Asterion-backed network provider MS3, which is working to deploy a new 10Gbps capable Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP / XGS-PON) broadband ISP network to cover 500,000 premises across the North of England by around 2026 (here), has announced that their build in the Lincolnshire town of Scunthorpe has finally started to go live. MS3 began deploying their new […]

PRESS RELEASE

This new LilaConnect build will provide 21,500 homes and businesses with access to one of the fastest, most reliable internet connections anywhere in the UK. That’s 17,500 in Cannock and 4,000 in Penkridge. LilaConnect is committed to long-term investment in Cannock and Penkridge, and these new gigabit full fibre networks will provide an invaluable, long-term boost for their local economy.

The first areas are expected to go January 2023 with all premises – both residential and commercial – having access to this lightning-fast, stable internet connectivity by December 2023.

LilaConnect builds FTTP networks (fibre-to-the-premises) where its fibre optic cables are laid all the way from the signal source directly into your property. This differs from most other major network operators who combine a blend of copper and fibre optic cables often shared between homes and businesses. This direct full fibre solution gives greater stability reducing the chance for a dropped connection, but it’s the speed and capacity of the service that’s most impressive. 

The common problem of slow internet and buffering when multiple devices are being used at the same time, no longer exists with LilaConnect’s full fibre broadband. Whether someone is trying to work from home whilst their kids are doing their schoolwork, streaming films, or online gaming, all can be enjoyed at the same time. Customers who sign-up for an internet service can receive incredibly fast upload and download speeds – up to 1 Gigabit per second each way simultaneously. If you’re wondering what that looks like, if you’re currently paying for a 60 Mbps connection, a 12GB HD movie might take around 25 minutes to download. LilaConnect’s 1 Gigabit full fibre service gets the job done in under 2 minutes.  

There’s also the opportunity to add telephone services without the need to create bundle packages to secure the best level discounts. Not only is service performance exceptional but the pricing of service options from 250Mbps up to 1 Gigabit is extraordinarily competitive.

Sarah Grange, Head of Deployments at LilaConnect explained: 

“We are proud to be starting the construction of the new LilaConnect gigabit full fibre network in Cannock and Penkridge in Staffordshire. It will enable all businesses and residents in both counties to take advantage of the best-in-class full fibre internet connectivity, ensuring they can access a broadband service that’s not only lightning-fast, but stable, secure, and reliable. These are all essential features that help businesses to flourish and residents to thrive in today’s digital age.

“In addition to our builds in Leek and Uttoxeter, Cannock and Penkridge represents the next step in our investment into the Staffordshire area. It’s a big leap forward in our progress to ensure that the whole region can benefit from first-class connectivity that is future-proofed for the decades to come.” 

Aligned with its other full fibre projects across the UK, LilaConnect is putting community interest at the forefront of its operations. Cannock and Penkridge residents and business owners will undoubtedly be affected whilst the fibre optic cables are being laid, but LilaConnect will make it an absolute priority to ensure that work is carried out as quickly and efficiently as possible.  Dedicated cleaning teams are employed to thoroughly sweep, and jet wash pavements and driveways once reinstated tarmac has settled. In addition, the LilaConnect clean-up team will be deployed to wash windows and cars too.  Litter pickers will be out and about to make sure that everything is looking clean and tidy during the dig project, and the Community Engagement and Sales teams will be on-hand to meet with residents, to answer any questions about the project.  

This forms part of an ambitious rollout programme across the UK, which includes cities and towns such as Bristol, Colchester, Crewe, Nantwich, Stoke-on-Trent, Leek, Uttoxeter to name a few – with more to follow throughout 2022.  

Residents and businesses interested in connecting to the new LilaConnect full fibre network can register their interest at www.lilaconnect.co.uk. 

The post LilaConnect brings new GIGABIT FULL FIBRE, Lightning-fast broadband to towns in Staffordshire first appeared on Total Telecom.

CONTRIBUTED NEWS

CEA, a technology-research organization, and Astrocast, a leading global satellite Internet of Things network operator, have announced their successful collaboration on a low-cost, bidirectional communication module that enables corporations to communicate with their remote assets in areas not covered by terrestrial networks.

The module’s L-band chip, based on a new architecture developed by CEA-Leti, is a key hardware component that enables Astrocast customers to cost-efficiently communicate with their assets in the field via its network. It was completed earlier this year in an expedited project between the research institute and Astrocast, and is embedded in Astrocast’s RF module, called Astronode S.

The chip’s architecture is split over the RF core and digital processing and control units. It is fully optimized to support Astrocast’s dedicated bidirectional ground-to-satellite protocol and provides an optimal trade-off between link budget and low-power and low-cost constraints. The chip also embeds all low-earth orbit (LEO), satellite-specific features such as satellite detection and robustness to Doppler shift.

The miniaturized, surface-mount module communicates with terrestrial devices via Astrocast’s constellation of LEO satellites. Using the L-band spectrum, the network primarily targets maritime, oil & gas, agriculture, land transport and environmental applications in which ubiquitous coverage is required.

“Terrestrial IoT networks cover only about 15 percent of the planet, which leaves vast remote and rural areas where our global satellite network provides coverage that is crucial for our target markets,” said Laurent Vieira de Mello, Astrocast’s COO. “Leveraging its expertise embedded in a preliminary version of the RF chip, CEA-Leti developed its chip and delivered the final prototype to meet our requirements and time-to-market goals. They managed the chip technology transfer to our industrialization, qualification and production partner.”

The project’s critical time-to-market window was managed through a flexible collaboration model covering both prototype and industrialization phases.

“An accelerated time-to-market goal drove this project from the outset,” said Michel Durr, business development manager at CEA-Leti. “We pioneered this RF technology in 2019, and our team customized it for Astrocast up to production in only three years.”

CEA-Leti’s industrial tester used for characterization was key to accelerating from prototype to production, which enabled prototype characterization in parallel on the tester and in the lab, Durr explained.

“This process provided a short-loop debug capability with all skills available at CEA-Leti, and enabled us to deliver fully validated inputs to Astrocast’s industrialization partner for an easier industrial test-program development,” he said.

The low-energy, compact, surface-mount Astronode S module for highly integrated, battery-powered IoT systems offers a total cost of ownership up to three times lower than traditional satellite IoT alternatives.

 

The post CEA RF Chip Enables Ultralow-Power IoT Connectivity For Remote Devices Via Astrocast’s Nanosatellite Network first appeared on Total Telecom.

VIEWPOINT

Amazon Astro is one of the most anticipated smart home tech releases of 2022. Think of it as an Alexa on wheels. Equipped with a moving 1080p periscope camera, the Astro will move around your home providing Alexa services like video chat. It can also closely integrate with Amazon Ring products to improve home security, says Jocelyn Brown, freelance technology writer.

Indeed, smart home devices are rapidly advancing to make our home lives more enjoyable and convenient, as well as improve home value. If you’re selling your smart-enabled property, you’ll likely be leaving behind fixed devices (like thermostats, security cameras, flood lights, door locks, and garden irrigation systems).

Knowing what to do with these devices will help protect your privacy and security, as well as the privacy and security of the new homeowner.

Factory reset your devices

Before leaving your property, log out of all your accounts and delete all your devices (including door locks, security cameras, sensors, and thermostats) from the smart home apps on your phone, so you can no longer access them. You should also factory reset all devices left behind, which reassures the buyer you can no longer access the home’s cameras and locks.

Some devices can be reset via their companion app, while others can be reset on the device. Other devices, however, may be more of a challenge. For instance, if you’re leaving behind a smart ceiling light, its corresponding hub will also need to stay. If the light doesn’t have a hub, it can be reset via the smartphone app and the new homeowner will be free to connect the bulb to their phone and Wi-Fi router.

Delete your accounts (or don’t)

You may want to delete accounts associated with smart devices you’re leaving behind. So, for example, if you’re leaving your Rachio irrigation system and aren’t purchasing one for your new home, you can factory reset the device, delete the account, and sign out of the app.

However, account deletion may not always be required. You could simply reset the device and hold onto your Rachio account just in case you decide to install one in your new home. You can also keep your Google Home or Alexa accounts, for example, while deleting and factory resetting any devices left behind. You’re then free to move other devices to your new home where they’ll function with your existing apps. Although an exciting time, moving home can be overwhelming, especially for children. It’s therefore important that you manage the move well and keep the kids happy. By knowing the smart devices you take to your new home will work right away, you can enjoy an easier moving-in experience.

Provide useful information
The new homeowners will likely appreciate having the details of the manufacturer, exact model, and age of the smart devices you’re leaving behind. Factory reset instructions will also be helpful. Lastly, if you’re leaving any newer products, relevant paperwork will be needed if the new owners need to make a warranty claim.

If you’re moving home, knowing exactly what to do with your smart devices will make the process a lot easier. Factory resetting your devices, deleting necessary accounts, and leaving behind useful information will protect the privacy and security of yourself and the new homeowner.

The author is freelance technology writer, Jocelyn Brown. This article first appeared on www.iotglobalnetwork.com

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The post Moving home? Here’s what to do with your smart home devices first appeared on Total Telecom.

PRESS RELEASE

President Director and CEO of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH), Vikram Sinha, spoke during the headliner session of TM Forum’s Digital Transformation World 2022 about “A Blueprint of Growth.” During his session, Vikram explained how IOH plays an important role in showcasing Indonesia as the next digital powerhouse. He further shared the journey of IOH from Indosat’s three-year turnaround strategy to our merger story, how we unite as IOH and maintain our two brands, IM3 and 3, together for Indonesia.

Indonesia is a beautiful country with great potential in its nature, culture, and people. It has around 275 million residents, 62 million SMEs, and established 12 of the 24 unicorns in Southeast Asia. Indonesia is forecasted to become the 10th biggest GDP by 2030 and the 4th largest by 2045. Moreover, the country’s internet economy reached US$70 bn, signifying an optimistic outlook for the populous nation and its digital economy.

In 2019, IOH, previously known as Indosat Ooredoo, executed a successful three-year turnaround strategy to bring glory back for Indosat. IOH was born on January 4, 2022, combining two complementary businesses of Indosat Ooredoo and Hutchison Tri Indonesia. With a larger purpose, IOH aims to connect and empower the people of Indonesia by accelerating the nation’s digital transformation. The company continues to embrace the spirit of Gotong Royong by collaborating with the Government of Indonesia and global partners.

President Director and CEO of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, Vikram Sinha, said, “IOH was born with a purpose to connect and empower every Indonesian. And there’s only one way to achieve this through the power of collaboration, or in Indonesia, we call it Gotong Royong, a win-win collaboration spirit to reach a larger purpose together. At IOH, I encourage the entire management team and our employees to think big and maximize Indonesia’s potential, stay focused on building and growing customer trust through strengthening our core business, and continue enabling and empowering communities.”

As part of its support in driving the Government’s digital agenda, IOH launched 5G in 6 cities, including the most recent 5G launch, partnered with Huawei, a reliable network infrastructure provider, in Bali to support G20 presidencies.

CEO of Huawei Indonesia, Jacky Chen, said “We are proud to partner with IOH to empower Indonesia. The 5G launch is aligned with our goal to stimulate and accelerate innovation as we move one step closer to the future”

IOH also formed other strategic global partnerships to bring the best digital solutions to the people of Indonesia. Together with BDx and Lintasarta, the company established BDx Indonesia to elevate Indonesia’s data center business. The company recently introduced the UMKM Super Combo package, in collaboration with Google Cloud, to provide cost-efficient solutions for MSMEs in Indonesia to develop their businesses.

In line with its mission to deliver world-class digital experiences, connecting and empowering every Indonesian, IOH stays committed to supporting the Government in driving Indonesia to become the region’s digital powerhouse.

The post IOH’s CEO spoke at TM Forum’s DTW 2022 on empowering Indonesia first appeared on Total Telecom.

Network operator and UK ISP Connexin, which is investing £80m to deploy a 10Gbps capable Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband network across parts of Hull and Yorkshire (here and here), has today added the East Riding village of Cottingham and the North Yorkshire town of Scarborough to their build plan. The operator, which started building the new […]

The UK Government’s new Culture Secretary, Michelle Donelan, has signalled that the mess of complex and confusing legislation that is the Online Safety Bill (OSB), which seeks to tackle “harmful” internet content (i.e. via website blocks by broadband ISPs, fines and other sanctions), is likely to be softened before it returns to parliament. The idea […]

The annual Connected Britain Awards 2022 (Total Telecom) event took place last night, which among other things saw B4RN (Broadband for the Rural North) scoop the coveted “Broadband Provider of the Year” award and CityFibre – for the second year running – take home the “Project Rollout Award“. All of the organisations that entered – […]

Network operator LilaConnect, which is a subsidiary of Swedish provider VXFIBER, has this morning announced that they’ve added 2 additional towns in Staffordshire (England) to their UK rollout of a new “open access” and gigabit speed Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband ISP network – Cannock and Penkridge. The operator is currently building their full fibre network across […]

Network operator Netomnia (supported by UK ISP YouFibre), which is currently working to cover 1 million premises across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland with their gigabit-capable full fibre broadband network by the end of 2023, has updated their rollout map to include some useful extra detail. Until now the operator, which has already covered […]