AT&T’s new ‘Turbo’ charge raises net neutrality concerns

AT&T is now charging mobile customers an additional $7 per month for faster wireless data speeds with a new "Turbo" add-on. AT&T says the add-on is "built to support high-performance mobile applications, like gaming, social video broadcasting, and live video conferencing, with optimised data while customers are on the go."

The new fee comes just a week after the FCC voted to restore net neutrality rules that prohibit internet service providers from blocking, throttling, or...

3 May 2024 | 5G

T-Mobile closes acquisition of Mint owner

T-Mobile has completed its acquisition of Ka'ena Corporation, the parent company of the direct-to-consumer prepaid wireless brands Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile, as well as the wholesale wireless provider Plum.

The Un-carrier announced the completion of the transaction on Thursday, stating that the combination creates a "win-win" situation by pairing the complementary brands with T-Mobile's industry-leading 5G network. T-Mobile plans to maintain the distinct brands' entrepreneurial...

2 May 2024 | 5G

Global firms join SONIC Labs initiative for Open RAN testing

Digital Catapult has announced that its SONIC Labs initiative, focused on developing Open RAN technology, is launching a new phase with the introduction of several international companies into its program. These companies will utilise the newly established outdoor testing facility in West London, exploring the practical applications and benefits of Open RAN in a real-world setting.

Open RAN technology seeks to revolutionise the telecoms industry by promoting interoperability among...

25 April 2024 | 5G

EU antitrust chief warns against telecoms mergers  

EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager has issued a stern warning against further consolidation in the bloc's telecommunications industry, countering a recent EU report that advocated for mergers among operators to bolster networks.

Speaking at a conference in Brussels, Vestager forcefully rejected the notion that more concentrated national telecoms markets would lead to better outcomes.

"No evidence suggests that more concentrated national markets lead to better...

18 April 2024 | 5G

Chinese telcos given 2027 deadline to ditch foreign chips

To reduce dependence on foreign technologies, Chinese officials have reportedly mandated the country's leading telecom operators – including China Telecom, China Mobile, and China Unicom – to eliminate foreign semiconductors from their networks by 2027.

Beijing’s directive particularly targets chips made by American giants Intel and AMD, which have been a staple in Chinese telecom infrastructure.

Issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the...

15 April 2024 | 5G

Connected Urban: CU Phosco Lighting set to revolutionise smart city infrastructure with innovative smart pole launch

CU Phosco Lighting has unveiled a groundbreaking new product, Connected Urban, which they believe will become the next evolution in smart city infrastructure. 

In response to the increasing demand for densification of 4G networks and to support the continued rollout of 5G, Connected Urban has been designed to enhance connectivity on our streets, delivering both macro and small cells within a single compact footprint.

Designed to accommodate multi-faceted services,...

10 April 2024 | 5G

CMA launches in-depth probe into Vodafone-Three UK merger

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has confirmed it will conduct an in-depth Phase 2 investigation into the proposed merger between mobile operators Vodafone and Three. 

The competition watchdog had previously expressed concerns that the £11 billion ($13.92 billion) deal could lead to higher prices for consumers and reduced investment in Britain's mobile networks.

Last month, the CMA told Vodafone and Three they had five working days to respond with...

4 April 2024 | 5G

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

Automotive leads eSIM adoption for IoT as new trends emerge

The automotive industry is emerging as a frontrunner in the adoption of embedded SIM (eSIM) technology for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, according to a recent study by GSMA Intelligence.

As eSIM functionality becomes increasingly available in new connected vehicles, collaboration between operators, eSIM vendors, and auto manufacturers is on the rise. Additionally, regulations mandating emergency call (eCall) functionalities are further propelling eSIM deployments in the...

13 March 2024 | IoT

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