Mobile operator O2 (VMO2) has confirmed to ISPreview.co.uk that, after a long wait, they intend to finally start rolling out SMS (text messaging) support for Wi-Fi Calling “before the end of the year“, but this will be a gradual phased process that looks set to continue more widely during Q1 2022. At present all the […]
Vodafone partners VMware for core network automation throughout Europe
Vodafone has selected VMware (NYSE: VMW) as its strategic technology partner to deliver a single platform to automate and orchestrate all workloads running on its core networks across Europe, starting with 5G standalone (5G SA).
Vodafone previously announced its selection of VMware Telco Cloud Infrastructure as its Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) platform. Last year, Vodafone completed the rollout of Telco Cloud Infrastructure across all its European business and 21 markets in total. The company saw gains in productivity as it brought network functions online around 40% more quickly…
The EU Publishes 2021 Broadband Connectivity Progress Study
After a long delay due to COVID-19, the European Commission has today published their annual 2021 Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), which reveals how the EU’s fixed line broadband ISP and mobile networks compare. The UK was removed from this edition due to Brexit, so we’ve used Ofcom’s data to compare. At present the […]
BT introduces ‘epidemiological AI’ Inflame to combat cyber attacks
Many of us have become only too aware of virus transmission methods in the past couple of years, but BT thinks that understanding epidemiology could be more useful to the telecoms sector than simply helping us stay healthy.
Today, the operator has announced its ‘Inflame’ prototype, which uses deep reinforcement learning to help enterprises to automatically anticipate and detect cyber threats…
ARTES the European Space Agency programme for commercial telecommunications products and services
Updated details, timescale and application process for the European Space Agency’s ARTES (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems) Programme for commercial telecommunications products and services has been released.
The UK has subscribed over £250 million into the ARTES programme to 2022 to support UK industry develop the next generation of telecommunications products, services and applications. This includes two main funding streams:
- Advanced Technology: offering 100% funding for developing early technologies and innovations. Invitations to tender are listed on the ESA website and include Scylight and 4S- optical technology streams among many advanced technology requirements
- Competitiveness and Growth: This is an industry-led programme offering matched funding for developing commercial satellite communications technology solutions and innovations.
Applications will in future be considered three times a year through a competition, with the first competition opening in November 2021 and closing January 2022.
The 5G-aliser: Time to pump up the volume
In early 2020, as a growing number of operators were launching commercial 5G services, it was clear that there were a wide range of factors that would affect the development of the market, from availability of spectrum and devices, to demand for high bandwidth services and private networks, and maturity of underlying technology and standards.
To make sense of how 5G would evolve – and amuse ourselves in the process – the STL Partners research team, Dean Bubley (of Disruptive Analysis and who runs STL’s Network Futures research stream) and the editorial team at Total Telecom came up with the 5G-aliser. By plotting progress on the primary, secondary and wildcard factors impacting 5G development on the 5G-aliser, we understand which ones become more or less important over time, and can also build a high level view of supply and demand.
Over the last 18 months…
Openreach to Pilot National UK Exchange Closure Plan in 5 Areas
Last year Openreach (BT) began consulting on their plans to close 4,600 exchanges across the United Kingdom as part of their move from copper to fibre optic based broadband ISP lines. The operator has today begun to consult on the first 5 pilot exchanges to go through this new mass-migration process. Just to recap. At […]
Millicom takes full control of Guatemalan JV in $2.2bn buyout
Today, Latin American operator group Millicom has announced that it will buy out its joint venture partner, Miffin Associates, to gain full control of Tigo Guatemala.
The deal will see Millicom pay $2.2 billion in an all-cash transaction to acquire Miffin Associates’ 45% stake in the company.
According to the Financial Times, the move marks the largest ever single foreign investment in Guatemala…
CityFibre Set GBP32m Full Fibre Rollout for Redcar and Hartlepool
CityFibre has today committed £32m to support the rollout of a new gigabit-capable Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband ISP network across both the North Yorkshire (England) seaside town of Redcar and the large port town of Hartlepool in County Durham. The move should complement their existing Tees Valley build in Middlesbrough. Construction work on the new network […]
Sky Broadband Discount Superfast Package and WiFi Guarantee
UK ISP Sky Broadband has today kicked off their “Black Friday” discounts by further reducing the price of their “Superfast Broadband” (59Mbps down – FTTC/P) package to just £25 per month and introducing free setup (normally £19.95). On top of that, their optional WiFi Guarantee add-on is now £3 instead of £5 per month. New […]