Cheeky mobile operator O2 (Virgin Media) recently hired a team of “independent secret shoppers” to visit EE (BT), Vodafone and Three UK stores to see what contracts were available to them, which found that split contracts (i.e. separate contracts for the handset and airtime) are “harder to get hold of than some networks have customers […]
UK Gov Updates on Rural Satellite Broadband Trial and New Pilots
The Government has revealed some new details about their previously announced trial (here) to deliver “high-speed broadband” via Satellite ISP solutions to Shetland. At the same time, they’ve also launched a new Smart Infrastructure Pilots Programme (SIPP) and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Telecoms Diversification with Australia. In case anybody has forgotten. The […]
Zzoomm’s FTTP Broadband Goes Live in Congleton, Cheshire UK
Broadband network builder and UK ISP Zzoomm has today announced that the first customers in the Cheshire town of Congleton are now able to connect to their new gigabit-capable Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) infrastructure, which follows only a year after the build itself (here) was first announced. The operator, which aspires to cover 1 million premises across […]
Mobile Network Builder BAI Communications Shifts Global HQ to UK
Mobile infrastructure firm BAI Communications (BAI), which is in the process of rebranding to Boldyn Networks (here) and has deployed several “neutral host” style 4G and 5G mobile broadband networks in the UK (i.e. mobile operators buy access via wholesale), has announced that they will establish their new global HQ in London. The company is […]
Broadband ISP ZYBRE Finally Closes to New UK Customers
In news that will come as a surprise to nobody familiar with recent events. Troubled internet service provider ZYBRE (Air Broadband) has replaced the front page of their website with a notice to say they’ve “decided to cease taking on new customers” due to “continued pressures” that they’ve “not been able to overcome“. The ISP […]
Broadband ISP BT Trial TNT Sports Service Ahead of UK Rebrand
Some customers of BT’s consumer products are being invited to trial TNT Sport ahead of the big rebranding under a new joint venture with Warner Bros. Discovery, which is currently scheduled to take place from 18th July. TNT Sports is the new name for BTSport – offering exclusive live TV sport (Premier League, UEFA Leagues […]
Cisco and AT&T Join Forces to Help Businesses Expand Connectivity for a Growing Mobile-First Workforce
Press Release
Cisco and AT&T announced new solutions to enhance connectivity and advance the calling landscape for hybrid workforces. Whether on the shop floor, the top floor, at the branch office, the home office, or the commute in between, the modern workforce is not tethered to a single space, device, or geography. With the new offerings, including Cisco’s Webex Calling and SD-WAN solutions alongside AT&T mobile network, businesses of any size can offer employees a simple, secure, consistent experience to thrive in any setting.
Seamless, Flexible and Native Integration with Webex Calling
The companies today announced plans that will help ensure a seamless and reliable mobile-first collaboration experience, allowing users the flexibility to take calls across multiple devices while traveling for work, running errands, and more.
With the dramatic increase in the use of mobile phones as the primary business device, enterprises need connectivity solutions that are easy to manage, secure, and provide the flexibility and reliability desired for work from anywhere. This integration addresses this need with key features including:
Single number mobile identity: Combining the capabilities of an AT&T wireless smartphone with the native integration of Webex Calling will provide greater functionality and flexibility for on-the-go communication.
Reduce costs: This integration helps enterprise customers lower costs by reducing or eliminating the need for traditional fixed business lines.
Crystal clear voice: AT&T Cloud Voice with Webex Go allows users to securely make and receive business calls using AT&T’s fast, reliable nationwide mobile network and seamlessly elevate calls to a fully immersive Webex collaboration experience across the Webex App and devices[1], with capabilities like closed captioning, noise removal, and white boarding.
Fast, efficient, and secure collaboration: AT&T and Cisco’s joint solution will increase the ability to effectively and securely collaborate no matter the location, resulting in improved knowledge sharing and faster decision making.
AT&T Cloud Voice with Webex Go[2] will be available for all Webex Calling users from Cisco partners in the United States later this year.
SD-WAN Connectivity without Compromise
Demand for unified experiences over secure connectivity to the cloud and site-to-site continues to surge. Cisco and AT&T are working together to bring secure on-demand connectivity with SD-WAN over mobile 5G and fiber broadband to businesses of every size.
For small and medium businesses, AT&T is launching a new self-service option to simplify and accelerate SD-WAN deployment. Businesses can now easily connect, protect, manage, and scale their networks using AT&T Business Wi-Fi with Cisco Meraki.
For larger enterprises, AT&T SD-WAN with Cisco is a fully managed connectivity solution with embedded security and analytics. Enterprises can now confidently connect a user or device to any application in their multicloud using a secure access service edge (SASE)-enabled architecture. This delivers integrated security and application optimization for end-to-end visibility.
Cisco will also provide the ability to embed AT&T wireless connectivity into Cisco devices enabling zero touch provisioning for Cisco and AT&T customers, through AT&T Control Center powered by Cisco.
“The network is at the core of the modern workforce. The ability to get things done is no longer reliant on where you are, but how you are connected,” said Jonathan Davidson, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Cisco Networking. “Hybrid work only works when experiences are unified—simple, secure, and consistent. Together with AT&T, we are giving businesses what they need to securely connect everything and everyone—wherever they are. Because when everything is connected, then anything is possible.”
“Mobility is key to enabling hybrid work. Businesses want a seamless and reliable communication experience,” said Mike Troiano, Senior Vice President, Product & Pricing, AT&T. “At the heart of our collaboration with Cisco is a shared vision to empower organizations with secure connectivity, unmatched reliability, and deep network expertise. By deeply integrating our technology, businesses can be assured their communications are built on a solid foundation. Together we are unlocking new levels of productivity, agility, and connectivity— enabling teams to thrive in the modern work landscape.”
[1] Requires compatible device; not available in all areas.
[2] Customers will need to procure and pay for the required AT&T Wireless CRU Plan from AT&T or authorized AT&T partner and Webex Calling License and required Webex GO-M SKU from Webex Reseller/VAR.
New UK Measures to Tackle Dumping of Optical Fibre from China
The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA), which is an arm’s length body of the UK government that exists to tackle unfair import practices and unforeseen surges of imports, has today recommend the introduction of new trade remedies to protect the country’s optical fibre industry from “harm caused by low-priced imports from China“. Optical fibre cables transmit […]
Openreach to Extract 200 Tonnes of UK Copper Cable in 2023
As the UK rollout of full fibre (FTTP) broadband gathers pace, Openreach (BT) are increasingly turning their attention to the challenge of how to extract all of that valuable copper leftover from their legacy phone network. Initial trials have already taken place, and they now expect to extract over 200 tonnes of copper cable this […]
Let’s talk about the symbiotic relationship between data centers and submarine cables
VIEWPOINT
Digital Realty has been a proud sponsor of Submarine Networks EMEA for several years, showcasing its strong alignment to the subsea community. As a provider of carrier neutral data center facilities and Cable Landing Stations, Digital Realty plays a vital role in establishing the connectivity ecosystem.
In this interview, Wilfried Dudink, Senior Director – Strategy & Development at Digital Realty, emphasises the company’s relationship with the subsea community and the importance of the conference.
For more insights from the event: https://events.digitalrealty.com/submarinenetworksemeablog/totaltele