News

Voice networking and VoIP

October 26, 2020 26 Oct'20
Chatbots will not replace call centre agents

Chatbots have not lived up to their promises and are better poised to support call centre agents in the blended realm of customer service and employee collaboration, says a regional Avaya executive
October 09, 2020 09 Oct'20
CMA asks for right to probe O2/Virgin merger

Competition and Markets Authority requests right to probe potentially game-changing joint venture that could transform UK’s wired and wireless communications provision
September 11, 2020 11 Sep'20
Zoom adds two-factor authentication for all users

Latest enhancements to Zoom security make it easier for organisations to protect users and prevent breaches and unauthorised meeting access
September 07, 2020 07 Sep'20
Kudelski IoT Labs authorised as Alexa Voice Services test facility

Internet of things division of cyber security firm brings device testing and certification expertise to implementers of Amazon Voice Services in speakers, headphones, vehicles and other connected devices

August 19, 2020 19 Aug'20
Zoom dials into Southeast Asia with Singapore datacentre

Zoom’s new Singapore datacentre is expected to shore up the performance of its conferencing tool and phone service in the city-state
August 03, 2020 03 Aug'20
Application monitoring, video games dominate internet traffic in first half of 2020

Increased focus on digital presence during lockdown likely to have prompted companies to invest more in ensuring and measuring application uptime and enhancing customer experience
July 31, 2020 31 Jul'20
VMware completes participation in UK contact-tracing app development

The day after UK government announced that its long-awaited and controversial contact-tracing application would be available ‘shortly’, VMware revealed it has completed its role in the development
July 22, 2020 22 Jul'20
Nokia launches first commercial enterprise 5G standalone private wireless networking

New technology aims to provide ‘direct to 5G’ entry point for high-spec industrial use case validation and ecosystem development
July 20, 2020 20 Jul'20
India’s Jio Platforms eyes global 5G opportunity

Indian mobile network operator Jio Platforms has built a 5G solution that will meet domestic and global demand for 5G services
July 17, 2020 17 Jul'20
Three areas of remote working to consider

A number of tech firms have used the shift to working from home, to develop new product offerings. We look at the IT impact

July 09, 2020 09 Jul'20
Locked-down Nationwide staff make 2.5 million video calls in June

Home-working technologies are no longer just a contingency for large companies, with future working practices set to change
July 02, 2020 02 Jul'20
Cops take out encrypted comms to disrupt organised crime

The UK’s National Crime Agency, alongside other law enforcement agencies in France and the Netherlands, have busted illicit arms and drugs rings after disabling an encrypted comms platform
July 01, 2020 01 Jul'20
Zoom making progress on cyber security and privacy, says CEO

Three months after being hit by a spate of security incidents, Zoom’s CEO, Eric Yuan, has been discussing progress towards a more secure product
June 24, 2020 24 Jun'20
Two-thirds of UK adults to work remotely more often after Covid-19

Research commissioned by Ciena reveals how coronavirus pandemic will likely change UK internet usage, as increased use of online home working applications is complemented by commensurate rise in online education
June 18, 2020 18 Jun'20
Zoom U-turns on end-to-end encryption

Embattled video-conferencing provider Zoom backtracks on previous refusals to provide end-to-end encryption to free users
June 16, 2020 16 Jun'20
Activists call on Zoom to implement encryption for all

A coalition of tech organisations and nonprofits have urged Zoom CEO Eric Yuan to make end-to-end encryption available to all users
June 10, 2020 10 Jun'20
Virtual GP practice accidentally exposes patient video calls

A small number of users of Babylon’s GP at Hand service were briefly able to view other patients’ video GP consultations thanks to a bug in a new software feature
June 03, 2020 03 Jun'20
Worldwide user spending on cloud-based web conferencing technology will grow by nearly 25% in 2020

Global workplace restrictions will drive expansion of cloud conferencing user base throughout 2020, but growth will taper off next year
May 26, 2020 26 May'20
Nokia joins the Open RAN Policy Coalition

Finish comms tech provider reinforces its commitment to the development of future secure mobile radio technologies for 5G by joining open and software-defined network technology consortium
May 15, 2020 15 May'20
Covid-19: NHS reveals comms network strain as virus spread

Patients hit the web and phone lines for coronavirus assessments, with demand peaking as lockdown was announced, says health service
May 11, 2020 11 May'20
Ericsson bullish on 5G despite Covid-19

Comms tech company’s chief highlights the importance of connectivity during times of crisis and unprecedented surge in network traffic
May 07, 2020 07 May'20
Brits expected to call time on office life after lockdown

O2 Business study reveals currently displaced workers see a permanent change to their company’s approach to flexible working
May 04, 2020 04 May'20
UK transport research body calls for safer in-vehicle technologies

Voice-controlled systems are the future of autonomous, according to TRL, whose recommendations follow a report into Apple CarPlay and Android Auto demanding improved standards in voice-activated infotainment systems
May 01, 2020 01 May'20
Pre-owned device values stay strong amidst coronavirus pandemic

More than half a billion dollars returned to US consumers in Q1 2020 as used and new mobile device markets stabilise after Covid-19 disruption
April 27, 2020 27 Apr'20
How Vonage is riding the e-commerce wave in Asia

The surge in online sales across Asia has boosted demand for cloud-based communications services as more e-commerce players look to integrate text messaging, voice and video into customer engagement platforms
April 17, 2020 17 Apr'20
Fifth of UK small businesses concerned about prolonged remote working

Small firms find the potential prospect of indefinite working from home a major challenge to future business
April 15, 2020 15 Apr'20
Managed services rev up revenues for SD-WAN in fourth quarter of 2019

Analyst Omdia highlights the steady transition in 2019 from hardware-based to software-defined networking and predicts good times despite Covid-19
April 14, 2020 14 Apr'20
Coronavirus puts brakes on 5G core deployments

Research firm identifies short- and long-term impacts that global pandemic will have on 5G core and edge networks
April 08, 2020 08 Apr'20
Samsung, AWS claim world’s first mission-critical comms video call

MCPTX solution powered by leading cloud platform said to enable first responders to accurately assess vital moments using voice, data and video calls
April 07, 2020 07 Apr'20
BCS calls for IT recognition in coronavirus response

Campaign launched by BCS aims to recognise the importance of IT staff in keeping UK workers connected during the coronavirus crisis
April 06, 2020 06 Apr'20
Wireless industry hails FCC spectrum announcement as game changer for Wi-Fi 6

Proposed opening of the 6GHz band to Wi-Fi 6 technology in US set to provide more capacity than all other current Wi-Fi bands put together
April 03, 2020 03 Apr'20
Coronavirus: Vodafone confident of staying on the line

The coronavirus outbreak has caused the UK’s pattern of working behaviours to change completely – and network operators are confident they can cope
April 02, 2020 02 Apr'20
Coronavirus: Is Zoom safe and should security teams ban it?

Zoom’s rapid rise to prominence has highlighted a score of security problems with the service. Should CISOs try to steer their organisations away from it, or ban it outright?
April 01, 2020 01 Apr'20
HPE unveils open source software to reduce 5G complexity

Open distributed infrastructure management software launched to resolve complexity that telcos face in rolling out 5G networks across thousands of sites equipped with multiple suppliers’ IT infrastructures
March 27, 2020 27 Mar'20
Coronavirus: Zoom accelerates away as office workers make video calls

The Covid-19 pandemic has required people to change their working habits, and many are routinely using conferencing tools
March 26, 2020 26 Mar'20
Coronavirus: Mobile comms finds its voice as usage patterns evolve

UK operators declare readiness of mobile networks as they enter uncharted water with millions of users displaced from offices during the working day
March 25, 2020 25 Mar'20
Coronavirus: Virgin finds new data trends as it creates 500 contact centre jobs

Cable network provider issues assurance on the resilience of its infrastructure, which is under unprecedented strain from domestic users, and beefs up service staffing
March 25, 2020 25 Mar'20
Ericsson wins exclusive 5G contract with Cosmote Greece

Swedish comms firm tapped for 5G radio access network to strengthen Greek provider’s existing networks and boost network quality, capacity, speed and operational efficiency
March 25, 2020 25 Mar'20
Coronavirus: UK comms regulator launches national campaign to assist home workers

Ofcom, with the backing of government, broadband and mobile industries, launches guide for teleworkers to get the most from connections
March 18, 2020 18 Mar'20
4G arrives for eastern half of Jubilee Line

Full 4G mobile connectivity arrives on half of one of London’s busiest Underground transport links, paving the way for extended communications throughout the network
March 17, 2020 17 Mar'20
Carphone Warehouse to close 531 standalone stores in UK

Troubled UK computer and comms retailer takes what it calls essential next step in turnaround of UK mobile business
March 17, 2020 17 Mar'20
Covid-19: Three technology areas that CIOs must address

CIOs will need to consider the IT measures that will be needed to support their organisations as the government ramps up its response to the coronavirus
March 12, 2020 12 Mar'20
Ericsson to acquire MC-PTT provider Genaker

Swedish comms tech firm sees acquisition strengthening its ability to meet demands of transforming mission-critical communications and private network market
March 12, 2020 12 Mar'20
IT Priorities 2020: Benelux organisations and budgets focused on digital transformation

IT leaders in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg expect bigger budgets this year, with spending on digital transformation projects and related technologies being prioritised
March 10, 2020 10 Mar'20
IT Priorities 2020: IP network investments top priority for Middle East IT leaders

IT leaders in the Middle East expect to see increased spending on IP networks as digital transformation continues across the region
March 09, 2020 09 Mar'20
Birmingham and Liverpool take top spots in metro UK mobile speed tests

Midlands and Merseyside metro areas come top for best places in the UK that power daily connected experiences
February 27, 2020 27 Feb'20
Nokia claims end-to-end 4G and 5G New Radio slicing first

Finnish comms tech provider beefs up comms network essential equipment offer with 4G, 5G end-to-end slicing
February 26, 2020 26 Feb'20
More than half of UK businesses lack confidence to implement 5G

EY study finds 5G investment set to soar among British businesses, but the majority are not confident in their organisations’ ability to deploy 5G
February 24, 2020 24 Feb'20
Coronavirus, global economic slowdown to cap 5G smartphone sales in 2020

First half of 2020 will likely be much weaker than expected for the 5G smartphone market, but a strong bounce-back is possible in second half of the year if the coronavirus spread is brought under control
February 21, 2020 21 Feb'20
Cloud and 5G to drive SD-WAN adoption in APAC, says Silver Peak

Cloud migration and 5G services will boost the uptake of SD-WAN in a region where some markets are still in the early adopter phase