Major broadcasters including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 will this morning come together to launch their new stream service called Freely, which has been in development for a while now and is designed to be an evolution of the existing broadband internet based Freeview (inc. Freeview Play and Freesat) TV service.

Freeview Play is today a rather 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).

Freely 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 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.82%).

In fact, Everyone TV claims some 15% (around 4 million) of UK TV homes are already considered to be IP-only (broadband-only), fuelled in part by commercial streaming services like Netflix, Sky Glass, Amazon Prime and so forth – this figure is then forecast to reach more than half of UK homes by 2030 (c.15m). Put another way, Freely is about trying to “futureproof live TV for the streaming age“.

The launch of this service today means that it will be available through the “next generation of smart TVs now on sale in stores and online“, such as from manufacturers like Hisense and stores like Currys, Argos, AO and Very. In addition, TiVo (Xperi Inc.) will be offering Freely as part of its TiVo OS platform, starting with Vestel’s TiVo powered smart TVs (this is due to launch in the “coming weeks“).

Manufacturers make the TV hardware, whereas the TV OS partner run the software platform on the TV. Freely is partnering with both manufacturers and OS providers.

Kieran Clifton, Director, BBC Distribution & Business Development, said:

“The launch of Freely is a historic moment for UK television. Collaboration between the UK PSBs is critical to connecting and protecting all audiences as we transition towards the streaming era – and delivering live TV over broadband for free is a ground-breaking innovation that will futureproof public service broadcasting.”

Martin Goswami, ITV Group Strategic Partnerships Director, said:

“The success and impact of programmes like ITV’s Mr Bates vs the Post Office shows the importance of UK PSBs and ITV is proud to be part of this exciting new chapter for free TV in this country with Freely. Bringing live streamed channels and on demand content together in Freely gives viewers the opportunity to access the very best in British content as easily as possible, from live and recent programmes to a wealth of on-demand options.”

The first iterations of Freely may now be present in the UK market, although it still needs further development and to secure additional smart TV, operating system and content partners in order to be successful (some will follow over the next few weeks). Homes connected via IP-only and those using a hybrid IP and DTT (digital terrestrial TV) connection may also initially “experience varying channel offerings” as Freely continues to develop.

Freely’s technical specification claims to support the “latest technical video and audio coding technologies“. The combination of these newer standards with IP distribution should allow the efficient delivery of many more HD versions of the UK’s most popular channels than are currently available on existing (bandwidth constrained) broadcast platforms. But while Freely provides the option of distributing these at HD or UHD (4K) resolutions, the choice of video format is ultimately made by channel operators.

The new platform is due to receive additional features and software updates as it develops, which will also take place over the coming weeks, months and years.

News 

The deal has been pending regulatory approval since January last year 

The Federal Communications Commission FCC confirmed last week that it has approved T-Mobile to purchase buy Ka’ena Corp, the owner of Mint Mobile, for up to $1.35 billion. The deal will also cover the acquisition of other companies under the Ka’ena Corp umbrella, including Ultra Mobile and wholesaler Plum. 

According to a press release published last year after the deal was agreed, T-Mobile stated that it will pay up to $1.35 billion in a combination of 39% cash and 61% stock for Ka’ena Corp.  

The company was founded in 2015 as a subsidiary of US-based mobile virtual network operator Ultra Mobile.  

After moderate success, the popularity of Mint Mobile skyrocketed in 2019 following actor Ryan Reynolds acquiring a 20–25% stake of the firm and subsequently starring in all related advertising. 

In January last year, it was reported that T-Mobile had entered to acquire Mint Mobile, with the purchase seemingly made simpler due to the fact that Ultra and Mint customers already receive services over T-Mobile’s 4G and 5G networks. 

“I know they’re going to fit in because they are hyper-focused on offering customers compelling products at a great value,” said Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile in an earnings call last week. 

“We’ll work to further fuel their success while also learning from their team who are absolute rock stars in the direct-to-consumer and value segments,” he continued. 

T-Mobile confirmed that after receiving regulatory approval, the deal is expected to close on May 1.

Keep up to date with all the latest telecoms news from around the world with Total Telecom’s daily newsletter

Also in the news:
South Korea to invest $7 billion in AI semiconductors
Swisscom expands 5G partnership with Ericsson
Daisy Group set to acquire 4Com for £215m

Insight

by Lutz Schüler, CEO of Virgin Media O2

What will the world look like in 100 years’ time? Experts suggest connected flying autonomous vehicles could be here within a decade or so; unlimited green energy in 20 to 30 years; and many of us will implant technology into our bodies to make our brains work faster.

While none of us knows precisely what the future holds, when we look back, it’s clear that the telecoms sector has supported and enabled almost every major technological shift of the past century.

This month, our shareholder, Telefonica, marks a monumental milestone as it celebrates 100 years in business. I doubt its founders saw themselves as transformational pioneers helping build today’s fully connected world. Yet today, their legacy is clear – especially in the UK where the company has invested billions of pounds and created thousands of jobs since acquiring O2 in 2005. A century of innovation and progress means that wherever you are on the planet, it’s possible to see and speak with someone else in real time, at very little cost. These pioneers, and those that have followed, helped to shrink the world and bring us all closer together.

From its origins acquiring the small regional startup telephone ‘concessionaries’ that lacked the scale needed to deliver a national network, to becoming a global business spanning more than 20 countries, Telefonica has long been shaping the world in which we live. With telecoms underpinning so much of modern life, it’s almost impossible to imagine a world without mobile and broadband services.

While the sector has changed immeasurably from the early days of bringing together local telephone networks, the constant change and growing demand for telecoms services is as true today as it was 100 years ago. Over the past decade, we’ve seen an explosion in data usage, as consumers spend more of their lives online and businesses engage fully in the digital economy. In the UK, average monthly mobile data use has trebled in the last five years and today we’re a world leader in terms of fixed data consumption per capita, with monthly usage leaping almost three-fold.

This is only possible thanks to a continuous stream of investment to upgrade and deliver new services. In the UK alone, the industry is investing over £5bn a year in mobile and fixed networks. This investment has delivered fantastic outcomes for consumers, with average fixed broadband download speeds increasing 72% since 2017, while the price per Mbps has fallen 39% over the same period. On the mobile side, our 5G network now reaches over half of the UK population and we recently switched on our latest 5G Standalone network in cities across the UK.

Yet, the journey is far from over. As we and our shareholders look to the future, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation further still. Exciting developments such as hyper-connectivity, artificial intelligence and the metaverse will be underpinned by the strong communications networks which we’ve pledged £10 billion to upgrade.

In today’s digital world, it is vital that everybody can benefit from mobile and broadband services. It’s why we’re ensuring our services are available to all – whether through offering cut-price social tariffs; providing free mobile data to those in need through the National Databank; giving free devices to the digitally disconnected through our Community Calling programme; or simply expanding our network to bring reliable connectivity to some of the most rural and remote locations in the country including through the Shared Rural Network programme.

This vital work is helping to close the digital divide and ensure that everybody can access great services, no matter where they are or whatever their situation.

Running in parallel is our commitment to building a network that’s better for the planet. Through our Better Connections Plan, we’re working to reducing carbon emissions by achieve net zero by 2040, and also achieving zero waste operations and products by 2025 by enabling consumers to make 10 million circular actions.

While much has changed over the last century, at our core we still exist to bring people together. And with a commitment to continue investing, innovating and transforming, whatever the future holds, we’re working to create a better world for people and planet for the next 100 years and beyond.

News

The investment, which is the largest of its kind in the state’s history, is expected to generate at least 1,000 new jobs

Amazon Web Services (AWS) revealed plans for an $11 billion investment in Indiana data centres.  

Amazon already has a significant presence in Indiana, where it currently employs 26,000 staff members and has invested $21.5 billion since 2010. 

In collaboration with Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, AWS will build new data centers in St. Joseph County, the specific details of which were not revealed.  

Additionally, AWS has pledged up to $7 million to support infrastructure improvements for the local community.  

Roger Wehner, AWS’s director of economic development, said that the investment will “tap into the state’s burgeoning tech sector, while contributing significantly to the state’s growing economy.” 

“This investment will include our continuing commitment to fostering workforce development and educational initiatives in areas where we operate,” he continued. 

AWS’s investment also includes the establishment of the AWS InCommunities St. Joseph County Community Fund, which will support various community initiatives with an initial contribution of $100,000. 

Amazon’s cloud computing arm is heavily investing in its home market in order to strongly compete in the AI and data centre field. In January, the company announced a $10 billion investment in a Mississippi data centre development, which is expected to be operational by 2027. 

In January last year, the company also announced a $35 billion data centre investment in Virgina by 2040, making it the largest capital investment by any company in the state’s history. Arlington, Virginia, is set to become company’s second headquarters, known as HQ2, eventually employing 25,000 people. 

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

Also in the news:
“We’ve out innovated China”: US Commerce Secretary slams Huawei chip tech
Uzbekistan’s Perfectum partners with Nokia for 5G
Meta shares tumble after Zuckerberg reveals AI spending increase    

Interview

At Connected North this year, we caught up with David Hall, VP of Technology Solutions (EMEA) at Mavenir, to discuss the North’s 5G landscape and why AI-enabled operations is quietly becoming one of the most exciting areas for the new technology

The UK’s 5G rollout continues at pace in 2024, gradually bringing faster and more reliable wireless connectivity to underserved areas across the country. But while higher capacity and low latency are certainly benefits for typical mobile subscribers, for Hall, 5G’s real value comes as an enabler of new services.

Fixed wireless access, for example, has proven hugely successful at leveraging the mobile network to deliver broadband connectivity to locations underserved by fibre.

“5G is a brilliant alternative to fibre access,” said Hall, highlighting the work of Yorkshire-based ISP Quickline. “We’re seeing speeds in the many hundreds of megabits being delivered over a cell radius of up to 15km from a 5-Watt radio solution. It’s an incredible way to get service to the underserved.”

Now, with the advent of advanced AI, wireless services are set to evolve even more rapidly. According to Hall, however, the biggest gains from the technology may not come from flashy chatbots or novel services, but rather even more efficient intelligent automation.

“There’s rightly a lot of hype,” said Hall. “But I honestly believe it will be in the areas we fail to look at […] that makes the biggest difference. Something like AI-enabled operations. The ability to do root cause analysis, to be able to address problems and incidents in minutes and seconds rather than hours and days.”

“To be able to find out what’s going on, dispatch a field team, fix things faster, and improve services for customer is something we as a customer fundamentally believe in,” he added.

These advantages will only be further developed in combination with other emerging technologies, like AI-supported digital twins and Open RAN.

“From an Open RAN perspective, the development of the RIC (Radio Intelligent Controller) will be a service creation environment for AI,” said Hall. “And with the advent of open interfaces like the O1 and the E2 allowing you to dynamically change the RAN to meet demand – such as at an event like this one – that’s really exciting.”

“To me, AI is this great undiscovered country and from a Mavenir perspective on our RIC, the future is there to be found. We often talk about how to reduce costs – well here’s one area.”

You can view the full interview from the link below

Alternative network operator Freedom Fibre, which has already rolled out their full fibre (FTTP) gigabit broadband ISP network to cover 300,000 UK premises and aspires to cover 2 million in the future, has engaged local artists and school children in the Irlam (Salford) area to help give their street cabinets a colourful lick of paint.

Most broadband street cabinets are fairly industrial looking and adopt a single colour, which usually sits somewhere between dark green and beige. But the act of engaging community artists to help give these structures a different appeal is a trend that has, in recent years, been growing in popularity.

For example, over the past couple of years we’ve witnessed various colourful examples from the likes of Ogi (here), Virgin Media (here), WightFibre (here) and many more. The same can now be said of Freedom Fibre after they sought to commission artworks for their active cabinets in parts of Irlam.

“Although hiring a designer from the start would have been the more conventional option,” said the announcement, the team at Freedom Fibre wanted to showcase local talent and get the local community involved. “Therefore, we contacted local artists, businesses, and schools to see if there was any interest in contributing to the project.”

The first cabinet to be given a new-look came from designs put forward by the pupils of Springwood Primary School, which was officially unveiled at the end of last week. Two local businesses also helped to bring the art to life on the cabinet – Works By MerÓ, who helped turn the handprints into a digital design, and Wyke who created the wrap for the active cabinet.

“We are so proud of the students and the artwork they have created for us, and we are delighted to be able to display this art so publicly. If you’re out in Irlam, make sure you make a trip to see the active cabinet!,” said a spokesperson for the network operator. We suspect more cabinets in the area will soon follow suit.

News

The laws will force device manufacturers to implement minimum security standards into devices 

The UK government has announced that new laws have come into force today aimed at better protecting consumers from hacking and cyber-attacks.  

The legislation, a collaborative effort between the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the National Cyber Security Centre, and the Office for Product Safety and Standards, among others, rules that internet-connected smart devices must adhere to newly enhanced minimum-security standards. 

Most notably, these new regulations prohibit easily guessable default passwords such as ‘password’ or ‘12345’ and will prompt users to change common passwords upon device activation. 

A 2021 investigation by Which? Found that homes with smart devices could be exposed to as many as 12,000 hacking attackers per week. The average UK household contains nine connected devices, a number expected to soar over the coming decade. 

The new law forms part of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure regime, which is designed to improve the UK’s resilience to cyber-attacks such as the Mirai malware attack in 2016, which attacked 300,000 relatively insecure IoT devices and ultimately left much of the US East coast without internet. 

“As every-day life becomes increasingly dependent on connected devices, the threats generated by the internet multiply and become even greater,” said Minister for Cyber, Viscount Camrose in the announcement’s press release. 

“From today, consumers will have greater peace of mind that their smart devices are protected from cyber criminals, as we introduce world first laws that will make sure their personal privacy, data and finances are safe,” he continued. 

Starting today, all manufacturers of UK smart products will have to comply with the regulations. Find the full details of the act here. 

Keep up to date with all the latest telecoms news from around the world with Total Telecom’s daily newsletter

Also in the news:
South Korea to invest $7 billion in AI semiconductors
Swisscom expands 5G partnership with Ericsson
Daisy Group set to acquire 4Com for £215m

Germany-based AVM, which manufactures the popular FRITZ!Box range of broadband ISP routers and smart home devices (widely used in the UK), has quietly settled their patent dispute with Huawei over WiFi 6 technology. As a result, some of the recent changes made to AVM’s device firmware will be rolled back.

Just to recap. Huawei had filed – between 2022 and 2024 – five infringement lawsuits against AVM, which were in the process of being heard in the Munich Regional Court when a settlement agreement was suddenly announced last week. Huawei has tried to enforce its Wi-Fi 6 patents against several users since 2022, including AVM, Amazon (related to their Echo speakers and Kindle readers), Netgear and Stellantis.

The cases involving Stellantis and Amazon had previously reached a settlement, which left AVM and Netgear as the last pair standing (now it’s just Netgear). AVM had responded to the pressure in January 2024 by pushing out an updated firmware for six of their WiFi 6 routers, which they said was enough to “[resolve] … the strict allegation of patent infringement” (allegedly intended to avoid a possible sales ban). But all of that is now in the past.

Details of the out-of-court settlement between AVM and Huawei are hard to come by (Heise), although it appears as if the proposed sales ban is now off the table and all mutual lawsuits have been withdrawn. AVM also seems to have gained licences for Huawei’s related patents around Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7.

In addition, the new settlement means that the previously introduced firmware (software) changes for some of AVM’s FRITZ!Box kit will be withdrawn in the future, although it’s unclear precisely when this will occur. Credits to Steve for spotting this development.

Finally, it remains to be seen whether Netgear has any better luck, particularly as their case is being heard before a Californian court, which won’t be as guided by the previous rulings in Germany. Netgear is also counter suing Huawei (case details) by making the following complaints.

Netgear’s Complaints vs Huawei

1) VIOLATION OF SECTION 2 OF THE SHERMAN ACT (MONOPOLIZATION);
2) VIOLATION OF SECTION 2 OF THE SHERMAN ACT (ATTEMPTED MONOPOLIZATION);
3) VIOLATION OF THE RACKETEER INFLUENCED AND CORRUPT ORGANIZATIONS ACT;
4) CONSPIRACY TO VIOLATE THE RACKETEER INFLUENCED AND CORRUPT ORGANIZATIONS ACT;
5) BREACH OF CONTRACT;
6) DECLARATORY JUDGMENT OF IMPLIED LICENSE AND/OR EXHAUSTION;
7) FRAUD;
8) NEGLIGENT MISREPRESENTATION;
9) PROMISSORY ESTOPPEL;
10) VIOLATION OF CAL. BUS. & PROF. CODE §17200.

Over a month has passed since ISP Andrews & Arnold (AAISP) announced the closure of their long-running and “somewhat niche” SIP2SIM (mobile voice) service (here), which is due to take effect tomorrow night. But it now seems like the provider is preparing to launch a replacement solution with the help of ONSIM.

The current SIP2SIM product – supported by O2’s (VMO2) underlying mobile network – is essentially a special SIM card that you can put in an ordinary dumb mobile phone, and it makes that device appear as if it is a SIP extension (SIP phone) on a phone system of your choice.

The good news is that A&A are working with ONSIM to launch a similar SIP2SIM solution for the small number of customers that might need something like this. But at present it’s still somewhat of a work-in-progress (beta) and one that will inevitably cost more than the provider’s original product (although data charges should be lower). On the other hand, it does retain a lot of SIP2SIM’s key features (more on that later).

A&A Statement

We understand how much of a problem it is for customers losing the previous service, and have been working hard on this new service. We hope to fully launch shortly, but we are taking on customers early. If you wish to have an eSIM now, please email trial@aa.net.uk with the number you would like to associate with the eSIM. This needs to be an existing A&A number on your account, but does not actually have to be an 07 number.

We can also do one without a number if you wish, email your control pages login (username@a). The eSIM will be free to get, but normal ongoing charges apply: £10.00 +VAT/month and any call/SMS charges if linked through your A&A VoIP account (which is the default). No data packages yet, but ideal as a second SIM / number on a phone. If it does not work for you, we’ll refund the monthly charges, but obviously we want feedback on the whole process (just email the trial address). Thanks.

Just to be clear, once launched a physical SIM card option will also be available at £5 +vat, while an eSIM will cost £1 +vat post-trial. Further details on preliminary package pricing can be found here. But at present A&A are still working to set up some key bits and pieces, such as data usage packages on SIMs, more APIs in to ONSIM (for the ordering system), better documentation and more information on roaming outside the EU and US.

Key Features of New SIP2SIM

➤ Uses 4G/5G VoLTE, which is important with 3G being turned off. Can normally fall back to 2G if necessary and fallback of UK carriers (EE and O2).

➤ Higher basic monthly price before data allowances. No minimum term as before.

➤ Same SIP2SIM logic – for calls we register to your SIP server and allow calls each way. This could be some external provider, but check terms for sharing login details with us, and they do need to follow the SIP specification. For texts we allow you to send SMS to handset via an HTTP post, and send SMS to you from handset via an HTTP post.

➤ Same A&A linking for voice and SMS to/from a mobile/other number if you prefer, with our usual call/text charges with us as your SIP/SMS provider. We have actually made the linking simpler, e.g. defaults for calls/texts when not configured otherwise. Of course this includes our features like call recording.

➤ Unlike previous services, no airtime charge! So no cost for the text/calls to/from the handset, just the back end call/text charges from your SIP/SMS provider. This is great for treating an actual mobile phone as an internal extension on your SIP PABX.

➤ A separate data package, with various usage levels (normal NAT mobile data) but at much more sensible prices!

➤ Allows eSIM as well as physical SIMs, so faster ordering for eSIM with real time activation (on payment with order). An eSIM is ideal for second line working on a modern phone, so home and work numbers on the same phone. This is also an ideal way to test out the new service.

➤ Allows EU and US roaming at no extra cost! and still no airtime charges.

Broadband ISP TalkTalk last week informed their customers, specifically those who are using one of their supplied Amazon eero routers, that they can now benefit from a free eero software upgrade that turns Echo Dot (4th and 5th Fen) smart speakers into WiFi extenders (the provider is currently bundling Dots for free with several packages).

The provider’s announcement makes it sound like the “eero Built-in” feature is new technology, although it first started appearing back in 2022 and received a wider release toward the end of 2023. Suffice to say it’s been around a while, but is now available via TalkTalk’s bundled eero kit too.

The eero Built-in feature, which harnessed Amazon’s patented TrueMesh technology, turns selected Echo products into eero mesh WiFi extenders, which can add up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wireless network coverage to your existing eero network.

However, the feature can only support network speeds of up to 100Mbps for 10 or fewer connected devices, and even then, only via the 5GHz band. In other words, if you want a proper mesh solution that can handle faster speeds, then this probably isn’t it.

John Bowles, Product Director at TalkTalk, said:

“We’re always looking for ways to bring our customers even more value for money and enhanced reliability. Thanks to this smart software feature and our partnership with eero, our fastest Full Fibre customers can now use select Amazon Echo devices as Wi-Fi extenders at no extra cost. This represents a great way to keep our beloved devices connected.”

One other thing to be aware of is that you’ll first need to activate the feature in order to use it (details here).