Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Carlisle-based alternative broadband network and UK ISP Grain, which recently secured a £225m funding boost to continue their expansion (here), has revealed that they’ve now begun to expand their Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) lines across the Lincolnshire (England) market town of Gainsborough; home to over 20,000 people.

The town represents a reasonable choice for Grain since, at present, their main gigabit-capable broadband competitors at infrastructure level in the area would be the incumbents of Openreach and Virgin Media (inc. nexfibre); both of which have strong coverage. In addition, OFNL (inc. Fibrenest) has a small deployment via some new build homes and Giggle Fibre (Harmony Networks) also seem to be present, but you still can’t order the latter.

As for Grain, the announcement doesn’t reveal anything much about their deployment plan for the area, although we can clearly see plenty of related roadworks around the left side of the town, which will probably be converted into a live service within the next few months. The rollout is part of their wider expansion across the East Midlands, with towns like Leicester, Loughborough and Nottingham already partly covered.

The operator’s FTTP broadband network across the UK is currently home to over 43,000 customers and covers 270,000 UK premises (aiming to reach 600,000 in the future).

Richard Cameron, CEO at Grain Broadband, said:

“We’re excited to offer Gainsborough residents an internet service that can keep up with their digital lives. We’re not just delivering faster internet – we’re also helping customers save money every single month. Whether you’re working from home, streaming your favourite shows, or gaming online, Grain is here to keep you connected.”

Customers can expect to pay from £17.99 per month on a 24-month term for symmetric speeds of 150Mbps (including a router and free installation), which rises to £27.99 for their 1000Mbps tier. Some of these packages are also currently running a half-price promotion that lasts for between 3 and 12 months – varying by package.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Telecoms and broadband giant BT is reportedly exploring the possibility of launching a new low-cost mobile service brand to complement their premium EE service. Such a move would seek to replicate Three UK’s approach with sub-brand Smarty or Vodafone’s approach with VOXI, albeit with some of BT’s own unique twists.

The network operator has occasionally hinted at this idea before, although until now they’ve often seemed to be too focused on other projects to really develop it into something serious. But according to the FT‘s (paywall) sources, the telecoms giant is now alleged to be actively exploring a number of different options for launching a budget mobile brand.

One such option could involve creating an entirely new brand, in much the same way as Three UK and Vodafone already did above (not forgetting that O2 also did this with giffgaff) – starting from scratch. The other option could involve BT moving to acquire an existing Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) and then changing it to suit their purposes.

The move, if confirmed, could be seen as a response to how competitive the UK’s mobile market has become in recent years. Virtual operators seem to have been springing up all over the place, while pure eSIM providers (usually focused more on travel / roaming solutions) have recently added yet another new dynamic to the market.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

The CEO of broadband and mobile giant Virgin Media and O2 (VMO2), Lutz Schüler, has today warned the UK government against reforming business rates in a way that would impose a “hefty hike” on telecoms providers because, he says, it would act as a “disincentive to invest that will be a real kick in the cabinets” to the industry. At a time when they’re already under pressure.

Not unlike the BT Group, VMO2 (inc. nexfibre) are currently in the middle of a major infrastructure programme, which reflects their ongoing roll-out of 5G based mobile broadband technology and the upgrade, as well as expansion, of their existing fixed broadband network to adopt the latest 10Gbps capable XGS-PON full fibre (FTTP) infrastructure.

However, as well as being under pressure from the existing business rates regime and rising costs (i.e. build costs, high interest rates, competition etc.), VMO2 has also had to contend with some disruption to their plans from partner Telefonica’s decision to conduct a Strategic Review of their heavily indebted business (here and here).

Suffice to say that the last thing VMO2 want to see right now is the government reforming business rates in a way that would significantly raise the tax burden of deploying new fibre and mobile infrastructure. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of BT Group, Simon Lowth, recently made similar points via a more in-depth blog post (here); this followed earlier remarks from the group CEO, Allison Kirkby (here).

Lutz Schüler, VMO2 CEO, said (Telegraph):

“A hefty hike in business rates is a direct network tax and a disincentive to invest that will be a real kick in the cabinets to the telecoms industry at a time when business costs in the UK are already eye-watering. We urge the Treasury to rethink its business rates proposals and ensure critical infrastructure investment remains proportionately incentivised and supported in line with the Government’s growth mission.”

A spokesman for HM Treasury said:

“We’re making business rates fairer by introducing permanently lower rates for retail, hospitality and leisure from April, funded by a higher rate on less than 1pc of the most valuable business properties. We’ve also capped corporation tax at 25pc, the lowest in the G7, secured major trade deals with the US, EU and India, and seen interest rates cut five times since the election to help businesses across Britain.”

However, despite the concerns, the Government currently seems set to continue with their changes. The move puts them in the somewhat confusing situation of trying to both encourage investment in new digital infrastructure – sometimes with public money (Project Gigabit, SRN etc.) – while, at the same time, running the risk of discouraging it via higher taxation.

In an ideal world the network operators would probably prefer it if the government excluded digital infrastructure from their changes or introduced another targeted relief from business rates, but there’s currently no sign of that happening.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

The UK communications regulator, Ofcom, has today decided to proceed with all the proposals they outlined in January 2025 to exempt lots of additional equipment from needing a wireless telegraphy licence, such as 5G handsets and dongles on aircraft or ships and 5.8GHz (5725-5850 MHz) Fixed Wireless Access kit – used by many wireless broadband ISPs.

“After careful consideration of the consultation responses, we have decided to proceed with all the proposals outlined in the consultation document, subject to some small clarifications and amendments. These will be implemented in phases over the next 12 months, including consultation on the Notices of proposed regulatory amendments,” said Ofcom’s statement today.

The move suggests that, among other things, we might start to see more aircraft and ships offering onboard 5G (mobile broadband) connectivity in the future instead of just WiFi. In addition, companies like Tarana Wireless will also be able to proceed with their plan for making the 5.8GHz band available to wireless broadband ISPs in the UK via a free software update (here).

However, the full list of changes is much longer and also touches many other sectors, which we’ve summarised below.

Ofcom’s Decision

Following consultation, we have taken a policy decision that we will authorise new licence exempt use of some equipment and amend the current technical conditions that apply to some existing licence exemptions. The changes fall into two primary categories, as set out below:

1. Exemptions that will harmonise the conditions of use of certain equipment in the UK with other countries.

• Mobile Communications onboard Aircraft (MCAs) and Vessels (MCVs) – we will enable the licence-exempt use of 5G terminals (handsets and dongles) connecting to a dedicated mobile base station on an aircraft or ship.

• Short Range Devices (SRDs) – we will introduce new licence exemptions for the use of additional SRD equipment and to amend existing licence exemption rules for a range of SRDs. This will affect some indoor security scanners; audio Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) devices; inductive (Radio Frequency Inductive Device) RFID systems; active medical implants; assistive listening devices; low duty cycle / high reliability devices; transport and traffic telematics devices; and the non-specific SRD category of devices.

• Ultra-Wideband (UWB) – we will introduce new licence exemptions and amend existing ones for operating certain UWB equipment. These changes affect location tracking devices (e.g. for parking management, home security and access control systems), general vehicle applications (e.g. for use at high density road crossings) and indoor only applications (e.g. tracing people within buildings) in the 6-8.5 GHz frequency band, as well as existing rules for generic UWB devices. We will also change the way in which we reference certain indoor only applications to align with other countries.

• Autonomous maritime radio devices (AMRDs) – we will introduce a new licence exemption for use of AMRD equipment categorised as ‘Group B’ equipment where this uses Channel 2006 (160.9 MHz). These devices alert other users of their presence and can include diver and fishing net locating devices.

2. Exemptions identified by Ofcom through our simplification programme of work. We have concluded that there are a number of areas where we can simplify how we authorise the use of specific equipment. Under this category, we will introduce either a new exemption or make amendments to an existing one in relation to the following equipment:

• Coastal Station Radio (Training School) – we will introduce a new licence exemption for use of these very low power indoor systems used for training purposes. Training schools will still be required to abide by the existing technical conditions of operation.

• Testing and Development Under Suppressed Radiation Conditions – we will amend the existing licence exemption to increase the spectrum ceiling from 960 MHz to 275 GHz. This change will remove the need for some users to obtain an Innovation and Trial licence when testing or developing equipment in an indoor, suppressed environment at specified power levels.

• Amateur Radio Full (Temporary Reciprocal) – we will introduce a new licence exemption for short-term use of Radio Amateur equipment by Radio Amateurs visiting from countries that are not covered by the CEPT Recommendation T/R 61-02, but with whom the UK has a bilateral reciprocal agreement. In light of responses, we will make some changes to the foreign licence qualification criteria we originally proposed to reflect changes that have occurred in those foreign administrations; and

• 5.8 GHz (5725-5850 MHz) Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) – we will introduce a new licence exemption for use of this equipment. Operators of the equipment will still need to comply with the existing technical conditions set out in IR 2007.

We will need to make a number of different exemption regulations to implement the decisions set out in this document. We are planning to make the regulations in phases and will publish a Notice of proposed Regulations shortly for the first implementation phase covering SRDs, AMRDs, Coastal Station Radio (Training School) and 5.8 GHz FWA. In some cases, we will also make changes to licences once the Regulations have come into effect. We anticipate the following phases will take place over the next 12 months.

The overview section in this document is a simplified high-level summary only. The decisions we have taken and our reasoning are set out in the full document.

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

Press Release

Ericsson  and Saudi Railway Company (SAR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on advancing rail operations through 5G technology.

The collaboration aims to modernize the rail’s communication systems, improve passenger experience, and drive digital advancements within the transportation sector in alignment with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy of Saudi Vision 2030. By introducing state-of-the-art 5G infrastructure into rail networks, the collaboration aims to enhance the reliability and connectivity of railway systems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Ericsson will provide its expertise in 5G and Future Railway Mobile Communication Systems (FRMCS) technologies by deploying the solutions, infrastructure, and technical support required to enable advanced rail communication and operational capabilities.

Under the MoU, Ericsson and SAR will deploy mission-critical 5G capabilities to ensure reliable and secure rail communications and enhanced rail performance services. They will also develop and test FRMCS-based use cases, and high-speed broadband solutions for passengers (“Gigabit train”).

The collaboration will also involve establishing a test lab or innovation center to validate 5G applications in a rail context, creating training programs to upskill SAR’s teams in FRMCS/5G rail technologies, and conducting a trial deployment of Ericsson’s solutions on one of SAR’s existing rail lines to evaluate integration and performance in real-world conditions. It will also enable use cases such as train control, staff communications, real-time video streaming, and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity onboard trains.

The collaboration between Ericsson and SAR highlights the transformative potential that 5G technology can offer to the railway industry and marks an important step toward the modernization of rail communication systems in Saudi Arabia. Together, they are setting the tracks for a connected and efficient railway network that supports the national digital transformation goals of the Kingdom.

Keep up to date with all of the latest telecoms news from around the world with the Total Telecom newsletter

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Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Sky Business, the business broadband and wholesale focused division of Sky UK, has today expanded their product offerings by launching a new SIM-Only mobile service that’s been designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SME) across the country. Prices start at £11 +vat per month for a 10GB data plan (inc. unlimited calls & texts) and go up to £35 for an unlimited data.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the new service shares a lot in common with their consumer-focused Sky Mobile plans, such as the ability to roll-over unused data and the ability to flexibly change package plans when required, among other things (see below). This will also harness the same Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) platform agreement with O2.

Customers will be able to buy Sky Business mobile SIM-Only plans from Sky’s contact centre teams this month, followed by digital e-commerce sales “later in the year” (contact 0333 759 4987 for more info.).

Sky Business Mobile Features

➤ Roll & Share: Unused data is rolled over for 12-months and stored in a Databank. It is then automatically shared with team members if they run out of data.

➤ Flex: Data plans can be moved up or down at any time to meet changing usage needs.

➤ Switching confidence: Sky Business commits to no mid-contract price rises and offers a 30-day money back guarantee.

➤ Dedicated business support: Available 24/7 across mobile and broadband.

➤ Exclusive offer: Existing Sky Business customers are offered 25% off the monthly tariff price on 12, 24 and 36 monthly contracts.

Mayuresh Thavapalan, Sky Business’ Commercial and Marketing Director, said: “Unused data is an invisible cost for many UK businesses, often going unnoticed month after month. With Roll & Share, Sky Business mobile helps organisations reclaim value from data that would otherwise be lost, ensuring teams benefit from every gigabyte.”

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Network operator Openreach (BT) has notified UK internet providers (ISPs) about the looming launch of a new special offer on their Ethernet Access Direct (EAD) lines for speeds of 1Gbps or below. The deal will apply a rental discount of 10% on the current one-year term rental prices with no CPI price rises for a full 36 or 60 months in return for signing up to a new 36 or 60-month term.

Competition in the business connectivity market for high-speed Ethernet is growing, not only from rival networks but also from the attraction of cheaper – albeit more consumer grade – Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) lines and alternatives like EoFTTP. But Ethernet’s ability to deliver a private uncontended circuit with better Service Level Agreements (SLA) still has plenty of merit, and the new offer may help to make EAD look a bit more attractive.

At the time of writing, Openreach doesn’t yet appear to have published a public briefing on the new promotion, although their related pricing data has been updated. This notes that the new offer is applicable to EAD circuits at speeds of up to 1000Mbps in the business access market (CLA, HNR, Area 2 or Area 3) that have been held for 3 or more years (i.e. trying to keep existing users loyal).

However, the new offer does emerge during a period where Openreach has recently been the subject of a few competitive complaints by rivals for some of their FTTP discounts (here), although it’s unclear if the new Ethernet promotion will attract similar gripes from the business connectivity side of the market. But ISPreview has already noted a few grumbles from within the industry about it.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Internet service provider WightFibre, which is deploying a Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) based gigabit broadband network across the Isle of Wight – just off the South Coast of Hampshire (England), have begun informing existing customers of their full fibre packages that they’ll now have to pay a monthly fee to keep their “free” phone line service.

Just to recap. Until recently WightFibre had been bundling a “free” fibre-based phone line service with any of their full-fibre broadband packages and also with flexible plans for international calls, anytime calls or evening and weekends. But other customers would have typically paid £6.25 per month for this service, which also includes features like voicemail, call forwarding, rejection, caller ID and more.

However, existing customers of the service have informed ISPreview that WightFibre has emailed them to say, starting in December 2025, they will be ending the free service and instead “introducing a small £2 monthly charge for your telephone line.” In fairness, that’s still incredibly cheap for such a service, particularly given how others can charge several times that amount for the same sort of product.

The provider states that this is because “our costs in providing this service have risen significantly over the last 5 years“. Existing customers who make use of this service will thus find that WightFibre adds an automatic £2 charge for the phone line service to their bills from 1st December 2025.

Customers who no longer wish to use the service can instead request its removal by responding to the provider’s email, but they must do so before 23rd November 2025. But naturally WightFibre adds that “removing your telephone line means you’ll lose your home phone number and you won’t be able to reclaim it later if you decide to add a line again“.

“We understand that price changes aren’t ideal, and we’re committed to keeping costs fair while continuing to improve your service. If you have any questions or would like help deciding what’s best for you, feel free to call us on 01983 24 24 24 – we’re happy to help. Thank you for being a valued WightFibre customer,” concluded the email.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Bad weather means customers of broadband and mobile providers Vodafone, Sky Broadband and TalkTalk on Shetland, which is a remote UK subarctic archipelago that resides north of the Scottish mainland, will have to wait until Tuesday until repair ship Cable Vigilance can complete its fix of the recently broken SHEFA-2 (Faroese Telecom) subsea cable.

The SHEFA-2 cable reaches Shetland via two landing sites, including one stretch that goes north up to the Faroe Islands and another that runs south to connect Orkney and the Scottish Mainland. The damage, which occurred on 3rd October 2025 during Storm Amy (here), came only a few short months after a fishing vessel struck the same cable (here and here). But this time the cable was broken around 1.5km off the coast of Orkney on a “section that has previously experienced problems caused by natural forces (tides/current).”

Such breaks typically take a few weeks to fully repair, depending upon the weather, damage, location and availability of repair ships. The last break was repaired within less than two weeks, but this one was expected to take a little longer because the damage is in shallow water – close to shore – and required a new cable landing at the Ayre of Cara (Orkney).

According to Shetland Telecom, which alongside BT has not been impacted by the damaged subsea fibre (they both have better redundancy), “most of the preparatory work is now complete and the vessel is standing by to begin the main repair once weather conditions allow“. The main repair operation is now expected to take place during early Tuesday, “when sea conditions are expected to improve“.

Depending on weather and sea conditions, full restoration of the cable connection is now expected by Tuesday evening (it was previously due for completion yesterday).

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Broadband, technology and telecoms operator JT (Jersey Telecom), which is owned by The States of Jersey and headquartered in St Helier, has expanded its reach from the English Channel Islands to include the Isle of Man after they partnered with CVC DIF (CVC Capital Partners) to acquire the Manx Telecom Group.

Manx Telecom is of course the primary telecoms network for premises across the remote Isle of Man, which is a British Crown Dependency in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. Suffice to say that JT’s deal will see them deliver a combined group that serves customers in Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man and across the globe – creating the largest full-service telecoms provider across the Crown Dependencies.

Details of the agreement remain unclear, although JT has vaguely expressed that they hold a “shared commitment to continue investing in resilient and secure, next-generation digital networks, including 5G, fibre, IoT platforms, and managed services to support customers’ use of those networks“.

The partnership with CVC DIF is also expected top “bring additional capital and sector expertise” to support the long-term growth of the partnership, although once again there were no specifics in the announcement.

Daragh McDermott, CEO of JT Group, said:

“Alongside our strategic partner in CVC DIF, this marks a major step forward for JT and Manx Telecom. With the deep sector expertise, we’re building a powerful platform for innovation and investment – one that is rooted in supporting our local economies and communities and built to compete and grow globally.

The JT and Manx Telecom teams share similar values and ambition, making the acquisition a perfect fit, and allowing us to accelerate our plans to secure further scale and growth of IoT and managed service lines of business, whilst continuing to serve our existing markets, with the same dedication and care that has become our hallmark.”

Tom Goossens, Partner and Co-Head of the DIF Infrastructure fund strategy at CVC DIF, said:

“Our investment in Manx Telecom Group reflects our conviction in the long-term value of resilient, locally rooted digital infrastructure. As the Isle of Man’s incumbent operator, Manx Telecom Group offers a strong platform for innovation and growth, and we are excited to support its next phase of development.

The partnership with JT Group further builds on this foundation, enabling us to scale operational capabilities across the Crown Dependencies and beyond. Together, we aim to accelerate investment in next-generation networks and deliver enhanced connectivity and enterprise services to customers.”

Apparently, customers across the Crown Dependencies can now “look forward to broader service options” (again, no details or examples were provided), although it’s worth noting that both operators were already busy investing in FTTP and 5G mobile deployments before the agreement was signed.

The deal also makes no mention of whether or not JT will retain the Manx branding or eventually bring everything under one roof, but for now most of the changes are likely to be more internal.