Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

The UK communications regulator, Ofcom, has today decided to proceed with all the proposals they outlined in January 2025 to exempt lots of additional equipment from needing a wireless telegraphy licence, such as 5G handsets and dongles on aircraft or ships and 5.8GHz (5725-5850 MHz) Fixed Wireless Access kit – used by many wireless broadband ISPs.

“After careful consideration of the consultation responses, we have decided to proceed with all the proposals outlined in the consultation document, subject to some small clarifications and amendments. These will be implemented in phases over the next 12 months, including consultation on the Notices of proposed regulatory amendments,” said Ofcom’s statement today.

The move suggests that, among other things, we might start to see more aircraft and ships offering onboard 5G (mobile broadband) connectivity in the future instead of just WiFi. In addition, companies like Tarana Wireless will also be able to proceed with their plan for making the 5.8GHz band available to wireless broadband ISPs in the UK via a free software update (here).

However, the full list of changes is much longer and also touches many other sectors, which we’ve summarised below.

Ofcom’s Decision

Following consultation, we have taken a policy decision that we will authorise new licence exempt use of some equipment and amend the current technical conditions that apply to some existing licence exemptions. The changes fall into two primary categories, as set out below:

1. Exemptions that will harmonise the conditions of use of certain equipment in the UK with other countries.

• Mobile Communications onboard Aircraft (MCAs) and Vessels (MCVs) – we will enable the licence-exempt use of 5G terminals (handsets and dongles) connecting to a dedicated mobile base station on an aircraft or ship.

• Short Range Devices (SRDs) – we will introduce new licence exemptions for the use of additional SRD equipment and to amend existing licence exemption rules for a range of SRDs. This will affect some indoor security scanners; audio Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) devices; inductive (Radio Frequency Inductive Device) RFID systems; active medical implants; assistive listening devices; low duty cycle / high reliability devices; transport and traffic telematics devices; and the non-specific SRD category of devices.

• Ultra-Wideband (UWB) – we will introduce new licence exemptions and amend existing ones for operating certain UWB equipment. These changes affect location tracking devices (e.g. for parking management, home security and access control systems), general vehicle applications (e.g. for use at high density road crossings) and indoor only applications (e.g. tracing people within buildings) in the 6-8.5 GHz frequency band, as well as existing rules for generic UWB devices. We will also change the way in which we reference certain indoor only applications to align with other countries.

• Autonomous maritime radio devices (AMRDs) – we will introduce a new licence exemption for use of AMRD equipment categorised as ‘Group B’ equipment where this uses Channel 2006 (160.9 MHz). These devices alert other users of their presence and can include diver and fishing net locating devices.

2. Exemptions identified by Ofcom through our simplification programme of work. We have concluded that there are a number of areas where we can simplify how we authorise the use of specific equipment. Under this category, we will introduce either a new exemption or make amendments to an existing one in relation to the following equipment:

• Coastal Station Radio (Training School) – we will introduce a new licence exemption for use of these very low power indoor systems used for training purposes. Training schools will still be required to abide by the existing technical conditions of operation.

• Testing and Development Under Suppressed Radiation Conditions – we will amend the existing licence exemption to increase the spectrum ceiling from 960 MHz to 275 GHz. This change will remove the need for some users to obtain an Innovation and Trial licence when testing or developing equipment in an indoor, suppressed environment at specified power levels.

• Amateur Radio Full (Temporary Reciprocal) – we will introduce a new licence exemption for short-term use of Radio Amateur equipment by Radio Amateurs visiting from countries that are not covered by the CEPT Recommendation T/R 61-02, but with whom the UK has a bilateral reciprocal agreement. In light of responses, we will make some changes to the foreign licence qualification criteria we originally proposed to reflect changes that have occurred in those foreign administrations; and

• 5.8 GHz (5725-5850 MHz) Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) – we will introduce a new licence exemption for use of this equipment. Operators of the equipment will still need to comply with the existing technical conditions set out in IR 2007.

We will need to make a number of different exemption regulations to implement the decisions set out in this document. We are planning to make the regulations in phases and will publish a Notice of proposed Regulations shortly for the first implementation phase covering SRDs, AMRDs, Coastal Station Radio (Training School) and 5.8 GHz FWA. In some cases, we will also make changes to licences once the Regulations have come into effect. We anticipate the following phases will take place over the next 12 months.

The overview section in this document is a simplified high-level summary only. The decisions we have taken and our reasoning are set out in the full document.

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

Press Release

Ericsson  and Saudi Railway Company (SAR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on advancing rail operations through 5G technology.

The collaboration aims to modernize the rail’s communication systems, improve passenger experience, and drive digital advancements within the transportation sector in alignment with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy of Saudi Vision 2030. By introducing state-of-the-art 5G infrastructure into rail networks, the collaboration aims to enhance the reliability and connectivity of railway systems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Ericsson will provide its expertise in 5G and Future Railway Mobile Communication Systems (FRMCS) technologies by deploying the solutions, infrastructure, and technical support required to enable advanced rail communication and operational capabilities.

Under the MoU, Ericsson and SAR will deploy mission-critical 5G capabilities to ensure reliable and secure rail communications and enhanced rail performance services. They will also develop and test FRMCS-based use cases, and high-speed broadband solutions for passengers (“Gigabit train”).

The collaboration will also involve establishing a test lab or innovation center to validate 5G applications in a rail context, creating training programs to upskill SAR’s teams in FRMCS/5G rail technologies, and conducting a trial deployment of Ericsson’s solutions on one of SAR’s existing rail lines to evaluate integration and performance in real-world conditions. It will also enable use cases such as train control, staff communications, real-time video streaming, and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity onboard trains.

The collaboration between Ericsson and SAR highlights the transformative potential that 5G technology can offer to the railway industry and marks an important step toward the modernization of rail communication systems in Saudi Arabia. Together, they are setting the tracks for a connected and efficient railway network that supports the national digital transformation goals of the Kingdom.

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

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Connected Britain Award winners 2025 announced!
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Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Sky Business, the business broadband and wholesale focused division of Sky UK, has today expanded their product offerings by launching a new SIM-Only mobile service that’s been designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SME) across the country. Prices start at £11 +vat per month for a 10GB data plan (inc. unlimited calls & texts) and go up to £35 for an unlimited data.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the new service shares a lot in common with their consumer-focused Sky Mobile plans, such as the ability to roll-over unused data and the ability to flexibly change package plans when required, among other things (see below). This will also harness the same Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) platform agreement with O2.

Customers will be able to buy Sky Business mobile SIM-Only plans from Sky’s contact centre teams this month, followed by digital e-commerce sales “later in the year” (contact 0333 759 4987 for more info.).

Sky Business Mobile Features

➤ Roll & Share: Unused data is rolled over for 12-months and stored in a Databank. It is then automatically shared with team members if they run out of data.

➤ Flex: Data plans can be moved up or down at any time to meet changing usage needs.

➤ Switching confidence: Sky Business commits to no mid-contract price rises and offers a 30-day money back guarantee.

➤ Dedicated business support: Available 24/7 across mobile and broadband.

➤ Exclusive offer: Existing Sky Business customers are offered 25% off the monthly tariff price on 12, 24 and 36 monthly contracts.

Mayuresh Thavapalan, Sky Business’ Commercial and Marketing Director, said: “Unused data is an invisible cost for many UK businesses, often going unnoticed month after month. With Roll & Share, Sky Business mobile helps organisations reclaim value from data that would otherwise be lost, ensuring teams benefit from every gigabyte.”

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Network operator Openreach (BT) has notified UK internet providers (ISPs) about the looming launch of a new special offer on their Ethernet Access Direct (EAD) lines for speeds of 1Gbps or below. The deal will apply a rental discount of 10% on the current one-year term rental prices with no CPI price rises for a full 36 or 60 months in return for signing up to a new 36 or 60-month term.

Competition in the business connectivity market for high-speed Ethernet is growing, not only from rival networks but also from the attraction of cheaper – albeit more consumer grade – Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) lines and alternatives like EoFTTP. But Ethernet’s ability to deliver a private uncontended circuit with better Service Level Agreements (SLA) still has plenty of merit, and the new offer may help to make EAD look a bit more attractive.

At the time of writing, Openreach doesn’t yet appear to have published a public briefing on the new promotion, although their related pricing data has been updated. This notes that the new offer is applicable to EAD circuits at speeds of up to 1000Mbps in the business access market (CLA, HNR, Area 2 or Area 3) that have been held for 3 or more years (i.e. trying to keep existing users loyal).

However, the new offer does emerge during a period where Openreach has recently been the subject of a few competitive complaints by rivals for some of their FTTP discounts (here), although it’s unclear if the new Ethernet promotion will attract similar gripes from the business connectivity side of the market. But ISPreview has already noted a few grumbles from within the industry about it.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Internet service provider WightFibre, which is deploying a Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) based gigabit broadband network across the Isle of Wight – just off the South Coast of Hampshire (England), have begun informing existing customers of their full fibre packages that they’ll now have to pay a monthly fee to keep their “free” phone line service.

Just to recap. Until recently WightFibre had been bundling a “free” fibre-based phone line service with any of their full-fibre broadband packages and also with flexible plans for international calls, anytime calls or evening and weekends. But other customers would have typically paid £6.25 per month for this service, which also includes features like voicemail, call forwarding, rejection, caller ID and more.

However, existing customers of the service have informed ISPreview that WightFibre has emailed them to say, starting in December 2025, they will be ending the free service and instead “introducing a small £2 monthly charge for your telephone line.” In fairness, that’s still incredibly cheap for such a service, particularly given how others can charge several times that amount for the same sort of product.

The provider states that this is because “our costs in providing this service have risen significantly over the last 5 years“. Existing customers who make use of this service will thus find that WightFibre adds an automatic £2 charge for the phone line service to their bills from 1st December 2025.

Customers who no longer wish to use the service can instead request its removal by responding to the provider’s email, but they must do so before 23rd November 2025. But naturally WightFibre adds that “removing your telephone line means you’ll lose your home phone number and you won’t be able to reclaim it later if you decide to add a line again“.

“We understand that price changes aren’t ideal, and we’re committed to keeping costs fair while continuing to improve your service. If you have any questions or would like help deciding what’s best for you, feel free to call us on 01983 24 24 24 – we’re happy to help. Thank you for being a valued WightFibre customer,” concluded the email.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Bad weather means customers of broadband and mobile providers Vodafone, Sky Broadband and TalkTalk on Shetland, which is a remote UK subarctic archipelago that resides north of the Scottish mainland, will have to wait until Tuesday until repair ship Cable Vigilance can complete its fix of the recently broken SHEFA-2 (Faroese Telecom) subsea cable.

The SHEFA-2 cable reaches Shetland via two landing sites, including one stretch that goes north up to the Faroe Islands and another that runs south to connect Orkney and the Scottish Mainland. The damage, which occurred on 3rd October 2025 during Storm Amy (here), came only a few short months after a fishing vessel struck the same cable (here and here). But this time the cable was broken around 1.5km off the coast of Orkney on a “section that has previously experienced problems caused by natural forces (tides/current).”

Such breaks typically take a few weeks to fully repair, depending upon the weather, damage, location and availability of repair ships. The last break was repaired within less than two weeks, but this one was expected to take a little longer because the damage is in shallow water – close to shore – and required a new cable landing at the Ayre of Cara (Orkney).

According to Shetland Telecom, which alongside BT has not been impacted by the damaged subsea fibre (they both have better redundancy), “most of the preparatory work is now complete and the vessel is standing by to begin the main repair once weather conditions allow“. The main repair operation is now expected to take place during early Tuesday, “when sea conditions are expected to improve“.

Depending on weather and sea conditions, full restoration of the cable connection is now expected by Tuesday evening (it was previously due for completion yesterday).

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Broadband, technology and telecoms operator JT (Jersey Telecom), which is owned by The States of Jersey and headquartered in St Helier, has expanded its reach from the English Channel Islands to include the Isle of Man after they partnered with CVC DIF (CVC Capital Partners) to acquire the Manx Telecom Group.

Manx Telecom is of course the primary telecoms network for premises across the remote Isle of Man, which is a British Crown Dependency in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. Suffice to say that JT’s deal will see them deliver a combined group that serves customers in Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man and across the globe – creating the largest full-service telecoms provider across the Crown Dependencies.

Details of the agreement remain unclear, although JT has vaguely expressed that they hold a “shared commitment to continue investing in resilient and secure, next-generation digital networks, including 5G, fibre, IoT platforms, and managed services to support customers’ use of those networks“.

The partnership with CVC DIF is also expected top “bring additional capital and sector expertise” to support the long-term growth of the partnership, although once again there were no specifics in the announcement.

Daragh McDermott, CEO of JT Group, said:

“Alongside our strategic partner in CVC DIF, this marks a major step forward for JT and Manx Telecom. With the deep sector expertise, we’re building a powerful platform for innovation and investment – one that is rooted in supporting our local economies and communities and built to compete and grow globally.

The JT and Manx Telecom teams share similar values and ambition, making the acquisition a perfect fit, and allowing us to accelerate our plans to secure further scale and growth of IoT and managed service lines of business, whilst continuing to serve our existing markets, with the same dedication and care that has become our hallmark.”

Tom Goossens, Partner and Co-Head of the DIF Infrastructure fund strategy at CVC DIF, said:

“Our investment in Manx Telecom Group reflects our conviction in the long-term value of resilient, locally rooted digital infrastructure. As the Isle of Man’s incumbent operator, Manx Telecom Group offers a strong platform for innovation and growth, and we are excited to support its next phase of development.

The partnership with JT Group further builds on this foundation, enabling us to scale operational capabilities across the Crown Dependencies and beyond. Together, we aim to accelerate investment in next-generation networks and deliver enhanced connectivity and enterprise services to customers.”

Apparently, customers across the Crown Dependencies can now “look forward to broader service options” (again, no details or examples were provided), although it’s worth noting that both operators were already busy investing in FTTP and 5G mobile deployments before the agreement was signed.

The deal also makes no mention of whether or not JT will retain the Manx branding or eventually bring everything under one roof, but for now most of the changes are likely to be more internal.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Hundreds of customers on Netomnia’s (Substantial Group) alternative broadband network in the Bristol (South West England) area, which has now covered 2.8 million UK premises RFS (inc. 400,000 customers) with their full fibre (FTTP) lines, are suffering connectivity problems after Openreach “took down one of our main cables” yesterday afternoon.

According to a brief service status update, which was posted to the website of their main ISP, YouFibre: “We are currently experiencing issues in the Filton area. If you are in the area and you are experiencing issues, please rest assured that we are already working hard to resolve the issues. Thank you for your patience.”

Filton is a town about 6 miles north of Bristol on one of Netomnia’s main fibre links into the city. Details of the outage remain unclear, although Netomnia’s CEO, Jeremy Chelot, this morning stated via X that Openreach’s engineers were to blame: “Sorry Bristol, Openreach took down one of our main cables yesterday evening! We have c.500 customers impacted!”

The latest update a few minutes ago indicates that the number of customers still offline is around 200-300. ISPreview understands that the accident occurred at around 5pm yesterday, while Openreach’s engineers were working to pull a new sub duct, albeit breaking Netomnia’s duct/cable at the same time. Repairs to main fibre links can be complex and time-consuming, although Netomnia hope to have it fixed by tonight.

Sadly, such accidents, while rare, do occasionally occur when network operators need to work in close proximity to each other’s infrastructure (Netomnia runs a lot of their fibre via Openreach’s existing cable ducts and poles). Thankfully, this outage only impacts part of Netomnia’s network in the Bristol area. The operator has invested £47.7m to deploy their fibre across 159,000 premises in the area.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

The Scottish Government put out a brief notice this week to say that their “upgraded address checker … is now live” for broadband coverage, which apparently “now includes more detailed info on access and our delivery programmes“, albeit seemingly without providing any further specifics to better explain what’s changed.

The checker itself can be found here – https://broadbandchecker.service.gov.scot – and to our eyes the output is still fairly basic. In particular, we note that if your area hasn’t yet been reached by a gigabit-capable broadband service, but it is PLANNED to be covered, then the checker still doesn’t provide any indication of when that roll-out is expected to take place.

Scotland currently has two major gigabit-broadband focused roll-out programmes. Firstly, there’s the R100 £697m Reaching 100% (R100) project with Openreach (BT), which aims to expand full fibre (FTTP) coverage to a further 113,000 hard to reach premises by March 2028 (here). After that there are also several recent Project Gigabit contracts with GoFibre and Openreach, which should reach another 139,00 premises (combined) over the next few years with a UK public investment of around £288m (here, here and here).

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

The United Kingdom isn’t exactly short on consumer ISP options right now, but Glasgow-based Fibeo has revealed to ISPreview that they’re currently planning to join the club sometime in “early” 2026 – powered by the Dotlines Catena Cloud platform and the PXC (formerly TalkTalk Wholesale) broadband network.

At present the internet provider’s official website is just a blank holding page, although they’re promising no hidden costs and to “[put] people first with simple, reliable connections and support that’s responsive, personal and built around the customer“.

Every broadband package will also include the Audra Safe wireless router (the same one Carnival Internet UK use – here), designed to give households greater control over their internet use. With built-in security features, parental controls, and device management through an easy-to-use app. An optional VPN product to enhance online privacy and security will also be made available.

Caelan Grant, Founder & MD of Fibeo, said:

“The UK broadband market has been dominated for too long by the same names, the same problems, and the same poor customer experience. Fibeo is here to disrupt that. Our focus is fast, fair broadband with clear pricing and customer support that actually works for households.”

The company added that they’re working with other trusted partners, including The Kenton Group for hardware distribution and GoCardless for payment processing. The goal is to ensure their network is reliable, scalable and future-proof from day one.

“Fibeo exists to fix what the big providers broke. No hidden costs. No endless call queues. No passing the buck. Just reliable broadband, clear answers, and a team that genuinely cares,” said the announcement. We’ve heard claims like this before, and the proof will always be in the pudding.