Original article Total Telecom:Read More

News

AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone have selected Germany as the location for their principal Satellite Operations Centre to serve their satellite joint venture, SatCo

The centre will be responsible for allocating and mapping satellite connectivity used by SatCo to serve mobile network operators across the continent. It will also host one of several ground gateway stations that link the planned satellite constellation to terrestrial 4G and 5G networks.

The site is expected to be near either Munich or Hannover, with the final choice subject to negotiation.

Commercial launches are planned from 2026, and operators in 21 EU member states and other European countries have expressed interest in adopting the service.

Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile first announced their intention to for the SatCo joint venture back in March, with Vodafone chief executive Margherita Della Valle suggesting the company would “deliver a sovereign satellite solution to the whole of Europe”. It is planned to deliver mobile operators throughout Europe a scalable satellite mobile broadband capability to cover underserved areas and provide resilient back-up for public services.

A central feature of the EU-targeted constellation will be a so-called “command switch” providing European oversight and security controls. This capability is described by the partners as supporting the updating of telemetry, tracking and control (TTC) encryption keys for S‑Band, the frequency used for direct-to-handset connectivity, and Q/V‑Band links between satellites and earth stations. It will also allow modification of service encryption keys, and the activation, deactivation and steering of satellite beams over Europe.

SatCo is also positioned as an enabler for public protection and disaster relief (PPDR). The partners say the constellation will support PPDR radio frequencies, notably bands around 698–703/753–758 MHz and 733–736/788–791 MHz, to provide emergency responders with broadband connectivity in locations where terrestrial networks are unavailable or compromised.

AST SpaceMobile has submitted filings to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) through Germany to manage potential signal interference and coordinate integration with existing mobile networks.

The project is also a candidate for access to EU 2GHz Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum, which, if granted, would facilitate a pan‑European, sovereign service that uses national spectrum bands to reach consumers directly on standard smartphones.

How is satellite connectivity reshaping the European telecoms landscape? Join the discussion at Connected Germany, live in Munich!

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Original article Total Telecom:Read More

Podcasts

Rahul Puri, the CEO of STL, says the UK’s next phase of connectivity growth is visible at Connected Britain. Find out what he means.

By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities

Few have seen the evolution of connectivity in the UK better than Rahul Puri, the CEO of STL.

As a longtime attendee of Connected Britian, Puri said he’s seen the event grow with the UK market.

Speaking to Beyond the Cable this fall at Connected Britain, Puri also talked about what’s next for STL, which he says leads the way as the UK’s largest supplier of fiber and data center solutions.

“Now we’re seeing the next phase of growth, where you’re seeing a lot of excitement from hyperscalers, data center players as well coming to the show,” he said.

To position itself for the next era of connectivity, Puri said STL will remain a company that doesn’t provide just standard solutions.

“We actually go out and solve for the customer’s problems,” he said.

Part of STL’s success, he said, is that the company understands the challenges of their customers.

Additionally, with a global manufacturing presence, Puri said STL maintains a unique edge.

Puri also said experiences during the pandemic years go have cemented the global urgency to advance fiber connectivity.

He believes the UK has made great strides in recent years, joining a growing list of markets that benefit from the economic development that comes with modern connectivity infrastructure. Puri added that many economies can add as much as half a percent to their GDP, just with a robust fiber network.

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Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Alternative network operator and UK ISP LightSpeed Broadband, which has already deployed their full fibre (FTTP) network to cover 250,000 premises across the East of England and Midlands, have just launched their Black Friday deals – headline by their 2Gbps package being cut to £33.99 per month for the first 12 months, then £39.99 for the remaining 12 months.

In terms of LightSpeed’s other offers, 150Mbps (symmetric speed) is now £20.99 p/m for the first 12 months (£24.99 p/m after) and 1Gbps is £29.99 p/m for the first 12 months (£34.99 p/m after). In addition, they’ve reduced the one-off activation fee on all packages to just £9.99 (normally £30). Customers will also receive an included eero (Amazon) router, installation and a pledge of no mid-contract price hikes.

The promotional pricing will be available for new customers to take until 8th December 2025.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Alternative broadband operator and UK ISP Connect Fibre, which has been rolling out their gigabit-capable full fibre (FTTP) network across the East of England, has launched a series of new Black Friday discounts on certain packages that will give you the first 3 months of FREE service and £50 cashback.

The special offers, which are only available to new customers, are expected to remain available to take until 5th December 2025. Customers will also benefit from free installation on their 24-month term, as well as an included wireless router and a pledge of no in-contract price hikes.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Internet provider Pop Telecom has today become the latest ISP to join Freedom Fibre’s alternative open access network, which has so far grown their Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP / XGS-PON) based infrastructure to cover 350,000 premises and connected 24,000 customers across various parts of England and North Wales.

The announcement doesn’t provider much further information, other than to confirm that customers covered by the network will be able to access broadband speeds of up to 2.5Gbps, all for an “accessible monthly price“.

David Curran, Director of POP Telecom, said: “Joining the Freedom Fibre network allows us to deliver even faster, more reliable broadband to our customers. By combining their powerful full-fibre infrastructure with our focus on excellent customer service and value, we’re continuing to make exceptional connectivity accessible to everyone.”

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Mobile and broadband provider Vodafone (inc. Three UK) is preparing to follow BT (inc. EE and Plusnet), Virgin Media and O2 by becoming the latest telecoms provider to increase the customer cost impact of their existing mid-contract pricing policy, which will be introduced on 9th November 2025 for Three UK and 12th for Vodafone. But existing customers are safe, for now.

Just to recap. At the start of 2025 Ofcom began requiring telecoms providers to adopt a new approach to mid-contract price hikes, which did away with the old percentage and inflation-based model – replacing it with one that sets out such price hikes “clearly and up-front, in pounds and pence, when a customer signs up” (here). This made annual price hikes clearer and more transparent, but not necessarily cheaper.

In response, many providers later followed BT’s lead by setting out a new pricing policy that would increase the monthly price that broadband customers pay by a flat £3 extra from March or April each year (this can vary a bit between providers). However, inflation has remained higher than originally anticipated and, partly as a result of that, BT (inc. EE and Plusnet), Virgin Media and O2 have since announced that they would increase their annual hikes (e.g. both BT and Virgin increased it from £3 to £4 on their broadband plans).

The latest provider to join this club is Vodafone, which today informed ISPreview that they will be taking a slightly different approach to the above when their latest pricing policy change is introduced for new customers from 12th November 2025. In short, fixed broadband packages will now rise by £3.50 annually (up from £3 under the old policy), while SIM-Only Basics plans will rise by £1.50 (up from £1) and other SIM-Only products (inc. handset airtime, mobile broadband) will rise by £2.50 (up from £1.80).

A spokesperson for Vodafone told ISPreview:

“We know no one likes price rises, but they are essential for us to keep investing, innovating and providing best-in-class service. This year we launched Just Ask Once which means one specialist owns your query in the My Vodafone app and keeps you updated until it’s sorted. While VeryMe Rewards in the app continues to bring weekly treats, discounts and prize draws. There are no price increases for customers registered as financially vulnerable or those on our social tariffs — Vodafone Essentials and VOXI For Now.”

There are no price increases for customers registered as financially vulnerable or those on our social tariffs, such as Vodafone Essentials and VOXI For Now.

A different approach for Three UK

The changes for Three UK will actually come first, on 9th November 2025, and are a bit different because pre-merger the operator adopted a fairer approach. Just to recap, the existing policy advises customers that, each April, their Monthly Charge will increase by a fixed amount depending on their plan’s data allowance: “Plans 4GB or less & Smartwatch Pairing Plans will increase by £1.00 per month. Plans from 5GB to 99GB will increase by £1.25 per month. Plans 100GB or over will increase by £1.50 per month. All Home Broadband plans will increase by £2.00 per month.”

The changes coming on the 9th mean that new customers will now see a fixed mid-contract price rise starting from £1.80 for mobile and £3.50 for home broadband. At sign-up, customers will see the exact cost of their plan — in pounds and pence — and the date any change will apply, so they know upfront what they’ll pay over the full term.

The catch with adopting a single rise of £1.80 for mobile is that they penalise those consumers on cheaper packages, as this doesn’t scale like their previous policy. But the change does more closely align Three UK with Vodafone now that they’re part of one group.

One other key point to make, for both Three UK and Vodafone, is that they will not be following by O2’s poor example and imposing this change on existing customers with current plans. At present this change only impacts new customers, although of course existing customers that optionally choose to upgrade (re-contract) to a different plan in the future may still be hit.

NOTE: The information above only relates to consumer and SoHo plans.

Closing Thoughts

Annual price hikes are of course nothing new in this market, as well as many others. Often there are legitimate reasons for prices to go up, not least because providers are frequently adding all sorts of new services (e.g. 5G SA, FTTP), developing new systems, facing higher charges from suppliers and energy, implementing costly new Ofcom rules and dealing with tax hikes from the government etc.

Nevertheless, there is a growing feeling that broadband and mobile providers are becoming increasingly unfair in their pricing practices, and often hitting those who can least afford it the hardest. So far, Ofcom’s policy has thus succeeded in making mid-contract price hikes more transparent for consumers, albeit seemingly at the same time forcing them to pay more – often way above the current and forecast levels of CPI inflation.

However, the Government did this week direct Ofcom to review their approach (here), which many people may be hoping leads to a better solution and possibly one that even bans mid-contract hikes. But history tends to show that we often end up with policies that end up creating more problems than they solve. Perhaps this time will be different.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Good news if you fly British Airways. The associated International Airlines Group (IAG), which also includes Aer Lingus, Iberia, LEVEL and Vueling aircraft, has reached an agreement with SpaceX’s global Starlink service to upgrade 500+ of their planes (long and short-haul) to harness the ultrafast broadband constellation in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for in-flight WiFi.

At present if you fly BA, as well as some of IAG’s other aircraft, then on many routes (especially longer haul) you’re likely to get in-flight WiFi via GoGo’s 2Ku based satellite solution, which shares capacity of around 50-100Mbps across all cabins from satellites in a higher (GEO) orbit. We’ve actually tested this a number of times and found it worked reasonably well (here and here), albeit obviously not particularly fast (speeds of 0.5Mbps to 6Mbps and 650-800ms+ latency times).

The new Starlink-based connectivity is likely to be several times faster than the old service and will deliver significantly faster latency times. This should make the onboard experience much more akin to a reasonable hotel WiFi connection on the ground, or possibly even better if the onboard capacity doesn’t get too saturated.

The first aircraft due to go live with this upgraded service will surface during “early” 2026 and British Airways has separately signalled that their “super-fast” WiFi will give everybody onboard “free access to the service for streaming, working and keeping in touch.” At this stage it’s unclear if they will also maintain a premium (paid) service for those wanting faster speeds etc.

Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said:

“We’re continuing to focus on transforming our customer experience. Launching Starlink on both our long-haul and short-haul aircraft is game-changing for us and our customers, elevating their experience on board our flights by offering them seamless connectivity from gate-to-gate. Especially on short-haul, this will really differentiate us from our competitors.

With our new Wi-Fi powered by Starlink, our customers will be able to enjoy lightning-fast, low-lag internet from the moment they board to the moment they land - even over oceans and remote regions. It’s Wi-Fi that feels like home, even at 38,000 feet.”

Luis Gallego, CEO of IAG, said:

“Staying connected in the skies is increasingly important to our airlines’ customers. The introduction of high-speed wi-fi from Starlink will transform onboard connectivity, improving both the connection speed and reliability for customers.

Customers from all IAG airlines will be able to benefit from the service from next year. This demonstrates how IAG is working together as a group, to drive innovation and secure major deals to benefit all our stakeholders.”

At the time of writing we don’t know exactly how much data capacity the new system will be sharing between travellers. But you should probably expect the connection speeds to be a little slower than Starlink’s domestic consumer broadband packages in the UK.

Once rolled out, Starlink will be available on all BA mainline and Euroflyer flights, although the deployment itself will be very gradual as such changes are often installed at the same time as general refit and maintenance periods.

Starlink currently has almost 8,900 satellites in orbit (c.5,300 are v2 / V2 Mini) – mostly at altitudes of c.500-600km. Residential customers in the UK usually pay from £75 a month, plus £299 for hardware (currently free for most areas) on the ‘Standard’ unlimited data plan (kit price may vary due to different offers) directly from Starlink, which promises UK latency times of 26-33ms, downloads of 116-277Mbps and uploads of 17-32Mbps.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Mobile network operator Vodafone has today become the “sole UK telecommunications provider” offering complimentary global roaming for armed forces personnel, which will allow troops to call, message and use data (mobile broadband) abroad “at no extra cost” in 83 countries.

The “ground-breaking offer“, which is announced in the run-up to Remembrance Day, works like this: Those who take out a new Vodafone Global Roam Airtime Plan with a mobile device, with more than 1GB data allowance, can get a Vodafone Advantage 25% discount on their monthly airtime, effectively waiving roaming charges in a wide selection of eligible destinations.

“This means service members can use their UK data, minutes and texts abroad at no extra cost, ensuring they remain in close contact with loved ones while on deployment, free from the worry of unexpected roaming bills,” said the announcement today.

In addition, Vodafone are also providing “best value broadband options” tailored for military personnel, along with exclusive full-fibre (FTTP) deals for armed forces families. The company also supports veterans and reservists through dedicated career transition services and flexible employment opportunities etc.

Steve Knibbs, Director of Vodafone Business Security Enhanced (VBSE), said:

“We at Vodafone know what a magnificent job the men and women of our armed forces do for this country and the sacrifices they make on our behalf. We are proud to announce we are helping them in this small way – especially at this time of the year when Remembrance Day is at the forefront of our thoughts.

Our research findings highlight just how essential it is for service personnel to stay connected with their families – not just for morale, but for their emotional wellbeing as well”

Far too often, members of the armed forces have faced difficult decisions about when and how to reach out to their loved ones because of cost concerns. By removing roaming charges globally, we’re making it easier for armed forces personnel to maintain those all-important connections, wherever their service takes them. It’s a straightforward change that makes a real difference to people’s lives – all on The Nation’s Network.”

The move will help to protect our armed forces from having to suffer international roaming charges, which are often more expensive because they cover the costs of accessing and maintaining secure, reliable mobile networks abroad. This means potentially high charges to use a mobile from many of the places British troops are likely to be stationed. For instance, a 1-hour call from the USA, Canada or Kenya could sometimes cost £144, and for places like Germany, Gibraltar, Norway, Cyprus and Estonia it would be £36.

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

News

Digital Catapult has admitted six international Open RAN vendors to the next phase of its advanced connectivity programme, aiming to accelerate trials and commercial deployment of Open RAN in the UK

The organisations – Accelleran, Antevia Networks, Benetel, G REIGNS, IS‑Wireless, and Pegatron 5G – will use Digital Catapult’s SONIC Labs for interoperability and end‑to‑end testing.

The facility, backed by Ofcom and funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), has previously tested 71 Open RAN products from 26 vendors.

Digital Catapult says the programme is intended to broaden supplier pipelines for mobile operators and to help smaller vendors scale by providing technical validation, market‑readiness support and commercial guidance. Participating vendors can achieve Interoperability (IOT) and End‑to‑End (E2E) badges that can certify readiness and reduce integration risk for operators.

The incoming cohort brings a mix of radio units and disaggregated software components. Accelleran and Antevia will contribute centralised and distributed units (CU/DU) for fronthaul interoperability trials; Benetel and Pegatron will supply indoor radio units; IS‑Wireless will provide a CU and parts of the DU layer for full E2E testing; and G REIGNS will present CU and DU elements for private network scenarios.

Telecoms Minister Liz Lloyd said the programme would help “tackle poor connectivity challenges, diversify our telecoms supply chains and support economic growth.” Digital Catapult’s chief technology officer, Joe Butler, highlighted the facility’s role as the UK’s only Open Testing and Integration Centre (OTIC) and said testing and badging would help reduce integration complexity.

Open RAN, which separates hardware and software components in mobile networks to encourage multi‑vendor ecosystems, has been promoted by UK government policy as a means to increase supply chain resilience and competition. In fact, it has previously set targets of 35% of the UK’s network traffic to be carried over Open RAN by 2030.

However, deployment has faced technical and commercial hurdles, including interoperability, performance parity with incumbent vendor solutions, and the cost and complexity of integrating disaggregated components at scale. Vodafone is currently the only mobile operator in the UK to use Open RAN tech in its commercial network, aiming for 2,500 sites by 2027.

Industry observers say testbeds and independent validation can address some of the barriers by demonstrating real‑world performance and simplifying operator procurement. Yet scaling Open RAN into large public networks will require sustained operator investment, mature software stacks, and robust supply chains.

Also in the news
Connected Britain Award winners 2025 announced!
Netomnia announces ‘powerful and ambitious’ rebrand ahead of Connected Britain
VodafoneThree drops Samsung, relies on Nokia and Ericsson for £2bn network upgrade

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

Press Release

FiberCop, the company running Italy’s most advanced, extensive and widespread digital network infrastructure has signed a strategic partnership with FMC GlobalSat and its 100% owned subsidiary MTNSat “MTN”, a world-class satellite network operator, to develop cutting-edge hybrid terrestrial-satellite solutions to deliver stable connectivity in remote areas across Italy.

This agreement represents one of the first architectures of its kind developed worldwide over Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks. Altogether, both companies have successfully completed tests with hybrid network architectures that integrate LEO satellite services into terrestrial infrastructures, specifically combining fiber access with LEO satellite backhauling. A fully integrated architecture of this kind has been implemented within a terrestrial network environment using Layer2+PPPoE (a typical protocol for Terrestrial Networks).

Alma Fazzolari, Director of Strategic Governance at FiberCop, commented: “It was an extraordinary moment to witness the first data transfer over a hybrid terrestrial-satellite architecture combining fiber access with satellite backhaul. We were all aware we were experiencing, altogether and with strong team spirit, a historic milestone for the future of telecommunications.  This initiative confirms FiberCop’s role as a technology operator for the development of cutting-edge connectivity solutions. The integration of fiber access and satellite backhaul represents a strategic evolution of our infrastructure, allowing us to extend ultrabroadband coverage even in the most logistical and geographically complex areas.”

This initiative creates a robust platform capable of extending and accelerating high-speed broadband access to remote towns across Italy, more specifically in areas where it is physically challenging to deploy full-terrestrial networks to connect customers.

Emmanuel Cotrel, CEO of FMC GlobalSat/MTN, commented: ”This project marks a pivotal moment for both FiberCop and FMC GlobalSat/MTN, and more importantly, for digital connectivity and access in Italy. Thanks to the power of our LEO satellite networks and FiberCop’s leading fiber infrastructure, communities around the country will no longer be limited by the cost or physical barriers of laying fiber in remote terrains.”

The FiberCop–FMC GlobalSat partnership brings together two industry leaders in terrestrial and satellite connectivity.

FiberCop runs Italy’s most advanced, extensive and pervasive digital network infrastructure. With 26 million km of fibre optic cable already laid – a distance equal to more than 600 times the Earth’s circumference – and ultra-broadband coverage reaching over 96% of active lines, the company provides high-performance connectivity. The FTTH (Fibre To The Home) network reaches about 40% of premises in the country, ensuring speed and reliability for households and businesses. With 14 million active lines (as of July 2025), FiberCop is Italy’s leader in fixed broadband access, offering operators reliable and innovative solutions based on a state-of-the-art network that is constantly evolving.

FMC GlobalSat/MTN is a world-class network operator with over 40 years of experience that connects global operations with the speed, security, and trust required for success. Its multi-network architecture delivers resilient, fully managed connectivity for critical systems and remote teams across the maritime, energy, government, and enterprise sectors. Headquartered in Florida with offices across Europe, the Middle East and South America, the company has pioneered the delivery of converged connectivity solutions on a global scale by partnering with companies such as SpaceX-Starlink and OneWeb.