Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

The UK communications and media regulator, Ofcom, has today launched an overhauled mobile network coverage checker, which includes enhancements that are intended to better match people’s real-world experiences, particularly of modern 4G and 5G (mobile broadband) service performance and signal strength.

Firstly, it’s important to recognise that Ofcom cannot work miracles, which is to say that mobile network coverage and performance remains a difficult thing to study because end-users are always moving through different areas (indoor, outdoor and underground), using different devices with different capabilities and the surrounding environment is ever changeable (weather, trees, buildings etc.).

All of the above can impact signal quality, and that’s before we even consider any differences in local network (backhaul) capacity or spectrum usage between mast locations (cell sites). Suffice to say that any improvements the regulator can make in this area are welcome, but there are still limitations to consider in their ability to accurately model such things.

Having said all that, the regulator’s previous Mobile Coverage Checker was based on predictions from the mobile network operators themselves (EE, Vodafone / Three UK and O2), which were generated using computer programs that simulate the way mobile signals travel from mobile masts and are blocked by obstructions such as hills, trees, and buildings. But as we all know, this isn’t particularly reliable.

What’s changed

The new Map Your Mobile Postcode Checker (URL may not be live until later) is promoted as being the “most comprehensive tool for comparing mobile coverage and performance to be made available in the UK” and allows users to enter their postcode and obtain a “local map of which networks are available, together with data showing which operator’s network gives the best performance for their postal district.”

Crucially, the new checker doesn’t only rely on data from mobile operators. Firstly, it will now assess predicted signal strength information at a more granular level (down to 50 square metres, instead of the current 100 square metres), which should help to reduce the local level uncertainty to some extent. But take note that this currently only shows for 3 of the 4 primary mobile operators (they’ll do it for all of them shortly).

The checker also includes crowdsourced data from Opensignal that is based on people’s real-world experiences, as well as the usual predictive data from the UK’s mobile operators. It also adds a new threshold for what constitutes a good mobile signal strength, to reflect mobile users’ changing habits and expectations. For example, Ofcom will consider a test via Opensignal as being successful if it delivers a 5Mbps download speed, 1.5Mbps upload and 50ms of latency.

Just to be clear. The regulator uses this crowdsource data in two ways. First, to give a performance score – a percentage – for each mobile operator at the postcode district level (or wider postcode area level for the small proportion for which they don’t have sufficient data). This is the proportion of crowdsource tests that were successful.

The second uses this data to inform the thresholds Ofcom uses for predicted signal strength (i.e. to portray where there is good or variable coverage). There is typically no straightforward relationship between signal strength and whether the connection will successfully deliver the aforementioned 5Mbps. A stronger signal is more likely to be successful, but factors such as interference from other users and masts or network congestion can prevent the connection being successful. Ofcom have therefore used their judgement to set the thresholds to portray where a successful connection is more likely (i.e. good coverage).  

All of this means the new checker will give different results than the previous tool, but should more accurately reflects users’ modern needs.

Natalie Black, Ofcom’s Group Director for Networks and Communications, said:

“Map Your Mobile shows detailed coverage and performance based on what smartphones need today. Put in your postcode and find out which mobile network is right for you.”

Telecoms Minister, Sir Chris Bryant, said:

“Access to fast and reliable mobile coverage is essential for delivering the change our country needs to thrive and boost economic growth. For too long there has been a frustrating gap between coverage reports and the real signal people experience in their daily lives.

This new tool provides consumers with accurate, postcode-level information so they have the power to choose the network that works where they need it most – whether at home, work or on their commute. It is fantastic to see this practical step being implemented to improve connectivity for everybody across the nation.”

At the time of writing, we haven’t yet been able to give the new mobile coverage and performance checker a try ourselves, although we will do later this morning. But at the very least this may make Ofcom’s checker more useful than the checkers operated by the major mobile network operators (EE, Three UK, O2 and Vodafone).

Today’s launch is expressed as being “just the first step“, with Ofcom planning future updates to the checker with fresh data and useful information. The regulator has previously also indicated that it may conduct a targeted or larger scale measurement programme to help in this effort, although they’ve not yet made a firm decision about whether to proceed with that.

Finally, it’s important to point out that there is still a firm distinction between the new mobile checker (which has a coverage map and performance stats), and the aggregate coverage stats they publish in their Connected Nations reports. The latter will continue to report based on their current metrics, although Ofcom may optionally also include some new metrics alongside these from the extra data they now collect.

UPDATE 8am

Having managed to test the new checker this morning, we can see that the inability to split 4G and 5G signals in the results might well end up being a point of frustration. We can understand why the regulator has opted for a more simplified approach, but there remains wide interest in the technology splits involved, as they can and often do deliver big differences in performance. This could become particularly tedious once 6G arrives.

As a result, Ofcom’s checker doesn’t yet provide a truly one-stop-shop solution for examining such things, which seems like a missed opportunity. This is especially true when you consider how much marketing investment and hype mobile operators put behind promoting the latest generations of a new mobile technology.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

The UK Government’s Department for Transport (DfT) has today taken the wrappings off Project Reach, which reflects a public-private partnership that will deploy “ultra fast fibre optic cable” across 1,000 kilometres of major rail lines to help “eliminate mobile signal blackspots” in tunnels on “key rail routes” up and down the country.

At present it’s fair to say that quite a few of Britain’s train services still suffer from patchy mobile (4G and 5G) connectivity, which is often also used to help fuel onboard WiFi connections. Despite this, the Government’s recently published 10 Year Industrial Strategy did pledge £41m to help introduce Low Earth Orbit (LEO) broadband satellite connectivity “on all mainline trains” in order to tackle the issue.

The Project Reach announcement appears intended to help complement that effort. The deal will see Network Rail, and telecoms companies, Neos Networks and Freshwave, working together to deliver improved connectivity on the national rail network.

As part of this, Neos Networks will deploy 1,000km of new fibre cable along the East Coast Main Line, parts of the West Coast Main Line and the Great Western Main Line, with an “ambition” to expand beyond 5,000 kilometres in the near future. Meanwhile, Freshwave, which specialises in building multi-operator neutral host and distributed antenna system (DAS) networks, will tackle “signal blackspots” in 57 tunnels, covering almost 50km, including the 4-kilometre-long Chipping Sodbury tunnel near Bristol.

In addition, mobile network operators (EE, O2, Vodafone / Three UK) will also invest – supported by Freshwave – in new 4G/5G infrastructure at 12 of the biggest Network Rail stations across the country including Birmingham New St, Bristol Temple Meads, Edinburgh Waverley, Euston, Glasgow Central, King’s Cross, Leeds, Liverpool Lime Street, Liverpool Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Paddington and Waterloo.

Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, said:

“This is a game changer for passengers up and down the country and will revolutionise journeys from Paddington to Penzance and Edinburgh to Euston.

By boosting connectivity and tackling signal blackspots, we are also ensuring a more reliable and efficient service.

This means better journeys for passengers while supporting our broader Plan for Change goals of economic growth and digital innovation.”

Jeremy Westlake, Network Rail’s Chief Financial Officer, said:

“I’m delighted that we have now signed this innovative deal with our partners Neos Networks and Freshwave.

This investment model will deliver the necessary upgrades to our telecoms infrastructure faster whilst offering significant value-for-money for the taxpayer and stimulating wider economic benefits across the country.

As we move towards becoming a unified railway with the formation of Great British Railways, the enhanced telecoms infrastructure will play a key role in our ambition to provide a data-driven railway of the future, delivering better connectivity and a better, more reliable train service for our passengers.”

The enhanced network (currently a 48 count fibre cable, moving to 432 count) will also enable Network Rail to monitor railway assets more effectively and facilitate the rollout of new technologies that rely on better connectivity. This includes trackside sensors and CCTV applications, paving the way for a more joined-up railway with faster and more reliable train services for passengers, as well as improved safety for railway workers.

We should point out that the railway’s current fibre optic cable system uses 24 and 48 count fibre cable – “similar to what you’d find in the ground on residential streets” for FTTP broadband. Neos new high count cable will be a 432 core cable, hugely increasing their network’s capability. Network Rail will use half the new capacity and Neos will commercialise the other half.

The first installations of new mobile infrastructure under this new multi-year project are expected to take place sometime in 2026 and it’s then due to be “fully rolled out” by 2028. In addition, the government estimates that the involvement of private investment in the project is expected to save the taxpayer around £300m.

At this point it may be worth remembering that, back in December 2017, the previous Government pledged to make “uninterrupted” WiFi and Mobile (5G) broadband speeds of up to 1Gbps (Gigabits per second) available on-board all UK mainline train routes by 2025. But that was later kicked into the long grass and no further updates ever seemed to materialise, which largely left any glacial progress up to the private sector.

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

Nairobi, Kenya, 25 June 2025 – Hayo, a global innovator in digital solutions, has launched its National Mobile Registry (NMR) platform to help governments in emerging markets to regulate imports and ensure a controlled entry process for mobile devices. The solution identifies and addresses illegal imports, facilitating tax enforcement and boosting tax revenue. This helps governments to bring their national mobile ecosystems under control and implement systems that enhance compliance, protect citizens, and unlock sustainable public revenue.

Based on the latest available data, OECD reports that counterfeit goods accounted for an estimated $467 billion in global trade in 2021, with electronics including mobile devices among some of the top targets. Once deployed, Hayo’s NMR platform sits in the middle of governments and mobile operators to accurately monitor mobile devices and digital taxation requirements. 

“Our National Mobile Registry platform enables governments to improve visibility across their country’s mobile ecosystem, capturing new revenue, and ultimately creating a safer and fairer digital landscape,” said Feraz Ahmed, CEO at Hayo. “It enables governments to increase fiscal income, which can be reinvested into local digital economies to benefit citizens, strengthen public services, drive innovation, and support inclusive economic growth. Governments in emerging markets have a massive opportunity in collaborating with mobile operators and using platforms to combat fraud and counterfeit devices.” 

Hayo’s NMR platform also aids governments in identifying false device prices, preventing fraud and eliminating counterfeit devices. It monitors and enhances control over imports and tax collection, leading to increased revenue that can be reinvested into local communities. The system is designed for end-to-end automation, with fully configurable options to comply with specific government or authority rules and regulations.

“Every counterfeit device that slips through the cracks represents lost revenue, reduced safety, and a missed opportunity to reinvest in national priorities,” said Ahmed. “By giving governments real-time visibility into what’s entering the country, our NMR platform helps to shut down grey market channels while protecting the entire value chain. We’re well positioned to help government officials and regulators identify challenges and opportunities, then take action to meet their digital goals. With more than three decades of experience, we’re excited to consult and share our recommendations.”

Hayo’s NMR solution architecture contains a device map powered by GSMA, a legal framework for importation within the platform, and registration of personal devices. It is ITU-T compliant and aligned with ITU recommendations addressing counterfeit, stolen, illegal and non-compliant mobile devices, with end-to-end system functionality.

About Hayo 

Hayo is a global digital service provider that is unlocking the full potential of communications, transformation and innovation in Africa, the Middle East and around the world. It combines networking, technologies, and digital solutions to deliver on-the-ground innovation that has a positive impact on local people’s lives. It has extensive coverage across the African continent, as well as over 500 service provider relationships globally. Hayo provides bespoke digital solutions for governments, service providers, mobile operators, enterprises, retailers and regulators, spanning voice, SMS, CPaaS, security, IoT and more.  

Hayo: Bringing Innovation to Life 

www.hayo.net

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

News

The new tech will initially be rolled out in Albania, with additional countries to follow

Leveraging GPS satellites could be the key to ensuring mobile antennas remain effectively aligned, according to Vodafone’s latest solution announced this week.

The position of mobile antennas is crucial to providing high quality coverage, with deployments calculated to target specific coverage zones while minimising interference from neighbouring cell sites. At installation, antennas are typically manually positioned for optimal performance by engineers – no easy feat, given that much of this work takes place at heights of up to 50 metres and is often hindered by existing equipment on the masts.

After the antennas are installed, maintaining their optimal position becomes a challenge. Poor weather and seismic activity can further shift their position significantly, often resulting in suboptimal performance.

Vodafone’s latest solution attempts to address this issue using a number of sensors built into the antenna. These sensors collect precise location data from GPS satellites, providing Vodafone with a clearer picture of the antenna’s alignment. This data is then relayed to a network operation centre, which can automatically reposition the antenna or dispatch an engineer to correct issues.

“As smartphones pack in ever more functionality, network precision is key. Antenna alignment is now one of the most critical aspects when it comes to installing and maintaining high-performing mobile networks. By integrating sensors into new radio antennas, we can more easily fine-tune our radios to give customers the optimal signal quality,” explained Alberto Ripepi, Vodafone’s Chief Network Officer.

Alongside improvements for customers, the solution will also generate cost savings for the operator by reducing the number of site visits required by engineers.

The solution will be initially rolled out at sites in Albania, with further markets to be added at an unspecified date.

The use of satellites to bolster terrestrial connectivity is a topic that Vodafone has been increasingly exploring in recent years. The company notably has a partnership with AST SpaceMobile to use the latter’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide coverage to customers in areas the operator’s terrestrial network cannot reach. The satellites will be able to connect to unmodified smartphones, theoretically allowing all customers to remain connected wherever they are.

Vodafone and AST made the first video call over satellite earlier this year, with the intention of rolling out direct-to-device connectivity services in the next two years.

Also in the news:
SWR deploys Europe’s first ’Rail-5G’ Wi-Fi  
BT accelerates fibre rollout amid cost cuts
AT&T agrees $5.75 billion deal for Lumen’s consumer fibre asset

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

News

The preliminary settlement will see AT&T pay affected customers between $2,500 and $5,000 each

On Friday, a US court judge gave preliminary approval for a $177 million settlement proposed by AT&T to resolve class-action lawsuits levelled against the company following major data breaches.

The settlement relates to two major breaches in AT&T’s cybersecurity, both of which were announced last year. According to court documents, $149 million of the settlement relates to a data leak from 2019, which saw hackers gain access to the personal data of 51 million users, including names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth. The remaining $28 million relates to a more recent breach in 2024, when cybercriminals potentially gained access to the personal information of “nearly all” of the operator’s 109 million wireless customers via cloud provider Snowflake.

Both incidents sparked numerus class action lawsuits seeking restitution for affected customers, broadly arguing that AT&T had failed in their obligation to protect customer data.

AT&T disputes that it failed its customers but has nonetheless moved to settle the matter quickly.

“While we deny the allegations in these lawsuits that we were responsible for these criminal acts, we have agreed to this settlement to avoid the expense and uncertainty of protracted litigation,” said the company in a statement. “We remain committed to protecting our customers’ data and ensuring their continued trust in us.”

Customers impacted by the 2019 breach will be eligible for up to $5,000, while those impacted by the 2024 breach could gain up to $2,500.

The settlement is expected to receive final approval by the end of this year, with payouts to begin next year.

Also in the news:
SWR deploys Europe’s first ’Rail-5G’ Wi-Fi  
BT accelerates fibre rollout amid cost cuts
AT&T agrees $5.75 billion deal for Lumen’s consumer fibre asset

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Residents in the remote rural village of Penmachno, which sits in the isolated upland Machno valley area of North Wales (Conwy), have complained – via the local community council – that Openreach and BT recently left them unable to make or receive calls for several days due to a heat related fault that started on 19th June 2025.

According to the Community Council (Cyngor Cymuned Bro Machno), locals were said to have been left feeling “deeply concerned by … [the] telecommunications fault“, which they stated had impacted “all landlines” connected to the local Penmachno telephone exchange (PSTN).

Particular concern was also expressed by the council for older and vulnerable individuals, those who rely on landlines as their primary method of communication and had been left “isolated and unable to seek help in an emergency“. According to the council, there is also “no viable mobile phone coverage” in the centre of the village “from any network” to help fill in the communication gap (you can still get a weak signal outside this area).

On Monday morning the local authority stated that residents had already made multiple reports to BT and Openreach, but the fault still hadn’t been resolved and there was said to be “growing frustration” at the apparent “lack of urgency and coordination from BT … with no clear explanation or timeline for repair, the community is being left in the dark.”

Daniel Tomos, Clerk of Cyngor Cymuned Bro Machno, told ISPreview:

“This is a completely unacceptable situation. The inability to dial 999 puts lives at risk. Our community deserves better – this must be treated as a priority by BT and Openreach.”

To make matters worse, BT have previously removed every payphone from the village. But the good news is that the fault has now been fixed.

A Spokesperson for Openreach told ISPreview:

“We’re sorry for the outage to our copper network in Penmachno which affected customers’ landlines. This was due to recent high temperatures causing critical exchange equipment to overheat. We’re working with our partners to ensure our equipment is resilient against extreme weather conditions.

The outage was resolved on Monday afternoon and all customers should be back in service. If you’re still experiencing issues, please contact your service provider (the company that you pay your bill to). And if you are a vulnerable customer, please let your service provider know so that they can make a note on your account.”

Sadly, it’s not unusual for network repairs in remote rural areas to take much longer than urban ones, particularly due to complex issues of access and traffic management. Over the years we’ve seen examples where, in rare cases of extreme damage, rural areas have been left to wait for 6-12 weeks before repairs (here, here and here) – often due to delays caused by the need to get permits/permissions to conduct the necessary work. Sometimes power companies may also need to be involved, which can add another complication.

However, in this case the problem appears to have been inside the exchange itself (BT’s kit), which overheated during last week’s heatwave. Such events are extremely rare, although this being a remote rural exchange probably means that the equipment was housed in a very small building without air conditioning (some rural exchanges aren’t much bigger than a shed). Despite this, the recent temperatures would not usually have been high enough to cause such a failure.

The good news is that the government’s Shared Rural Network (SRN) project is due to start building a new mobile mast in the area this month, but of course that will take time to go live.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

The UK Government has today invited organisations to sign-up to a new charter, which is being backed by Deloitte, Vodafone (VodafoneThree), BT and others. The charter encourages members to change how they manage and dispose of IT assets, with the aim of increasing device donations to the 1.5 million people who currently lack access to a basic laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Just to recap. At the start of 2025 the UK government proposed to address the lack of digital inclusion in some areas via a series of “urgent actions” that it hoped would “begin fixing digital exclusion“. The Digital Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) thus includes various measures, such as funding for local initiatives targeted to the most digitally-excluded groups (e.g. the elderly and low-income households) and partnering with the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) to provide laptops to people who are digitally excluded.

The new ‘IT Reuse for Good‘ charter forms part of this effort and is seeking for more organisations to sign-up, donate their old “pre-loved tech” and then work with their chosen charity partner to re-distribute the devices to those who need it the most.

The charter itself essentially sets out the principles for organisations to adhere to, including ensuring devices are securely wiped, professionally refurbished and fit-for-purpose so they can be provided free of charge to those who need them.

Telecoms Minister, Sir Chris Bryant, said:

“Britain is leading the way when it comes to technological advancements with everyday essentials such as doctor’s appointments and job applications becoming increasingly digital. But to maximise the full potential of technology, we need to bring everyone along with us on this journey.

This Charter represents a significant step forward in our mission to bridge the digital divide and create a more sustainable approach to technology. By working together with industry and charity partners, we’re helping more people access the digital tools they need to improve their lives while reducing harmful electronic waste.”

Over the years we’ve seen lots of initiatives aimed at improving digital skills, re-using old technology (routers to Smartphones etc.) and getting more people online via mobile data or fixed broadband lines. For example, Virgin Media and O2 have been inviting customers to donate their old phones so that they can then be refurbished and distributed to “digitally excluded” people for some time now.

However, the move to centralise this a bit more through the government’s new charter is a welcome step, although it remains to be seen what sort of impact it will have. Signatories will be expected to donate their first device within 6 months of signing the charter. Progress will be monitored by self-reporting every six months.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

A new study from SignalTracker, which operates a popular Android mobile app (but not iOS) for monitoring and examining mobile phone reception, has compared the quality of Vodafone’s 5G between Birmingham and London to find that the former is falling considerably behind. Furthermore, 72% of tests on Vodafone’s flagship 5G plan were actually 4G quality.

Take note that the majority of 5G mobile networks today are still Non-Standalone (NSA), which means they’re partly reliant upon older and slower 4G infrastructure. But SA networks are pure end-to-end 5G that can deliver ultra-low latency times, greater energy efficiency, better speeds (particularly uploads), network slicing, improved support for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, support for Voice over New Radio (VoNR or Vo5G) and increased reliability and security etc.

SignalTracker claims to have performed thousands of tests in London and Birmingham, which found that one of the key selling points of Vodafone’s latest network – 5G Standalone (5G SA) technology – was only available in 27% of London tests and a mere 9% of Birmingham tests.

In London, the best signal was also found primarily in central locations like Westminster, Lambeth, Soho and Waterloo, while outer regions such as Barking, Bromley and Kingston suffered worse signal. This remained superior to Birmingham, which found that 5G SA coverage was largely limited to the city centre and the Bullring centre. A 6-minute walk into nearby Digbeth saw signal quality fall back to 4G.

Furthermore, in Birmingham, some 90% of tests on 5G SA were in fact 4G and, when the 5G icon was showing, 82% of the time it was actually 4G. This is due to a quirk of smartphones which the SignalTracker app highlights, where the device shows a 5G symbol but in reality, is connected to 4G. The 5G icon displays because the base station has 5G capabilities, even though they are not being used by the connected device. When consumers saw the 5G icon in London, 57% of the time it was actually connected via 4G.

PolicyTracker’s Managing Director, Martin Sims, said:

“This can lead to confusion for customers. Particularly in Birmingham, [where] many will wonder why a premier service isn’t delivering the promised 5G standalone more frequently. In both cities, on Vodafone’s ‘ultrafast’ 5G standalone service, the majority of our tests came back as 4G. It is a disappointing reminder of how far the UK’s 5G rollout has to go.”

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Network operator Openreach (BT) has kicked off their first UK pilot to test the effectiveness of a targeted approach for safeguarding vulnerable customers during the mass migrations away from the old Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which is due to be switched-off, in favour of a temporary alternative service.

Just to recap. The legacy phone switch-off was last year delayed to 31st January 2027 in order to give broadband ISPs, phone, telecare providers, councils and consumers more time to adapt (details). The main focus of this was the 1.8 million UK people who use vital home telecare systems (e.g. elderly, disabled – vulnerable users), which aren’t always compatible with digital phone services because telecare providers were slow to adapt. But this overlooks that, for everybody else, many providers will still be working to the original Dec 2025 deadline to have their customers off the PSTN network.

The vast majority of regular consumers and business are expected to shift over to IP-based digital phone (VoIP etc.) services. But Openreach’s new Enhanced Migration pilot is focused on an alternative solution that has been specifically designed for vulnerable people.

The above reflects BT and Openreach’s work to develop the Pre-Digital Phone Line (PDPL) product (aka – SOTAP for Analogue). This is essentially an exchange-based Voice over IP (VoIP) service that replicates how the old service worked, albeit over a more modern network (i.e. it does NOT require broadband, new kit, an engineer visit or battery back-up to function). This is only intended to be available to vulnerable and edge use case users on existing lines (not new customers) who would otherwise “face challenges” in migrating to normal internet (IP) based voice solutions by the deadline.

The new pilot actually provides two options for the PSTN/WLR switch-off, one of which will move relevant customers to SOTAP for Analogue. The other will move them to a fully unbundled (MPF) line, like the ones that TalkTalk, Sky Broadband and a few other providers still offer (i.e. lines where broadband ISPs have invested to put their own kit inside exchanges, granting them more control over the lines and pricing etc.).

Openreach’s Briefing on Enhanced Migration

The Pilot will be chargeable and the price for the Enhanced Migration Service Wrap will be an additional £6.00 [ex. VAT] per migration.

The Pilot will:

· Prove the optimal run rate for the Enhanced Migration Service Wrap at scale;

· Confirm successful testing of WLR lines at CCD-3 at scale using robots; and

· Confirm the operational impact and costs at scale.

The Pilot will run for six months or until the target volume of 10,000 same-CP [Communications Provider] mass migrations (WLR to SOTAP for Analogue and WLR to MPF) have been achieved (whichever is sooner).

To participate in this Pilot, a CP must be actively migrating vulnerable end customers using the same – CP mass migration process.

In taking part in this Pilot, CPs retain their responsibilities in relation to vulnerable end customers and it is the responsibility of CPs, not Openreach, to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place. Please see briefing (GEN077/24 Provisions for Telecare Customers) for more CP guidance on when and how to place provision orders for end customers with telecare devices.

The Pilot, which should be able to ensure that vulnerable customers can continue using their landline in the same way they do today, does not currently apply to people in Hull (KCOM’s patch), the Isles of Scilly or the Highlands & Islands region of Scotland. In addition, this should perhaps be thought of as only a temporary solution, since it will be impacted by the eventual closure of Openreach’s old exchanges from 2030 onwards.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

A new study from Go.Compare, which combined ONS data with the results from a YouGov survey of 2,000 UK residents (conducted on 25th February 2025), has estimated that “up to” 11 million internet users could have access to full fibre (FTTP) broadband without realising. This is important as some ISPs offer free upgrades to the faster service.

According to Ofcom’s most recent spring coverage report (here), some 86% of UK premises are now within reach of a gigabit-capable broadband network, which falls to 74% for homes with access to a full fibre network (based on January 2025 data). Suffice to say that a significant majority of locations should already be able to order a true fibre optic connection to their home.

However, the new survey claims that 26% of broadband users didn’t know whether or not their home already had a full fibre connection, which means that some users could be on a full fibre connection already without realising and others may simply be confused – possibly due to the misleading way in which broadband packages have been sold in the past (e.g. promoting hybrid copper and fibre solutions like FTTC as “fibre broadband“).

Interestingly, younger internet users were found to be “less likely” to know what kind of broadband connection their home has, with 37% of under-35s stating that they were unsure, compared to 21% of over-54s. Similarly, those who receive the worst service are the least likely to know their connection type. Of those who said they receive a very unreliable service, 40% did not know if their property had access to full fibre, compared to 23% of those who said their broadband is very reliable.

The issue of low awareness is not a new problem, particularly since many consumers often pay more attention to the advertised speeds they can get than the underlying technology being used. On top of that, today’s market reflects a bewilderingly complex array of rival network operators and hundreds of retail ISPs, all with differing network agreements and thus varying levels of availability. Trying to pick through all this while maintaining your sanity can be difficult.

On the other hand, the new survey found that 48% of respondents didn’t even know their existing broadband speeds, meaning they could be receiving slower speeds than promised without realising. In any case, we always recommend taking opinion surveys like this with a pinch of salt, as they don’t tend to provide for the most accurate representation of reality.