Vodafone UK Website Adverts Banned Over Misleading Savings Claim | ISPreview UK

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The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), prompted by a complaint from rival mobile operator EE (BT), has banned two website adverts for Vodafone after the watchdog found that it had made “misleading” savings claims and the packages did not return to the prices against which the savings were being claimed once the promotions ended.

At issue were two promotions for Vodafone’s mobile SIM plans: a) a listing for the Unlimited Plus SIM service stated “Save £240. Monthly £23. Offer ends 19 December”, and b) a similar listing for the Unlimited Max SIM plan stated “Black Friday: Save £312. Monthly £23. Offer ends 2 December”.

Both ads also had a previous version, with the prior version of ad (a) stating “Unlimited Plus. Black Friday. Save £312. Monthly £20. Offer ends 02 December” (we’ll call this ad ‘c’ below) and the prior version of (b) stating: “Unlimited Max. 6 months half price. Monthly £18. £36pm after 6 months. Offer ends 28 November” (we’ll call this ‘d’ below).

However, the ASA ultimately agreed that the savings claims made for (a) and (b) had been misleading, not least because the claims for both products “had not been made against the immediately preceding prices at which the products were sold at when the ads appeared“. For example, the savings claim in (a) was based on a prior price of £33 per month, but the immediately preceding price had been their Black Friday (c) deal of £20.

In addition, the ASA found that the products in both ads “did not return to the prices against which the savings were being claimed once the promotions ended“, which they concluded meant the “ads were misleading” (here). As usual, the ASA banned the adverts in their current form and told Vodafone to “ensure that future savings claims did not mislead and to ensure products returned to the price against which the saving was being claimed, once a promotion ended“.

ISPreview has seen quite a few broadband ISPs and mobile operators using similar tactics when making savings claims over the years. This can be particularly tedious when the discounts seem to change, often on an almost weekly basis (i.e. it becomes very hard for consumers to know what the real baseline price of a particular package is). We’d like to think that the ASA’s ruling will be taken as a warning shot across the bow of such promotions.

Mobile Networks Call on Gov to Help Bring 5G Upgrades to 6,200 UK Sites | ISPreview UK

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The Mobile Infrastructure Forum (MIF), which represents the primary mobile operators (EE, O2, Vodafone and Three UK) and related infrastructure providers (Cellnex UK, Cornerstone, MBNL etc.), has today called on the government to resolve the issue of 6,200 UK sites (masts etc.) that are “stuck in legislative limbo” and preventing 5G upgrades.

According to the MID, the aforementioned mobile sites – representing 16% of the UK’s total (40,000) and used by an estimated 15 million customers – remain under legacy legal frameworks governed by the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (LTA 1954) and equivalent legislation in Northern Ireland. But mobile firms complain that this makes it difficult to deploy the latest 4G and 5G (mobile broadband) upgrades to the sites.

The LTA 1954 can potentially create challenges because it provides security of tenure to tenants, including those holding access agreements for telecoms equipment. In short, landlords may be reluctant to grant access or agree to upgrades without legal intervention (even if the landlord wants to do it, the process can be tricky), potentially delaying or obstructing the rollout of new mobile technologies. Not to mention the added costs involved.

The Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022 (PSTI) introduced measures to make broadband and mobile infrastructure sharing, as well as network upgrades and related dispute resolution, easier to deliver (see our summary). But those elements, which involve changes to the Electronic Communications Code (ECC) that govern related land/property access rights, are yet to be fully introduced (Ofcom have been implementing some of this separately).

The good news is that the Government did just publish a new consultation (here) on implementing some of the remaining elements of the PSTI and the forum are keen to push this forward. As part of today’s call, the MIF has highlighted how their members have successfully delivered over 32,500 4G and 5G service upgrades since the ECC reforms in 2018, with more than 4,600 leases having now been consensually agreed between infrastructure providers and landlords.

Further analysis reveals the effectiveness of the specialist Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) in handling telecommunications cases. Since the PSTI Act was passed, only 39 renewals have required a full court hearing to date since the PSTI Act was implemented in 2022, with over 60% of these cases being raised via a single land aggregator (we suspect this may be a reference to AP Wireless’ sometimes tricky approach).

Belinda Fawcett, Chair of MIF, said:

“While we welcome the government’s consultation as a positive step forward, the data we have released today clearly shows why full implementation is essential. The ECC reforms have been remarkably successful in facilitating the upgrading of the UK’s mobile networks. We now have a clear, efficient and well drafted legal framework.

It is fantastic that we’ve seen 4,600 consensual agreements being reached, but it’s now crucial that the government implements all outstanding elements of the PSTI Act.

Fully extending these successful reforms, including the change of jurisdiction, to all the remaining sites would unlock significant infrastructure investment and accelerate delivery of the connectivity that underpins the UK’s digital economy.”

The MIF have also today said they would commit to provide transparent metrics on the following every 6 months: Lease renewals achieved, the number of service upgrades achieved and, volume of sites still trapped under legacy legislation. All of which represents useful information.

As ever, the key challenge in making all of these changes is with doing them without significantly undermining or reducing the rights of existing or potential site providers (land/property owners etc.) – easier said than done. But part of this may also reflect the mobile operator’s desire to bring down rental payments, which remains are highly contentious area, albeit one that is a lot clearer today, following various tribunal rulings.

Deutsche Telekom joins IPAI Innovation Platform in AI push  | Total Telecom

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pink and purple led light

News 

By joining the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI) platform, the German operator looks to play a more active role in shaping how AI is developed and used across industry and public services 

IPAI is a growing initiative backed by the state of Baden-Württemberg, the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, and a range of private and public partners. It is designed to bring together businesses, researchers, and policymakers to test and apply AI in real-world settings. Over 70 organisations are already involved, with the aim of building a European AI hub focused on responsible and practical deployment. 

Deutsche Telekom will contribute its experience in rolling out AI across network operations, customer service, and enterprise products. The company said its focus will be on supporting scalable and secure AI solutions that serve both business and public sector use cases. 

The IPAI campus in Heilbronn is currently under development and will eventually cover 30 hectares and support more than 5,000 workers. Facilities will include data centres, lab space, and collaborative work areas, with the first phase expected to open later this year. 

“AI reaches its full potential only when we collectively bring it into practice,” said Klaus Werner, Director Business Customers at Telekom Deutschland in a press release. “Europe needs to invest in AI now. That’s why initiatives like IPAI are essential: for the digital sovereignty of Germany and Europe, enabling them to further expand their independence and drive innovation.” 

This partnership is the latest in a long line of AI collaborations for Deutsche Telekom. The operator was notably a founding member of the Global Telco AI Alliance in June last year, along with SK Telecom, e&, Singtel and SoftBank. The initiative aims to develop Large Language Models (LLMs) that are specifically designed to meet telco needs, in areas such as improving customer interactions via digital assistants and chatbots.  

The LLMs will be tailored to the needs of the five companies in their respective markets, allowing them to reach a combined customer base of around 1.3 billion people in 50 countries 

Keep up to date with the latest international telecoms news by subscribing to the Total Telecom daily newsletter  

Also in the news:
SKT data breach potentially leaks data from 26.9 million users
Building the UK’s digital infrastructure based on tomorrow’s needs
Thailand’s AIS and True circling National Telecom’s subscriber base 

Etiya Enables Fizz Mobile’s Expansion with Scalable, AI-Driven Digital BSS | Total Telecom

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Istanbul, Turkey, 20 May 2025 – Etiya, a leading CX-focused, AI-driven Digital Transformation provider, has extended and expanded its strategic partnership with Fizz Mobile, a fast-growing Canadian mobile, internet, and TV provider. The renewed agreement reinforces Etiya’s role as the core technology partner driving Fizz’s digital growth across Canada and establishes a platform well-positioned for deployment in other international markets.

The partnership delivers a true SaaS model, with services provided through per-subscriber licensing. It includes Etiya’s cloud-native Digital BSS Platform, comprehensive managed services, and a dedicated development team that ensures continuous innovation and agility.

As part of this expanded scope, Etiya is also enabling Fizz with:

  • AI-powered customer support for real-time resolution and fully digital service experiences.
  • Advanced campaign automation to drive smarter engagement and business growth.

As Fizz grows beyond Quebec into major Canadian markets like Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, and Toronto, Etiya’s scalable platform supports the efficient launch of mobile, internet, and TV services, while enabling quick adaptation to new business models. Recent innovations support a seamless and modern mobile experience, from smarter connectivity to flexible access to devices.

Aslan Dogan, CEO at Etiya, said: “Our collaboration with Fizz underlines our commitment to delivering scalable, AI-powered solutions that enable telecom operators to offer flexible, personalized services at speed. We’re proud to be part of Fizz’s growth journey across Canada and to have created a platform that can be readily deployed in other international markets.”

Pierre Karl Péladeau, President and CEO of Quebecor, Fizz’s parent company, added: “Fizz’s momentum is powered by simplicity, flexibility, and innovation. Etiya’s digital-first approach helps us personalize faster, scale smarter, and offer seamless customer journeys nationwide. It is our intention for Fizz’s success to serve as Etiya’s calling card around the world, showcasing what their technology can achieve.”

 

About Etiya

Etiya, a leading software company founded in 2004, boasts over 1600 employees across 3 continents and 7 countries. Etiya provides innovative products focused on agility and flexibility through microservices-based architecture and DevOps methodology. Specializing in customer experience-centric and AI-driven digital transformation, Etiya’s offerings span various sectors globally, including telecom, automotive, finance, and retail. Etiya prides itself on delivering rapid digital readiness and product delivery for its customers.

Exceed, Every Day.

www.etiya.com

 

About Fizz 

Fizz is a mobile carrier in a class of its own with an all-online experience. Say hello to simplicity and fair prices. Say goodbye to nasty surprises and hidden fees. Fizz has been wildly successful since launching in Québec in 2018 as a complement to Videotron, its parent company Quebecor’s traditional wireless provider, and is now winning converts in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia. To learn more, visit fizz.ca.  

Neterra Backs Bulgaria’s Olympic Beach Volleyball Hopefuls | Total Telecom

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Neterra, a global telecommunications service provider and IT asset manager, has become the official sponsor of Bulgaria’s national beach volleyball team, led by Dimitar Kalchev and Dimitar Mehandzhiyski – two young athletes who dream big and work hard to represent Bulgaria at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The company stepped in with support during a crucial stage of their journey, as the team is currently training intensively and competing to earn the ranking points needed to qualify.

The partnership between Neterra and the talented volleyball duo began during an event organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria. There, Kalchev and Mehandzhiyski shared their vision, the challenges they face on the road to the Olympic stage, and the unwavering support of their mentor, Yariv Lerner, CEO of Nu Boyana Film Studios and a former volleyball player. Thanks to his support, the team trains under professional conditions, including access to specialized beach volleyball courts.

The Road to Los Angeles 2028

“Only 24 teams from around the world will qualify for the Olympic beach volleyball tournament. Sixteen of them will get a direct invitation based on the world rankings, while the rest will have to go through qualification events like continental cups and regional championships. Our goal is to be among the top 16 teams globally – an ambitious target that requires constant participation in international tournaments and a serious accumulation of points,” says Dimitar Mehandzhiyski.

Kalchev and Mehandzhiyski already compete in “Futures” tournaments – the entry level of international beach volleyball. They are also active on the Balkan scene, where they won a silver medal at last year’s championship in Moldova. This year, they’re heading to the Balkan Championship in Turkey (May 29 – June 3) and will also take part in Bulgaria’s National League in June.

Bulgaria Hosts a „Futures” Tournament for the First Time

Also in June, thanks to an initiative by Yariv Lerner, Bulgaria will host its first-ever “Futures” beach volleyball tournament in Sveti Vlas. Four Bulgarian teams will compete, including Kalchev and Mehandzhiyski, who will have the chance to play on home soil against strong international competition – another important step toward their dream.

Next on their schedule are international tournaments in countries such as Burundi, Belgium, France, Poland, Greece, and more, which are crucial for gaining points and experience.

“Neterra has always supported people with exceptional talent, ambition, and determination. We believe in long-term support for young and motivated individuals who can inspire an entire generation,” says Maya Kalcheva, Neterra’s Chief Marketing & PR Officer.

About Neterra
Neterra is a global telecommunications service provider and IT asset manager, awarded “Best Central and Eastern European Carrier” in 2023 and 2024 by the Capacity Global Connectivity Awards. The company offers a wide range of high-quality services, including internet access, colocation in its own data centers, connectivity, and global internet exchange through the NetIX platform. Neterra is also an official distributor of Starlink satellite internet from SpaceX.

Thailand’s AIS and True circling National Telecom’s subscriber base  | Total Telecom

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aerial photography of cityscape during night time

News 

Thailand’s National Telecom (NT) is in talks with operators AIS and True Corporation over the sale of its both its mobile and fixed broadband customer bases, the Bangkok Post has reported 

Sources close to the matter say NT has been in discussions with AIS for over a year, with the mobile giant recently submitting a proposal to acquire NT’s retail broadband and mobile subscribers.  

The prospective deal would see NT transfer ownership of all its customers to AIS, with the latter renting access to NT’s networks to maintain services.  

True is also expected to make a formal approach under similar terms. 

NT would subsequently continue to serve customers on a wholesale basis. 

Such an operational shift is attractive for NT, which is under mounting pressure to reduce costs and restructure. According to the article, its mobile and broadband units are reportedly losing billions of baht each year because of high operating costs and intense competition in both markets. 

NT’s president Colonel Sanphachai Havanandana told the Bangkok Post that “the partnership must be based on a fair basis”. Any deal would need approval from the telecoms regulator,  the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand  (NBTC). The regulator has previously raised concerns about NT exiting core service areas, warning it could harm market competition. 

NT’s spectrum licences for the 850MHz, 2100MHz, and 2300MHz bands are also due to expire this August. This is increasing pressure on NT to change its business model before being forced to renew these licences. 

Keep up to date with the latest telecoms news with the Total Telecom newsletter  

Also in the news: 
SKT data breach potentially leaks data from 26.9 million users
Building the UK’s digital infrastructure based on tomorrow’s needs
Verizon scraps DEI initiatives to secure FCC approval of $20bn Frontier takeover 

AllPoints Fibre Networks announces partnership with Gamma Communications | Total Telecom

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AllPoints Fibre Networks (APFN) has signed a new partnership with Gamma Communications, one of the UK’s largest resellers, expanding access to innovative fibre solutions for organisations across the country.

 

Gamma unveiled the partnership last week at its annual GX conference, where over 300 of its partners gathered to hear the announcement – only the day after APFN launched its aquila platform. Gamma’s partners will have access to aquila, which is APFN’s next-generation wholesale fibre solution designed to simplify and scale national full-fibre access.

 

Gamma will take advantage of aquila’s capabilities to offer thousands of potential Business Full Fibre and Ethernet connections to its customers. APFN will work with Gamma and its wholesale and enterprise partners to move away from legacy services and onto full fibre connectivity.

 

aquila consolidates multiple infrastructure providers—including Openreach, BT Wholesale, CityFibre, and APFN’s own network—into a single, seamless experience. Built for automation, transparency, and efficiency, Aquila enables service providers to manage everything from orders to billing with real-time APIs, reducing complexity and unlocking new growth opportunities.

 

“We’re so pleased to be working with Gamma,” said Nisreen El-kaloush, APFN Chief Commercial Officer. “It’s amazing to have a top-tier reseller join the aquila platform so soon after it launches.”

 

“By integrating with aquila and leveraging our advanced core and edge network infrastructure, Gamma’s customers gain a more adaptable and diverse fibre connectivity experience, ensuring businesses can scale and serve their customers with ease.”

 

As part of the aquila platform, APFN has invested in a next-generation core and edge network infrastructure designed for maximum performance and resilience. Its figure-of-eight national backbone eliminates single points of failure by intelligently rerouting traffic, ensuring seamless connectivity even during peak demand scenarios. This robust architecture enhances the efficiency and reliability of fibre connectivity for businesses across the UK.

 

Gamma currently works with organisations like Tui, the Open University and the British Heart Foundation.

About All Points Fibre Networks (APFN)

APFN delivers the UK’s best and largest full fibre network through aquila, a frictionless wholesale platform, earning the trust of our customers by providing them with amazing services experiences at the lowest cost to serve. APFN is backed by Fern Trading, which is a committed long-term investor in the sector.

 

Media contact: press@apfn.uk

 

About Gamma Communications

Gamma Communications is a UK-based telecoms provider offering cloud-based telephony, broadband, and unified communications services to businesses across the UK and Europe. They operate their own national network and serve clients through both direct sales and channel partners.

Dotlines UK unveils Catena: The all-in-one platform, transforming telecoms operations | Total Telecom

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Billed as an all-in-one system for broadband and ISP operators in general, Catena promises to streamline operations, improve customer experience, and drive growth by replacing the disconnected systems, tools, spreadsheets and ageing back-office software that many telecom companies still rely on. 

The ‘telco in a box’ model allows operators to manage their entire business through a single cloud-based platform. Automation, API integrations, and a centralised product catalogue are designed to speed up everything from onboarding new customers to rolling out new services. 

Customers benefit from seamless self-service options, while businesses gain the advantage of a scalable, future-ready operation – important, as the need to modernise has become more urgent in the face of upcoming regulatory changes, including One Touch Switching and PSTI compliance, and the planned shutdown of the UK’s traditional PSTN network.

For many smaller and mid-sized players, scaling has been difficult against a backdrop of manual processes and a multitude of supplier and cashflow constraints. The recent surge in the number of alt-nets wholesaling their networks has only added to the problem. Catena is purpose-built to address these challenges, automating key processes, reducing inefficiencies, and enhancing both customer and employee experiences.

Rocket Fibre, a Northamptonshire-based broadband provider, has chosen Catena to support its next phase of growth. With new Ofcom regulations on the horizon and an ambition to scale, Rocket Fibre saw a clear opportunity to streamline its legacy systems and operations. The Rocket Fibre team selected Catena as the single platform to modernise, simplify and futureproof its operations.

Tom Sanders, CEO of Rocket Fibre, said: “Catena has given us the foundation to scale with confidence. We needed a solution that would transform how we work, and with Catena, we’re not just compliant and efficient, we’re ready for the future of telecom.”

Jaki Chowdhury, CEO of Dotlines UK, said: “Rocket Fibre is a great example of the type of operator Catena is built to help. They had the ambition to grow but were being held back by disjointed systems. With Catena, they can be compliant and future-ready with the flexibility to scale far beyond what was possible before.”

The Catena team worked with Rocket Fibre to map its operations, identify key integration partners, and migrate customer data to the new platform. The move will allow Rocket Fibre to automate much of its back-end operations, offer enhanced self-service options to customers, and accelerate the launch of new services.

Security and compliance are at the core of Catena, with UK data sovereignty ensuring all telecom business data is hosted in high-availability UK data centres. The platform is also built with sustainability in mind, featuring a carbon-neutral cloud infrastructure and a commitment to tree-planting initiatives as part of Dotlines UK’s biodiversity efforts.

Jaki Chowdhury, CEO of Dotlines UK, continued: “Catena is built to remove the complexity from telecoms operations. Many operators are stuck with disconnected, outdated systems that limit their growth. Catena brings everything together in one place, making it easier to run an efficient, customer-focused business. Our goal is to help telecoms providers serve more customers with less effort while unlocking new opportunities for growth. As competition in the UK telecoms market intensifies, operators need the right technology to remain competitive and scale effectively. Catena offers a future-proof solution that not only enhances efficiency but also enables operators to stand out by delivering exceptional customer experiences.”

SKT data breach potentially leaks data from 26.9 million users | Total Telecom

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News

The attack, which took place in 2022, went undiscovered for almost three years

This week, a joint public–private investigation as revealed the enormous scale of a recently reported data breach impacting South Korean telco SK Telecom (SKT).

The cyberattack took place on June 15, 2022, but was not reported to the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) by SKT until April 22 this year, suggesting that malware remained undetected for three years.

The data breach reportedly saw malware installed on 23 of SKT’s servers, which collectively held four different types of USIM data, including International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) numbers. These unique numbers are used to identify individual customers.

In total, 9.32 gigabytes of USIM-related data, including 26.9 million IMSI numbers, were compromised in the attack and may have been leaked.

SKT itself currently serves roughly 25 million customers, both directly and through its mobile virtual network operator partners, suggesting that nearly all its subscribers may be impacted by the attack.

To make matters worse, two of the affected servers had temporarily stored personal customer data, including names, date of birth, phone numbers, and email addresses. According to the investigation, it is still unclear whether this data was also compromised.

The investigation notes that log records show no evidence of data being exfiltrated between December 3, 2024, to April 24, 2025. However, there are no log records between June 15, 2022 –the date of the attack – and December 2, 2024, meaning investigators cannot determine if data was leaked during this time period.

One of the biggest fears is that the leaked data could be used for ‘SIM swapping’, a process whereby malicious actors use the stolen data to convince the service provider to transfer the victim’s number to a SIM card they control. This then allows them to receive calls, texts, and two-factor authentication codes intended for the victim.

The government’s director of the Network Policy Office at the Ministry of Science and ICT, Ryu Je-myung, notably downplayed these concerns, saying that the investigation had confirmed with manufacturers that ‘SIM swapping’ was not possible with the potentially leaked data.

“Cloning a smartphone is impossible with only a 15-digit IMEI value”, he said.

In response to the breach, SKT has pledged to bolster its cybersecurity, as well as offering free USIM card replacements to all 25 million subscribers.

In recent years, telcos have become the target of increasingly sophisticated cybersecurity attacks, with major data breaches taking place all over the world. Perhaps the most prominent of these were the ‘Salt Typhoon’ attacks, which hit US mobile operators in September last year and was described as the ‘worst telecom hack in US history’ by chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee Mark Warne.

Since then, national governments have been working increasingly closely with telecoms operators with regards to national security, including increasing international cybersecurity cooperation between allied nations.

In this regard, US Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr met with Korean Minister of Science and ICT Yoo Sang earlier this month to discuss greater security collaboration between the two nations.

Keep up to date with the latest telecoms news with the Total Telecom newsletter 

Also in the news:
Charter and Cox reveal agreement to combine companies
BT in final talks to sell 50% stake in TNT Sports to Warner Bros Discovery 
BT creates standalone international unit as strategic restructuring continues 

Building the UK’s digital infrastructure based on tomorrow’s needs | Total Telecom

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

silhouette of road signage during golden hour

Viewpoint

by Fernando Molina, CTIO at nexfibre

Can we build the UK’s digital infrastructure based on not just today’s needs, but tomorrow’s?

This is the question at the heart of the UK’s connectivity ambitions. It’s no secret that the UK has lagged behind its peers in Europe on full-fibre rollout. However, as the demand for low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity accelerates, this delay could actually work towards the UK’s advantage. We must use this opportunity to lay down the right infrastructure to capitalise on our digital potential and not just to catch up, but to lead the way.

Future-proofing our fibre network

When it comes to national infrastructure, building for today means that it will already be outdated by the time it’s live. The long lead times, enormous investments and regulatory challenges mean that future-proofing is crucial, or we risk being left behind once again.

Over the past two decades, we’ve seen how quickly expectations shift: from dial-up to streaming; from basic browsing to real-time collaboration. As AI, automation, and use cases such as remote surgery and digital twins become mainstream, latency is emerging as a critical differentiator. This is about more than just gaming or buffering. These emerging applications demand real-time responsiveness. True digital interactivity will require infrastructure that can keep pace with next-generation technology.

Just think about video calls. A decade or two ago, it would have been almost impossible to work entirely remotely, because of the poor connection speed. In the near future, with the right infrastructure and hardware, it’s possible that remote work could be indistinguishable from in-person.

Not all fibre is created equal

Today, many fibre networks in the UK still rely on older GPON technology – something that’s still currently being rolled out. While it’s sufficient for most business and consumer use-cases currently, this technology will become obsolete within a matter of years.

Instead, XGS-PON offers symmetric speeds of up to 10 Gbps. Having symmetrical bandwidth is especially important for applications requiring high upload capacity. In fact, a recent survey we conducted with members of the Internet Service Provider’s Association (ISPA), found that over half of respondents said they would prefer to run their services through XGS-PON only. The UK’s ISPs recognise the need for future-proofing their offerings, and they need an underlying infrastructure that supports this.

The cost of compromise

It is fair to say that more advanced infrastructure like XGS-PON does tend to require greater expenditure upfront.

That said, delaying these investments risks entrenching outdated networks and customer premise equipment, that will need upgrading before long. The cost of compromise isn’t just financial, it’s strategic. Deploying out-dated technology today means paying again tomorrow, both in upgrades and lost competitiveness.

With the incumbent provider still deploying GPON, and at the same time communicating a reduction in capex expenditure, one wonders how the much-needed upgrades will be funded, whilst also striving to meet the Government’s 2030 target.

Instead, we advocate taking a long-term view. By investing in XGS-PON now, we avoid future bottlenecks, reduce wasteful duplication, and enable the UK to lead in cutting-edge use cases from AI to smart manufacturing.

There are sustainability benefits too. Fibre consumes significantly less energy than older technologies, and by implementing future-ready systems today, we avoid the environmental cost of repeated rebuilds and customer equipment renewals just a few years down the line.

Conclusion

The UK faces a generational opportunity to renew its connectivity infrastructure. The government has recognised that digitally connecting our cities, towns and communities is essential for them to thrive, and the economic opportunity is substantial. The deployment of future-proof technologies will allow a fast, clean and seamless adoption of advanced digital solutions both in homes and businesses.

So too is there recognition of the need to transition away from legacy infrastructure, with ambitious goals to achieve nationwide gigabit-capable broadband by 2030. The decisions we make today will define the quality and capabilities of our future digital economy. It’s vital that we ensure our broadband network is ready for the future: we must strive to lead globally, rather than risk being left behind again.

Join us at Connected Britain, 24-25 September in London. Get tickets here!  

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NTT buying up land to support global data centre expansion
US rescinds AI chip export controls