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Sky launches full fibre FTTP broadband services
Sky has officially launched ultrafast broadband services powered by fibre to the premise (FTTP) infrastructure, promising subscribers a faster, more reliable connection. Sky will use the full fibre network to deliver its ‘superfast’ and ‘ultrafast’ broadband services where available, promising average download speeds of 145Mbps and average upload rates of 27Mbps.
Vodafone plans OpenRAN deployment at 2,600 UK mobile sites
Vodafone is to deploy OpenRAN equipment at a minimum of 2,600 of its mobile sites by 2027, helping the operator with efforts to remove Huawei kit from its infrastructure and to diversify its supply chain.
OpenRAN is a vendor-neutral approach with standardised designs that allow a variety of firms to supply hardware and software. Operators believe this can increase innovation, reduce costs, and reduce dependency on the ‘big three’ of Ericsson, Huawei and Nokia.
Smartphone market rebounds as Samsung regains top spot
Global sales of smartphones bounced back during Q3, as countries around the world eased lockdown measures that had stifled economic activity. Figures from IDC suggest the market shrank by just 1.3% during the three-month period – significantly better than analysts forecast of a 9% decline.
BT completes switch to renewable energy
BT’s network, offices and retail stores across the world are now powered entirely by renewable energy, a significant milestone in the company’s bid to become a net zero carbon business by 2045.
The telco is the joint-largest private buyer of electricity in the UK and was already using renewable sources of energy for its British operations. However, it has now increased the global figure from 92% over the past few months.
Virgin media switches on gigabit broadband for 3m homes
Virgin Media has made its gigabit broadband service available to three million homes in London and Northern Ireland following the latest phase of its nationwide network upgrade programme.
The new additions bring coverage up to 6.8 million premises across the UK, roughly 45% of Virgin Media’s footprint, with several major cities able to access speeds in excess of 1Gbps.
Ofcom finalises 5G spectrum auction rules
Ofcom is pressing ahead with plans to auction more spectrum for 5G networks in January with the publication of the final regulations, application form and guidance for prospective bidders.
A total of 200MHz of spectrum is up for grabs, including 80MHz worth of long-range 700MHz frequencies freed up by Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), and 120MHz worth of mid-band 3.6-3.8GHz airwaves.
CK Hutchison nears €10bn mobile mast sale
Three UK’s parent company CK Hutchison has confirmed it is in “advanced talks” to sell its European mobile masts for €10 billion to Cellnex but has yet to reach a decision on whether to go ahead with the deal.
CK Hutchison’s operators currently require funding to build 5G networks while the conglomerate’s other businesses in ports and retail are suffering from the ongoing impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. A sale of towers would raise much needed capital.
Samsung launches digital-focused B2B programme
Samsung has launched a new partner programme for the B2B market, claiming the digital focus of ‘Samsung One’ will help resellers maximise sales and increase the level of support they are able to offer business customers during the current climate of uncertainty.
Central to the Samsung One proposition is the ability to access relevant information whenever and wherever it is needed.
IBM creates cloud platform for the telecoms industry
IBM is launching an open hybrid cloud platform for the telecoms industry, claiming it will help operators modernise their infrastructure and unlock the full potential of 5G networks.
The scalability of IBM’s cloud ensures operators can easily meet growing demand for data and voice, while powerful software layers simplify the management of infrastructure, enable automation, and reduce costs. Operators can maximise data assets and rapidly roll out new services that meet customer requirements and drive revenues.
Telcos oppose changes to EU privacy overhaul
The telecoms industry has voiced its opposition to proposed changes to European privacy law that would restrict how they could use customer data.
The changes would reduce the ability of telecoms operators to use communications metadata for any purpose other than to process it. This means it could not be used for other services that could generate revenue.
CityFibre awards £1.5bn in fibre contracts
CityFibre has signed contracts that will help it connect 3 million homes and businesses to its full fibre network by 2021 and create 3,750 jobs.
The deals also give the company the construction capacity to extend this rollout to 5 million premises across 66 towns and cities across the UK.
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