FullFibre Ltd Boosts UK FTTP Internet Security with Gigabit IQ Solutions
Network operator FullFibre Limited (Fibre Heroes), which has already built their open access Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband network to cover 380,000 UK premises, has today announced that they’ve improved their internet security features by adopting Gigabit IQ’s FamilyGuard+ and CyberGuard+ services. The announcement, which somewhat confusingly came via retail ISP BeFibre, requires some additional context because Gigabit IQ is also the new name of alternative rural broadband ISP...
Altnets Gain Ability to Replace Openreach Copper Lines with Fibre on Poles
Network operator Openreach (BT) has announced that engineers working for alternative UK broadband networks (altnets) have finally gained a limited ability to replace existing copper drop wires with fibre optic lines on their telecoms poles. Previously, altnets had to wait on the incumbent’s own engineers before this work could be done. One of the problems with poles is that they can only handle so many cables and related kit before weight becomes a problem (example), which can create a...
KCOM Make Amazon eero 6+ Routers Available to Broadband Users
Macquarie-backed telecoms operator and UK ISP KCOM, which is deploying a gigabit broadband (FTTP) network across East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire in England, has today become the latest internet provider to announce that they will “shortly” be adopting Amazon’s eero 6+ mesh Wi-Fi routers for their service. According to KCOM, the eero 6+ devices that they will be making available to their customers in Hull and beyond should deliver “world-class connectivity, enhanced broadband experience, new...
Mobile Operator iD Mobile Tops 2 Million UK Subscriptions
Low-cost mobile operator iD Mobile (Currys), which harnesses Three UK’s national 4G and 5G network via a virtual operator (MVNO) partnership, has today celebrated another significant milestone by reaching a total of 2 million subscribers (up by 488,000 in the year) and ahead of its original projections. Despite facing some calls from Curry’s investors who want to see the mobile operator sold (here), iD Mobile has continued to pick up various awards over the past year for their budget offerings...
Virgin Media O2 UK Switches on First 5G Standalone Small Cells
After launching their commercial 5G Standalone (SA) mobile network during February 2024 (here), O2 (Virgin Media) has today followed that up by claiming to have become the “first UK operator to switch on 5G standalone small cells“. Customers in Birmingham city centre will be the first to benefit from the faster mobile broadband kit (up to 300Mbps). Small cells are like mini shoebox sized mobile (radio) base stations, which have been designed to deliver limited coverage (usually up to around...
Mobily and Telecom Egypt to deploy Red Sea submarine cable
News The two companies first signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the cable in 2022 Saudi Arabian telco Mobily has partnered with Telecom Egypt to launch the first submarine cable connecting Saudi Arabia and Egypt through the Red Sea. The new cable, which will be wholly owned by Mobily, aims to improve connectivity and meet the growing demand for internet services in both countries. The cable will land at two stations: Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt and Duba in Saudi Arabia. The connection...
Channel Islands 5G Boost as Sure Complete Airtel Vodafone Acquisition
Mobile and broadband operator Sure, which serves the English Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey, has announced the completion of their move to acquire rival Airtel Vodafone. The deal also signals the start of their pledge to invest £48m into building a new “world-class” 5G mobile network across the islands. The deal, which only became possible after the States of Guernsey recently voted to temporarily suspend local competition law in order to allow the pair to merge (here), will also...
SK Telecom announces “AI Infrastructure Superhighway”
News The announcement comes after the company joining the Telco AI Alliance earlier this year SK Telecom has announced a new initiative to expand its AI capabilities by creating an “AI Infrastructure Superhighway.” The national network will rely on advanced data centres, cloud-based GPU services, and Edge AI technology. CEO Ryu Young-sang outlined his vision for the project at the company’s recent SK AI Summit 2024, explaining that SK Telecom aims to position South Korea as an AI leader in...
CMA set to approve Vodafone–Three merger
News Network upgrades and price protections have been proposed by the CMA to keep the market competitive The Competition and Markets Authority has given the Vodafone–Three merger the provisional green light, if both companies commit to major network upgrades and customer protections, according to a new press released published this week. Back in September, the CMA had released its provisional findings, which raised concerns that the deal could lead to higher prices and reduced service...
Connexin completes first stage of significant Project Gigabit contract
Press Release Lightning-fast broadband on schedule to hit rural Nottinghamshire and West Lincolnshire by 2025 5th November 2024 – UK-based smart technology and digital provider Connexin has successfully completed the first stage of its Project Gigabit contract for the provision of hyperfast broadband to over 34,000 rural homes in Nottinghamshire and West Lincolnshire. The £58 million contract, awarded in January 2024 by the UK government, will see Connexin roll out lightning-fast, reliable...