Networking and communication

Openreach defies Covid to hit full-fibre target

BT-owned broadband provision division includes more than 170 city locations in multi-billion-pound gigabit broadband build including cities of Birmingham, Belfast, London and Manchester Continue Reading

‘Major’ security flaw detected in 5G core network slicing design

Mobile security specialist details potentially revenue-threatening vulnerabilities with key element of next-generation networks and reveals plans to work with industry to provide mitigation prior to widespread deployments Continue Reading

Qualcomm, 5G RuralDorset seed partnership to trial farming use cases

Government announces relationship with wireless technology company to work with its DCMS 5G Testbeds and Trials Programme to power smart agriculture for remote farms in the Dorset region Continue Reading

Bharti Airtel taps OpenStack to modernise telco network

India’s Bharti Airtel turns to OpenStack to ready its network for emerging technologies such as 5G and edge computing Continue Reading

Sky enters business broadband arena with Sky Connect

Broadband provider launches scheme to give UK’s small businesses a better broadband experience, creating 1,000 jobs in the process Continue Reading

Google Cloud claims revolution with Network Connectivity Centre

Cloud giant introduces platform designed to allow enterprises to simplify complex heterogeneous networks for on-prem and cloud connectivity needs and connect with Cisco SD-WAN as a single network Continue Reading

PCCW Global expands SD-WAN services with uCPE, NFV

Hong Kong-based international communications service provider brings new level of user experience, enhanced security, automation and simplified management to global infrastructure Continue Reading

Anti-money laundering technology must operate in a collaborative ecosystem

With new technologies making it easier for banks to spot money laundering activity, we look at why the problem persists at scale, finding that ecosystems and collaborative processes need to be built Continue Reading

SD-WAN, SASE see spike as firms experience ‘network nightmare’ in 2020

Networking tech firm’s annual survey shows Covid-driven home networking sees network complexity skyrocket Continue Reading

Why collaboration is the next driver in enterprise software

Use of enterprise collaboration tools has exploded during the pandemic. Now they are expanding their remit into the realm of enterprise systems Continue Reading

Ericsson aims to make network services smarter with 5G Core Policy Studio

Programmability tool designed to offer centralised management of end-to-end network policies for communication service providers Continue Reading

Benu has the edge with cloud-native integrated SASE and 5G AGF

New broadband network gateway said to offer industry’s only carrier-first secure access service edge architecture as market scales to billions of devices, users and services Continue Reading

UK defence strategy strengthens AI, cyber and satellite spies

The nature of warfare is changing. Electronic warfare will need to be a key component of the UK’s defence strategy Continue Reading

Interview: Ivan McKee, Scottish innovation minister

Scotland’s innovation minister talks to Computer Weekly about the country’s new digital strategy, the importance of inclusion, and why the strategy is underpinned by ethical thinking Continue Reading

Northwest Australia to get digital boost

A $1.5bn datacentre and connectivity project that links Perth and Darwin to the rest of the Asia-Pacific region is set to boost digital investments in northwest Australia Continue Reading

Big four make small impression in Which? UK broadband survey

As remote working became the default during the UK lockdown, the importance of dependable and enterprise-acceptable home broadband was never more crucial, but Which? shows that the country’s largest providers have proved a let-down regarding connection reliability, internet speeds and value for money Continue Reading

Nokia claims 5G throughput breakthrough and deploys first SE Asia 5G standalone RAN

Finnish comms tech supplier marks the first 5G standalone RAN sharing network in Southeast Asia, enables M1-StarHub joint venture to gain Singapore-wide 5G coverage, and breaks a speed barrier Continue Reading

Altnet association warns of threat to UK full-fibre roll-out

Independent Networks Co-operative Association warns that recent momentum in gigabit broadband implementation could be delayed if independent providers and their investors believe UK comms regulator is not willing to listen to their concerns Continue Reading

Singtel and Optus partner AWS on telco edge

Singtel and Optus are supporting AWS Outposts in their telco edge platforms that will enable enterprises to use AWS services for on-premise 5G applications Continue Reading

What to expect at Cisco Live 2021: Future of work, networks

At Cisco Live 2021, attendees will hear about the future of work and what that means for the future of networks and network technologies, like SASE, 5G and cloud networks. Continue Reading

Nokia inks AT&T C-band deal and sets out plan to surf the 5G long wave

Leading comms tech provider outlines plans to speed up transformation to improve profitability, taking advantage of long wave of 5G contracts such as that from leading US operator Continue Reading

Cisco's future banks on security, service providers, 5G

A big part of Cisco's future strategy will be enhancing its global presence and service provider customer base. For networking, it still pursues software and subscription models. Continue Reading

Avaya adds AI, advanced meeting capabilities to Spaces collaboration platform

IP comms firm announces new capabilities for workstream collaboration platform, offering evolved unified communications capabilities via a user’s preferred device Continue Reading

UK online traffic soars during year in lockdown

Research from leading UK ISP reveals online usage in the UK has increased by 78% year-on-year since the first lockdown Continue Reading

UK government aims to get national broadband project back on track with Project Gigabit

First areas revealed in £5bn government scheme to deliver gigabit broadband connections to help recovery from the pandemic, achieve growth and levelling up Continue Reading

Employers face delicate balancing act as hybrid workforce emerges from lockdown

Study from UK telco advises firms to prepare for the divided demands of the post-lockdown workforce Continue Reading

Ofcom revamps wholesale broadband rules to ramp up full-fibre roll-out

UK comms regulator announces new guidelines for the UK wholesale telecoms market, with the principal aim to drive investment in fibre gigabit services and support the closure of the UK’s copper network Continue Reading

Ofcom enables £multi-billion refunding of BT to finance full-fibre roll out.

The Ofcom decision today appears to open the way for BT to similarly complete the convergence begun with the EE merger. But first it has to raise the money. Continue Reading

Liverpool health, social care and education 5G network expands

Europe’s largest 5G health and social care network infrastructure deploys range of IT and entertainment technologies in hybrid setup to increase reach of independent public sector network Continue Reading

Nokia accelerates Telenet cloud services with 5G core tech

Comms and cloud tech giants to support public cloud deployment of Belgian operator’s mobile core, signalling the first step in its transformation towards cloud-based services Continue Reading

Ofcom raises £1.356bn in principal stage of new 5G spectrum auction

After announcing their plans to extend and improve basic 4G connectivity around the country, the UK’s mobile operators are celebrating their principal gains in the 5G arena with low-band and mid-band spectrum Continue Reading

Viavi expands fibre network test and measurement portfolio

Fibre optic testing and measurement portfolio designed to address businesses’ rapidly changing infrastructure needs Continue Reading

Nordic healthcare digitisation drives medtech growth

Nordic medtech is growing rapidly as the healthcare sector adopts technologies such as artificial intelligence and the internet of things Continue Reading

Legacy tech integration issues impede telcos’ digitisation ambitions

Research finds a worryingly large number of operators indicating that when it comes to digital transformation, integration with legacy technology is their largest gating factor, followed closely by data security concerns Continue Reading

5G economy to spur huge GDP, job growth across the US

BCG study estimates large contribution to employment and GDP over the next decade, through the roll-out of next-generation mobile infrastructure Continue Reading

Cinia cuts Ribbon deal for transport network upgrade

Real-time communications software and network solutions firm sees OTN platforms deployed in upgrade of backbone transport network in Finland and Northern Europe Continue Reading

Canada’s Rogers and Shaw announce $26bn merger

Canadian telcos come together citing the belief that 5G is redefining the innovation landscape and that significant multibillion-dollar investments are needed to deliver the connectivity that communities, consumers and businesses require Continue Reading

UK government offers ‘inadequate’ response to broadband concerns

DCMS Committee takes government to task for the second time in two months for lack of response in how it will ensure communications strategy is realised Continue Reading

Containers play a key role in post-pandemic IT architectures

In this week’s Computer Weekly, our latest buyer’s guide examines the key role that container technology will play in post-pandemic IT architectures. The UK government is under fire for its opaque approach to gigabit broadband strategy. And we assess the storage options for the growing volumes of unstructured data. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Endpoint security vs. network security: Why both matter

As the security perimeter blurs, companies often debate the merits of endpoint security vs. network security. However, it shouldn't be an either-or decision. Continue Reading

Nokia inks RAN collaboration with leading cloud providers

Google, Microsoft Azure and AWS link up with comms tech giant to utilise cloud and open radio access network technology to develop new customer-focused 5G use cases Continue Reading

Consortium makes big shift in autonomous vehicle research in the UK

New SHIFT Autonomous Vehicle Deployment Report identifies the potential impact of deploying autonomous vehicle services across the UK with advanced traffic modelling helping to predict potential impact of autonomy on congestion, emissions, public transport and ride-sharing services Continue Reading

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha becomes Nokia FAN for green transport

In its effort to improve environmental safety and quality with the latest class of gas-fuelled vessel, leading Japanese shipping line implements 4G/LTE field area network Continue Reading

Microsoft Exchange ProxyLogon attacks spike 10 times in four days

Exploitations of the Microsoft Exchange ProxyLogon vulnerabilities have increased tenfold in just four days Continue Reading

Judges refuse EncroChat defendants’ appeal to Supreme Court

Experts suggest Parliament and Investigatory Powers Tribunal need to consider the implications of a court decision on police use of data from the EncroChat phone network Continue Reading

Cheltenham races as CityFibre extends gigabit fibre to more than 200 additional UK locations

Former UK altnet announces new build and extensions to existing projects that will see it supply full-fibre infrastructure to nearly a third of the UK market Continue Reading

India is becoming a hotspot for IoT

India is set to be a cradle for internet of things deployments thanks to its vibrant economy and its potential to play a bigger role in global manufacturing Continue Reading

Arrest warrants issued for Canadians behind Sky ECC cryptophone network used by organised crime

The US has issued arrest warrants for the CEO of Sky Global and a former distributor for racketeering, aiding and abetting the distribution of illegal drugs by supplying encrypted phones to criminals Continue Reading

Eseye looks to Verizon to enable IoT localisation

Partnership aims to enable customers with global IoT deployments to localise devices over-the-air to operator’s network, avoiding permanent roaming issues and delivering global IoT connectivity Continue Reading

NCSC issues emergency alert on Microsoft Exchange patch

UK’s national cyber agency calls on organisations affected by the ProxyLogon vulnerabilities to patch their Microsoft Exchange Servers immediately Continue Reading

Cisco, University of Strathclyde and Scotland 5G Centre announce 5G Cloud Core network

Networking tech giant, leading university and national hub for accelerating deployment and adoption of 5G team up to create enterprise-grade cloud and core systems to deliver benefit to communities and businesses Continue Reading

UK government confirms financial support for Shared Rural Network programme

UK government ponies up its share of £1bn infrastructure project, designed to reduce partial not-spots in UK locations Continue Reading

DearCry ransomware targets vulnerable Exchange servers

As predicted, ransomware gangs have started to target vulnerable instances of Microsoft Exchange Server, making patching an even greater priority Continue Reading

Nokia, LG Uplus trial 5G business-to-business platform in Korea

Test of 5G solution designed to go beyond traditional network connectivity and deliver enhanced service quality and creation of new B2B services Continue Reading

Mavenir extends AI and analytics portfolio

End-to-end cloud-native communications network software provider Mavenir deploys software and API-led connectivity, deep AI/ML knowledge and virtualised network expertise critical for 5G AI use cases Continue Reading

Community Fibre scales up gigabit offerings for London businesses

ISP pivots from home to business to provide new features tailored to SMEs’ needs and hires new head of business and wholesale to assist post-lockdown working environment Continue Reading

O2 Business aims to boost flexible working with digital workplace

Operator strengthens digital workplace portfolio with two new propositions to help business owners get the latest devices and integrate voice services for Microsoft Teams Continue Reading

Attack on surveillance cameras a warning over security, ethics

The attack on a video surveillance startup by a hacktivist group raises questions not just over cyber security, but the use and extent of surveillance technology Continue Reading

Scotland launches digital strategy

Updated strategy aims to equip Scotland for technological transformation post-coronavirus and focuses on building an ethical digital nation Continue Reading

Norwegian government falls victim to Microsoft attacks

Norway’s parliament, the Storting, suffers second major cyber incident in a year as threat groups capitalise on vulnerable Microsoft Exchange Servers Continue Reading

CW Europe: Nordic tech startups create blueprint for post-Covid working environment

Business can learn lessons from Nordic tech startups to prepare employees to return to the office after Covid restrictions end. Also read why Netherlands police need a training ‘roadmap’ to get them up to speed to tackle cyber crime. Continue Reading

CityFibre extends full-fibre network to Peterborough

Former leading altnet to put a further £1.5m into its high-speed broadband connectivity project Continue Reading

KymiRing throttles up private 5G wireless network for motorsports circuit

Largest motorsports and events venue in Northern Europe to implement industrial-grade private 5G network to fulfil international broadcasting needs and provide a secure testing environment for the automotive industry Continue Reading

LogMeIn refreshes GoToConnect to support permanent shift to flexible work

Collaboration technology provider enhances core suite to empower customers to connect from anywhere and integrate with leading collaboration systems Continue Reading

Met Police chooses Capgemini as strategic IT infrastructure services provider

Capgemini has a history of providing the force with day-to-day technology services, and will now deliver its infrastructure services under the Pegasus programme Continue Reading

Samsung and Spark light up 5G net in New Zealand

Samsung switches on its first 5G in New Zealand, claiming to bring a new wave of rich and immersive services to users of the Spark network Continue Reading

AT&T adds managed SASE to portfolio

Comms and IT provider AT&T teams with security specialist Fortinet to offer network solution based on SASE principles to support distributed workforces and solve associated challenges Continue Reading

Police crack world’s largest cryptophone network as criminals swap EncroChat for Sky ECC

Belgian and Dutch police have breached the encryption of users of Sky ECC, the world’s largest cryptophone network. There are significant parallels with the international police operation against the EncroChat cryptophone network which led to hundreds of arrests Continue Reading

Hybrid working, diversity progress – Computer Weekly Downtime Upload podcast

In this episode of the Computer Weekly Downtime Upload podcast, Caroline Donnelly, Clare McDonald and Brian McKenna discuss hybrid working, progress in diversity and data in healthcare Continue Reading

Belgian police raid 200 premises in drug operation linked to breach of encrypted phone network

More than 1,600 police and law enforcement officials conduct drug raids after the compromise of an encrypted mobile phone network that has parallels with EncroChat Continue Reading

Nearly 30 million UK mobile users suffer in-home signal problems

Study finds more than half of UK mobile users regularly suffer signal problems at home, including calls dropping out, but a similar percentage do not check network coverage maps before signing up to a service Continue Reading

Cibicom taps Nokia to supply mission-critical LTE network across Denmark

Finnish comms provider inks deal with Danish operator to roll out new 450 MHz LTE infrastructure for mass volume IoT and mission critical data coverage Continue Reading

CityFibre embarks on £34m Thames Valley full-fibre project

UK’s third-largest broadband provider announces plans to light up fibre in key area of southern England, addressing the current and future digital needs of residents and businesses in the region Continue Reading

Are you ready to return to the office?

In this week’s Computer Weekly, a year after lockdown began, we look at employers’ changing attitudes to returning to the workplace. We find out how the software developer community has coped during the Covid-19 pandemic. And we examine the cyber security concerns prompted by latest social media craze, Clubhouse. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Scottish consortium unveils new scheme to boost 4G, 5G connectivity

Programme launched to help Scottish local authorities and public sector organisations reap the benefits from improved connectivity without overburdening their resources Continue Reading

UK’s first 5G-connected tram on track across West Midlands

Leading next-generation network test lab announces latest project offering a showcase for what the future of connected transport could look like in its home region and beyond Continue Reading

UK government offers ‘inadequate’ response to broadband concerns

DCMS Committee takes government to task for the second time in two months for lack of response in how it will ensure communications strategy is realised Continue Reading

DZS accelerates network process strategy with RIFT acquisition

In its second recent strategic acquisition, transport and broadband access solutions provider swoops for automation firm to deliver and manage intelligent network and processing functions at the network edge Continue Reading

T-Mobile targets post-pandemic workplace with remote working suite

Aiming to address a world of work in which Covid-19 brought a decade’s worth of progress in a year’s time,T-Mobile launches a collaborative solutions suite that it says will meet the challenges of remote working head on Continue Reading

Connectivity the ‘unsung hero’ of the future of work

Research finds that by stripping away bureaucracy, flattening hierarchies and streamlining processes, the response to Covid-19 has given an indication as to how work could and should change for the better, but there will be losers along with the winners Continue Reading

Vodafone promises ‘unbreakable’ broadband without breaking the bank

New hybrid Pro Broadband product aims to deliver Wi-Fi in every room through hybrid router that is claimed to deliver uninterrupted wireless connectivity Continue Reading

Mobile business and productivity apps see 7.1 billion downloads in 2020

App Annie research finds stay-at-home orders and lockdowns drive uptake of business productivity applications such as Zoom Cloud Meetings, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams, growing 35% annually Continue Reading

NOC performance metrics for optimal operation

NOC best practices include using standardized network designs and automation. But don't forget to identify performance metrics that help track and measure operational success. Continue Reading

UK network users burn through unprecedented data in lockdown 3

Coinciding with the launch of Call of Duty: Warzone update, Virgin Media records its busiest day on record, with the average user downloading more than 20GB of data Continue Reading

AI, fibre investment sees Comcast ride out massive wave of network traffic in 2020

Smart hardware and software technologies allow national US network provider to manage unprecedented traffic driven by major growth in online video and gaming Continue Reading

Being the brand: Virgin takes SD-WAN to the next level

Companies are increasingly turning to software-defined wide-area networks to address the needs of remote workforces Continue Reading

Virgin Media trial demos multi-gigabit upgradeable bandwidth

Virgin Media trials optical networking technology that could pave way to faster internet connectivity that is easier to upgrade Continue Reading

Goldman Sachs CEO comments highlight need for home working balance

The remote working revolution has been prominent in the banking sector and organisations have a balancing act to perform once the pandemic passes Continue Reading

Openreach taps VIAVI to ensure network quality for UK full-fibre build-out

Openreach opts for optical network monitoring system to address network quality, including validating new construction, performing pre-activation checks and monitoring ongoing services Continue Reading

Cellular IoT connections to reach 3.5 billion by 2030

Strategy Analytics survey finds that despite mass roll-out of next-gen networks, in the real world of the internet of things, 4G will continue as the dominant underlying platform, and 5G-based IoT growth will be gradual over the remaining part of the decade Continue Reading

UK government pumps £4.5m into central Scotland gigabit connectivity plan

Key Scottish population belt identified as the first territory for investment as part of UK government’s £5bn investment in next-generation broadband Continue Reading

Covid accelerates Bradford University remote working project

Pandemic injected fuel into university’s existing project to introduce remote working Continue Reading

Only 12% of worldwide enterprises fully embrace SASE

Global survey reveals that although many public and private sector organisations have elements of secure access service edge in their IT stack, few have a comprehensive architecture and a significant number do not embrace the philosophy at all Continue Reading

First Newcastle residents gain CityFibre gigabit access

UK’s third national digital infrastructure platform provider claims Tyneside digital revolution is gathering pace as the first homes are connected to next-generation full-fibre network Continue Reading

Three UK broadens 4G, 5G reach

UK operator reveals the pace at which its 5G network is expanding according to an expansion plan announced at end of 2020 and gives visibility into its 4G net build Continue Reading

5 benefits of Wi-Fi 6 for enterprise networks

In a perfect world, Wi-Fi 6 could introduce several benefits to business networks. But real-world conditions could curb the wireless technology's true potential. Continue Reading

5G firms tune up for Sonic open networking scheme

Project offers the opportunity to shape what the UK’s 5G supply chains of the future could look like Continue Reading

Juniper adds WAN, Virtual Network Assistant technology to networks portfolio

Artificial intelligence-driven networks provider builds on wired/wireless access leadership and record year for campus/branch switching with new AI-driven EX switch Continue Reading

HPE launches new comms tech group with ‘industry-first’ Open RAN Solution Stack

Group will help telcos and enterprises take advantage of the huge 5G market opportunity with technology bringing the company’s IP across telco software, services and infrastructure Continue Reading

Tech-enabled hybrid working enables HSBC to cut 40% of its global office space

Bank is making huge reductions in the amount of office space it uses through a global hybrid-working policy Continue Reading