RootMetrics: Three overtakes EE for best UK 5G network 

RootMetrics has unveiled its latest UK mobile report based on over 600,000 tests conducted in the second half of 2023.

The results cover the entire spectrum of user experiences, spanning the UK, individual nations, and 16 prominent metropolitan markets. Here's a breakdown of how the key players—EE, Three, Virgin Media O2, and Vodafone—performed during this extensive testing period.

EE maintains overall dominance

For the 21st consecutive time, EE clinched the...

29 January 2024 | 5G

CMA launches Vodafone-Three merger investigation

The UK's competition regulator has opened an in-depth investigation into Vodafone's proposed merger with rival mobile network Three over concerns the deal could lead to higher bills for consumers.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it will assess whether combining two of the country's biggest telecom providers will negatively impact competition and choice in the market.

Concerns about the merger have been raised by Unite the Union. The union estimates that...

26 January 2024 | 5G

Rural 5G deprivation hinders nearly a million Brits

A recent study commissioned by Vodafone UK and conducted by WPI Economics has shed light on a significant digital divide prevailing in Britain's most deprived communities.

Titled 'Connecting the Countryside', the report revealed a striking contrast in 5G accessibility between rural and urban areas. According to the findings, 46 percent of rural deprived areas are 5G not-spots—in stark contrast to just 2.7 percent in urban deprived communities.

The study pinpointed five...

8 November 2023 | 5G

Vodafone Spain is being sold to Zegona for €5B

Vodafone has confirmed the sale of its Spanish operations to Zegona Communications, in what it says is a bid to reshape its portfolio for future growth.

The deal, valued at €5 billion, comprises a cash consideration of €4.1 billion and up to €0.9 billion in Redeemable Preference Shares (RPS).

Upon completion, Vodafone will continue to provide services to Vodafone Spain under a pre-agreed annual service charge of approximately €110 million to ensure a seamless...

31 October 2023 | 5G

CMA invites opinions on Vodafone and Three merger

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened the floor to public opinions regarding the potential merger of mobile giants Vodafone and Three. This move marks the first step in what could potentially be a significant shift in the UK’s mobile telecoms landscape.

Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said:

“We will be carefully considering how this deal may affect competition in the UK, which could affect the options and prices available to customers. We...

11 October 2023 | Legislation & Government

Vodafone and Arm to collaborate on Open RAN platforms

To meet the surging demand for faster and greener mobile connectivity, Vodafone is collaborating with Arm to expedite the development of new platforms for Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN).

By leveraging Arm architecture, Vodafone aims to create platforms optimised for use in Open RAN base stations; ensuring they possess enough computational prowess to meet the escalating demands of advanced 5G services. These processors, adhering to Open RAN principles, will utilise...

10 October 2023 | 5G

Vodafone and Orange complete calls using Open RAN shared network

Vodafone and Orange have announced the successful completion of a pilot project involving 4G calls over a cluster of shared commercial network sites near Bucharest, Romania.

This achievement, based on Open RAN (Radio Access Network) technology, represents a groundbreaking step in the evolution of telecoms infrastructure.

Open RAN technology – which decouples software and hardware functionalities – enables mobile base stations to be upgraded remotely, swiftly, and...

9 October 2023 | Networks

AST SpaceMobile achieves space-to-smartphone 5G connection

AST SpaceMobile has successfully established the first-ever 5G connection for both voice and data between a standard smartphone and a satellite in space.

The achievement was demonstrated by AST SpaceMobile's engineers who orchestrated a call from the serene shores of Maui, Hawaii to a Vodafone engineer located in bustling Madrid, Spain.

What makes this achievement truly remarkable is that it was accomplished using an unmodified Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone, with the...

20 September 2023 | 5G

Vodafone to use Amazon’s LEO satellite network to extend 4G/5G

Vodafone and Amazon's ambitious Project Kuiper have unveiled a strategic partnership to expand the accessibility of 4G and 5G services.

The venture will leverage Project Kuiper's cutting-edge low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network and promises to deliver connectivity in regions that have long been deemed logistically challenging and economically prohibitive for traditional communication infrastructure.

Dave Limp, Amazon's SVP for devices and services, expressed the...

6 September 2023 | 5G

Vodafone and Ericsson trial 5G network slicing for mobile gaming

Vodafone and Ericsson have completed a live network trial at Coventry University showcasing the transformative capabilities of 5G Standalone network slicing for mobile gaming.

The trial leveraged the power of network slicing, a pivotal feature of 5G Standalone networks that enables the customisation of connectivity services for specific customers and use cases. 

Phil Patel, Group Director of Product and Services at Vodafone, said:

“5G Standalone aims to...

21 August 2023 | 5G