Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Sky’s sibling NOW Broadband (NOW TV) sub-brand has finally confirmed that existing customers will continue to be hit with the same approach to annual price hikes as they adopted last year. This means that the monthly price of their internet packages will be going up by £3 extra (£36 per year), impacting bills issued on or after 5th July 2025.

Much like their parent (Sky’s price hike), NOW Broadband does not follow the same model as other major ISPs, and thus they weren’t impact in the same way after Ofcom effectively banned mid-contract price hikes that were linked to confusing inflation or percentage-based changes (here).

The downside of this approach is that NOW Broadband’s existing customers don’t always get visibility of future mid-contract hikes until they’re actually announced (NOW prefers to simply say that your “price may change during 24-month contract“). On the upside, those unhappy with this increase will be able to cancel their service penalty-free, provided you do so within 31 days of having received the price notification letter.

The price hike does NOT impact the provider’s cheaper social tariff for those on certain state benefits (NOW Broadband Basics), although otherwise their official statement is almost identical to last year’s.

NOW Broadband Pricing Statement (2025)

At NOW, we’re all about bringing you great value and reliable broadband so you can stay connected to everything you love. That’s why we’ve invested in growing our broadband network capacity by 24% since 2022, reducing congestion so you can get faster speeds, even at peak times.

We understand that things are tough right now, and so alongside investing in improvements, we’re committed to keeping prices as low as we can. The costs of providing services have, however, increased significantly, and it’s affecting the entire industry.  

Many other providers have raised their prices, and we’ll be making some changes too. The prices of our broadband membership plans will be going up by £3. You’ll see the price change reflected in your bill on or after 4 July 2025.

You don’t need to do anything – your NOW Broadband will continue as usual. We hope you’ll continue to enjoy our services, but if you’re not happy with these changes, you can cancel your NOW Broadband Membership. If you’re within your minimum contract period, give us a call on 0330 041 2498 within 31 days of receiving the price increase notification to avoid early termination charges. You can check the details of your membership by heading to My Account. 

All NOW Broadband Members should have received an email about the price rise. In case you were concerned because it was sent from Sky, rather than NOW, don’t worry – the email is genuine (NOW is part of the Sky family).

In fairness, it’s worth remembering that big ISPs are not immune to cost increases. Providers, much like consumers, are also suffering under the burden of rising supplier and lease costs, surging inflation, high energy prices, as well as the cost of adding all sorts of new services and catering for new regulations etc.

Consumer who are hit by mid-contract hikes like this could alternatively try switching providers or haggling for a lower price when the notification drops (Retentions – Tips for Cutting Your Broadband Bill), although your mileage may vary. Meanwhile, those on benefits (Universal Credit etc.) also have the option of a cheaper Social Tariff – see our Quick Guide to UK Social Tariffs.

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

News

Businesses have earned almost £330,000 from recycling unused devices since the service’s relaunch

This week, Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) has shared that its O2 Recycle for Business initiative has helped save 45,000 devices from being sent to landfill since it was relaunched in October 2023.

The initiative invites companies to trade in their unused technology, such as smartphones or routers, which are then data wiped, repaired, refurbished and resold, or recycled. In exchange, the companies receive cashback or credit, or can instead opt to donate that cashback to the Good Things Foundation, a charity focussed on digital inclusion in the UK.

Since the initiative’s relaunch, companies have earned almost £330,000 from trading in unused devices.

“We know businesses want simple solutions to help them become more sustainable. That’s why Virgin Media O2 is leading the way in helping companies to reduce their waste, recycle their unwanted tech, and reuse their unwanted device,” said Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at VMO2. “Businesses can also play a vital role in supporting digital inclusion by accessing tech donation programmes, where their unused devices can be given a second life and used by someone in need, helping them to get online, access essential websites and build digital skills.”

Despite this success, VMO2’s own research suggests that the schemes progress so far is just a drop in the ocean when it comes to the UK’s e-waste problem. The operator estimates that there are around 11.8 million unused business devices in the UK that could be reused or recycled.

Indeed, data from the UN suggests that the UK produces more e-waste per capita than every other country except Norway.

It is worth noting here that VMO2 has operated a similar recycle scheme on a much larger scale for consumer devices since 2009, earning consumers roughly £350 million and saving 4 million devices from going to landfill.

Combining its business and consumer facing recycling efforts, VMO2 says it is aiming for to complete 10 million ‘circular actions’ by the end of the year.

Join the telecoms ecosystem in discussion at Connected Britain 2025, the UK’s leading digital economy event

Also in the news:
Germany appoints first ever digital minister
Signify and Cornerstone to deploy city-wide multi-operator wireless network through street lighting
BT opens new flagship Manchester office

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

The Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF), which is a global trade body that works to address issues affecting mobile networks, has met with the UK Government’s Home Office to discuss the future Telecom Fraud Charter (TFC) and how they can improve the progress being made in tackling Application-to-Person (A2P) SMS text messaging fraud.

Just to recap. The voluntary fraud sector charter for telecommunications has been around for a few years now and essentially commits member providers to tackle the risk of fraud and scams against UK customers, as well as their own networks. This charter was originally supported by BT, EE, Sky (Sky Broadband, Sky Mobile etc.), TalkTalk, Three UK, Tesco Mobile, Vodafone, Virgin Media and O2.

The MEF also has its own self-regulatory framework in the form of their Business SMS Code of Conduct, which establishes standards for all entities involved in Application-to-Person (A2P) SMS messaging. This aims to protect consumers, while also ensuring ethical and commercial responsibility. The Code addresses message content, timing, data privacy, fraud prevention, and compliance, and it outlines the roles and responsibilities of industry players.

However, it appears as if the UK Government is now working toward helping finalise a new Telecom Fraud Charter, which could surface around the end of this summer. Suffice to say that there’s thus some benefit to be found in a collaboration between the Home Office in the UK and the MEF, which is intended to improve “coordinated action against telecoms fraud“. But it remains to be seen what the final outcome will be.

Key points discussed during the recent panel included:

* Close collaboration between the Home Office and MEF.

* Inclusion of the Home Office on the Code of Conduct Dispute Committee, which adjudicates disputes between signatories.

* Review of Code of Conduct violations by the Home Office and considering a public mention/report on violators.

* The timeline for finalizing the Charter is August/September 2025.

* Home Office consulting with Mobile Operators and business messaging companies such as CPaaS providers and aggregators.

* Home Office working closely with United Kingdom law enforcement, Ofcom and NCSC to ensure alignment and explore strategies for enforcement.

Speaking of Ofcom, the UK regulator only recently proposed to cap the wholesale price charged by mobile network operators (here) for the delivery of automated text messages (A2P SMS), which are widely used by business and organisations across the public and private sectors. But that has less to do with tackling fraud/scams and more to do with rebalancing the market.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Hampshire-based UK ISP toob, which have deployed their own full fibre (FTTP) broadband network across parts of Southern England, has today announced that they’ve expanded the availability of their services – under their complementary partnership with CityFibre – to another 12 cities and towns across the UK.

The alternative network operator is currently being financed through equity from funds managed and advised by the Amber Infrastructure Group, as well as a large amount of debt financing provided by Ares Management’s Infrastructure Debt (here). At the end of 2023 this mix of equity and debt reflected a total commitment of £395 million.

However, toob both builds their own Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) infrastructure and also holds a network partnership with CityFibre, with the latter helping to expand their coverage well beyond what they’ve already built (CF also gained reciprocal access to toob’s network). As a result of today’s development, toob’s packages can now be purchased in many towns and cities across a total of 12 additional UK locations.

The latest additions to their coverage include around half a million homes across Barnsley, Doncaster, New Edlington, Rossington, Rotherham, Sheffield, Bradford, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Leeds, Harrogate and York – mostly reflecting the North, South and West of Yorkshire in England.

Nick Parbutt, toob CEO and Founder, said:

“I’m thrilled toob is expanding its reach to bring full-fibre broadband to Barnsley, Doncaster, New Edlington, Rossington, Rotherham, Sheffield, Bradford, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Leeds, Harrogate and York.

For far too long, broadband providers have let customers down with poor service and unjustified price hikes. At toob, we’re changing that by focusing on what truly matters – offering fast and reliable broadband at an affordable price.

With ultrafast speeds of 900 Mbps priced currently at just £25 a month, we’re delivering incredible value. This is all made possible through our partnership with CityFibre which uses the latest and most dependable full-fibre technology available.”

Customers of the service currently pay just £25 per month on an 18-month minimum contract term (or £37 if you want a monthly term) to receive symmetric speeds of 900Mbps+ (average advertised speed) from toob, which includes free installation, a wireless router, unlimited usage, a pledge of no mid-contract price hikes and UK-based support.

In addition, it’s worth mentioning that toob also offers a cheaper 150Mbps entry-level tier for just £22 per month on an 18-month term, as well as a separate 50Mbps Social Tariff (‘toob essentials’) for those on state benefits. The latter has no fixed contract term and costs just £20 per month.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

The UK telecoms regulator, Ofcom, has today opened a new investigation into wireless broadband operator IX Wireless (supported by UK ISP 6Gi / Opus Broadband), which will examine whether the network provider failed in its duty to minimise the visual impact of a 15-metre metal mast / pole when it was installed in Rochdale during 2023.

The operator, which holds an aspiration to cover 250,000 UK premises with their new network (here), is currently building their hybrid fibre and wireless broadband network across several towns in the North West of England, such as Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Nelson, Accrington, Thornton-Cleveleys, Fleetwood, Blackpool, Tameside and Oldham etc.

However, the “up to” 15-metre-high metal poles (masts) that they build don’t always go down well with residents in all the areas where they build (many people often highlight their negative visual appearance), although in being a wireless service they only need to deploy a smaller number in order to cover a wide area.

Infrastructure like this is typically built using Permitted Development (PD) rights and that means they don’t have to go through the usual planning process (i.e. they can pop up quite quickly, often without all residents getting much of a say). But the Electronic Communications Code (ECC), which reflects a set of rights that are designed to facilitate the installation and maintenance of such networks, does still impose some general requirements.

In this case, Ofcom appears to be looking at a single deployment of an IXW pole in Rochdale during 2023, and whether or not the operator correctly considered the need to “minimise the impact on the visual amenity” of nearby properties during their installation.

Ofcom Statement – CW/01294/04/25

Ofcom has today opened an investigation into IX Wireless’ compliance with its obligations under the Electronic Communications Code (Conditions and Restrictions) Regulations 2003/2533 (as amended) (‘the Regulations’).

The Electronic Communications Code is designed to facilitate the installation and maintenance of electronic communications networks across the United Kingdom. As a designated “Code Operator” IX Wireless benefits from certain rights under the Code but is also subject to conditions and restrictions when installing telecommunications apparatus.

Among other requirements, IX Wireless must, so far as reasonably practicable, minimise the impact on the visual amenity of properties when installing an electronic communications apparatus (Regulation 3(3)(a)).

Ofcom’s investigation will examine whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that IX Wireless has failed to comply with these Regulations when installing a 15-metre piece of metal infrastructure on a residential street in Rochdale in 2023.

We will gather further information and publish an update to our investigation in due course.

Ofcom’s powers in this area remain quite limited (here) and investigations like this often take a long time to run their course (they’ve also been investigating Brsk’s deployment of poles since Sept 2024 – here), which means that we might have to wait until late 2025 or even 2026 before a final outcome is published.

Network operators will no doubt still be watching the regulator’s investigation very closely, since it has the potential to set new precedents for their own deployments of similar infrastructure. On the other hand, IXW’s large metal poles/masts are visually quite different, as well as being much larger, than your typical c.9 metre high wooden telegraph / telecoms poles (i.e. any ruling may not be directly translatable to the latter).

Finally, it’s worth noting that the ISPA and INCA recently published new ‘Best Practice Guidance’ for gigabit broadband operators that are building new poles as part of their UK network expansions. The guidance aims to support the Government’s goal of “ending the deployment of unnecessary telegraph poles” (here), not least by requiring providers to engage more closely with communities before they build (details here).

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Edinburgh-based alternative network and UK ISP GoFibre, which is busy deploying their new full fibre (FTTP) gigabit broadband network across rural parts of Scotland and Northern England, has today announced that they’ve expanded their coverage into the Scottish Borders village of Ladykirk and the Northumberland community of Norham.

GoFibre began work on the new network in September 2024, with the final premises becoming ready to connect in April 2025. The expansion forms part of their state aid supported Project Gigabit contracts (see below). The Ladykirk and Norham villages have thus become the latest communities to join the new network, with 76 homes and businesses now able to benefit from gigabit broadband connectivity.

The Project Gigabit Northumberland build was apparently expanded to include some bordering premises in the Scottish Borders, such as those in the village of Ladykirk, as it is said to have “made logistical sense due to the way the network is laid“. Premises in nearby villages such as Norham and Horncliffe in Northumberland were also connected through this phase of the scheme.

GoFibre added that they had to overcome several hurdles during the build, including the challenge of building across Norham Bridge to Ladykirk, as well as having to install infrastructure from scratch on the north side of the main street, where a lack of existing infrastructure meant that the network operator had to install its own.

The operator is currently also building its network in Newton-by-the-Sea, and during the contract will connect further premises in Beadnell, North Sunderland, Seahouses and Cornhill as part of the North Northumberland build programme.

Andy Hepburn, Chief Operating Officer at GoFibre, said:

“Our team has worked incredibly hard on the build in Ladykirk and Norham areas, taking on some unique challenges along the way towards making the prospect of ultra-fast broadband a reality for residents. We’re looking forward to everyone enjoying the benefits of a world class broadband connection.

If you would like to sign up to our full fibre broadband or learn more about our services have any questions, please get in touch with us. Our team is always here to provide the support and information you need.”

The operator has so far managed to build their network to cover over 120,000 premises (RFS) across over 30 “local areas” in rural parts of Northern England and Scotland, which includes around 16,000 premises (so far) across North Northumberland.

Residential customers currently pay from £23.50 per month for a 150Mbps (30Mbps upload) package on a 24-month minimum term, which rises to £39.50 for their top 1000Mbps (100Mbps upload) package. But this price increases by £3 on 1st December every year.

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

Press Release

The Buffalo Bills today announced Verizon will be the exclusive wireless telecommunications partner of the new Highmark Stadium, set to open in 2026. The agreement also establishes Verizon as a Founding Partner of New Highmark Stadium.

“Partnering with Verizon as the Official 5G Network and a Founding Partner for the new Highmark Stadium is a major step in enhancing the fan experience at every level,” said Pete Guelli, Buffalo Bills, EVP & Chief Operating Officer, Buffalo Bills. “Verizon’s technical expertise and leadership in 5G will transform how our fans connect with the game and each other, bringing cutting-edge connectivity to our stadium and its surrounding campus. Together, we’re setting a new standard for live sports, creating immersive, seamless experiences that will keep our fans at the forefront of innovation.”

As the Official 5G Network for the new Highmark Stadium, Verizon will own the neutral host Distributed Antenna System (DAS) in the new stadium and provide state-of-the-art technology and wireless solutions to keep fans connected. The Bills will also integrate Verizon Business Solutions and services in the new stadium to drive sustainability, power operations and streamline fan experiences. While the new stadium is under construction, Verizon Business is providing temporary WiFi access points to the site to power the design, integration/logistics and installation of the facility.

“Bills fans are some of the most passionate in the league, and we’re excited for the opportunity to bring them the power of Verizon 5G at the new Highmark Stadium to elevate their game-day experience like never before,” said Chris Flood, Atlantic North Market President, Verizon. “From ultrafast connectivity to enhanced in-stadium features, our partnership with the Bills is all about delivering an immersive experience that keeps fans engaged every play of the game. Together, we’re providing the technology that enhances every moment, both on and off the field, to deliver a next-level fan experience.”

The new stadium will seat 60,000 with an expandable capacity to hold special events, will include state-of-the-art video and scoreboards, sound system, administrative and event staff offices and lockers, broadcast facilities, team store, locker rooms, food service kitchens and concessions, signage, sports lighting, maintenance, and storage areas, plaza, parking, and site landscaping.

Fans interested in becoming a priority list member, which includes access to visit the Bills Stadium Experience and purchase seats following current Season Ticket Members, can sign up at Billsstadiumexperience.com.

In addition to always-on connectivity, Bills fans and stadium attendees will benefit from premium programming, sweepstakes and onsite activations. Unique access and experiences will be available for Verizon customers throughout the season/year. Furthermore, Verizon is donating an additional $20,000 to the Veterans One-Stop Center – a Buffalo-based nonprofit that improves the quality of life of local veterans, service members and their families – following the company’s November 2024 donation of $20,000 to the same organization, for a total donation of $40,000 toward the cause.

The Bills collaborated with global, premium experiences company Legends to secure Verizon as a founding partner for Highmark Stadium. Legends is the Bills consultant on project development, global partnerships, premium sales, ticket sales, retail, and hospitality for New Highmark Stadium.

Verizon brings a mix of public and private network capabilities, a robust technology ecosystem, and 5G partnerships that enable leagues, teams, and stadium operators to create and deliver a first-class fan experience and achieve desired venue operations outcomes. Learn more about how Verizon is elevating the connected venue approach for sports, entertainment and campus partners through Enterprise Intelligence.

Join the telecoms ecosystem in discussion at Connected America 2026, the USA’s leading digital economy event

Also in the news:
Germany appoints first ever digital minister
Signify and Cornerstone to deploy city-wide multi-operator wireless network through street lighting
BT opens new flagship Manchester office

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

Stuttgart, Germany – 13 May, 2025 – 3 Screen Solutions (3SS), a leading provider of software solutions for set-top boxes (STB), smart TV, multiscreen and in-vehicle entertainment, announces that Vodafone Group has selected 3SS and its 3Ready product platform to power the next-generation Vodafone TV user experiences (UX) across all Vodafone TV’s markets.

Following a competitive RFP process, Vodafone Group selected 3SS to lead the new programme to deliver a world-class TV UX based on 3Ready, including the Product Framework and Control Center. Vodafone’s new TV platform will be deployed across multiple countries and devices.

Vodafone TV is available in Germany, Portugal, Romania, Albania, Czechia, Greece and Ireland.

Vodafone Group will benefit from 3Ready’s award-winning user experience and its proven and mature technology foundation to deliver first-class targeted experiences for Vodafone TV customers. Today, 3Ready is used by over 20 telcos and TV operators worldwide.

Super-aggregators like Vodafone can gain a distinct competitive advantage with 3Ready through the ability to curate content across all sources, including third-party providers, and delivering a highly personalized experience targeted to different user segments across all screens.

“We are extremely proud and delighted that Vodafone Group selected 3SS as the right partner, and 3Ready as the right foundation, on which to build its next generation Vodafone TV multi-territory services,” said Kai-Christian Borchers, Managing Director of 3SS.

About 3 Screen Solutions (3SS)

3SS is a global leader in digital entertainment technology, delivering solutions that create experiences people love. Since 2009, 3SS has been trusted by telcos, pay-TV operators and streamers for its expertise in system integration, software engineering, UI/UX design innovation and solution architecture. The award-winning 3Ready product platform accelerates seamless entertainment service launches across all devices, while empowering customer-centric innovation. Today 3Ready powers 30+ service providers, delivering rich, loyalty-enhancing entertainment hubs with total reach of 70+ million users. Blue-chip operators and innovators worldwide have chosen 3SS technology, including 4iG Group (OneTV), A1 Telekom Austria Group, Allente, Altibox, Claro, Elisa Estonia, ENTEL, Norlys, ORS, Proximus, TCC Uruguay, Tele2, TELUS, Vodafone Group and Yes. Expanding beyond the living room, 3SS also delivers next-generation in-vehicle entertainment solutions. The 3Ready Automotive in-car entertainment platform is currently being deployed by leading global OEMs, redefining the connected car experience. Please visit 3ss.tv for more information and follow us on LinkedIn.

For media information, please contact:

Cynthia Ritchie

cynthia@whitetigercommunications.net

+44 20 4518 7555

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

Julie Bradford, Head of Techno-Economic Analysis at Real Wireless, has been re-elected by the CW membership. Julie brings over two decades of experience in the wireless industry, with a deep focus on network economics, sustainability, and public policy. At Real Wireless, she leads analysis for European and UK projects assessing the environmental, economic and societal impact of wireless infrastructure. Within CW, Julie has played a key role as a SIG champion, chaired multiple CWIC conferences, and has been instrumental in strengthening the role and direction of CW’s SIGs to reflect the evolving wireless ecosystem. 

Chris Bruce, an experienced telecoms executive and strategic advisor, has been re-appointed to the Board by co-option. A former Chair of Cambridge Tech Week, Chris has also chaired the Wireless Broadband Alliance and served as CEO of BT Openzone. Over a career spanning BT, Ericsson, and entrepreneurial ventures, Chris has combined deep sector insight with hands-on leadership of innovation programmes. Within CW, he has been a valued member of the Board, leading the Finance & Audit Committee and playing a central role in the successful delivery of CW’s flagship events. 

Dominick Peasley, CEO of SPRK Capital, joins the Board as a newly co-opted member. Dominick brings significant expertise in fintech, SME finance, and growth capital. At SPRK, he leads the UK’s foremost innovation-focused lender to SMEs, working with British Business Investments to support high-growth companies. He previously raised over £5 billion in capital for UK SMEs through his leadership at Funding Circle and has advised government-backed funding programmes. He also brings entrepreneurial experience as co-founder of Salt, a music-tech disruptor, and deep institutional knowledge from earlier roles at Goldman Sachs. 

Jonathan Pearl, founder of Concordian and a former senior legal and governance executive, also joins as a new co-opted Board member. Jonathan’s career includes over 30 years in two global technology firms, where he led corporate governance, compliance, and risk management functions across international markets. A qualified solicitor and accredited mediator, Jonathan now advises public sector bodies and charities on strategy, risk, and conflict resolution. His blend of governance expertise and stakeholder diplomacy will be invaluable as CW grows its product portfolio, geographic reach, and member base. 

Chair of the CW Board, Olu Orugboh, who was also re-elected and retains her seat for a second term, commented: 

“We are pleased to welcome both re-elected and newly appointed members to the Cambridge Wireless Board. The continued involvement of Julie Bradford and Chris Bruce ensures valuable continuity and sector knowledge, while the addition of Dominick Peasley and Jonathan Pearl brings fresh expertise in finance, governance and innovation. 

“This combination of experience and new perspectives will support the Board in guiding CW through its next phase of strategic development and member engagement, led by CEO Michaela Eschbach. We are also deeply appreciative of the increased number of engaged, passionate and diverse individuals who took part in this year’s election process – a clear reflection of our members’ commitment to CW’s mission and future.” 

The new Board composition reflects CW’s ambition to support a growing, increasingly interdisciplinary membership and to reinforce the organisation’s role as a national and international connectivity and digital technology community. 

For more information about Cambridge Wireless, visit www.cambridgewireless.co.uk 

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

ISP partners of VeloxServ, one of the UK’s fastest growing independent wholesale connectivity providers, will benefit from greater choice and competitive pricing for business connectivity in London thanks to a new collaboration with Vorboss.

“The demand for cost-effective and high-performance connectivity for businesses in London is growing rapidly in a fast moving and data-driven economy, which is why we’re delighted to be able to work with Vorboss to offer our ISP partners an even greater choice of competitive full-fibre products to serve the needs of their customers,” said Craig Messer, Managing Director of VeloxServ.

The leading provider of internet connectivity, server hosting and data centre colocation is working with the business-only network provider and owner Vorboss, to offer its partners 10/25/100 Gbps full-fibre services in the capital.

“Building, operating and maintaining our own award-winning network in London enables us to offer leading wholesale connectivity providers like VeloxServ an unbeatable quality of service, installed quickly and at an extremely competitive price,” said Malcolm Puddefoot, Chief Revenue Officer at Vorboss.

The collaboration with Vorboss marks the latest milestone in an exciting phase of growth for VeloxServ, which has recently been shortlisted for three UK Fibre Awards and has built a trusted reputation for excellent customer service over the last 17 years.