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.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Alternative network operator CityFibre, which has already built a gigabit-capable full fibre broadband (FTTP) network to cover 4.3 million UK premises (RFS), is reportedly set to sign a £2bn funding deal – reflecting a split of debt and equity – to help keep them in business and support their plans for a major consolidation of rival operators.

The operator’s existing funding is due to run out soon, and thus the operator is keen to reach an agreement on fresh funding before the end of July 2025. Previous reports had indicated that this would reflect a £500m equity financing deal with existing investors (here) and around £1bn of incremental debt funding – roughly enough liquidity to keep them fuelled through to mid-2027 and equity to support their M&A (consolidation) drive.

However, a new report from Bloomberg (credits to Ionide for spotting this) indicates that the proposed deal is also set to include a new “accordion” facility, which will allow CityFibre to tap an additional £500 million under certain conditions – effectively making this agreement worth up to £2bn. Details on what those conditions might reflect are still unclear.

CityFibre currently still aspires to cover up to 8 million UK premises with their new FTTP (XGS-PON) broadband network – representing c.30% of the UK. But their original target of hitting that by the end of 2025 will be missed. The operator has instead shifted their strategy to focus less on build and more on growth via mergers and acquisition (M&A) of alternative networks (e.g. the deals to acquire Connexin [here] and Lit Fibre [here]).

At the same time, the operator remains under the same pressures as many other networks, not least due to high interest rates, rising build costs and competition, which has already impacted some of their commercial deployments. On top of that, one of the operator’s key ISP partners, TalkTalk (accounting for c.150k CityFibre customers), is struggling in ways that could risk wider harm in the future (here).

Despite this, CityFibre’s main shareholders recently said they “remain committed … [to the company’s] long-term success and are actively engaged in supporting the company’s next phase of growth“, while the operator itself claims to be “in a strong position” and “expects to announce details of our financing shortly” (here).

According to a previous note from analyst James Ratzer – in 2025 and beyond, it’s expected that CityFibre will likely only build FTTP out to c.300k homes per annum organically, largely to meet their state aid backed Project Gigabit contracts. But the operator still aspires to add around 1 million premises each year, which suggest c.700,000 will be coming from M&A deals (c.100k – 185k of this in 2025 was covered by the Connexin deal).

The catch is that consolidating alternative networks tends to be a slow, complex and costly process – particularly with many altnets still harbouring an inflated idea of their own asset values. CityFibre’s strategy around this thus remains somewhat unproven, and any new funding deal they strike now will be subject to less favourable conditions than they had before (e.g. interest payments will be higher). Put another way, this may not be the last funding deal they’ll need.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

One of the problems that UK mobile network operators, like Vodafone (VodafoneThree), often have to contend with is the issue of ensuring that their land-based 4G and 5G (mobile broadband) antennas are precisely positioned in order to deliver the best signal. But satellite guided sensors are now being tested to help change that.

A failure to keep antennas perfectly aligned, which most often occurs due to things like strong storms or seismic activity, can disrupt the connection quality and thus its performance. In response to this, Vodafone has now become one of the first commercial mobile operators to deploy satellite guided sensors, which are being built into new radio antennas located on top of mobile masts.

The new sensors work by collecting GPS-based location information from modules installed at different points on the antenna, together with other performance data. In turn, these sensors quickly relay details of the antenna’s alignment back to one of Vodafone’s network operations centres, enabling its engineers to either automatically reposition the antenna or perform a site visit for manual correction.

In theory, this approach – supported by hardware vendors via a new standard industry protocol – could help to “eliminate areas with no coverage and lead to faster data speeds, more responsive connections, and fewer dropped calls“, said Vodafone. Not to mention the usual cost savings from not having to make so many site visits.

Alberto Ripepi, Chief Network Officer of Vodafone, said:

“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.”

The solution will initially be rolled out in Albania from September 2025, before extending to other countries like the UK and beyond. The innovation, which is part of Vodafone’s wider ‘Network as a Sensor‘ programme (this has already turned their network into a rain sensor), could eventually also be used to dynamically control the position of radio antennas to match demand (e.g. serving commuters on the move, sports fans at stadiums or music festival goers).

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Customers using broadband ISP Virgin Media (O2), specifically those who also take a Pay TV service via one of their TV 360, Stream or v6 box platforms, may like to know that they’ve added two new FAST channels to their TV service – British Screen Classics and wedotv movies – “at no extra cost“.

The new FAST channels include British Screen Classics (Ch 450) – offering various film and TV gems originating from the iconic classic film libraries of ITV STUDIOS and STUDIO CANAL – and wedotv movies (Ch 451) – offering a contemporary film channel with a catalogue of over 500 movies across all genres.

The new channels join the existing 33 FAST channels available on Virgin TV, which include Inside Crime, Homes Under The Hammer, Red Bull TV, Hell’s Kitchen and many more.

David Bouchier, Chief TV and Entertainment Officer at VMO2, said: “Virgin TV is home to the best in entertainment and more choice for our subscribers.  We offer enhanced value with fantastic on demand and channel content at no extra cost, including two brand-new streaming movie channels. On top of the existing streaming channels available to Virgin TV customers, they now have even more choice.”

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Alternative network operator Netomnia (Brsk, Youfibre), which has so far rolled out their Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband network to cover 2.5 million UK homes (inc. 325,000 customers), has today become the latest provider to adopt VIAVI’s ONMSi Remote Fibre Test System (RFTS) to “simplify and accelerate network installation and ongoing maintenance“.

At present, Netomnia is continuing to expand their network coverage by around 1 million premises per year, and they expect to reach 3 million premises by the end of 2025 and then 5 million by the end of 2027 (inc. 1 million customers by 2028). The service is currently available across parts of over 90 UK cities and towns. But keeping a close eye on such a large network can be difficult, which is where VIAVI’s system comes in.

The use of an effective remote fibre testing and monitoring system can help to verify the quality of Netomnia’s network during its roll-out and operation. In addition, it can also make it simpler and easier for their engineers to respond to the exact location when an issue (faults etc.) does arise. A number of other network operators have also adopted the same solution from VIAVI.

“The VIAVI OMNSi test system provides a platform on which we can construct a gold standard network,” said Jeremy Chelot, Group CEO of Netomnia, YouFibre and brsk. “The remote fibre test system is a critical element in enabling us to reach our ambitious goal to deploy a high-quality network covering five million premises and over 150 exchanges by the end of 2027.”

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Internet service provider Octaplus, which sells broadband package to consumers via various networks (e.g. MS3, CityFibre and FullFibre Limited), has today announced the launch of its first Multi-Gigabit speed packages – delivering ultrafast speeds of 1.8Gbps and 2.3Gbps. But there’s also a special mobile data bonus.

Prices for the new plans are said to start at £40 per month. A quick look at their CityFibre based full fibre (FTTP) packages shows that the ISP is selling their top 2.3Gbps symmetric speed package for £50 per month. This includes a Wi-Fi 6 capable router, “guaranteed” wired speeds of 1300Mbps, free installation and a discounted one-off setup fee of £50 on a 24-month minimum term (shorter 18 and 12-month terms are also available).

In addition, Octaplus are also bundling 3GB (GigaBytes) of FREE mobile data every month alongside some of the new plans, delivered via SIM or eSIM, for the duration of the promotion. “This exclusive benefit reflects Octaplus’ belief in enriching everyday connectivity — not just through great pricing, but by adding real, practical value to customers’ lives,” said the provider.

We should add that the mobile service harnesses EE’s national 4G and 5G network.

Gladstone Gonsalves, CEO of Octaplus, said:

“This is more than just faster internet — it’s a symbol of progress, status, and digital future-readiness. We’re not just providing broadband; we’re delivering the digital lifestyle of tomorrow.”

George Wareing, Chief Sales Officer at CityFibre, said:

“Octaplus has continued to thrive across CityFibre’s growing full fibre network, bringing fantastic speeds and a brilliant online experience to its customers. This is yet more evidence that the UK’s full fibre, Multi-Gig future is here.”

The Multi-Gig packages will be available to new and existing Octaplus customers in areas where the network infrastructure supports higher speeds. Customers can check availability for their address by visiting octaplus.co.uk and entering their postcode. Rollout will continue to expand in line with full fibre network deployments.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

The UK Government has published its National Security Strategy (NSS), which may or may not confirm earlier reports (here) that broadband (inc. telecommunications) will now be considered part of national security investment in order to help reach a new NATO target for spending 5% of GDP on defence by 2035. Subsea fibre protection also gets a brief mention.

At present, the United Kingdom is already spending 2.33% of its annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defence, and this is expected to reach 3% by around 2029. But NATO members will today discuss a new 5% goal by 2035, which actually reflects 3.5% for core defence (e.g. military hardware and personnel) and 1.5% on defence-related areas (resilience and security). The latter is where telecoms may soon come into play.

The Prime Minister, Kier Starmer, argues that the reclassification of defence spending reflects the fact that “economic security is national security, and through this strategy we will bring the whole of society with us, creating jobs, growth and wages for working people.” But there’s also no escaping the fact that it will make that 5% target much easier to meet if they can dilute it to include lots of other spending. In the past, NATO has tended to reject such approaches, but times change.

In fairness, telecommunications networks are already considered to be part of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) and maintaining their security has been a key focus of recent laws, so there is at least some logic to lumping associated public investment into defence-related areas (e.g. the £5bn Project Gigabit broadband programme). Not to mention that most of us do depend upon these networks, viewing them as a critical service.

In addition, those vital subsea fibre optic cables that we all rely upon for most of our international connectivity are also a part of the equation, which is relevant because in recent months we’ve seen several seemingly deliberate attempts at sabotage in other parts of Europe (here and here) – with mixed success. The new NSS does touch on this too, albeit only briefly.

Section (1) – Defend our territory

4. An island nation needs to be able to control its borders and maritime environment. Security at home requires monitoring and managing who and what enters our waters and airspace. The UK depends on subsea fibre optic cables for 99% of its digital communications and approximately three quarters of the UK’s total gas supply comes from subsea pipelines. Our territorial security therefore begins at sea – from our ability to stop criminal gangs and deter hostile states to the import of food and energy supplies.

Fibre-optic subsea cables carry 99% of UK digital data

➤ 99% of UK international data traffic transmitted via subsea cables
➤ £65 bn of UK economic activity relies on the subsea cable industry including fibre optic cables
➤ Subsea cables provides 66 million Britons with access to the global internet
➤ The cost to repair a single damaged fibre optic cable is up to £1 m and £100 m for power cables per incident.

The Royal Navy will take a leading and coordinating role in securing undersea infrastructure and maritime traffic carrying the information, energy and goods upon which we depend. Under Operation Atlantic Bastion, we will counter the persistent and growing underwater threats from Russian submarines and the shadow fleet. Changes to our Rules of Engagement means our warships can now do more to track vessels we suspect of spying or conducting sabotage.

Under UK leadership, the ten-nation Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) is increasing efforts to track potential threats to subsea infrastructure and the Russian shadow fleet at its Operational headquarters in Northwood. Our NATO allies are also helping us defend our waters through the UK-hosted NATO Maritime Command, as well as Operation Baltic Sentry, which ensures Russian ships cannot operate in secrecy near UK or NATO territory.

Despite this, it should be said that the new NSS doesn’t actually provide much in the way of any solid detail on precisely which bits and pieces will make up that 1.5% for “resilience and security” spending. Rural broadband has of course been mentioned as one of the possible elements, but roadworks and food aid might well be others. We suspect this may first have to be given a nod of approval by NATO this week, before it can be confirmed.

However, there will be many people who would still expect national security spending to be focused squarely on areas like the military (soldiers, drones, tanks etc.), yet the new approach – if confirmed – risks being a bridge too far for how we define such investment. We’re also unsure whether such a change would, despite all the talk of new jobs (likely a reference to other areas of the strategy), bring any tangible benefits for the broadband and mobile side of things.

At the same time, it wouldn’t be the first occasion where a government has utilised a touch of creative accounting in order to make something seem bigger than it actually is.

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

Developed and manufactured by Camozzi Technopolymers—part of the Camozzi Group—and brought to the UK market by Camozzi Automation UK, the V4000 PLUS LE Series is crafted from sustainable, bio-renewable raw materials. This innovative product series exceeds performance standards while cutting carbon emissions by an impressive 85% (compared to the standard Series V4000 PLUS). Known for their technical expertise and commitment to quality, Camozzi Automation is one of Europe’s most innovative manufacturers, with its headquarters in Italy.

Camozzi Automation appointed Altnets as its first UK distribution partner, stressing Altnets’ extensive telecoms experience, dedication to innovation and sustainable supply chain practices. The relationship is already making waves with the release of the V4000 PLUS LE Series, which is seen as a watershed moment for environmentally conscious Internet Service Providers (ISPs) across the UK.

“At Camozzi Technopolymers, a key part of our identity is our commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles, with a strong focus on advancing sustainable manufacturing processes”, said Nausicaa Martinelli, Sales Manager at Camozzi Technopolymers. She added: “The V4000 Series PLUS LE marks a significant result in this journey, as it embodies all the essential elements of a truly traceable green product—from the use of bio-based raw materials and energy-efficient electric injection moulding machines to 100% green energy powering the production process.”

“At Camozzi, we’ve long prioritised sustainable innovation, and Altnets was the clear choice to carry our message forward in the UK,” said Les Brogden, Sales Director at Camozzi Automation UK.

“Their technical knowledge, market insight, and shared sustainability values make them the ideal partner to introduce the V4000 PLUS LE to UK telecoms providers.”

Introducing the V4000 PLUS LE: A Greener Future for FTTx

The product series consists of three components: a Low Emissions Connector, an End Cap, and a Reducer, all of which are designed to provide superior functional and technical performance while also aligning with the UK’s carbon reduction targets. These modernised components contribute to greener telecommunications builds and have strong impact resistance and thermal stability, assuring long-term dependability. Camozzi Technopolymers’ products, manufactured in Italy, exceed quality standards and combine creativity, durability, and sustainability in a ground-breaking solution.

With the UK Government’s net zero targets creeping closer, this partnership comes at a crucial time for ISPs. Due to its strong focus on ESG, Camozzi Technopolymers has made a Life Cycle Assessment of the connectors Series V4000 PLUS LE. This methodology made it possible to calculate the Carbon Footprint value of the connector.

“Altnets and Camozzi Automation UK are spearheading the journey towards a greener future in the UK telecoms industry,” said Leigh Buckwell, Altnets’ Technical Director.

“Altnets remains dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions in the telecommunications sector, supporting and emphasising innovation to meet the rapidly evolving needs of our customers while reducing environmental impact.”

As ISPs seek solutions to decrease emissions and future-proof infrastructure builds, the V4000 PLUS LE arrives at a pivotal moment. It is a significant step forward in environmental responsibility alongside technical engineering quality, designed for challenging circumstances and built for longevity. Together, telecoms industry specialists can make a meaningful difference in carbon emissions associated with the sector by adopting sustainable practices and choosing planet-friendly solutions that benefit both fibre builds and our environment, now and into the future.

Ready to future-proof your fibre network while reducing environmental impact?

Speak to the Altnets team today to learn more about Camozzi Technopolymers’ V4000 PLUS LE Series and how sustainable, high-performance microduct connections can support your next build.

Email info@altnets.co.uk to request product details and technical specifications or to discuss your project requirements.