectivity and management.

The new platform will incorporate Verizon’s existing IoT management platform, Verizon ThingSpace IoT, which reportedly already manages millions of IoT devices.

Global IoT Orchestration is today launching with two strategic partners in Bell Canada and Norwegian multinational carrier Telenor, allow customers to receive eSIM connectivity in the US, Canada, and various countries in Europe and the Asia-Pacific regions.

Additional partners are expected to be announced by the end of the year, with Verizon suggesting it would ultimately like 30 carriers to sign up to use the platform, covering a targeted 200 countries and regions.

“The move toward global IoT reflects the reality of doing business in the massive IoT era. The number of IoT devices is expanding rapidly and fleets are fanning outward, so our customers need flexible, reliable connectivity that moves across borders,” said Debika Bhattacharya, Chief Product Officer at Verizon Business. “With our partners Bell Canada, Telenor, and more to come, Verizon Global IoT Orchestration will be able to provide that — a globe-spanning footprint with seamless eSIM IoT connectivity.”

Discussing the benefits of this eSIM approach over traditional IoT roaming, Shamik Basu, executive director of IoT and edge product for Verizon Business noted that it allowed devices entering a market to be considered “a local rather than a visitor”. This allows devices to operate without certain limitations that can be imposed on roaming devices, such as latency levels, as well as providing as regulatory compliance.

How is the rise of the IoT creating opportunities for businesses across the US? Join the digital ecosystem in discussion at this year’s Connected America

Also in the news:
EU and Japan sign deals for subsea cables and semiconductors
Home Office lambasted over Emergency Services Network delays
Ofcom probes VMO2 as customers complain about contract cancellation

News

The Fibre 2 Essential’s package will offer eligible customers the speeds of 73 Mbps for £20 per month

Today, Vodafone UK has announced the launch of a new social tariff plan, Fibre 2 Essentials, aiming to provide families hit hardest by the cost-of-living crisis an option for faster broadband speeds.

The £20 package includes speeds of up to 73Mbps, with customers able to join without a set-up fee and leave for free at any time. The tariff will also remain at this fixed price and will not be subject to in-contract price rises.

The tariff is available to anyone on Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit, as well as those on Employment and Support Allowance, Reduced Earnings Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, or Pension Credit.

The new plan follows the operator’s 38 Mbps Fibre 1 Essentials package, which was first introduced in October last year.

“We have led the way in social tariffs, being the first to launch both fixed and mobile connectivity and having the cheapest social broadband product on the market since October last year,” said Vodafone UK CEO Ahmed Essam. “We have now heard the call for telecoms providers to do more to support people in the cost-of-living crisis and offer social tariffs that meet the needs of different households, so we are continuing to lead the way by promoting a new social broadband tariff with faster speeds to our existing portfolio.”

“Connectivity isn’t a luxury; we are doing all we can to make sure everyone can stay connected,” he added.

Vodafone noted that it will retain all of its social tariff options available for customers following the proposed merger with Three UK.

Commenting on the announcement, Alex Tofts from Broadband Genie noted the scheme would offer customers broadband speeds comparable to the UK’s average

“While its 73Mb download rates can be beaten by some altnets like Hyperoptic, Fibre 2 is the fastest social tariff available from a mainstream provider and actually measures in at a fraction above the UK’s average speed (72.2Mb). This would be suitable for busy households of up to five people,” he said. “At £20 per month – or 66p per day – it is one of the most expensive reduced-price deals on the market, but eligible customers will still be able to select Vodafone’s current Essentials Broadband, which is 38Mb for £12 a month.”

“Importantly, it means Vodafone joins other national broadband suppliers like BT and Virgin in offering different social tariff options and is helping to ensure these packages are not seen as the poor relation alongside other standard-priced deals,” he added.

Earlier this year, a study from Ofcom revealed that millions of eligible households are still missing out on social tariffs, with public awareness remaining woefully low.

According to the regulator, there are currently 27 broadband companies offering social tariffs, alongside numerous mobile players, but only around 220,000 of the 4.2 million eligible households in the UK are taking advantage of these deals.

Ofcom has repeatedly called on broadband operators to better advertise their social tariffs and encourage take-up; indeed, earlier this month the regulator again wrote to the country’s largest broadband providers to emphasise the importance of offering and suitably advertising social tariffs.

Ofcom has also pressed O2 and TalkTalk – the two largest providers currently not offering a subsidised tariff – to quickly introduce them as a matter of priority.

Is the UK telecoms industry doing enough to support its vulnerable customers through the cost-of-living crisis?  Join the operators in discussion at this year’s Connected Britain conference, the UK’s largest digital economy event

Also in the news:
EU and Japan sign deals for subsea cables and semiconductors
Home Office lambasted over Emergency Services Network delays
Ofcom probes VMO2 as customers complain about contract cancellation

The Government’s Building Digital UK (BDUK) agency, which oversees various gigabit-capable broadband and mobile network (4G, 5G etc.) deployment projects, has today published their corporate Plan for 2023 to 2026 – this sets out their latest key progress, targets and objectives for the next three years. The plan itself doesn’t say anything that we haven’t […]

Broadband ISP BT has today confirmed that they’ve extended the ongoing region-by-region deployment of their new Internet Protocol (IP) based home phone service, Digital Voice, to include the Yorkshire and Humberside areas of England. After this, we expect Northern Ireland to be next. Customers will be contacted at least four weeks before being upgraded, to […]