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

SoftBank to distribute OneWeb’s services throughout Japan

SoftBank and OneWeb have inked a distribution partnership agreement to usher in a new era of satellite communication services throughout Japan.

OneWeb's Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite-based services will be at the heart of delivering enhanced connectivity across the nation. LEO satellites, positioned closer to Earth, enable lightning-fast communication with minimal latency.

Integrating OneWeb’s cutting-edge LEO satellite services with SoftBank's closed-domain...

12 September 2023 | Broadband

UK to rejoin EU’s Copernicus and Horizon schemes

In a step forward for European space and scientific collaboration, the UK is set to rejoin the Copernicus and Horizon Europe programs. 

The UK was a major expertise and financial contributor to both programs prior to its decision to leave the EU. The EU blocked an agreement in the Brexit deal for the UK to become an associate member of Horizon over the long-running dispute over the Northern Ireland Protocol.

A resolution to the dispute was reached under the Windsor...

7 September 2023 | Legislation & Government

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

Qualcomm’s former CEO takes Globalstar’s helm

Paul Jacobs, renowned for his former leadership role at Qualcomm and being the son of the firm’s co-founder Irwin Jacobs, has stepped into the role of CEO at satellite firm Globalstar.

“I have devoted my career to advancing and commercialising innovation in wireless technology and am thrilled to continue this journey as CEO of Globalstar,” said Jacobs.

“The teams I’ve led have demonstrated the value creation that is possible by applying new technology to...

30 August 2023 | Networks

UK announces fund to revolutionise connectivity with satellites

The UK has announced a £160 million investment in the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit scheme (CLEO).

Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan unveiled the scheme, which aims to deliver the next generation of high-tech satellites to boost internet connectivity and bridge digital divides across the country.

CLEO is set to capitalise on the latest advancements in space technology, particularly Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, renowned for their resilience and...

1 August 2023 | Legislation & Government

BT and OneWeb use LEO satellites to connect rural island

BT and OneWeb have successfully brought high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity to Lundy Island, North Devon, marking a significant milestone in providing reliable connectivity to remote locations.

Lundy Island, situated 19 kilometres off the coast of North Devon, has long struggled with limited access to the internet. However, the recent partnership between BT and OneWeb has introduced a game-changing solution that leverages cutting-edge satellite technology to bridge the...

21 July 2023 | Broadband

Hackers force Russian military satellite operator offline

A group of unidentified hackers has taken credit for targeting prominent Russian satellite communications operator Dozor-Teleport.

The network disruption caused by the cyberattack impacted critical services utilised by energy companies, as well as the country's defense and security services.

The attack was perpetrated by an organisation claiming to be affiliated with the Wagner Group, a group of mercenaries financed by the Russian military that staged a coup last month...

3 July 2023 | Networks

SES ends Intelsat acquisition talks

SES has announced that it has ceased merger talks with Intelsat, ending plans for further consolidation in the satellite internet sector.

The potential combination of the businesses, which was reported in March, would have created a significant player in the industry. According to Bloomberg, the transaction would have been valued at over $10 billion, including debt.

SES confirmed the end of discussions in a statement, while Intelsat stated that it regularly engages in...

22 June 2023 | Hot Topics

London Tech Week kicks off with initiatives to boost UK telecoms

The 10th London Tech Week has commenced with a series of ambitious initiatives aimed at solidifying the UK's position as a telecoms leader.

Some of the initiatives announced this week include:

Supporting local authorities in procuring and testing "smart lampposts" to enhance connectivity within communities Signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UK and Australia to establish a roadmap for future telecoms collaboration Connecting the remote...

12 June 2023 | 5G