Smartphone technology
Smartphone technology is the fastest growing and most competitive area of the corporate mobile phone sector, with Apple's iPhone, Google's Android and Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 vying to take over from Blackberry as the smartphone of choice for business users. We look at the latest developments and products and what they mean to enterprise IT.
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News
22 May 2025
Virgin Media O2 Business offers Microsoft Teams Phone Mobile
UK operator’s business division looks to offer companies seamless, secure collaboration to support flexible working and gain enhanced productivity Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2025
Lancashire Police extends use of Pronto tech for faster, more effective response
Northwest of England force unveils next-gen approach to policing with voice-activated systems in vehicles and livestream body cameras that give the control room real-time visibility of incidents Continue Reading
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News
29 Jun 2020
Ericsson gets head of steam for 5G connectivity in European rail industry
Swedish tech supplier joins Association of the European Rail Supply Industry to show how next-generation networks can enable the industry to meet tomorrow’s IT and communications challenges Continue Reading
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News
25 Jun 2020
Pub ‘check-in’ apps provoke fresh privacy concerns
With pubs and restaurants required to collect customer data for contact tracing when they reopen, data privacy risks will be heightened Continue Reading
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News
25 Jun 2020
Verizon and Digital Catapult create enterprise 5G accelerator programme
Venture will enable retail and brand partners to work directly with UK startups and tech innovators to explore 5G-enabled solutions Continue Reading
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News
25 Jun 2020
Ericsson, Nokia to power Singapore’s 5G networks
European telecoms network suppliers Ericsson and Nokia have been selected by Singapore telcos to deploy the country’s two standalone 5G networks Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Jun 2020
APT groups’ mobile momentum finally faces resistance
State-backed APT groups are increasingly targeting mobile devices as Covid-19 puts the spotlight on remote working infrastructure security. We explore how the industry is fighting back Continue Reading
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News
23 Jun 2020
Viavi introduces 3D geolocation for 5G networks
Looking to ‘command’ 5G infrastructures, network monitoring and assurance technology firm unveils what it claims is first patented 3D 5G geolocation system Continue Reading
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News
23 Jun 2020
UK counts the cost as Ireland presses ahead with contact-tracing app
Irish eyes smiling as Republic’s heath executive said to be on verge of giving greenlight to Covid-19 tracker app, while UK reveals £11.8m cost of development to date for no return as yet Continue Reading
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News
23 Jun 2020
Nokia claims US live C-band network demo first
Ahead of the expected US spectrum auction in December 2020, Nokia completes first successful US-based 5G trial in C-band Continue Reading
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E-Zine
23 Jun 2020
How the Chelsea Flower Show blossomed as an online-only event
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we talk to the digital team at the Royal Horticultural Society about delivering the first online-only Chelsea Flower Show after the physical event was cancelled due to coronavirus. With all the talk about the consumer uses of 5G, we look at how next-generation mobile technology could benefit enterprise IT. And we examine the best practice in managing SAP systems during lockdown. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jun 2020
iPhone issues see UK government dump centralised model for Covid-19 contact-tracing app
Department for Health makes U-turn on contact-tracing app after trial finds distances are not measured well enough, with particular detection problems for app users with Apple iPhones Continue Reading
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News
18 Jun 2020
Data protection watchdog calls for controls on police mobile phone stop-and-searches
Information commissioner wants new safeguards on the use of police powers to download sensitive personal data from the mobile phones of suspects and crime victims Continue Reading
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News
18 Jun 2020
Nordic business is leading open banking charge in Europe
Nordic region has the right ingredients to prove open banking can benefit consumers, businesses and the economy Continue Reading
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News
18 Jun 2020
Environmental concerns set to put brake on future business trips
Research finds nearly half of UK workers are concerned about the negative environmental impact of business travel, with almost two-fifths actively wanting to reduce the number of times they travel for work Continue Reading
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News
17 Jun 2020
Data privacy fears emerge as German contact-tracing app downloaded 6.5 million times in first day
After prolonged development path, Germany’s Corona-Warn-App launches to almost immediate success and almost immediate controversy regarding anonymity Continue Reading
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News
16 Jun 2020
Ericsson upgrades 5G forecast as research finds mobile networks take added strain from Covid-19
While social distancing and keeping millions at home have put significant demands on infrastructure, with systems that support healthcare, education and businesses of all types under stress, telecoms networks have stood up to the task, says research from leading comms tech provider Continue Reading
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News
16 Jun 2020
Covid-19 contact-tracing apps: the key data protection issues
Organisations intending to deploy contact-tracing apps will need to maintain high standards of privacy compliance, security and ethics to guarantee sufficient uptake and meaningful results Continue Reading
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Opinion
15 Jun 2020
Why UK needs independent oversight body for contact-tracing app
The public needs and deserves clarity, and not just assurances, over the UK’s Covid-19 contact-tracing app Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2020
Brits get used to life without cash
British people are getting used to life without cash, as the Covid-19 lockdown forces the adoption of digital payments Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2020
Fake contact-tracing apps delivering banking trojans
Spoof government coronavirus apps are popping up all over the world, says the Anomali Threat Research team Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2020
Minister downgrades status of UK contact-tracing app from vital to ‘cherry on cake’
Scientists warn of fundamental flaws of Bluetooth technology in proximity measurement function of much-delayed app Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2020
100,000 cheap wireless cameras vulnerable to hacking
Active devices built by Chinese firm HiChip have been sold in the UK as webcams and connected baby monitors Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2020
5G at ‘tipping point’ as Nokia reveals biggest drivers for enterprise 5G
While analyst believes ‘enormous’ investment required and lack of killer apps put 5G growth in doubt, comms tech giant Nokia paints picture of IT decision-makers making tracks with next-gen infrastructure Continue Reading
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News
11 Jun 2020
O2 extends 5G network, hits 10,000 mark for LTE-M in UK
Operator says network technologies will revolutionise the way people and businesses use mobile connectivity, unlocking huge possibilities for the UK’s economy and society Continue Reading
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E-Zine
11 Jun 2020
CW Europe: 5G rush in Russia
Russian mobile operators are pooling their resources to help them overcome the technical challenges of creating 5G networks. Also read why Swedbank is rebuilding its anti-money laundering systems, and how a public-private partnership in the Netherlands is combating business email compromise fraud. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jun 2020
Evidence emerges of slow increase in global mobile cellular network times
Smartphone users may have seen the worst of the negative impact from the coronavirus pandemic on their cellular experience, with time connected to Wi-Fi networks decreasing, Opensignal research finds Continue Reading
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News
10 Jun 2020
Licensed low-power cellular market gains high traction
With the current extensive deployment of 4G networks and continued expansion of 5G, licensed low-power IoT applications and use cases are set to take off Continue Reading
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News
10 Jun 2020
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 Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jun 2020
Coronavirus: How to go back to the office safely and securely
Security teams should be used to supporting remote workers effectively by now, but what’s going to happen when people start returning to their offices? We look at the risks and how to address them. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jun 2020
Progress needed for UK fibre roll-out to catch up to peers
Even with the best efforts of the government in meeting its target and various initiatives to support deployment, meeting UK full-fibre gigabit goals depends on ultimate switch-off of the copper network Continue Reading
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News
08 Jun 2020
South Korea takes global 5G leadership
Initial Omdia market assessment shows home of Samsung as the world’s powerhouse for establishing and commercialising 5G networks Continue Reading
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News
05 Jun 2020
Police chiefs working with Public Health England on contact-tracing security
Police force representatives are in talks with Public Health England over operational security concerns arising from the NHS Test and Trace coronavirus contact-tracing scheme Continue Reading
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News
04 Jun 2020
Small businesses failing on remote worker protection
Only one-third of people working for small businesses have received any guidance from their employers on how to secure their remote working set-up Continue Reading
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News
04 Jun 2020
Data privacy groups pile in on UK contact-tracing app
UK-based digital privacy and free speech campaigning organisation files complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office about contact-tracing app Continue Reading
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News
04 Jun 2020
Outlook for 5G remains positive despite Covid-19
While the current health crisis and economic uncertainty will have a short-term impact on adoption of the next-gen network, analyst insists future for 5G remains bright with more than a billion global 5G connections by 2022 Continue Reading
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News
04 Jun 2020
Malaysian minister backtracks on spectrum allocation decision
Amid reports of a surreptitious decision to allocate spectrum to five Malaysian operators, the communications minister rescinds his own order, calling for a more transparent review of the allocation process Continue Reading
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News
03 Jun 2020
Telefónica Deutschland, Bell Canada select Ericsson as 5G network partner
Ericsson scores wins for next-generation infrastructure technology on both sides of Atlantic for both core and radio segments Continue Reading
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News
02 Jun 2020
Covid-19: Global smartphone sales take a tumble in Q1 2020
Leading analyst Gartner attributes 20% year-on-year decline in device sales to effect of coronavirus pandemic, with leading brands showing sharp falls Continue Reading
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News
01 Jun 2020
Privacy campaigners call for radical changes to contact-tracing app
Liberty, Privacy International and the Open Rights Group join calls for the government to either put in place better data protection policies or abandon its Covid-19 contact-tracing app altogether Continue Reading
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News
29 May 2020
Qualcomm aims to tap into Wi-Fi 6E with ‘world’s most advanced’ mobile wireless portfolio
Hot on the heels of FCC action described as milestone and watershed moment for innovation that will supercharge connectivity, wireless processor giant aims to cash in on new wireless standard Continue Reading
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News
29 May 2020
Test and Trace has not passed data protection impact assessment
Public Health England failed to complete the required impact assessment before launching the Covid-19 Test and Trace programme Continue Reading
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News
28 May 2020
Covid-19 calculated to cause 18% drop in net new IoT devices in 2020
Fleet management, heavy transport vehicles, equipment, fixed assets and digital signage are among the internet of things applications hit hardest by the pandemic Continue Reading
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News
28 May 2020
Public Health England to keep contact-tracing data for 20 years
PHE will retain the data it collects via the NHS Test and Trace programme for 20 years Continue Reading
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News
28 May 2020
UK government unveils NHS Test and Trace service to combat Covid-19
UK government unveils framework to stop the spread of coronavirus, but contact-tracing launch date not revealed Continue Reading
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News
27 May 2020
Fears contact-tracing app will open the floodgates for cyber criminals
Study of UK consumers reveals worries over an uptick in cyber crime and a lack of trust in government Continue Reading
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News
27 May 2020
EE network sees fivefold leap in Zoom users, 45% increase in voice calls, apps since lockdown
Research from mobile operator highlights changing habits of UK citizens during lockdown, with video conferencing seeing massive leap Continue Reading
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News
26 May 2020
StrandHogg mobile vulnerability has evil twin
Variant of the dangerous StrandHogg vulnerability affecting Android phones could allow hackers to access almost all apps on a target device Continue Reading
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News
26 May 2020
Huawei hits out at fresh UK network probe
UK cyber security agency confirms it will conduct a new investigation into the security-worthiness of Huawei’s 5G technology Continue Reading
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News
26 May 2020
Ericsson enables commercial 5G network for Telia in Stockholm
Swedish operator lays the foundations for the next phase of digital transformation with 5G network designed to open up new user experiences and accelerated innovation in areas such as entertainment, healthcare, manufacturing and transport Continue Reading
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News
26 May 2020
Android security vulnerabilities differ by country, say researchers
Manufacturers of Android devices including Huawei, Samsung and Xiaomi shipped devices with different levels of security in different regions, leaving their users exposed to attack Continue Reading
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News
22 May 2020
Hancock to Harman: No contact-tracing privacy law
Health secretary claims existing data protection law is good enough to guarantee the security of contact-tracing data Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2020
Coronavirus: Pandemic spurs QR code app upgrade at PayPal
PayPal introduces QR code payment functionality to its mobile app to support social distancing Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2020
NCSC discloses multiple vulnerabilities in contact-tracing app
National Cyber Security Centre has received mountains of feedback on the security of the government’s Covid-19 contact-tracing app, and has now taken the step of making multiple disclosures Continue Reading
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News
19 May 2020
GDPR wholly inappropriate to govern contact-tracing data
Human Rights Committee Chair Harriet Harman says current data protection law is not up to the job of governing the data collected by the Covid-19 contact-tracing app Continue Reading
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News
19 May 2020
Doubts mount over effectiveness of UK contact-tracing app
Studies from BCS and Anomali reveal that a significant proportion of the UK population is not prepared to download the Covid-19 contact-tracing app Continue Reading
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News
19 May 2020
Huawei: US using technological strengths to ‘crush’ companies outside its own borders
Chinese tech giant hits back at White House decision to extend technology ban and says it will ultimately be self-harming Continue Reading
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Feature
18 May 2020
2B or not 2C? That is the question for 5G
A flurry of 5G network launches in all major markets in Asia, North America and Europe, focused on consumer applications and services. This looks set to change in 2020 as the operators get down to business Continue Reading
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News
18 May 2020
Worldwide comms services industry projected to take limited hit from Covid-19
Coronavirus pandemic has changed some trends in the global telecom services market, but operators have adapted quickly and temporarily pushed aside some earlier priorities, says IDC Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2020
Coronavirus: Digital bank’s valuation falls as it seeks funds to ride Covid-19 storm
Monzo is seeking new investment to help it through the coronavirus pandemic Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2020
Harman seeks to bring private member’s bill over contact tracing
Chair of Human Rights Committee aims to put the proposed Contact Tracing (Data Protection) Bill 2020 before parliament as a private member’s bill if necessary Continue Reading
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E-Zine
14 May 2020
CW APAC: Trend Watch – business response to coronavirus
With countries the world over reeling from the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak, which has meant sweeping changes both economically and socially, Computer Weekly looks at how firms in the Asia-Pacific region have adapted to what has so quickly become the new normal. Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2020
UK’s contact-tracing app targeted by scammers
Even though it is only operational on the Isle of Wight as a beta test, the UK government’s coronavirus contact-tracing app has already attracted the attention of cyber criminals Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2020
SK Telecom brings quantum security to the masses
The South Korean telco is readying the world’s first 5G smartphone equipped with a quantum random number generator chipset Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2020
Telcos’ enterprise ambitions at risk from private network operators, private spectrum
Research finds a rising number of spectrum initiatives underpinning strong momentum for private cellular networks within enterprises Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2020
European comms bodies set up standards group, call for vigilance on contact-tracing apps
New ETSI group will develop standardisation framework for secure smartphone-based proximity tracing systems, helping to break Covid-19 transmission chains Continue Reading
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News
12 May 2020
Draft Covid-19 contact tracing legislation proposes formal oversight
Human Rights Committee chair Harriet Harman has outlined a proposed bill to guarantee the security and privacy of data generated by the UK’s Covid-19 contact tracing app Continue Reading
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News
12 May 2020
Vodafone shrugs Virgin move as it posts steady financial year
UK operator claims to have defied the odds and bucked the market in last financial year but warns of impact of Covid-19 on business Continue Reading
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News
12 May 2020
Details released of second UK contact-tracing app development
Contractual documents show Zuhlke Engineering receiving an official start date of 6 May to supply a managed delivery team to support and run proximity mobile application and services for the UK Continue Reading
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E-Zine
12 May 2020
Will the NHS’s Covid-19 contact-tracing app work?
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we get the expert reaction to find out if the NHS contact-tracing app will work. Staying close to clients is crucial through lockdown – we look at the importance of customer experience management. And imagine implementing a digital transformation plan in two weeks – one CIO explains how he did it. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
11 May 2020
Contact-tracing app hits teething troubles as minister confirms changes could be made
UK contact-tracing saga continues as UK government releases details of impact assessment on the app and admits that adaptations and even total change in form are not off the table Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2020
Contact-tracing app fails to protect privacy and human rights
Reassurances over the security and human rights implications of NHSX’s approach to developing its Covid-19 contact-tracing app are insufficient, says the cross-bench Human Rights Committee Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2020
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 Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2020
Industry 4.0 transformation reaches communications inflection point
Survey finds huge potential for investment in advance 4G and 5G technology among industrial organisations Continue Reading
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News
06 May 2020
UK comms experts continue to question contact-tracing app
Academics and comms industry experts challenge UK government scientists on their defence of NHS contact-tracing app, in particular the issue of centralised data gathering Continue Reading
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News
06 May 2020
Cash use to go below 5% of total spending in Middle East
Banks expect a rapid reduction of the use of cash in the region Continue Reading
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News
06 May 2020
Telcos lose out in early enterprise 5G business
Research reveals that industries and enterprises are ready to reap the benefits of 5G, but warns that service providers need to learn how to satisfy this demand Continue Reading
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News
05 May 2020
T-Mobile US claims ‘significant’ 5G standalone architecture firsts
US operator partners with comms technology leaders to achieve world’s first milestones for standalone architecture 5G Continue Reading
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Feature
05 May 2020
Contact tracing: The privacy vs protection debate
The Covid-19 pandemic has necessitated extreme measures not seen in peacetime for over 100 years. Contact-tracing apps are being developed as a tool for managing the pandemic, but are they a step too far? Continue Reading
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News
05 May 2020
UK contact-tracing app developers hit back at effectiveness and privacy doubts
Pre-eminent scientists continue to defend NHS contact-tracing app from criticism of its effectiveness and the use of centralised data gathering Continue Reading
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News
05 May 2020
Building security and privacy into contact-tracing apps
Governance and data decentralisation are among measures that organisations can take to allay security and privacy concerns over contact-tracing apps, according to RSA Continue Reading
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News
04 May 2020
No silver bullets and ‘bumps in the road’ likely but UK contact-tracing app development gathers pace
UK scientific experts address doubts on contact-tracing app’s effectiveness, particular regarding data privacy, but admit that its nature may have to evolve as the roll-out scales up Continue Reading
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News
04 May 2020
Research institutes warn of necessity for UK contact-tracing app to link to testing
BCS and Cass Business School call for proposed UK contact-tracing app not to be launched without alignment to testing and warns that without this link, NHS will not be able to “big data” its way out of “no data” situation Continue Reading
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News
01 May 2020
5G on the ropes as Covid-19 set to land $51bn blow on global mobile services industry
Research predicts mobile revenue will drop 4.1% worldwide because of pandemic, with European operators taking a particular heavy hit Continue Reading
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News
01 May 2020
Global contact-tracing apps take divergent routes to beat Covid-19
Telecoms will play a key role in controlling the coronavirus through contact-tracing apps that can mitigate its spread. But that will only be the case if population masses actually use the apps – and that’s not guaranteed for a variety of reasons Continue Reading
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News
01 May 2020
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 Continue Reading
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Feature
01 May 2020
Unified communications: The key to prospering in the new working reality of Covid-19
Covid-19 lockdowns are causing a collective rethink in the way companies operate, with unified communications transformed from a nice-to-have to a business essential as remote working becomes the new normal Continue Reading
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News
29 Apr 2020
Coronavirus: Cash use plummets during UK lockdown
Consumers are switching to digital payment methods amid the current global pandemic crisis Continue Reading
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News
29 Apr 2020
Nokia closes capacity and customer experience tech deal with Bharti Airtel
Third-largest telco in the world’s second-largest telecoms market takes up Nokia Single Radio Access Network to enhance capacity and improve 5G readiness Continue Reading
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News
28 Apr 2020
Black Rose Lucy ransomware now posing as FBI porn warning
A new strain of Russian-developed ransomware impersonates US federal law enforcement to force payment, says Check Point Continue Reading
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News
28 Apr 2020
Adtran initiates software-defined access network project, advances the smart home experience
Partnerships with Orange and Plume will evaluate and test SDN-based programming for next-gen fibre access networks, and boost customer experience management of Wi-Fi-enabled services Continue Reading
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News
24 Apr 2020
Wireless stakeholders cheer ‘historic’ FCC Wi-Fi 6GHz spectrum allocation decision
US broadcast and telecoms regulator confirms proposal lauded as a milestone moment that will no less than supercharge connectivity Continue Reading
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News
24 Apr 2020
Coronavirus: Dutch Covid-19 tracking app stirs national debate
Privacy concerns raised over mobile app to help track and control the spread of coronavirus in the Netherlands Continue Reading
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News
24 Apr 2020
NHSX reveals full details of UK Covid-19 contact-tracing strategy
National Health Service’s digital innovation unit aims to allay fears over privacy and confidentiality in forthcoming contract-tracing app Continue Reading
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News
23 Apr 2020
Coronavirus: RAF flies in for UK contact tracing app test
NHS announces test at air base of app designed to alert users of the close proximity of those carrying or having symptoms of Covid-19 Continue Reading
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News
23 Apr 2020
5,400% growth forecast for enterprises using WhatsApp Business APIs
Unprecedented and extraordinary growth forecast for business version of WhatsApp, with growth from just 992 to 55,000 users expected over the next five years Continue Reading
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News
23 Apr 2020
iOS zero-day leaves iPhone users dangerously exposed
Researchers identify dangerous vulnerabilities in Apple’s iOS operating system that allow remote code execution on target devices Continue Reading
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News
22 Apr 2020
Coronavirus: Banking and mobile sectors collaborate to stop text scams
Initiative aims to protect 50 genuine brands and government organisations from being impersonated by cyber criminals Continue Reading
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News
22 Apr 2020
Traditional banks need to do more than gloss over back-end systems with fintech paint
Banks need to work with fintechs if they are to prosper in the new world, but first they must update their back-end systems Continue Reading
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News
21 Apr 2020
Collaboration and communications get richer as Covid-19 ushers in new working reality
Covid-19 lockdowns bring about collective rethink in the way we work, with remote video becoming normalised and a potential change in the way effectiveness is measured Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2020
Ada Lovelace Institute questions effectiveness of UK contact-tracing strategy
Independent study institute for user-focused data and AI solutions argues that NHS Covid-19 tracking plans will not be effective unless action is taken to address technical limitations Continue Reading
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News
17 Apr 2020
Ofcom publishes technical data debunking 5G links to Covid-19
Ofcom makes latest response to the unfounded and dangerous fake news suggesting links between 5G networks and coronavirus Continue Reading