Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

A new newspaper report claims that CityFibre is allegedly engaged in “discussions” with Fern Trading, a subsidiary of Octopus Investments, over the potential acquisition of the Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband network built by All Points Fibre Networks (APFN) – itself reflecting an earlier consolidation of Jurassic Fibre, Swish Fibre and Giganet.

CityFibre currently aspires to cover up to 8 million UK premises with their new full fibre network – representing c.30% of the UK (they’ve already done 4.4 million or 4.2m as ready for service). But their original target of hitting that by around 2025 will not be achieved, and the operator has instead made no secret of their desire to boost their growth via mergers and acquisition (M&A) of smaller alternative networks.

In fact, CityFibre has only relatively recently completed or announced the consolidations of several altnets, including LitFibre and Connexin (here). But a separate report has also indicated that the network operator already has “up to” 850,000 homes served by other alternative networks “under M&A exclusivity“ (here), which suggests that even more deals are imminent.

According to The Times (paywall), the acquisition hungry provider is now said to be eyeing up the network assets of APFN for a possible deal (note: CityFibre and APFN already have a wholesale access agreement). The newspaper claims that “discussions” have taken place, although it’s unclear to what level this occurred, and Fern Trading itself has responded to say that APFN “is not for sale“.

However, we’d take that “not for sale” remark with a pinch of salt, particularly as they suffered a pre-tax loss of £35.2m for 2023 and are under similar strains to everybody else. In addition, it’s not clear whether their comment was only in reference to APFN the company or their network assets, or both. Furthermore, there isn’t much in the way of overbuild between CityFibre and APFN’s network across England, which would make them a potentially good fit.

In terms of network size, the FT uses an estimate from Enders Analysis to suggest that APFN’s infrastructure could reach 568,000 premises by the end of March 2025. But an independent estimate of ‘Ready for Service’ (RFS) premises published by Thinkbroadband put them closer to 298,000 premises in March 2025. Sadly, APFN have not shared an official figure in some time.

Finally, CityFibre itself is currently still in the process of trying to secure a £500m equity financing deal with existing investors (here), which is expected to be supported by £1bn of incremental debt funding – potentially enough liquidity to keep them fuelled through to mid-2027. The possibility of further deals may well hinge, at least in part, on the outcome of this.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Broadband-based live TV streaming service Freely, which is supported by major UK TV broadcasters (BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and 5 etc.) and is designed to be an evolution of the existing Freeview service (inc. Freeview Play and Freesat), has confirmed that they’re finally “considering” the development of a streaming media device.

Freeview Play is now a somewhat dated platform and one that remains centred around on-demand content, while Freely viewers will be able to easily browse and watch live UK TV channels together with on-demand content streamed straight to their smart TV via the internet (IPTV) – without the need for an aerial connection or new set-top-box (depending upon device support).

Just to be clear. Freely, which launched over a year ago (here), will not be replacing the Freeview and Freesat platforms and should, at least for now, be seen as more of a complement – a different kind of service that helps to make broadcast TV more accessible. The change is important because the age of traditional terrestrial TV signals, which came via the airwaves, is expected to gradually come to an end as gigabit-capable broadband nears almost universal UK coverage by 2030 (currently c.86%).

However, one of the biggest roadblocks to adoption of Freely’s platform today remains its limited availability, which has seen the new service deployed across a variety of new TV sets but not much else (some major TV manufacturers are also still missing from their supported device list). But customers of most existing internet-connected TVs, as well as popular TV streaming boxes and sticks, have all been excluded.

The good news is that yesterday’s speech by Tim Davie, Director General of the BBC, at the Lowry Theatre in Salford, appeared to confirm that Freely was finally looking at the possibility of developing its own streaming box to support the service.

Tim Davie, Director General of the BBC, said:

“At the BBC we have been working hard to build digital platforms and content to meet changing audience needs, enriching our offer and welcoming the possibilities of a post broadcast world.

We think now is the time to confirm an IP switchover in the 2030s, setting out the conditions and providing certainty to ensure success.

There are huge benefits, financially and socially, and we want to play our part, working with Government, with our sector and beyond to help – building trust that a digital world can work for all. The BBC can play a key role in innovating to ensure that the new world is inclusive and accessible.

To help, we want to double down on Freely as a universal free service to deliver live TV over broadband. And we are considering a streaming media device with Freely capabilities built in, with a radically simplified user interface specifically designed to help those yet to benefit from IP services.”

The big caveats above are Tim’s use of the word “considering” (not particularly definitive) and the fact that they seem to be looking at putting out their own streaming box, rather than talking about getting Freely on to existing TVs and streaming devices. Still, at least they’re talking about it now, which is a step in the right direction.

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

Press Release

The Institute of Telecommunications Professionals (ITP) has officially been approved as a registered training provider for the Level 4 Cellular Network Field Engineer (CNFE) apprenticeship — a move that directly responds to the UK’s growing need for skilled telecoms engineers.

After more than a decade of supporting apprenticeships across the industry, this marks a major evolution for the ITP, transitioning from talent advocate to hands-on training provider. Backed by leading employers including Vodafone and Cornerstone, the programme is designed to meet urgent industry demands for future-ready engineering talent.

“This is a significant shift for the ITP and for the sector,” said Charlotte Goodwill, CEO of the ITP. “We’re stepping up to not just support apprenticeships, but to deliver training — ensuring learners are equipped to meet the standards the industry needs.”

The CNFE standard focuses on the skills required to build and maintain mobile infrastructure – including 5G – at a time when pressure on UK connectivity has never been higher. By delivering this programme directly, the ITP is closing the gap between industry expectations and apprentice preparedness.

Since 2013, the ITP has placed thousands of apprentices into the telecoms sector. Achieving provider status allows the organisation to take a more active role in developing the next generation of engineers, shaped by real-world demands and employer feedback.

Vodafone and Cornerstone — supporters of the ITP’s work — welcomed the announcement.

“We’re proud to support the ITP as they take this next step,” said Andrew Murchison, Access Assurance Manager at Vodafone. “The CNFE standard is key to delivering the connectivity the UK needs, and apprenticeships like this are vital for creating lasting career pathways in our sector.”

“As the industry evolves, it’s essential that training evolves with it,” said Andy Train, CNO at Cornerstone. “We’re pleased to support the ITP in helping to develop a highly skilled, future-ready workforce that reflects the needs of our networks and partners.”

For more on developing your career, make sure you attend Connected Britain in September and remember you can earn CPD points for participating.

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

Press Release

New GSMA Global Spectrum Pricing Report finds spectrum costs have risen sharply as a percentage of revenues, increasing the cost burden on operators and constraining critical network investment

The GSMA today released its latest ‘Global Spectrum Pricing Report’, highlighting that average spectrum prices have not reduced in line with operator revenues over the last decade — putting significant pressure on their ability to invest in essential network infrastructure.

The report shows that, whilst both consumer prices for mobile services and the average cost of spectrum have fallen, the overall cost burden on mobile network operators (MNOs) has actually risen sharply. Global cumulative spectrum costs now account for 7% of operator revenues, a 63% increase over the past ten years. Meanwhile, the average revenue generated per megahertz (MHz) of spectrum has declined by 60% over the same period. Although costs per MHz have fallen by up to 75% in some bands since 2014, operators have increased spectrum holdings by 80% over the same period to cope with bandwidth demand, driving up the overall cost.

A gigabyte of data is far more affordable today than ten years ago, with operators experiencing a staggering 96% fall in revenue per GB between 2014 and 2024. However, these falling revenues, when combined with the proportionately high cost of acquiring spectrum, restrict operators’ ability to invest in expanding and improving mobile networks, particularly 4G and 5G. The report shows that higher spectrum costs correlate directly with lower network coverage and reduced mobile speeds, impacting consumers and slowing the development of digital economies worldwide.

Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA, said: “The mobile industry sits at the heart of the digital economy, enabling services and opportunities that transform lives. But a dollar can only be spent once, and high spectrum costs can choke investment at a time when the need for affordable, reliable connectivity has never been greater. Governments and regulators must prioritise spectrum pricing that reflects market realities and fosters long-term digital growth. By ensuring spectrum is affordable, they can unlock faster network expansion, better service quality, and greater digital inclusion for all of their citizens.

The Global Spectrum Pricing Report also highlights that public policy choices — such as setting artificially high reserve prices, creating artificial scarcity, and attaching onerous licence obligations — have often contributed to inflated spectrum costs. In some countries, spectrum costs can reach as high as 25% of operator revenues.

The GSMA urges policymakers to adjust spectrum prices in line with current market conditions and the economic realities faced by operators. With nearly 1,000 spectrum licences set to expire worldwide by 2030, upcoming renewals present a critical opportunity to reset pricing policies to drive investment in the next generation of mobile networks.

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VMO2’s Recycle for Business service processes 45,000 devices 

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

Press Release

In theory the possibilities of IoT are endless, but in practice there are still limits to what is achievable with existing types of connectivity. Despite the telcos’ efforts to ensure seamless global communication – ensuring cellular connectivity everywhere and at all times – the investment needed to extend mobile technology to regions where it is commercially difficult to justify building terrestrial base stations is challenging.

Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) are primed to address these challenges, but until now, have been technically constrained. That’s all about to change. With the evolution of 5G and 6G technologies, we’re entering an era where companies investing in satellite communications could soon make seamless cellular standard connectivity, even in the most remote areas, a reality.

Kevin Cobley and Richard Jacklin of Plextek explain how 5G and 6G integration with NTN has the potential to transform global connectivity with Direct-to-Device (D2D) communication.

From Backhaul to Direct-to-Device

While the intersection between cellular technologies and space and satellite communications has existed since the early days of 2G and GSM, when it comes to reaching remote and hard-to-reach areas, satellites have primarily been used for backhauling.

This process involves transporting traffic from the base stations to the mobile switching centre via satellite links, microwave radio links, or other methods of communication. However, current satellite coverage for mobile devices usually requires bulky antennas or offers very low data rates.

With 5G and 6G, satellites are now being considered for direct connectivity between base stations and user devices. This shift to D2D communication means devices – like smartphones or IoT sensors – can connect directly to a satellite without a ground-based intermediary. The benefits are enormous: global connectivity, no black spots in coverage, higher throughput, and access even in the most isolated areas. But it also means overcoming significant engineering challenges.

Overcoming Technical Hurdles 

One of the main challenges in space and satellite communication is efficient frequency usage. High spectral efficiency is a hallmark of 5G, enabling more effective use of the frequency spectrum. However, achieving this in space-based systems and user devices is anything but straightforward. Large antennas are often impractical, making it essential to adopt lightweight, compact, and efficient solutions that maintain performance. Another critical factor is the integration of antennas and radios – particularly in massive MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) systems, which require numerous antenna elements. This has driven a shift toward fully integrated units, where the antenna becomes a core part of the electronics.

Another major hurdle is the power budget for handset-to-space communications, especially considering the constraints of both devices and orbiting base stations. The distance between a mobile device and a satellite is significantly greater than between a terrestrial base station and a mobile device (300 to 500 kilometres versus 15 kilometres). That alone creates a major power challenge. Satellites often spend extended periods in eclipse, during which they cannot generate power because they are on the dark side of the Earth. This limitation necessitates careful power management strategies.

And finally, higher latency as a result of distance between device and satellite compared to device and terrestrial network, will need to be mitigated so as not to impact the user experience. While it is not possible to eliminate latency, it is possible to minimise its impact. One way is to perform edge processing in space instead of relying on the bent pipe method that relays data back to and from Earth for processing. This approach provides the best user experience but is power-intensive.

To manage and balance these interlinking challenges, a system-level approach is essential – one that combines technical expertise, particularly in RF front-end design, low-loss and low-power solutions, with key design-for-excellence principles such as scalability, manufacturability, and testability.

Conclusion

The integration of 5G and 6G technologies with satellite networks has the potential to reshape global connectivity, but in practice the possibilities of IoT are still limited by current forms of connectivity. D2D communication could ensure reliable, low-power data transmission from remote sensors without requiring a local network. In defense, it could offer resilient and rapidly deployable networks. And for consumers, the dream of flawless mobile coverage – whether on land, at sea, or in the air – would finally become a reality. However, D2D is not without its challenges. Businesses need to invest in the specialist engineering expertise to navigate the harsh realities of space – such as radiation, extreme temperatures, and launch-related stresses – while designing products that are scalable and cost-effective.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Broadband and phone provider Virgin Media (O2) has today launched another trial to support their Digital Landline Switchover (DLS) programme (i.e. migrating old analogue landline phones to IP-based services), which this time focuses on giving support to telecare users in Cardiff (Wales) in order to help them make the switch.

Just to recap. Virgin Media first restarted their DLS scheme in April 2024 (here), which came after it was paused at the end of 2023 as part of their commitment under the previous Government-led charter that had been designed to limit risks for vulnerable users. The process has since been further tweaked via the new Government’s Telecare National Action Plan (TNAP).

However, the switch is a particular concern for the c. 1.8 million people who use telecare devices / alarms in the UK (e.g. elderly, disabled, and vulnerable people), many of which are located in rural and isolated areas. Sadly, a lot of those telecare systems haven’t been updated to work with the newer Internet Protocol (IP) based voice / phone services, which is despite the telecare industry having plenty of years to prepare.

In response to this Virgin Media has already been conducting initial trials of a new approach to the switchover alongside the TSA, which provided enhanced support to telecare users, such as engineer visits and a commitment to ensure that everything works before completing the process (here).

The new trial in Cardiff, carried out in collaboration with telecare advisory body, the TEC Services Association (TSA), and Telecare Cardiff, builds on the first trial by working to “identify, contact and provide comprehensive support to telecare customers” (i.e. Virgin Media customers in Cardiff with fall alarms, personal alarms and lifeline devices). This will all take place “over the next month“.

Features of the New Trial

➤ Using Virgin Media O2 and Telecare Cardiff dual-branded letters, emails and texts to reach customers

➤ Ensuring Virgin Media O2’s UK-based customer care agents arrange switching appointments, with Telecare Cardiff providing follow up calls if necessary

➤ Telecare Cardiff and the TSA providing bespoke training sessions for Virgin Media O2 engineers to familiarise them with their specific in-home equipment and advise on how best to support shared customers. Engineers have committed to never leave a customer without a working landline or telecare device, with monitoring of the landline service continuing after they leave the property.

The customers who will be contacted as part of this trial have been identified thanks to the use of a secure data sharing agreement (DSA) between Virgin Media O2 and Telecare Cardiff, helping identify people who use both services. In Cardiff, 1 in 10 telecare users were previously unknown to Virgin Media O2 but have been identified after signing the data sharing agreement.

In addition to working with Telecare Cardiff, customers of other private telecare companies in the area who have been identified via alternative means – including self-identification directly to VMO2 – will also be taking part in this trial. Virgin is calling on anyone who may need additional support, particularly in the Cardiff area, to contact them as soon as possible and let them know they are using a telecare device.

Gareth Lister, Director of Connectivity at VMO2, said:

“With our decades-old copper network rapidly reaching end-of-life, it’s essential we move to digital voice so we can continue offering reliable services for years to come in Cardiff and beyond. We know how important it is to get this right for our customers, particularly those who rely on landline services and who use care alarms.

Working closely with Telecare Cardiff, we’ve been able to better identify and communicate with our shared customers, offering the on-hand support they need for a smooth migration today, while also giving them the confidence and reassurance they deserve both now and in the future.”

With the network becoming more fragile day by day, there has never been a more pressing time for all local authorities and telecare providers to step up and play their part. We urge others to follow Cardiff’s lead and sign data sharing agreements to ensure no one is left behind.”

The broadband provider added that related migrations across the UK are due to continue and ramp up towards the end of the year, with VMO2 also renewing its call for all remaining local authorities and telecare providers to “step up and establish essential data-sharing agreements to ensure all vulnerable customers can be identified and supported“.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

The Swansea Bay City Deal’s Digital Infrastructure Programme has awarded a £9.8m contract to BT under their Better Broadband Infill Project, which will see Openreach being tasked with rolling out a “full fibre broadband” (FTTP) ISP network to nearly 1,800 hard-to-reach sites across the Swansea Bay City Region.

Just to recap. The UK and Welsh Governments gave their approval for a £55m digital infrastructure investment under the £1.3bn Swansea Bay City Region project back in 2021 (here), which among other things aimed to expand full fibre and 5G mobile connectivity to benefit residents and businesses across Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea. Some of this investment also comes from the Local Broadband Fund (LBF) for Wales.

Several digital infrastructure projects are already taking place under this programme (examples here and here) and the new contract forms an additional part of that. BT will also provide additional funding to increase the overall value of the project to more than £10 million, although the announcement doesn’t appear to include an exact figure for this.

The deal will bring full fibre broadband access to 1,533 premises and an additional 256 sites across the four counties in the Swansea Bay City Region: Pembrokeshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire. The project specifically targets premises that currently have broadband speeds of less than 30Mbps and who are not in scope for any other government-funded fibre expansion projects or part of commercial build plans.

Susi Marston, Head of Public Sector Wales at BT, said:

“Connectivity is at the heart of how people live and work today, but all of that relies on the right infrastructure being in place.

The Better Broadband Infill Project will improve services for thousands of people across the Swansea Bay City Region, who will benefit from state-of-the-art connectivity even in hard-to-reach areas.”

Cllr. Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:

“This project is a game-changer for our region. By bringing high-speed internet to areas that have been left behind, we are not only improving quality of life but also opening up new opportunities for economic and social development.

Access to reliable broadband is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. This project will ensure that everyone in the Swansea Bay region can participate fully in the digital age.”

The new project is set to start this month and will continue its delivery across the region over six phases, with the first 220 premises connected by December 2025 and a completion date being set for 31st March 2027. Last year’s related Prior Information Notice (PIN) may offer a rough indication of the premises that might benefit from this (here).

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Hull-based alternative UK network operator MS3, which has deployed their full fibre (FTTP) broadband ISP network across 234,000 premises (207k RFS) in the North of England and connected 18,000 customers (mostly in the Hull and Humber region), appears to have returned to life after suffering a major service outage yesterday. But some users may need to reboot their routers.

The outage, which initially appears to have started a little after midnight yesterday morning, was resolved a few hours later but then returned again. The cause of the issue appears to have been a piece of hardware in their London Data Centre (Telehouse North), which we suspect was probably a core network router.

According to one of MS3’s retail broadband ISPs, Squirrel Internet, “the issue followed a change on the network” that MS3 had to reverse or correct (it’s unclear if this was a configuration change or firmware update gone wrong). Several attempts were made during the day to rectify the issue, but these were not successful, until just before 9pm last night when services were finally restored for the majority of customers.

In the end the problematic hardware was replaced, which resolved the outage, but it took a long day of some drama to reach that point.

A Spokesperson for MS3 said:

“Engineers have restored service to the majority of our customers and are completing final checks. Please accept our sincere apologies for today’s outage, which has impacted around 25% of our partner’s end customers.

We will perform extensive reviews to ensure that the future chance of this happening is reduced.”

However, a few of the network’s customers, spread across various ISPs, were still complaining this morning about an inability to get back online. Related internet providers have been telling customers to reboot (switch on and off) both their broadband router and optical network terminals (ONT) to help unstick any remaining connectivity problems. But the latest update from MTH Networks suggests it may not always be so simple.

MTH Networks Service Update – May 15, 2025 at 8:32am

MS3 services remain stable this morning. Engineers continue to work to resolve a number of customers’ connection issues, where services have not been reinstated. Engineers are dealing with the following remaining connection issues:

– A number of connections have known config issues, engineers are actively troubleshooting and expect to have most services restored this morning.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

SpaceX has proposed that its Starlink service, which offers ultrafast broadband speeds to the UK and beyond via a mega constellation of compact satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), can offer Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) solutions to complement GPS. This would meet the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) desire for an alternative to GPS.

At present Starlink has around 7,500 satellites in Low Earth Orbit (c.3,300 are v2 Mini / GEN 2A) – mostly at altitudes of c.500-600km – and they’ll add thousands more by the end of 2027. Residential customers in the UK typically pay from £75 a month, plus £299 for hardware on the ‘Standard’ unlimited data plan (currently free in some areas on a 12-month term), which promises latency times of 25-60ms, downloads of 25-100Mbps and uploads of 5-10Mbps.

However, it’s long been known that networks like this could potentially also offer an alternative to the Global Positioning System (GPS), which is because they use precise timing and positioning information (telemetry) to ensure their data links can function in a smooth and stable way (example).

Starlink’s first generation (GEN1) satellites weren’t specifically designed to offer this as a service. But the company’s latest Direct to Cell (DtC) capable broadband satellites, which are designed to deliver “robust” global coverage of their new 4G mobile roaming service (currently in the process of a commercial launch), do contain a more sophisticated PNT solution that could deliver a GPS alternative if so desired.

This is important because, as the FCC’s Chair, Brendan Carr, put it earlier this year (X): “Our economy and national security depend on the U.S. GPS system—or, more precisely, the positioning, navigation, & timing (PNT) data it provides. Continuing to rely so heavily on one system leaves us exposed. And the threats to GPS are only going to increase.”

Since then the FCC have been looking for alternatives to complement GPS and SpaceX has now made its own submission (here – credits to PC Mag).

SpaceX Statement on PNT Proposal

As the Commission identifies specific actions to contribute to the whole-of-government PNT system resilience effort, one opportunity stands out as a particularly ripe, low-hanging fruit: facilitating the rapid deployment of next-generation low-Earth orbit (“LEO”) satellite constellations that can deliver PNT as a service alongside high-speed, low-latency broadband and ubiquitous mobile connectivity.

For example, authorizing new U.S.-licensed operators to share chronically underused mid-band mobile-satellite service (“MSS”) spectrum would promote American leadership in the global deployment of direct-to-device mobile services that could also provide GPS-independent PNT solutions.

As several commenters note, a market-driven approach to PNT innovation will achieve a new level of resilience without government subsidies or rules that inadvertently tip the competitive playing field in favor of a particular operator or bespoke solution.

…

SpaceX has invested considerable resources to ensure that its satellite systems can operate independent of GPS. This capability not only allows those systems to operate unhindered even if GPS is unavailable, it also sets the foundation for future solutions that can use any authorized frequency to deliver accurate, reliable, and resilient PNT to any end user device. SpaceX has also been actively working to integrate PNT solutions into its direct-to-device commercial service offerings.

At present we don’t know how accurate Starlink’s PNT solution would be compared to commercial GPS services, but it’ll be interesting to see how this progresses. However, SpaceX is not the only satellite operator attempting to pitch their wagon in this field, with Globalstar (used by Apple’s devices) noting that their satellites also harbour such a capability.

Globalstar’s ability to transmit outside the L-band could potentially also provide PNT users with added immunity from GPS jamming and spoofing, while their transmissions at 2.4GHz are claimed to be stronger than GPS signals (i.e. potentially useful for resilience, performance, and reliability).

By the sounds of it we may see more than one GPS alternative in the future, which is before we even consider the other non-USA based GPS alternatives that already exist (e.g. the EU’s Galileo system). Not to mention that OneWeb (Eutelsat) and Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellites could also be adapted to offer a PNT solution, among others.

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

News 

Verizon has pledged $5 billion over the next five years to support small business suppliers across the US, through the launch of its new Small Business Supplier Accelerator 

The initiative is designed to lower barriers to entry for small enterprises, seeking to engage with large corporate supply chains. 

The accelerator will offer practical support such as tailored onboarding, training and more flexible commercial terms. These include adjusted indemnity requirements, modified insurance terms and faster payment cycles, which are all designed to make it easier for small businesses to work with Verizon and other big buyers. 

“Verizon recognises that small businesses are the backbone of the American economy and a staple in our local communities,” said Hans Vestberg, Verizon’s CEO in a press release.  

“Our long-standing commitment and investment in small businesses aims to empower local businesses and communities with financial, technology and business expertise and resources to advance economic growth and foster job creation,” he continued. 

The programme complements Verizon’s ongoing efforts through its Small Business Digital Ready platform, a free online hub offering on-demand courses, mentoring, and funding opportunities. Since its launch in 2021, the platform has supported nearly 500,000 small businesses to become equipped to “thrive in a digital economy”, with a target of reaching one million by 2030. 

The move comes amid growing pressure for large enterprises to diversify their supply chains, support local economic growth and improve resilience in the face of global disruption. Verizon, in partnership with LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation), has also announced a new round of $10,000 grants for eligible Digital Ready users.  

Join us at Broadband Communities Summit, 23-25 June in Texas. Get tickets here! 

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