Telecoms networks and broadband communications
Broadband communications and telecoms networks have been key enablers for the internet revolution and for organisations using the web to deliver new online services. Broadband is key to the UK's economic success and competiveness, and the roll out of superfast, fibre-based networks to deliver the next generation of services has become a political and technological issue, especially for rural networks on the wrong side of the digital divide. We analyse the implications and opportunities for IT managers as broadband adoption continues to grow.
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News
01 May 2024
Google ups investment to improve Hawaiian internet infrastructure
Hawaii receives major financial fillip from Google to develop critical internet infrastructure across the state, connecting to Japan and mainland US Continue Reading
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News
30 Apr 2024
Nokia and Vodafone claim successful Open RAN trial in Italy
Leading comms tech provider and operator have successfully completed an end-to-end Open RAN trial on Vodafone Italy’s live 5G standalone network, including hybrid cloud application platform connected to dedicated 5G core Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Sep 2019
5G vs. LTE: Comparing speed, spectrum and latency
The debate between 5G and LTE largely comes down to speed and spectrum. But latency and wired network implications are also important differentiators. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
29 Aug 2019
What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again
The other day, the government announced yet another consultation on the future of the UK's digital networking infrastructure, this time exploring the possibility of liberalising the planning laws ... Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Aug 2019
Gartner report provides reality check on the 5G hype
The next generation of cellular technology, 5G, is nearing peak hype status, according to a Gartner report. But real, widespread adoption is still several years away. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Aug 2019
Building a 5G city: Bristol’s valuable lessons for the UK’s digital future
West of England Combined Authority is taking part in DCMS’s 5G Testbeds and Trials programme, exploring applications for tourism and entertainment. We find out how it is applying its learnings to life in Bristol and Bath Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Aug 2019
Here’s to five years of the new NHS Spine
Like any milestone birthday it’s a time for reflection, writes Andrew Meyer, director of NHS Digital's Digital Delivery Centre. Have you achieved what you wanted in the time passed, are there ... Continue Reading
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News
27 Aug 2019
Government to ease planning laws for mobile networks
Westminster is seeking input on four key proposals to make it easier to build and operate 5G mobile networks Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2019
5G testbed brings Li-Fi broadband to Orkney
A number of homes on the remote island of Graemsay in the Orkneys are testing so-called Li-Fi technology as a broadband delivery mechanism Continue Reading
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News
20 Aug 2019
Sky launches first ultrafast broadband products
Ultrafast full-fibre broadband products are 12 times faster than Sky’s previous fastest offering and will be immediately within reach of two million homes Continue Reading
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News
20 Aug 2019
Huawei to US: Ban violates free market principles
Huawei has hit back at the US government’s latest moves to restrict its activities Continue Reading
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News
20 Aug 2019
Myriota and Optus sign deal on IoT connectivity
Myriota and Optus Business will leverage each other’s connectivity and network footprint to help Australia’s industries connect up internet of things sensors in remote areas Continue Reading
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News
19 Aug 2019
US extends temporary stay on Huawei ban
American network operators given extra wiggle room to wean themselves off Huawei’s hardware Continue Reading
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News
18 Aug 2019
Three launches UK’s third 5G network
Mobile operator Three has switched on its 5G service, but for now it will only be available as a home broadband service Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Aug 2019
Private 5G networks: Are they the right choice for you?
The concept of dedicated private mobile networks for large enterprises is not a new one, but with the advent of ultrafast 5G networks, they are starting to attract more interest Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Aug 2019
What 5G applications will transform your business?
The UK’s mobile network operators have started work on their 5G roll-outs, but what applications are most likely to gain enterprise traction for the new standard? Continue Reading
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News
13 Aug 2019
Vodafone switches on 5G in Ireland
The first 5G sites in Ireland have gone live in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Waterford Continue Reading
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News
13 Aug 2019
RootMetrics ranks EE top on 4G service performance, quality
EE once again emerges as the top 4G network performer in RootMetrics’ latest semi-annual, UK-wide survey Continue Reading
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News
09 Aug 2019
Huawei mobile IoT OS ready to plug Android gap
Huawei is positioning its microkernel-based, distributed HarmonyOS mobile operating system as a true competitor to both Android and iOS Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 Aug 2019
UK businesses deserve a 5G networked nation
The tech sector needs to coalesce around a unified, positive vision of 5G to establish a proper business case for ultrafast, low latency mobile Continue Reading
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News
08 Aug 2019
Openreach starts roll-out of dark fibre product
Openreach is soft-launching a wholesale dark fibre product in eastern England ahead of a wider national roll-out Continue Reading
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Blog Post
05 Aug 2019
Britain won't have 100% full-fibre by 2025. One horrible - if speculative - version of why not
On 24 July 2019, as jubilant Conservative party members emerged from Boris Johnson's victory speech in Westminster, one supporter was heard to remark Johnson had promised to "insert high-speed ... Continue Reading
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News
05 Aug 2019
Boris Johnson has 12 months to reform broadband policy, says industry
Broadband sector advocates warn prime minister that the clock is ticking if he wants to be serious about achieving 100% full-fibre broadband coverage in six years Continue Reading
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News
02 Aug 2019
BT chief urges PM to act decisively on broadband
BT’s new chief executive Philip Jansen says he is ready to help meet Boris Johnson’s broadband roll-out goals, but warns the cost will be high Continue Reading
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News
31 Jul 2019
Scottish tax holiday tempts Openreach
Openreach has announced 36 new locations in line for its expanding full-fibre broadband network build, with Scotland a particular focus after the announcement of additional rates relief Continue Reading
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News
31 Jul 2019
Police Scotland awards National Network contract to BT
Police Scotland is embarking on a £3.9m network project as part of its wider digital transformation strategy Continue Reading
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News
31 Jul 2019
5G mobile networks transformative for health and social care, says TechUK
A new report produced by TechUK and the Liverpool 5G testbed shows how 5G can be used effectively in the NHS, and offers recommendations to government Continue Reading
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News
30 Jul 2019
Huawei ‘galvanised’ by Trump ban
Huawei has found itself caught in the crossfire of the US president’s trade war with China, but chairman Liang Hua says the firm is rising to the challenge Continue Reading
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Opinion
29 Jul 2019
Space – the new frontier in cyber security
50 years after the Moon landings, our growing reliance on satellite communications presents a new target for malicious cyber attacks Continue Reading
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Blog Post
29 Jul 2019
The restructuring of digital markets has begun
Change is accelerating, making attempts to predict the future in order to regulate it ever more impractical - although that does not appear to stop some regulators from trying. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jul 2019
New digital minister appointed as PM Johnson continues reshuffle
Former telecoms executive Nigel Adams takes over as minister for digital and sport, succeeding Margot James Continue Reading
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News
25 Jul 2019
Virgin Media pledges gigabit broadband without full-fibre
Cable TV operator is betting that improvements to the Docsis standard will enable it to offer gigabit broadband without full-fibre Continue Reading
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News
25 Jul 2019
Ofcom must do more to help operators invest in 5G
Telefónica UK boss Mark Evans warns that Ofcom is prioritising action on behalf of consumers to the exclusion of enabling the telecoms and mobile industry to grow Continue Reading
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News
25 Jul 2019
O2 to launch 5G network in October
Customers in 20 towns and cities around the UK will be able to access O2’s 5G network by Christmas 2019 Continue Reading
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News
25 Jul 2019
New ministerial appointments for tech policies in Boris Johnson Cabinet
The new Prime Minister has brought in ministers in all the key government posts affecting digital and technology policy Continue Reading
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News
24 Jul 2019
BT picks Canonical Ubuntu to build 5G core
Canonical will help BT and EE deliver new services to end-users more quickly Continue Reading
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News
23 Jul 2019
Home Office hands EE additional £220m for ESN
Home Office quietly announces a major extension to the ESN project, pumping over £200m of additional taxpayer money into its contract with EE Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Jul 2019
Boosting the UK’s digital infrastructure so it is fit for the future
Extending full-fibre broadband and mobile network coverage are critical issues for a healthy UK economy – and a new prime minister must continue progress Continue Reading
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News
23 Jul 2019
Plusnet most complained about broadband provider
Ofcom’s latest stats show a downward trend in consumer complaint volumes, but some are bucking the trend Continue Reading
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News
23 Jul 2019
Government delays final decision on Huawei
Culture secretary says he cannot yet make specific decisions about Huawei’s involvement in the UK’s telecoms and mobile networks due to a lack of clarity from the US, effectively green-lighting its use Continue Reading
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News
22 Jul 2019
Openreach to slash wholesale fibre prices from September
Wholesale price cuts of almost 40% will help Openreach’s CSP customers grow their full-fibre customer bases, and generate a better return on their investment Continue Reading
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News
22 Jul 2019
Ofcom brings in new protections for mobile users
New rules around how mobile contracts are sold should give end-users a fairer deal Continue Reading
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Blog Post
20 Jul 2019
How long before the shareholders break up BT?
The BT share price looks set to drift down to under a £pound. That would leave it unable to invest other than from cash flows and Government subsidies. It would also be unsaleable because of the ... Continue Reading
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News
19 Jul 2019
CityFibre announces 14 more locations on its full-fibre network
Full-fibre broadband provider extends its network to more homes and businesses in latest roll-out Continue Reading
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News
19 Jul 2019
London Underground 4G plan will lead to wider fibre broadband backbone
The Jubilee Line will be first Tube service to offer 4G through tunnels, and the cabling to support the service will become part of a fibre hub for London homes and businesses Continue Reading
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News
18 Jul 2019
Digital minister Margot James quits after Brexit vote
James voted against the government in an attempt to stop the next Prime Minister from suspending Parliament to force through a no-deal Brexit Continue Reading
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News
17 Jul 2019
MPs slam Home Office over troubled Emergency Services Network programme
The plan for a new communications network for police, fire and ambulance services is three years late and £3.1bn over budget, and Public Accounts Committee fears further delays Continue Reading
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News
15 Jul 2019
UK launches 5G security inquiry
The Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy is to probe the UK government’s approach to telecoms technology as a national security issue Continue Reading
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News
15 Jul 2019
No technical grounds to ban Huawei, DCMS told
Science and Technology Committee tells Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport that there are no technical grounds for it to exclude Huawei Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2019
Australia’s Myriota to connect up sensors in space missions
Australian startup Myriota has inked a statement of intent with the Australian Space Agency to provide sensor connectivity for future lunar and planetary exploration missions Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2019
SD-WAN in play: How software-defined solves core business challenges
For foodservice business HMSHost International and chemical products firm Element Solutions, both customers of networking supplier Aryaka, software-defined wide area networking technology is proving its mettle when it comes to solving core business challenges. Find out how. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jul 2019
Securing your mobile estate – best practice for CIOs
The prevalence of mobile devices in every part of daily life is shaping how enterprises make choices about software and network infrastructure, but how do businesses go about securing these vast new endpoint estates? Continue Reading
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News
10 Jul 2019
Brexit is paralysing action on broadband, warns CityFibre
Promises made 12 months ago in the Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review are not coming to fruition quickly enough, and the Brexit crisis is to blame Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Jul 2019
Britain’s 5G roll-out – What is plan B?
The government has ambitious aspirations in respect of Britain’s full-fibre and 5G networks. But among all the Brexit fog, has it managed to shoot itself in the foot with the roll-out of 5G mobile? Continue Reading
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News
08 Jul 2019
Buckinghamshire village pools broadband vouchers to fund full-fibre dig
The village Lillingstone Lovell in Buckinghamshire is helping to fund an Openreach broadband network dig using vouchers pooled through the government’s Rural Gigabit Connectivity scheme Continue Reading
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News
07 Jul 2019
There’s no free lunch in SD-WAN, says Tata Communications
Software-defined wide-area networks may help to lower connectivity costs and prioritise network traffic, but enterprises must still invest in bandwidth to reap the benefits of the technology Continue Reading
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News
04 Jul 2019
Over half a million homes now using full-fibre as access improves
Ofcom’s latest Communications Market Report examines key trends in the UK’s broadband and mobile market, and finds that access to faster broadband is expanding rapidly across all delivery mechanisms Continue Reading
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News
03 Jul 2019
Vodafone switches on 5G mobile network
The UK’s longest-standing mobile operator, Vodafone, has officially turned on its 5G mobile network at an event in London, and reintroduced unlimited data packages for users as it looks to shake up the market Continue Reading
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News
03 Jul 2019
BT and Openreach told to be more transparent over split
Ofcom’s latest monitoring report on the changing relationship between BT and Openreach finds room for improvement, but is mostly positive Continue Reading
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News
01 Jul 2019
Ofcom to make switching mobile operators easier
The often fraught process of switching mobile network operators will become easier for end-users as new Ofcom regulations come into force Continue Reading
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News
28 Jun 2019
Ofcom gets go-ahead for new Openreach access model
Following referral to the European Commission, Ofcom is pressing ahead with a new regulatory model governing more open access to Openreach’s ducts, poles and dark fibre Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Jun 2019
Why are regulations still hindering connectivity?
This is a guest blog post by Tom Dailey, chief international legal, policy and regulatory officer at Verizon The regulatory and policy landscape is a really important topic for all businesses given ... Continue Reading
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News
27 Jun 2019
Isles of Scilly among first UK locations to get 5G
The Isles of Scilly are to be included in Vodafone’s 5G network roll-out from day one, with the aim of supporting local community organisations Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Jun 2019
What Singapore consumers expect from 5G
While enterprises are expected to be one of the early beneficiaries of 5G networks that promise low-latency connectivity for driverless vehicles and factory machinery, consumer use cases of the ... Continue Reading
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News
27 Jun 2019
Singapore aims to be global node for 5G innovation
The government will spend S$40m to develop 5G technology use cases in key sectors such as maritime and manufacturing with an eye on exporting Singapore's expertise to global markets Continue Reading
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Podcast
25 Jun 2019
Podcast: The Computer Weekly Downtime Upload – Episode 21
In this week’s episode of the Computer Weekly Downtime Upload podcast, Brian McKenna, Clare McDonald and Caroline Donnelly are joined by Computer Weekly’s acting management editor, Angelica Mari, to talk about some of the past week’s biggest news stories Continue Reading
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News
25 Jun 2019
Sky invests £125,000 in female-led business ideas
Five women have been awarded their share of £125,000 from Sky to pursue technology-led business ideas Continue Reading
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News
24 Jun 2019
New security challenges await 5G planners, say APAC experts
With 5G technology expected to move more data and processing to the network edge, some experts have called for the need to address the security risks when planning 5G networks Continue Reading
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News
24 Jun 2019
European and UK space agencies start CAV connectivity project
Academia and telecoms operators partner to investigate 5G and satellite systems for connected and autonomous vehicles, with proofs of concept expected for 2020 Continue Reading
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News
20 Jun 2019
How APAC CIOs are driving AI projects
IT leaders at a Computer Weekly roundtable say they are grappling with compute bottlenecks and explainable artificial intelligence even as chatbots and other AI projects are being rolled out in full swing Continue Reading
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News
19 Jun 2019
Telcos hail progress improvements in meeting UK full-fibre broadband deployment targets
Senior management from Openreach, TalkTalk and Three use Connected Britain keynote to share insights on how full-fibre broadband deployment is progressing across the country Continue Reading
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News
18 Jun 2019
Openreach trials will speed up broadband upgrade
Tests to focus on process of migrating households and businesses to fibre to the premise and voice over IP Continue Reading
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News
18 Jun 2019
5G will be a public utility, says IMDA
Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority is looking beyond access speeds in charting the deployment of 5G networks, which it has likened to a public utility Continue Reading
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Video
17 Jun 2019
Inside MyRepublic’s digital transformation journey
MyRepublic’s group CIO and chief operating officer talks up the company’s digital transformation journey and how it has overcome challenges that stood in its way Continue Reading
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News
16 Jun 2019
5G to drive hybrid cloud adoption in ANZ
5G networks will move computing to the edge, driving adoption of hybrid cloud and hyper-converged infrastructure, says Nutanix’s ANZ chief Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2019
How digital transformation underpins Three’s 5G ambitions
At Three, the smallest of the UK’s four mobile network operators, a transformative attitude to underlying IT is helping the firm mount a serious challenge to its rivals when it comes to 5G roll-out Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2019
DCMS adds cash to 5G testbed fund and moves to ease planning laws
The government is to invest £40m in new projects under its 5G Testbeds and Trials scheme, and will explore new ways to liberalise planning laws to support quicker 5G deployment Continue Reading
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News
11 Jun 2019
MP brands Huawei exec a ‘moral vacuum’ as operators demand 5G clarity
Huawei chief security officer John Suffolk faces tough questions from parliament’s Science and Technology Select Committee over the firm’s links to the Chinese government Continue Reading
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News
09 Jun 2019
Three to launch 5G in August
Operator claims its contiguous block of 5G-ready mobile spectrum will put it streets ahead of its rivals Continue Reading
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News
07 Jun 2019
Ofcom confirms broadband USO to be introduced in March 2020
BT and Kcom will begin to provide broadband services under the government’s USO scheme from 20 March 2020 Continue Reading
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News
07 Jun 2019
Industrial sector increasingly tempted by idea of private 5G
Industrial companies and manufacturers plan to implement 5G mobile networks swiftly once they become widely available, and many are keen on the idea of investing in private licences Continue Reading
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News
06 Jun 2019
APAC to lead global IoT spending
Asia-Pacific is slated to become the top market for the internet of things as the region scales up the use of connected devices in key sectors such as manufacturing Continue Reading
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News
06 Jun 2019
Ofcom’s Sharon White to step down at Christmas
Chief executive will leave her role at the telecoms regulator at the end of 2019 Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jun 2019
The 5G future will spark an evolution of telecom networks, ISPs
Telecom networks are evolving thanks to new technologies such as 5G. This evolution will affect various types of organizations, ISPs and available services. Continue Reading
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Opinion
05 Jun 2019
Does NHS Digital’s Internet First policy mean the end of HSCN?
Last week, NHS Digital issued new policy guidance on internet usage that, at first glance, appeared to herald the end of HSCN – but is that really the case? Continue Reading
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News
03 Jun 2019
Consumer comms providers sign Ofcom’s new fairness pledge
The UK’s biggest communications service providers have signed up to a series of new commitments pledging to put fairness to customers at the heart of their business Continue Reading
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News
31 May 2019
New-build homes to get broadband quality certification
Broadband connectivity rating firm WiredScore is offering its full-fibre certifications to residential property developers and landlords for the first time Continue Reading
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News
31 May 2019
Slowing smart meter roll-out puts 2020 deadline at risk
The smart meter installation rate is slowing, and with 18 months until the December 2020 deadline, achieving the Smart Meter Programme’s aims now looks very unlikely Continue Reading
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News
30 May 2019
EE launches consumer 5G, but experts say no rush to upgrade
EE launched the UK’s first official 5G network this week, but with limited availability and 4G networks improving all the time, industry watchers say there is no big impetus for users to upgrade yet Continue Reading
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News
30 May 2019
Red flags missed during ESN planning process, Home Office admits
The PAC’s latest evidence-gathering session for its inquiry into the delayed and over-budget Emergency Services Network has laid bare a number of crucial errors made over the past few years, and found the Home Office missed a number of warning signs Continue Reading
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News
30 May 2019
4G networks reach near ubiquity in APAC
Although coverage of 4G services in Asia-Pacific, particularly in India, is almost ubiquitous, telcos in the region still have some catching-up to do Continue Reading
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Blog Post
29 May 2019
IT in the Tory Candidates' Manifestos
I added a comment on Dominic Rabb's inclusion of degree apprenticeships in his call for Fairness and Choice to my recent blog on the IfA apprenticeship review. In his opening campaign letter Rory ... Continue Reading
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News
28 May 2019
NHS Digital sets out Internet First policy
NHS Digital is soliciting input to its Internet First policy, a set of standards and guidelines to help health and social care organisations make digital services accessible over the internet Continue Reading
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News
27 May 2019
StarHub taps OpenStack to run telco network
The Singapore telco has deployed OpenStack and signed up for Red Hat’s training programme to equip its network engineers with technical expertise Continue Reading
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News
24 May 2019
Ofcom makes new proposals to liberalise access Openreach’s ducts and poles
The telecoms regulator is proposing new regulations on accessing Openreach’s infrastructure that it hopes will incentives others to roll out ultrafast networks quicker Continue Reading
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News
23 May 2019
Arm China seeks solutions to US export controls with Huawei
Chip design firm in communication with Huawei-owned semiconductor firm HiSilicon following US move to halt exports of US technology to Chinese tech giant Continue Reading
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News
22 May 2019
EE confirms 30 May 2019 go-live date for UK 5G network
Mobile operator is on course to become the first to go live with 5G in the UK, but Huawei phones will not be among its launch-day devices Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2019
Sheffield’s network-of-networks goes beyond free Wi-Fi
For the city of Sheffield, rolling out a free-to-use city Wi-Fi network has become about much more than just letting shoppers browse the internet. We find out more Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2019
US grants Huawei stay of execution
US Commerce Department temporarily restores Huawei’s ability to maintain its existing networks and smartphone user base Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2019
UC Expo 2019: Experts talk up future tech in unified communications
Automation and AI are increasingly prevalent in unified comms, but do enterprises really need it? Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2019
Keeping commuters connected on the world’s longest sea crossing
CommScope’s antennas remained unscathed during a gruelling storm in 2018 and continue to provide reliable mobile connectivity on China’s 55km Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2019
DCMS shakes up BDUK with new rural full-fibre scheme
The Rural Gigabit Connectivity programme will run for two years, trialling a new model for full-fibre broadband delivery – meanwhile, BDUK is getting a new name Continue Reading