Virgin Media O2 trials new approach to boosting mobile coverage

Virgin Media O2 has successfully trialled a new approach to boosting mobile services by leveraging its existing fixed network infrastructure along with new smart poles. This innovative solution could help boost mobile coverage across local areas in the UK.

The trial, conducted in collaboration with shareholder Liberty Global, involved installing compact smart poles adjacent to Virgin Media's fibre network cabinets. These poles, significantly smaller than traditional mobile phone...

18 March 2024 | 5G

SpaceX probed over Russia’s alleged Starlink use

Democratic lawmakers are investigating SpaceX over reports that Russia is using the company's Starlink satellite internet service in occupied areas of Ukraine, raising concerns about potential violations of US sanctions and export controls.

In a letter sent Wednesday to SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell, Reps. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Robert Garcia of California cited intelligence from Ukraine indicating Russian forces have illegally deployed and activated Starlink terminals in...

8 March 2024 | Networks

Vodafone UK completes 3G shutdown to enhance 4G/5G services

Vodafone UK has followed EE's announcement this week by officially shutting down its 3G mobile network nationwide. This transition allows for the repurposing of related radio frequencies to bolster the faster 4G and 5G services.

While Vodafone claims the switch-off is complete as of this week, it slightly missed its initial target of finishing by the end of January 2024. Additionally, a "small number of locations" with "UK security significance" and some remote rural areas will...

28 February 2024 | 5G

GSMA Open Gateway unlocks mobile network capabilities for developers

A new collaboration between the world's leading mobile operators will accelerate innovation across industries from finance and retail to transportation, healthcare, and beyond. The GSMA Open Gateway initiative provides developers simplified access to core network capabilities via open application programming interfaces (APIs).

Initially focused on security, new APIs for number verification and SIM swap detection are being implemented by operator groups across 42 countries so far....

23 February 2024 | 5G

BT boosts developer productivity with Amazon’s generative AI coding assistant

BT Group's Digital unit has announced the deployment of Amazon CodeWhisperer, a generative AI coding assistant from Amazon Web Services (AWS). This marks a significant step in the company's drive for modernisation, efficiency, and improved tooling for its workforce.

CodeWhisperer provides real-time AI-powered code suggestions, from snippets to full functions, in multiple integrated development environments (IDEs). It leverages natural language comments and existing code to support...

20 February 2024 | Digital Transformation

Nokia and Dell extend partnership for network cloud transformation

Nokia and Dell Technologies have announced the extension of the companies’ strategic partnership in order to ‘advance open network architectures in the telecom ecosystem and private 5G use cases among businesses’.

This amounts in effect to utilising each company’s area of expertise; infrastructure solutions from Dell and private wireless connectivity solutions from Nokia.

Nokia will use Dell as its preferred infrastructure partner for existing customers of Nokia...

15 February 2024 | Digital Transformation

Samsung and Princeton University join forces on 6G research

Samsung Research America (SRA) has joined Princeton University's new NextG Corporate Affiliates program, bringing industry and academia together to advance research on 6G wireless networks and related technologies. 

Launched last year within Princeton's School of Engineering and Applied Science, the NextG initiative aims to spur innovation across networking, sensing, and other key areas that will underpin next-generation data infrastructure.  

As a founding...

13 February 2024 | 6G

Vodafone Romania awards Ericsson major 5G RAN contract

Vodafone Romania has selected Ericsson as a key partner to upgrade its radio access network (RAN) infrastructure and roll out 5G technology across the country.

The six-year agreement will see Ericsson provide 5G RAN products and solutions to boost network speeds, reduce latency, and improve reliability for Vodafone customers.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ericsson will serve as Vodafone Romania's primary 5G RAN partner, deploying its cutting-edge technology to...

12 February 2024 | 5G

Unified Communications 2024: Exploring the future of workplace collaboration

As organisations adapt to an increasingly hybrid workforce, the need for seamless connectivity and collaboration has never been greater.

A two-day event on Unified Communications will be held at the Santa Clara Convention Center on 5-6 June 2024 that brings together thought leaders and technology experts to discuss the innovations shaping the future of workplace communication.

Day 1

Kicking off the event, the opening panel will delve into ‘The Future of Workplace...

9 February 2024 | Digital Transformation

Dell’Oro forecasts RAN market downturn to continue

The global Radio Access Network (RAN) market will continue its downturn over the next few years, according to a new report from Dell'Oro Group.

Dell'Oro forecasts that RAN revenues will decline at a compound annual growth rate of one percent through 2024. This comes on the heels of massive 40 percent growth from 2017 to 2021, when the market was boosted by initial 5G network builds.

Growth stabilised in 2022 but is expected to drop sharply in 2023, led by a pullback in...

23 January 2024 | 5G