Networking and communication

SASE – Does It Need Underpinning With A Global Private Backbone Network?

Previously, in this blog space we looked at cloud application acceleration and how it might finally kill off the wounded beast that never dies that is MPLS, and how SASE can be an underlying ... Continue Reading

Private LTE/5G market set to reach £4.2bn in 2024

Research firm predicts sales of private LTE/5G infrastructure to show 43% CAGR from 2019 to 2024, potentially worth an estimated $5.7bn (£4.2bn) Continue Reading

Google Cloud, Nokia accelerate readiness for cloud-native enterprise 5G solutions

Cloud platform provider and comms tech supplier announce plans to jointly develop cloud-native 5G core solutions for communications service providers and enterprise customers with cloud capabilities to the network edge to accelerate enterprise digital transformation Continue Reading

Hong Kong Airport Authority takes off with upgraded IP/MPLS network

Next-generation network to offer key regional hub migration of legacy applications to support increased passenger capacity, reliability and ease of expansion Continue Reading

BNP Paribas, Orange Business Services deploy SD-WAN to French retail sites

Co-construction approach between leading bank and telco ensures business continuity during deployment of software-defined infrastructure across France as part of its digital transformation strategy Continue Reading

Qualcomm announces Nuvia acquisition plan

Mobile chip giant makes strategic acquisition to augment technology roadmap to redefine compute performance for next-generation devices Continue Reading

BT cries foul on rivals’ coverage claims as O2, EE extend UK 5G nets

Two of the UK’s mobile giants make significant additions to next-gen networks, but BT consumer CEO warns that rivals are not giving customers meaningful levels of coverage and quality in their 5G offers Continue Reading

Treat the internet like a natural resource

There are some things that require a permanent internet connection. One cannot listen to internet radio, watch YouTube or take part in a video conference, without a permanent, live, high-quality ... Continue Reading

CW Middle East: $60m venture capital fund targets 120 startups

Countries in the Middle East see technology as an industry of the future and are investing heavily in the sector as part of their economic diversification plans. Read in this issue how the latest development will see a $60m venture capital fund, based in Bahrain, invest in 120 early-stage startups across the Middle East region. Also read how Saudi Arabia has signed two agreements with Chinese IT suppliers as it strives to deliver its ambitious programme to diversify its economy. Continue Reading

Port of Felixstowe lands funding for UK government 5G trial

UK’s largest and busiest container port to test the potential of 5G across two use cases: enabling remotely controlled cranes and optimising predictive maintenance though IoT and AI Continue Reading

Zoom reveals phone product spike, public offer price

Strong service performance, reliability and enterprise-grade features drive uptake of Zoom Phone as still rapidly growing conferencing firm announces $1.75bn share offering Continue Reading

Court to rule on Facebook data sharing after Schrems drops legal challenge against Irish regulator

Irish High Court says it will issue a judgment as soon as possible over a draft decision by Ireland’s data protection commissioner to order Facebook to stop the transfer of data about EU citizens to datacentres in the US Continue Reading

Yearly expectations smashed with £105bn spent on mobile apps in 2020

With the world of work changed forever due to the Covid-19 pandemic, mobile apps cash in, with consumer spend increasing 20% annually with business apps showing particular spike in usage Continue Reading

Five easy tips to improve working from home networks

With many people having to work from home, we look at how to get the most from an existing broadband internet connection Continue Reading

EE 5G to deliver BBC Green Planet augmented reality experience

Increased 5G network capacity will enable AR experience for landmark BBC series using holographic video to explore the world from the perspective of plants Continue Reading

BT eyes up next-gen services with digital unit

In what it says is an important statement of intent following a 2020 with a number of innovations, incumbent telco announces new division designed to deliver next-gen digital platforms and services Continue Reading

Telstra International appoints South Asia head

The international arm of Telstra has hired former DXC Technology executive Geraldine Kor as its managing director for South Asia to tap new growth opportunities Continue Reading

Virgin Media aims for in-home connectivity transformation with Intelligent WiFi Plus

As it ramps up gigabit network development in locations across the UK, cableco launches Wi-Fi access devices to work with new access system to bring up to three times faster in-home wireless speeds Continue Reading

Community Fibre ups ante with fibre-based entertainment service

London-based fibre altnet uses growing gigabit network to offer first entertainment service based on full-fibre broadband Continue Reading

Bahrain hopes 5G roll-out will attract more tech firms to its shores

Bahrain has completed its 5G roll-out, which will support its IT infrastructure in creating the right environment for technology firms Continue Reading

BT removes mobile data charges for BBC Bitesize educational content

As part of a broader partnership between the UK’s public broadcaster and its incumbent telco, hugely popular and award-winning BBC Bitesize programming slot is to be zero rate for all EE, BT Mobile and PlusNet Mobile customers Continue Reading

New SolarWinds CEO sets out rescue plan

Customers can expect to see more regular and thorough checks on SolarWinds products, alongside greater engagement with the security community Continue Reading

Kaspersky claims link between Solorigate and Kazuar backdoors

Researchers say they have found specific code similarities between the Solorigate/Sunburst malware and the Kazuar backdoor, suggesting some relationship Continue Reading

Used smartphone sales to dial in near double-digit growth in 2020

Research shows refurbished and used devices continue to provide cost-effective alternatives for businesses looking to save money when buying a smartphone Continue Reading

Government use of 'general warrants' to authorise computer and phone hacking is unlawful

A court has ruled that the security and intelligence services can no longer rely on ‘general warrants’ to authorise the hacking of large numbers of computers and phones belonging to UK citizens Continue Reading

BT offers unlimited data for remote learning

UK incumbent telco joins campaign to make sure disadvantaged children can get connected as Covid-19 lockdown closes schools and other educational establishments Continue Reading

‘Litany’ of UK government failures in gigabit broadband roll-out

Second UK MPs’ report in matter of weeks slams government for dismal failure and lack of sufficient progress in meeting already scaled-back benchmark for gigabit-capable connectivity by 2025 Continue Reading

EXFO forms full-fibre testing initiative with Openreach

BT broadband provision division to deploy permanent full-fibre monitoring technology to assist in programme to deliver broadband across UK homes Continue Reading

Five million UK households paying £804m more than they should for broadband

Significant number of UK householders won’t switch broadband networks for fear of losing their connection or the perceived hassle of switching, but many are left paying too much, research shows Continue Reading

Vodafone announces free data schemes for small business

As research shows the strain on business from Covid, UK communications operator announces programme to offer free high-speed connectivity Continue Reading

Jeremy Darroch steps down as Sky Group chief executive

Exec who transformed former satellite TV provider into Europe’s largest multi-platform communications provider with mobile, telephony and FTTH steps down after 13 years Continue Reading

Iskratel top of the world with Potosí fibre-optic deployment

GPON broadband network deployed to meet the needs of thousands of residents in the highest city in the world Continue Reading

Qualcomm appoints new CEO

Claiming validation of its business model and leadership in 5G, the communications chip giant appoints successor to retiring chief executive with brief to drive value Continue Reading

Viasat checks in with Delta to boost in-air connectivity

US airline adds next-generation Ka-band satellite technology to mainline fleet to help modernise how passengers stay connected and enjoy content during travel Continue Reading

Cloud Application Acceleration

First, we had WanOp, then we had “son of WanOp” AKA SD-WAN (and its much misunderstood – mainly by vendors – sibling, SDN) and then the cloud came along and, well, clouded the scenario somewhat. If ... Continue Reading

Operators join UK government’s kids’ mobile access scheme

UK mobile operators join scheme to help families that need access to connectivity to support their child’s learning needs during the latest lockdown, while BCS calls for free mobile access to education sites Continue Reading

Huawei battles for market access in Nordics

Chinese networking equipment supplier Huawei fights to retain access to potential 5G contracts across the Nordic region Continue Reading

euNetworks rounds on The Loop Manchester

Bandwidth infrastructure company enhances footprint with unique routes, extra capacity and flexibility with dedicated high-speed fibre-optic network in northern powerhouse Continue Reading

Ooredoo Group expands Ericsson 5G tech agreement

New agreement promises new functionalities with faster time-to-market and enhancements to the digital experience for people, enterprises and industries across operating companies in 10 countries Continue Reading

Qualcomm expands 5G capabilities of Snapdragon 480 mobile devices

Enhanced mobile platform line claimed to be able to accelerate global 5G commercialisation and deliver ‘series-defying’ features to mass-volume smartphone segment Continue Reading

SKT and AWS debut 5G edge cloud service

SK Telecom’s multi-access edge computing service will let enterprises build low latency applications that make use of AWS cloud services Continue Reading

Ericsson to power DTAC 5G network in Thailand

Almost half of Thailand’s 70 million population to be served by a new 5G radio access network from leading local communications service provider DTAC Continue Reading

Openreach takes the strain as broadband usage more than doubles in 2020

In what it says is a year like no other, BT broadband provision division reveals added infrastructure pressures from “new normal” Continue Reading

Covid-19’s impact on the retail supply chain

The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed gaps in the ability of retailers to mitigate supply chain imbalances Continue Reading

Top 10 networking stories of 2020

Here are Computer Weekly’s top 10 networking stories of 2020 Continue Reading

Top 10 telecoms and mobile stories of 2020

Here are Computer Weekly’s top 10 telecoms and mobile stories of 2020 Continue Reading

EU looks to enter broadband space race

European Union looks to extend communications frontier through consortium examining the design, development and launch of a European-owned space-based communications system Continue Reading

Digital infrastructure flourishes in 2020

Study from co-operative trade association for next-generation broadband services notes increased industry investment and roll-out growth, marking a significant year for network infrastructure Continue Reading

New contractors appointed to roll out fibre broadband across Devon and Somerset

Airband, Truespeed and Wessex Internet selected to roll out full-fibre networks on behalf of the Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) programme Continue Reading

Top 10 Australia IT stories of 2020

Here are Computer Weekly’s top 10 Australia IT stories of 2020 Continue Reading

5G coverage set to reach over half of global population by 2025

Despite 5G deployment still facing various challenges, operators are making progress in addressing major issues Continue Reading

Cisco reveals intention to acquire Dashbase

Networking tech and services giant gets out the corporate chequebook for the third time in a matter of weeks to buy customer experience and analytics software provider Continue Reading

UK parliamentary committee slams government broadband targets as unrealistic

Report highlights missed targets and overpromising in gigabit infrastructure roll-out and urges government and national regulator to take bolder, faster action to address the causes of costs and delays Continue Reading

Viasat announces $222m RigNet acquisition

Global communications company unveils plans to expand and diversify commercial connectivity portfolio, with purchase of intelligent networking solutions firm to add complementary technology Continue Reading

Top 10 remote working stories of 2020

Here are Computer Weekly’s top 10 remote working stories of 2020 Continue Reading

Top 10 end-user computing stories of 2020

Here are Computer Weekly’s top 10 end-user computing stories of 2020 Continue Reading

5G roll-outs to continue apace in 2021

New 5G launches will be led by telcos in forerunner markets, but the industry’s near-term outlook will depend on the timing of an economic recovery Continue Reading

Openreach announces massive job creation plan for gigabit network deployment

New green fleet for engineers as BT broadband provision aims to create 2,500 new roles in its own organisation and about 2,800 with partners to supporting full-fibre network build-out Continue Reading

Gigabit proliferates as UK’s fixed and mobile networks take the strain from Covid

The UK’s fixed and mobile networks take the strain of remote working and increased online entertainment uptake Continue Reading

How Ethernet became the world’s networking standard

Ethernet pioneer Bob Metcalfe outlines the technology’s early history, including the rivalry with IBM and what he did to convince people of the value of networks Continue Reading

Cloud RANs offer promise in APAC, but not in near future

While there is growing interest in cloud-based radio access networks, experts argue that telcos will still cautiously approach the technology in a phased manner. Continue Reading

SolarWinds cyber attack is ‘grave risk’ to global security

More victims of the SolarWinds Orion Sunburst cyber attack are being identified as the massive scale of the Russia-linked cyber espionage campaign becomes more clear Continue Reading

CityFibre, PQMS expand network construction training partnership

Former altnet brings online two new training centres in Bury and Pulborough alongside existing site in Coventry Continue Reading

SSE strengthens Scotland’s digital infrastructure with next-generation connectivity

High-capacity 100Gbps connectivity services delivered into datacentre intended to future-proof Scotland’s businesses and public sector organisations Continue Reading

FireEye and partners release SolarWinds kill-switch

A so-called kill-switch for the dangerous SolarWinds Sunburst attack should allay some user fears, but is not a full fix for the issue Continue Reading

EY: Coordinated action vital to meet Gigabit Britain network deployment targets

With gigabit connectivity crucial to supporting the UK’s ‘levelling up’ agenda and plugging the digital divide, an EY study shows half of UK SMEs believe investment in gigabit connectivity is vital for the economic development of their region after Covid-19 Continue Reading

Huge uptick in global 5G deployment across 2020

Although yet to fully accommodate the boost it got from the recent launch of suitably enabled iPhones, the 5G market has enjoyed a strong third quarter, according to data from mobile testing specialist Continue Reading

How 5G is going to transform digital banking in 2021

Covid-19 has accelerated digital banking this year and 5G promises to have an even bigger impact next year Continue Reading

Networking infrastructure issues peg back firms adapting to Covid-19 new normal

Survey shows inadequate infrastructure is preventing businesses from meeting challenges around remote working and omni-channel customer demand and holding them back from embracing more innovative technologies Continue Reading

UK offering relatively poor value for broadband services

Low absolute pricing is among the region’s best, but lower average speeds compared with much of Europe makes the UK one of the continent’s laggards when it comes to broadband value for money Continue Reading

Singapore employees want more support for remote working

Singapore workers faced challenges in accessing internal company resources, spotty connections and had to use their personal devices for business while working remotely Continue Reading

Air purifier manufacturer creates IoT service in the cloud

Sweden’s Blueair introduces new functionality for customers through a cloud-based internet of things platform Continue Reading

Ericsson sets sail with enhanced maritime connectivity

Swedish tech provider aims to rectify lack of options for at-sea communications where traditional satellite comms have seen high prices, high latency and low throughput Continue Reading

Bethlehem placed in Tier 3: Inns closed. Herodian enforcement

A new variant of Covid has been detected among infants in the Bethlehem area. After receiving intelligence from a committee of experts, King Herod has decreed that all hospitality facilities will ... Continue Reading

Optus teams up with VMware on SD-WAN

Australia’s second biggest telco, Optus, will offer VMware’s SD-WAN solution to enterprises in a highly fragmented market Continue Reading

IT teams’ challenges ramp up in maintaining high-quality network video experience

Companies providing streaming services have seen huge growth in demand, which has meant providing an optimal user experience while managing surging user traffic Continue Reading

Standards alliance adds to membership as NEC opens new Open RAN lab

Japanese tech giant establishes Open RAN laboratory in India to complement centre of excellence in the UK, where Southampton University spin-off joins O-RAN Alliance Continue Reading

Giffgaff goes AWS to drive operational transformation

UK mobile virtual network operator selects Amazon cloud as part of plan to accelerate innovation and enhance new services Continue Reading

Zoom, Google Meet, TikTok dominate mobile app downloads in 2020

Study from leading analytics firm reveals how 2020’s mobile app arena has been transformed through Covid-19, and how the app providers are setting up for 2021 Continue Reading

Singapore trials beacons to bolster police operations

Police beacons equipped with video cameras, sirens, floodlights and speakers are being deployed at two parks to improve public safety in a year-long trial Continue Reading

Three UK gears up for 2021 business expansion

UK mobile network operator sets out plans to enhance business proposition over next 12 months, improving connectivity, how it operates and how it interacts with customers Continue Reading

Aryaka offers hybrid workplaces “risk-free on-ramp” to SASE

New managed secure private access solution claimed to be able to make remote employees “first-class citizens” for corporate applications Continue Reading

Cisco accelerates collaboration with ‘wave’ of Webex enhancements and plans

Reacting to the new normal ahead of all organisations and as part of a major overhaul of its conferencing and collaboration options, network technology and solutions giant unveils Webex portfolio overhaul and intent to buy audience interaction company Continue Reading

After critical year, Vodafone trains security sights on CNI market

Vodafone’s security head Steve Knibbs explains how he plans to bring the lessons of a transformative few years in cyber security to bear on new markets Continue Reading

Cato boosts network management with SASE cloud API

GraphQL-based API designed to extract security and networking information globally with a single request allows enterprises to automate provisioning and management of SASE deployments from third-party platforms Continue Reading

Deloitte: Cloud, intelligent edge and telemedicine set to accelerate in 2021

Global market for intelligent edge computing will expand to $12bn in 2021, with more than 400 million video visits to doctors worldwide across the year Continue Reading

Amnesia:33 IoT flaws dangerous and patches unlikely, say experts

The disclosure of multiple flaws by Forescout has raised big questions for the developers of connected products, and for their users Continue Reading

Top IT predictions in APAC in 2021

The Asia-Pacific region will continue to be a cradle for technology innovation in the new year, whether it is 5G services, artificial intelligence, cloud computing or cyber security Continue Reading

API, API, API, API (aye aye aye aye)

I very recently spoke at a webinar for a long-time client emanating from the artist formerly known as helpdesk market - Sunrise Software - on the increasing importance of APIs - usable ones, not ... Continue Reading

SMEs need to acknowledge remote working lessons to prosper post-Covid

Research from integrated cloud communications platform provider finds that over two-fifths of SME employees believe that, with effective communication tools, productivity would be the most improved business challenge in the “new normal” Continue Reading

Remote working issues block path to success for medium-sized businesses

Nearly a third of European workers at mid-sized organisations feel disengaged and unmotivated due to issues with technology while working remotely Continue Reading

Multiple D-Link routers found vulnerable to attack

Digital Defense discloses a remotely exploitable root command injection flaw in a number of D-Link wireless router devices Continue Reading

AWS to open Melbourne cloud region in 2022

Amazon Web Services’ second Australian cloud region is part of its growing infrastructure investments in the maturing cloud market Continue Reading

Cisco aims for enhanced engagement with IMImobile acquisition

Network technology and solutions giant makes strategic acquisition of cloud communications software and services provider to embed omnichannel engagement into customer experience-as-a-service Continue Reading

Nokia to be technology lead for EU 6G project

Finnish comms tech provider is the project leader for European Commission’s flagship initiative for research into the next generation of wireless networks Continue Reading

Ericsson, TIM, Qualcomm, claim 5G FWA speed milestone

Although fixed wireless access has not yet gained as much publicity as other use cases for the next-generation infrastructure, its potential in connecting those in remote areas to 5G is vast and a consortium of technology vendors and leading Italian operators have established a new throughput benchmark Continue Reading

UK Space Agency awards £7m for space innovation projects

A range of ‘high risk, high reward’ projects have been awarded a total of £7m from the Space Agency’s National Space Innovation Programme, aiming to make the UK a world leader in space technology Continue Reading

China lags US in computer vision

China trails the US in the field of computer vision despite making inroads in computing and research, new report finds Continue Reading

FTTH Council Europe slams misleading advertising for fibre networks

Fibre broadband trade body study shows consumers are confused about marketing and performance of broadband-access technologies, recommending a ‘fibre-ready’ label should be introduced for new buildings and major renovations Continue Reading

Nova casts light on streaming network issues as energy demands soar

So-called industry-first solution brings new revenue opportunities, reduces churn and differentiates offer for video providers as they struggle to cope with energy surge in providing services Continue Reading