NEC develops compact antenna for ‘Beyond 5G’

NEC has developed and demonstrated a radio-over-fibre system utilising a 1-bit fibre transmission method. The innovation could make it affordable to build stable millimetre-wave communication networks for ’Beyond 5G’ (B5G).

The 1-bit method allows high-frequency analog signals to be transmitted using inexpensive electrical-to-optical converters intended for general-purpose digital communications. This enables the realisation of compact and low-cost distributed antenna...

17 June 2024 | 6G

FCC moves to strengthen internet routing security

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has unveiled a proposal aimed at bolstering the security of America's networks against cyberattacks by improving internet routing security.

The new initiative mandates that ISPs produce confidential reports detailing their efforts and plans to address vulnerabilities in the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), a fundamental technical protocol used for routing information across the internet.

Under the proposal, the largest broadband...

7 June 2024 | Broadband

KPN and ABP form tower company amid rising data demand

KPN and Dutch pension fund ABP have entered into an agreement to form a new tower company, known as TowerCo. This partnership aligns with KPN's ‘Connect, Activate & Grow’ strategy, aiming to optimise the value of its passive infrastructure assets while maintaining strategic flexibility.

The agreement comes in response to the surging consumption of data and the deployment of new technologies. With the growing demand for network expansion and densification, KPN recognises...

5 June 2024 | 5G

Committee warns UK set to miss 4G coverage target

The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee's report on the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme reveals critical issues in meeting the UK government's 95% 4G coverage goal by December 2025.

Launched in 2020, the SRN aims to improve 4G coverage from 91.4% to 95% of the UK landmass. Despite a steady increase to 93.1%, sustaining this progress becomes increasingly challenging as the remaining areas are harder to reach.

The report highlights that three out of four mobile...

3 June 2024 | Legislation & Government

NATO launches hub to safeguard critical undersea infrastructure

NATO has inaugurated a specialised centre focused on the security of extensive undersea energy pipelines and cables, which are crucial for global communications, energy supply, and economic stability yet remain vulnerable to attacks.

The newly established NATO Maritime Centre for Security of Critical Undersea Infrastructure (CUI) is based at NATO Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) in Northwood, UK. The centre, which recently achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC), serves as a...

29 May 2024 | Broadband

EU Telecom Ministers should safeguard open internet against Commission’s pro-telco proposals, coalition declares

EU Telecom Ministers called to safeguard open internet against Commission's pro-telco proposals, coalition declares

As discussions began at the EU Telecommunications Ministers' meeting, a diverse group of consumer associations, digital rights organisations and industry leaders highlighted their serious concerns over the prospective EU regulatory framework for telecommunications.

They expressed concerns that the Commission's recent initiatives could endanger the open internet and the competitive balance within the EU telecom market. These issues become more pressing in light of...

23 May 2024 | Networks

BT highlights the role of satellites in future-proofing networks

BT recently hosted an event at their Madley Communications Centre, drawing a mix of public and private sector guests to explore the influence of satellite technologies in today’s communication networks.

The Madley site, nestled in the Herefordshire countryside and spanning 63 acres, is regarded as BT’s main satellite earth station. As the demand for diverse and resilient communication solutions climbs, the centre’s role in the company’s network strategy has never been more...

13 May 2024 | Hot Topics

Researchers uncover attack to ‘decloak’ VPN traffic

A novel network technique that bypasses VPN encryption has been revealed by security researchers at Leviathan Security. Dubbed "decloaking," the technique allows an attacker to force a target's traffic off their VPN tunnel by exploiting DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) functionality built into operating systems.  

The result is that the user's traffic is transmitted unencrypted, enabling an attacker on the same network to snoop on their activity—despite their...

7 May 2024 | Networks

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