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

Huawei says it will launch ‘5.5G’ equipment in 2024

During MWC Shanghai, Huawei made a bold claim that it would provide all the necessary components for running a 5.5G network by next year. However, no-one can define what 5.5G even is.

Yang Chaobin, the director and president of ICT Products & Solutions at Huawei, announced the company's ambitious plans, stating that the launch would signify the beginning of the 5.5G era for the industry.

However, the term "5.5G" is currently not recognised by the 3rd Generation...

30 June 2023 | 5G

Vodafone launches UK’s first 5G SA network for consumers

Vodafone has made a groundbreaking move by becoming the first operator in the UK to offer customers a 5G SA (5G Standalone) network.

The advanced network, known as 5G Ultra, represents a significant upgrade from the existing 5G service.

While the previous 5G technology relied partly on 4G infrastructure (referred to as 5G Non-Standalone), Vodafone's 5G SA network has undergone a complete overhaul, making it fully upgraded and future-proofed.

Customers who...

23 June 2023 | 5G

BT is reportedly looking for a new CEO

According to reports, BT Group CEO Philip Jansen may be leaving his position.

BT Group includes Openreach, EE, and Plusnet. Sources for the Mail on Sunday claim that BT Group has begun searching for a replacement for Jansen, who has held the position since 2018.

During his tenure, Jansen has focused on expanding the rollout of Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) across the UK, reduced the company's focus on the pay-TV market, and undertook a significant rebranding across...

27 March 2023 | 5G

EU greenlights Vodafone-Altice FTTH plans

The EU Commission has given the green light to a joint venture between Vodafone and Altice to deploy fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) across Germany.

The joint venture is called FibreCo and will see the partners deploy FTTH to up to seven million homes over a six-year period.

Nick Read, CEO of Vodafone Group, commented:

“This partnership builds on Vodafone’s significant next-generation network with Altice’s industrial expertise and proven Fibre-to-the-Home...

21 February 2023 | Broadband

Vodafone demos flying real drones in the metaverse over 5G

Vodafone has demonstrated how real-life drones can be piloted in the metaverse over a 5G network.

The low-latency aspect of 5G enables new use cases that were not possible over previous generation networks.

One early 5G application was cloud gaming. Longer-term, 5G combined with advancements in robotics will enable remote surgery when a patient isn’t expected to make it to a hospital or when a specialist is based elsewhere in the country (or even the...

20 February 2023 | 5G

EE launches 5G in three Tube stations

EE customers are now able to access 5G connectivity in three London Underground stations.

Customers travelling through Archway, Tufnell Park, and Notting Hill Gate will now benefit from high-speed connectivity.

EE says 5G connectivity will be available “from ticket hall to platform” at all three stations. The only station with 5G within the tunnel segment is Notting Hill Gate, EE says the other two stations will join “shortly”.

Greg McCall, Chief...

1 February 2023 | 5G

Brits are unaware that 3G switch-offs begin next month

Research from Uswitch has found that most Brits are unaware that 3G networks will begin to be switched off from next month.

Just over half (51%) of surveyed Brits were unaware of the impending switch-off. Over 55s were the most unaware (61%) of the switch-off. In the 18-34 age range, that dropped to just 40 percent.

Ernest Doku, Mobiles Expert at Uswitch, says:

“It is clear that millions of mobile phone users aren’t aware that 3G is being phased out, or...

25 January 2023 | Networks

Wildanet awarded £36M to connect thousands of rural premises

Cornwall-based provider Wildanet has been awarded £36 million by the UK government to connect thousands of rural premises.

The contracts will enable Wildanet to deliver fast broadband connectivity to left behind communities in Cornwall. Up to 19,250 homes and businesses are set to be connected.

Helen Wylde, CEO of Wildanet, said:

“This is great news for remote communities in Cornwall as we continue to connect Cornwall’s homes and businesses to full fibre...

19 January 2023 | Broadband

T-Mobile reportedly wants to acquire Mint Mobile

T-Mobile is reportedly considering an acquisition of Mint Mobile.

Mint is a budget MVNO that’s backed by Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds. In 2021, the New York Post reported that Reynolds has around 20 to 25 percent stake in Mint.

At the time, Mint was looking to be acquired for $600 to $800 million. Altice USA was said to be the most interested buyer but no deal was formally closed.

T-Mobile and Mint are yet to announce any potential acquisition deal. Analysts...

13 January 2023 | Operators