Copyright TechTarget - All rights reserved ComputerWeekly’s best articles of the day https://cyber.law.harvard.edu/rss/rss.html Techtarget Feed Generator en Sun, 10 May 2026 20:09:39 GMT https://www.computerweekly.com editor@computerweekly.com <p>Virtual reality (VR) has already seen many commercial and industrial uses. Yet VR also can be one of the most powerful tools for storytelling, visualising ideas and enhancing narratives – most obviously in the arts and entertainment sphere, where VR brings enhanced capabilities and enables artists to indulge in experiments to try out new approaches.</p> <p>Other storytelling uses support societal causes, enable new judicial procedures, boost education and become emphatic conduits. Simply, VR can put storytelling in a higher gear.</p> <p>Showing how VR enables new storytelling avenues and approaches for artists and entertainers, artist Charlotte Mikkelborg noticed the transformative power VR could unleash for narratives when <a href="https://charlottemikkelborg.com/">she first tried on a VR headset in 2015</a>: “I realised that I didn’t have to just watch a scene, I could live it.”</p> <p>Since then, she has created an immersive concert for Coldplay; a multisensory narrative game; and <em>Adventure</em>, her series for Apple that portrays extreme athletes in VR.</p> <p>Meanwhile, artist Estella Tse “merges tech and visual storytelling into <a href="https://estellatse.com/">a new art form</a>”, adding: “The immersive nature of VR metaphorically and literally puts the viewer into a different world. The brain feels like it is transported to another place.” In contrast to Mikkelborg’s VR experiences, Tse’s stories resemble art installations rather than narratives.</p> <p>It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the annual Venice Film Festival features an<a href="https://www.labiennale.org/en/cinema/2025/venice-immersive"> entire section related to the emerging artform</a>. Venice Immersive “is entirely devoted to immersive media and includes all XR means of creative expression”. Eligible for submission are all immersive videos, VR, MR, AR and XR works of any length, including installations and virtual worlds. A review by the <em>Guardian</em> describes 2025’s selection as a “flourishing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/sep/05/venice-film-festival-extended-reality-xr-immersive-storytelling-ancestors-blur">lineup of immersive storytelling experiments</a>, [which] are taking visitors into novels, nightclubs and outer space”.</p> <p>At the 82nd Venice Film Festival in August and September 2025, the island of Lazzaretto Vecchio featured a wide range of XR artwork that invited audience members to immerse themselves into stories rather than just looking onto them. For example, <em>The Time Before</em> is “a virtual reality journey through memory, imagination and dreams”, which steps into the main character’s mind to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oahwg3hyE0">explore the imaginary worlds</a> his sister builds to protect them from the anger of their father. The piece <em>1968</em> is “communal VR theatre that explores the transformative power of protest through illusions to 1968, which was a year <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPgr1nul4ro">charged by societal, political and cultural unrest</a>”.</p> <p>Venice Immersive Jury chair Eliza McNitt sees XR as “<a href="https://www.anothermag.com/design-living/16597/venice-immersive-2025-xr-festival-eliza-mcnitt">the beginning of a revolution</a> ... [artists can] push the boundaries of storytelling”.</p> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Conveying societal causes"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>Conveying societal causes</h2> <p>The way VR can bring stories and narratives closer to an audience lends itself to highlight social and societal issues in more impactful ways than previously possible. Journalist Becca Warner outlined her experience with VR content created by South African Habitat XR. The company’s objective is to create “<a href="https://www.habitatxr.com/">immersive nature storytelling</a> that drives public engagement, education, fundraising and conservation outcomes.”</p> <p>Warner watched <em>A Predicament of Pangolins</em>, an immersive story featuring two wild pangolins in the Kalahari Desert who are facing the challenges of climate change. The anthropomorphised animals are created “for maximum empathy and cognitive connection to the present reality of climate change”. Warner highlights VR’s impact: “A virtual reality pangolin made me cry and care more about the planet: is this the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250306-the-future-of-conservation-might-be-in-vr-headsets">real power of VR headsets?</a>”</p> <p>Exploring how humans live with nature is a common theme. <a href="https://wildimmersion.io/">French company Wild Immersion</a> is “dedicated to raising awareness of environmental issues through 360° films, VR experiences, AR journeys, wildlife encyclopaedias and interactive drawings”. And the British artist collective <a href="https://marshmallowlaserfeast.com/">Marshmallow Laser Feast</a> is using stories in immersive experiences and XR that are “designed to carve out space to expose, explore and expand our relationship with the living world”.</p> <p>The UK’s Natural History Museum uses VR headsets to look a century into the future to <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/visions-of-nature.html">visualise humans’ impact on nature</a>. The showcase’s main takeaway is that “the actions we take today will help build a better tomorrow.”</p> <p>Alex Burch, director of public programmes at the museum, explains that the immersive story shows “the aftermath of centuries of human industrial activity as well as to the interventions we have introduced to remedy our unsustainable activity”.</p> <p>New York artist Sam Wolson <a href="https://www.samwolson.com/">uses VR</a> to tell political narratives. For instance, <em>Re-educated</em> puts viewers into a Chinese re-education camp to convey the experience of prisoners, with first-hand testimony informing the animation. And <em>No Place at Home</em> follows a mother and her transgender teenager on their search for gender-affirming care, combining photorealistic three-dimensional imagery.</p> <p>Wolson explains where VR can improve storytelling: “With virtual reality and interactive visual features, it comes down to whether a story is suited to multimedia or nonlinear narratives, in which the viewer can be placed directly into a story with the freedom to move around.”</p> </section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Recovering memories, creating experiences"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>Recovering memories, creating experiences</h2> <p>A less-known and emerging use of VR is visualising memories to resurrect past experiences. For instance, in December 2024, judge Andrew Siegel of Florida’s Broward County Circuit Court used a <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/larsdaniel/2025/01/06/historic-first-judge-dons-oculus-vr-headset-to-experience-crime">VR headset to a recreate the imagery</a> of an aggravated assault. The defence hired an expert to visualise the defendant’s perspective in a stand-your ground trial. <a href="https://dl.acm.org/doi/epdf/10.1145/3411764.3445464"></a></p> <p><a href="https://dl.acm.org/doi/epdf/10.1145/3411764.3445464">Previous research at the University of South Australia</a> indicated that test subjects showed improvements in spatial recall, “remembering the correct placement of evidence items”, and some aspects of narrative recall when using VR in comparison to the use of still imagery.</p> <p>The approach offers benefits when crime-site visits are difficult or dangerous, contextual information plays an important role, or interactions among individuals are complicated to follow. Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court judge Scott Schlegel, who investigates new technologies for legal applications, points to a potential drawback. Virtual reality recreations “may powerfully convey emotions and perspective; it may be less reliable for <a href="https://judgeschlegel.substack.com/p/from-foam-board-to-virtual-reality">conveying specific factual details</a> that are crucial in legal proceedings.” In other words, emotions might cloud or even bias factual judgement.</p> <p>Other applications for recreating memories exist. Researcher Rob Martin at South Carolina’s Clemson University employs VR so that hospice patients can have an experience they always wanted to have. After taking a survey of local patients, he found that most wanted to experience one more Clemson football game. With <a href="https://news.clemson.edu/one-last-game-students-build-virtual-reality-experience-for-hospice-patients">the help of the Clemson’s Tandem VR team</a>, Martin created such a visualisation.</p> <p>Tandem VR is a part of Clemson’s Virtual Reality and Nature Lab. The lab’s director Olivia McAnirlin developed a concept that allows users to share a VR experience “in tandem”. The “experiences are synchronised (simultaneous) so they can fully enjoy them together, personalised to their preferences based on their experiences, dreams or memories”.</p> </section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Informing education"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>Informing education</h2> <p>Storytelling is set to play a bigger role in tomorrow’s teaching and learning, and XR can transform education though new ways to bring stories alive. Eli Joseph at Columbia University School in New York believes that the merging of literature and technology “<a href="https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/03/xr-technology-could-revolutionise-storytelling">transforms storytelling from a linear into an interactive experience</a> in which the reader’s choices can influence the narrative”.</p> <p>Joseph notes that readers can immerse themselves in stories by addressing multiple senses, and that multisensory environments for genuinely immersive experiences enables users to take a closer look at ways how XR can create layers of experiences. Joseph also believes that the technology can benefit text books – for instance, by visualising dissection of cells in biology class.</p> <p>VR not only can create narratives but also tell stories from the past. For example, the Illinois Holocaust Museum’s Experience360 is using VR to make history palpable. <a href="https://www.ilholocaustmuseum.org/experience360">The Chicago museum uses the technology</a> “to witness stories of survival, ask questions and reflect on the past in ways that inspire empathy, respect and hope”.</p> <p>Other institutions have taken note. The Centreville Regional Library in Fairfax, Virginia, partnered with the Illinois Holocaust Museum. Luis Aponte, an information services librarian who <a href="https://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articles/hear-the-stories-of-holocaust-survivors-through-virtual-reality/article_04157b0f-4684-4778-9efe-ca0c03fae557.html">brought the experience to Centreville,</a> praises “the Illinois Holocaust Museum’s dedication to preserving history in a way that transforms the future”.</p> </section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Eliciting empathy"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>Eliciting empathy</h2> <p>Educational use of VR can deepen the experience by eliciting empathy for history’s protagonists and witnesses. In a study by Stanford University, researchers looked at <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-21098-z">the effect VR can have to “reduce psychological distance to locations</a> affected by climate change, influencing climate emotions and risk perceptions”.</p> <p>One group of test subjects were only listening to news broadcasts about flooding in selected locations due to climate change while other participants were virtually flying through a three-dimensional representation of the floodings. Participants that experienced the virtualisation became concerned about climate change.</p> <p>“<a href="https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2025/10/virtual-reality-climate-change-communities-research">Utilising VR for climate education</a> can enhance awareness and inspire constructive actions, moving beyond traditional fear-driven narratives,” said the study.</p> <p>VR can also elevate emotional participation. In 2015, musician Björk released the album&nbsp;<em>Vulnicura</em>, which deals with her emotional breakup of a long-time relationship. She recently worked with Pulse Jet Studios <a href="https://www.pulsejetstudios.com/">to create a VR visualisation of the songs</a>. Björk explained her motivation: “I realised that I’d written a whole heartbreak album ... what most people were complaining about with VR is it was very isolating.”</p> <p><a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/09/23/nx-s1-5543338/bjork-vr-vulnicura-remastered">The VR journey</a> starts in an austere landscape of Iceland, where Björk hails from. Users then can thread together Björk’s broken heart. Her initial VR art was released shortly after the album’s release, but over time she frequently updated the storytelling as VR become more powerful and capable, resulting in the most recent 2025 version.</p> <p>And this takes the conversation back to arts and entertainment. VR’s impact on storytelling can affect many applications areas across industries, sometimes in surprising ways. Over time immersive capabilities will become an expectation rather than a surprise when experiencing stories and narratives across various types of content.</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about immersive technologies</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Expanding-sensory-experiences-in-virtual-environments">Expanding sensory experiences in virtual environments</a>: Augmented, virtual and extended realities are all trying to allow users to interact with virtual information in ways we are used to in real life.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/AI-XR-digital-twins-set-to-transform-robotics">AI, XR, digital twins set to transform robotics</a>: The availability of advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, digital twins, XR and robotics has changed technology-driven markets. We look at how the intersection of these technologies will create commercial opportunities.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366626251/AR-VR-headset-market-reaching-critical-tipping-point">AR/VR headset market reaching ‘critical tipping point’</a>: Research finds marked uptick in immersive technologies market with 18.1% year-on-year growth fuelled by immersive and versatile experiences, with future growth anticipated to be driven by mixed and extended reality.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/The-many-ways-AI-can-empower-XR">The many ways AI can empower XR</a>: There is an almost ‘irresistible’ marriage between artificial intelligence and extended reality, yet while their combination will create benefits, there will also be some downsides.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <p><em>Martin Schwirn is the author of ‘Small data, big disruptions: How to spot signals of change and manage uncertainty’ (ISBN 9781632651921). Schwirn has advised companies internationally for SRI International and Business Finland. He is a strategy and innovation consultant for Global 2000 companies.</em></p> </section> Storytelling will play a bigger role in tomorrow’s society – whether through teaching and learning, arts and entertainment, or health – with virtual reality technology seeking to transform experiences by bringing stories alive https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/Ericsson-5G-VR-AR-PR-hero.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Immersive-narratives-how-VR-transforms-industries-through-storytelling Fri, 08 May 2026 06:51:00 GMT <p>Europe’s mobile networks risk falling further behind the world’s digital leaders unless investment conditions change quickly through targeted government campaigns, warns a GSMA study, which found the region’s operators are investing significantly less per connection than global peers, despite rising data usage and growing demands from artificial intelligence (AI), transport and industry.</p> <p>Furthermore, the <a title="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/o3l-CDkY05iMXZ5RjsWfrUjvALg?domain=urldefense.com" href="https://www.gsma.com/about-us/regions/europe/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Mobile-Investment-Needs-in-Europe-GSMA.pdf"><i>Mobile investment needs in Europe</i></a> report from the global mobile trade association calculated that investment of as much as €475bn was required over the next decade to complete Europe’s 5G journey and regain digital leadership, but a €205bn funding gap is currently leaving critical infrastructure, innovation and resilience at risk.</p> <p>The report was conducted by the investment arm of the trade body and is said to have come as Europe’s digital capabilities continue to lag behind leading global standards. It noted that while <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366639259/Global-5G-standalone-dynamic-shifts-from-coverage-to-capability">5G standalone</a> (5G SA) – essentially what it described as “full” 5G, with faster speeds, lower latency, and innovative services and features deriving from <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366639478/Nokia-AWS-demo-agentic-AI-network-slicing-with-du-Orange">network slicing</a> – is already available to 80% of the population in Greater China and almost 50% in India, in Europe, it reaches only 2% of citizens.</p> <p>Much of the lag described by the GSMA is attributed to the more favourable investment conditions in these non-European markets. Indeed, the study discovered that capital expenditure (capex) per connection in Europe is just €35, compared with €70 for global connectivity leaders. The stark net result, stressed the GSMA, was that the European bloc remained unable to keep pace and compete.&nbsp;</p> <p>And while mobile internet usage has increased every year since 2018 by an average of 27%, operator revenues were found to have fallen by an average of 3% per year over the same period, further restricting available investment capital. The GSMA also highlighted how the financial burden currently sits with the industry itself, with operators themselves putting up 85% of the investment into network infrastructure, <a href="https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/connectivity-for-good/public-policy/gsma_resources/mobile-infrastructure-investment-landscape/">according to other data from its intelligence arm</a>.</p> <p>The GSMA also regarded the new analysis as a timely update on the <a href="https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/investment-and-funding-needs-digital-decade-connectivity-targets">European Commission’s 2023 research</a> into the likely cost of achieving the <a href="https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/europes-digital-decade">Digital Decade</a> targets. This estimated that around €174bn, rising to more than €200bn, of digital investment was needed by 2030.</p> <p>However, the GSMA warned that the operators have already invested €141bn since 2021 and Europe has not yet met those targets, while trailing further behind global 5G leaders. The report finds that of the current €475bn investment need to 2035, only 57% is currently forecast to materialise.</p> <p>Of the aforementioned €205bn, the 43% deficit, around half was seen as needed to provide 5G coverage across Europe’s main transport routes such as road, rail and waterways. A further €35bn was seen to be required to extend 5G coverage to the entire European population, while €38bn was seen as appropriate to build greater network resilience and €28bn to underpin AI-based services and innovation.</p> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="What can be done to close the investment gap?"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>What can be done to close the investment gap?</h2> <p>Looking at how the industry would close the gap and create the required investment conditions to unlock the remaining 43%, the report outlined three areas of major potential regulatory reform: in-market consolidation, effective spectrum management and addressing asymmetrical regulation.</p> <p>Regarding the former, the study observed that since 2015, <a href="https://www.gsma.com/about-us/regions/europe/news/competition-dynamics-in-mobile-markets-in-europe/">three-player markets in Europe have experienced higher investment levels</a> as a proportion of revenues and per connection relative to four-player markets, while also improving service quality by comparison.</p> <blockquote class="main-article-pullquote"> <div class="main-article-pullquote-inner"> <figure> Europe needs a significantly more pro-investment regulatory environment to secure the continent’s digital future and enhance global competitiveness </figure> <figcaption> <strong>Vivek Badrinath, GSMA</strong> </figcaption> <i class="icon" data-icon="z"></i> </div> </blockquote> <p>In addition, the GSMA observed that spectrum costs in Europe have almost tripled over the past decade and <a href="https://www.gsma.com/connectivity-for-good/spectrum/gsma_resources/spectrum-pricing-and-renewals-in-europe/">applying measures such as&nbsp;low-cost renewals could free up to €30bn in capital</a>, with more than 500 licences due for renewal by 2035. The GSMA believes that long-term certainty offered by indefinite licences, such as those proposed in the European Union’s draft Digital Networks Act, would also lead to improved investment incentives.</p> <p>The association also remarked that a range of current regulations, including around open internet access and net neutrality, the Cyber Resilience Act, and the European Electronic Communications Code, could impose additional costs and reduce revenue growth opportunities.</p> <p>It suggested that a more balanced relationship between mobile operators and other players in the digital ecosystem could encourage investment in networks, and ultimately drive industry and innovation.</p> <p>Ultimately, the GSMA said that realigning Europe’s investment environment through these policy reforms would allow the region’s capex per connection to potentially double over the coming decade and reach similar levels to those in North America and East Asia. This, in turn, could help deliver the real user and market benefits of 5G SA and <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366639874/Qualcomm-plots-out-6G-Wi-Fi-8-future-with-AI-as-the-new-user-interface">ultimately 6G connectivity</a>, and underpin Europe’s economy, resilience and innovation in the digital age.</p> <p>“The numbers are clear: to support Europe’s digital ambitions and expectations, almost €0.5tn in investment into mobile networks is needed over the next 10 years, and only around half of that is currently likely to come through. Europe needs a significantly more pro-investment regulatory environment to secure the continent’s digital future and enhance global competitiveness,” said GSMA director general Vivek Badrinath.</p> <p>“There are encouraging opportunities for policymakers, both in the ongoing <a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/mergers/review-merger-guidelines_en">review of the Merger Guidelines</a>&nbsp;and in delivering on the promise of the Digital Networks Act proposals, correcting for its known shortcomings without watering down its more ambitious aspects. Inaction now is not an option with Europe’s digital future on the line.”</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about 5G in Europe</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366627194/UK-among-worst-performers-in-Europe-for-fundamental-5G-metrics">UK among&nbsp;worst performers in Europe&nbsp;for fundamental 5G metrics</a>: Study from mobile network testing firm uncovers gaps in UK 5G performance compared with European leaders, with ‘significant’ disparity between theoretical population coverage and the daily reality for millions.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366619530/Europe-severely-lags-other-major-regions-in-5G-standalone">Europe ‘severely’ lags other major regions in 5G standalone</a>: Research from network intelligence company shows interplay of earlier deployments, more diversified multi-band spectrum and greater willingness to invest in new use cases have driven 5G SA roll-outs at a faster rate.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366639110/Telefonica-activates-commercial-Edge-services-in-Spain">Telefónica activates commercial Edge services in Spain</a>: As part of its Edge Plan in Europe, Spain-based global telco begins marketing business-to-business services in five of the 17 nodes planned for this year supported by FTTH, 5G network and Open Gateway APIs.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366627652/European-5G-landscape-on-a-rollercoaster">European 5G landscape ‘on a rollercoaster’</a>: Research finds impact of spectrum availability across Europe, leading to disparity of 5G download speeds with increases in the use of the 3.5GHz spectrum strongly correlating with faster 5G downloads.</li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> The global mobile association calls on targeted regulatory reform from European governments to close the 5G funding gap by focusing on consolidation and smarter spectrum policy https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/HeroImages/T-Mobile-5G-Advanced-mast-PR-hero.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642836/GSMA-205bn-funding-gap-leaving-Europes-critical-infrastructure-at-risk Fri, 08 May 2026 06:25:00 GMT <p>Noting that, for decades, networking ran in the background, but is now a true central nervous system that determines how fast businesses can move, how much they spend and, perhaps crucially right now, whether AI investments produce value, infrastructure firm Lumen Technologies is to acquire cloud-native, carrier-agnostic networking platform Alkira.</p> <p>Alkira serves enterprise customers across financial services, technology, retail, healthcare and manufacturing sectors globally. The proposed $475m all-cash transaction – expected to close in the third quarter of 2026 – is designed to pair Alkira’s hybrid and multicloud native control plane with Lumen’s fibre network, advancing the latter’s digital platform strategy to deliver cloud-like consumption for global enterprise networking.</p> <p>On closing the transaction, Lumen plans to begin offering Alkira’s core connectivity services to its enterprise base, with deeper platform integration to follow. For Alkira, the combination with Lumen will pair its cloud-native orchestration with a high-bandwidth, low-latency fibre network, including private networks, significantly extending its reach and performance. Lumen’s commercial engine and global customer base will also provide a scaled distribution path.</p> <p>The underlying rationale for the acquisition is said to be the programmable network imperative in how AI is reshaping how enterprises operate and how their networks must perform. Lumen noted that <a href="https://www.lumen.com/blog/en-us/kate-johnson-programmable-network">more than half of current internet traffic is automated traffic generated by software systems rather than human users</a>. That means networks have to be big enough, fast enough, intelligent enough and secure enough to keep up.</p> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="A new category of enterprise networking"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>A new category of enterprise networking</h2> <p>Yet, said Lumen, many enterprise networks remain static, manually configured and fragmented across providers. To alleviate this issue, it said it is working to define a new category of enterprise networking – one built on world-class physical infrastructure, a programmable network and a connected ecosystem of clouds, applications and partners.&nbsp;</p> <p>Lumen regards the acquisition as a way to accelerate its vision of a programmable network with a single control plane that orchestrates connectivity beyond its network across datacentres, multiple clouds, partner ecosystems and on-premise environments.</p> <p>Combined with Lumen’s core assets, the acquisition is seen as able to deliver strategic value through fronts such as platform acceleration, expanded addressable market, international reach, deeper partner integration and “world-class” talent.</p> <p>Once acquired and integrated, the Alkira product will unify Lumen’s on-net and off-net services, cloud on-ramps and multicloud gateway into a single programmable platform. Lumen believes this will advance its roadmap by several years and substantially complete its digital architecture.</p> <p>Lumen’s network-as-a-service (NaaS) business is currently concentrated in premises-to-cloud (north-south) connectivity. The acquisition is also seen as accelerating Lumen’s move into cloud-to-cloud and datacentre-interconnect (east-west) connectivity – the fastest growing segment of enterprise networking. Lumen estimates Alkira’s global footprint and cloud-native capabilities will bring its total addressable market to approximately $70bn.</p> <p>Another key facet is AI-ready agility. That is, networks can be activated and modified on demand, with capacity that scales up or down as workloads shift, so customers pay only for what they use. This is said to deliver the <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641133/AI-driven-operating-model-key-to-cloud-native-autonomous-networks">performance, resilience and security AI workloads require</a>, turning network changes from multi-month projects into real-time actions.</p> <p>Commenting on the deal, Alkira CEO Amir Khan said: “We built Alkira on a single conviction: enterprise networking had to be reinvented for the cloud and AI era – programmable, on-demand, consumed, not built. By joining Lumen, we will pair our cloud-native orchestration with one of the world’s most expansive fibre networks and a proven commercial engine, setting a new standard for how enterprises build and run networks in a multicloud and AI world.”</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about AI for networking</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642566/Extreme-Connect-26-Agent-ONE-takes-forward-network-AI">Extreme Connect 26: Agent ONE takes forward network AI</a>: Network firm launches ‘smarter, faster, autonomous’ approach to enterprise networking, with its operating model moving from assistive AI to autonomous, always-on operations.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641094/Marvell-scales-up-networking-to-extend-Nvidia-AI-ecosystem">Marvell scales up networking to extend Nvidia AI ecosystem</a>: AI GPU leader sees extension of AI infrastructure through collaboration with infrastructure technology to deliver more choice and flexibility for customers with fully compatible systems.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641242/Cisco-network-readiness-a-determining-factor-for-AI-success">Network readiness a determining factor for AI success</a>: Report reveals how&nbsp;firms are harnessing AI to drive progress and overcome industry challenges, with most expecting ‘significant’ increases in connectivity and reliability demands.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641460/Optical-networks-to-bridge-the-AI-compute-consumption-gap">Optical networks to bridge the AI compute-consumption gap</a>: With AI spurring gigawatt-scale datacentre builds across APAC, Ciena is deploying ultra-fast, energy-efficient optical networking and AI-driven automation to ensure AI services can reach consumers.</li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> Acquisition to see physical infrastructure and programmable network united with cloud-native control plane to deliver a single, digital connectivity platform with cloud-to-cloud and datacentre-interconnect https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/fibre-broadband-FTTP-abstract-adobe.jpeg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642684/Alkira-acquisition-gives-Lumen-cloud-connectivity-control-plane Fri, 08 May 2026 05:50:00 GMT <p>In the latest part of its recent continued efforts to build end-to-end space systems, Swissto12 has inked a major contract with German high-performance space subsystem provider HPS/LSS to provide its HummingSat platform with a large deployable L-band reflector antenna that unfolds in orbit after launch.</p> <p>Adding extra capability to its core system, opening up an entirely new category of space system and an alternative to traditional low Earth orbit (LEO)-based D2D architectures, <a title="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/dYJuCqxV2vtR9zLKNsXhRUEWbsq?domain=urldefense.com" href="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/dYJuCqxV2vtR9zLKNsXhRUEWbsq?domain=urldefense.com">Swissto12</a> hopes to reinforce Europe’s advanced capabilities in satellite engineering, bringing together Swiss and German expertise in an ecosystem backed by the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European space agency (ESA)</a>.</p> <p>Specifically, the collaboration will see the Munich-based consortium provide a large deployable reflector subsystem (LDRS) for the Neastar-1 mission, built on HummingSat, enabling what is claimed to be the world’s first direct-to-device media broadcasting capabilities from geostationary orbit.</p> <p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://swissto12.com/hummingsat">HummingSat platform</a> is described as a new class of geostationary satellites that are “significantly” smaller and more cost-efficient than conventional GEO craft. HummingSat is seen as offering new economics for the geostationary satellite market, unlocking faster builds, lower costs and ride-share launches. It should also offer a telecoms-grade service backbone that plugs directly into the 3GPP non-terrestrial networks standard, designed for mass-market adoption.</p> <p>Swissto12 believes its form factor can support cost-effective production and ride-share launch opportunities with its proprietary, space-qualified additive manufacturing technology and advanced radio frequency (RF) systems, further enhancing payload performance, streamlining production, and reducing manufacturing time and cost.</p> <p>The craft was developed in collaboration with the ESA through its public-private partnership programme. The company said its RF products benefit from unique and patented 3D printing technologies and associated radio frequency product designs that deliver lightweight, compact, high-performing and “competitive” RF functionality. First deliveries are scheduled for 2027.</p> <p>The German-led antenna reflector subsystem is the result of more than 15 years of development under the ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications (Artes) programme, ESA’s Earth Observation Technology Development activities, and the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme. The contract for the Neastar-1-LDRS is co-funded by ESA, with core funding from the German Space Agency within the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and further contributions from additional ESA member states.</p> <p>Since the inception of the HummingSat programme,&nbsp;Swissto12 has developed a large industrial footprint in Germany, and the company noted that this latest contract further strengthens the German partnership and contribution to HummingSat.</p> <p>In the context of future cooperation, Swissto12 said it is positioning its small geostationary satellite and advanced multi-orbit payload technologies as a “strong technical and strategic fit” with the German Federal Government’s Space Strategy, in particular, with its priorities around secure communications.</p> <p>The HPS/LSS consortium joins a network of German supply chain partners including ASP, AST, DLR, Tesat, Thales Germany, Jena Optronik and Rockwell Collins Germany.</p> <p>The company said that this ecosystem reflects an increasingly confident space posture, whereby European satellite companies are selected to build advanced systems for European customers – both commercial and government.</p> <p>“Collaboration with HPS/LSS was fast and effective from the first day. We value their culture of precision engineering, deep-tech innovation, and commitment to excellence along with a drive for fast and efficient execution,” said Emile de Rijk, CEO and founder of Swissto12. “They have demonstrated a strong technical heritage and proven&nbsp;track record in building LDRS, notably for ESA missions, underscoring the progress of ESA and DLR’s vision to develop resilient, sovereign space capabilities.”</p> <p>Laurent Jaffart, director of resilience, navigation and connectivity at ESA, added: “ESA’s long-term investment in innovation and partnerships enable cutting-edge technologies to be brought to market, crucially boosting Europe’s global competitiveness, while strengthening autonomy and resilience. By leveraging Europe’s industrial excellence within two of our key member states, this contract is a prime example of how strong collaboration will be translated into advancing the next-generation of connectivity – particularly in the direct-to-device domain.”</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about space communications</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642501/TMobile-Starlink-aim-to-reinvent-business-internet-from-ground-up-sky-down">T‑Mobile, Starlink aim to reinvent business internet from ground up, sky down</a>: US 5G internet provider inks deal with leading satellite constellation to deliver broadband with ‘virtually unbreakable’ connectivity.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641709/Amazon-acquires-Globalstar-to-expand-satellite-comms-business">Amazon acquires Globalstar to expand satellite comms business</a>: Strategic purchase to see satellites, radio frequency spectrum and operational expertise to enable existing Leo business to add direct-to-device services to future.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641666/SES-gains-altitude-for-in-flight-connectivity-with-Boeing-Japan-Airlines">SES gains altitude for in-flight connectivity with Boeing, Japan Airlines</a>: Satellite operator claims milestone towards line-fit offer for multi-orbit connectivity, with streamlined factory installation on Boeing craft and deal with Japanese carrier.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641696/Sateliot-launches-100m-series-C-financing-round">Sateliot launches €100m series C financing round</a>: Barcelona-based satellite operator announces investment that will see use in financing deployment of constellation and starts selection process for a lead investor in new round expected to close in summer.</li> </ul> </div> </div> Swiss manufacturer of advanced satellite solutions collaborates with German space subsystem provider for space tech system intended enable operations of small-GEO D2D satellite https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/earth-space-satellite-network-comms-adobe.jpeg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642763/SWISSto12-HPS-LSS-intro-satellite-unfurling-antenna-reflector Fri, 08 May 2026 04:39:00 GMT <p>Extreme Networks has unveiled Wi-Fi 7 access points (APs) to deliver “fast, secure connectivity” for critical use cases including real-time artificial intelligence (AI) workloads, AR/VR experiences, smart manufacturing, telehealth and high-density venues.</p> <p>Extreme said it offers “the industry’s most complete” deployment-ready Wi-Fi 7 portfolio, delivering APs that it adds combine “optimised performance with practical efficiency”. They see use in a variety of environments, including hospitals, stadiums, cost-effective deployments in schools, retail and hospitality, real-time applications and “next-generation digital experiences”.</p> <p>Global end users of Extreme’s Wi-Fi 7 solutions include <a href="https://www.baylor.edu/">Baylor University</a>, Henry Ford Health, Six Flags, <a href="https://www.uhb.nhs.uk/">University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust</a> and multiple teams within the <a href="https://www.nfl.com/">NFL</a>.</p> <p>The products comprise the <a href="https://www.extremenetworks.com/products/wi-fi-access-points/universal-aps-outdoor/ap5060">AP5060 series outdoor</a> and AP5022 series indoor APs. They aim to deliver “premium” performance with three 4x4 radios, a dedicated tri-band security sensor, and integrated internet of things (IoT) radios to support growing device demands.</p> <p>The AP5060 is engineered for harsh environments, combining a ruggedised design with the durability and resilience needed to deliver reliable, long-term connectivity in demanding settings such as hospitals, industrial facilities and stadiums.</p> <p>Both series support flexible tri-band operation on standard PoE+ (802.3at), allowing customers to deploy broadly while choosing the balance of radio performance, scanning and functionality for each environment.</p> <p>The AP3020 series indoor and AP3060 weatherised outdoor series deliver full-feature Wi-Fi 7 with 2x2 radio designs optimised for space and power-constrained environments such as schools, retail and hospitality.</p> <p>With a low-profile wall plate designed to balance aesthetics and functionality, the AP3020W is described as a natural fit for hospitality, education and multi-dwelling environments. The AP3020X includes support for external antennas, enabling more flexible designs for environments that benefit from directional Wi-Fi like high-density venues. The AP3060 is IP67-rated and offers a compact design with an extended temperature range, built to withstand harsh conditions from high winds to sub-zero temperatures.</p> <p>The products are managed through the <a href="https://www.extremenetworks.com/platform-one">Extreme Platform ONE system</a> and offer support for both low and standard power 6 GHz enables customers to benefit from Wi-Fi 7 performance gains without switch or power upgrades, delivering built-in compliance for global regulations.</p> <p>Siân Morgan, research director at analyst Dell’Oro Group, said: “Wi-Fi 7 adoption is accelerating as organisations scale IoT and real-time AI workloads. Extreme’s cloud-managed Wi-Fi 7 solutions combine high-performance hardware with intelligent management to simplify operations and keep networks ready for what’s next.”</p> <p>David Coleman, director of wireless in the office of the CTO at Extreme Networks, added: “These Wi-Fi 7 solutions will help customers to meet demands with stronger performance for modern AI-driven environments, improved power efficiency, and simpler deployment and operations at scale.”</p> <p>Recently, Extreme has been upgrading sports arena communications, replacing legacy Wi-Fi 5 with a full Wi-Fi 7 upgrade – at arenas such as that of <a href="https://www.lenovocenter.com/teams/detail/carolina-hurricanes">Carolina Hurricanes at the Lenovo Centre</a> – to deliver faster, more reliable connectivity throughout arenas and improve fan experiences.</p> <p>In its most recent deployment, the <a href="https://floridagators.com/sports/2020/4/4/ben-hill-griffin-stadium">University of Florida’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium</a>, commonly known as The Swamp, will see the installation of the first Wi‑Fi 7 network in a collegiate stadium. Extreme claimed that with Wi‑Fi 7, The Swamp will be setting a new bar for what a packed venue can deliver, ushering in a new era of fan connectivity.</p> <p>The Wi‑Fi 7 network should enable “seamless” <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641772/Cintegral-taps-Taara-connectivity-for-real-time-live-media-production">4K/8K video streaming</a>, instant social sharing and real-time stats access. The infrastructure is stated to have the required low latency&nbsp;for responsive mobile experiences, including in-seat ordering and interactive apps. Extreme said that its network supports improved device capacity,&nbsp;supporting tens of thousands of concurrent connections without performance degradation, with consistent coverage&nbsp;across seating bowls, concourses, suites and outdoor areas.</p> <p>The installation will complement the University of Florida’s planned stadium renovation, designed to modernise the facility with wider concourses, improved entrances and exits, new premium seating options, enhanced concessions, and upgraded scoreboard and sound systems.</p> <p>“On game day, The Swamp transforms into one of the most electrifying and densely connected environments in college sports,” said Matt Vincent, assistant athletics director, information technology at the University of Florida. “As we continue to invest in the fan experience at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, adding Wi-Fi 7 allows us to significantly increase capacity while enabling smarter, real-time connectivity that helps everything run smoothly at peak demand.</p> <p>“The network-infrastructure-as-a-service (NIaaS) model from Extreme Networks also provides the flexibility to scale as needed without significant upfront investment, allowing our IT team to operate more efficiently while delivering a consistently high-quality digital experience for every fan.”</p> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="The Wi-Fi battle in Europe"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>The Wi-Fi battle in Europe</h2> <p>Yet even as it was rolling out the Wi-Fi product line, Extreme expressed concern that the roll-out of Wi-Fi 7 products outside of the US could be stymied through issues regarding the allocation of the upper band of 6 GHz spectrum. In Europe, there has been a battle between&nbsp;<a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366621094/Nokia-enhances-Wi-Fi-7-enabled-FWA-gateway-portfolio">Wi-Fi</a>&nbsp;operators and telcos over the ownership of the upper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366587546/Nokia-Telia-claim-successful-outdoor-trial-in-6-GHz-range-with-Massive-MIMO">6 GHz band</a> of the coveted frequency range.</p> <p>The telcos argue that enabling this band for mobile use will ensure&nbsp;<a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252500991/Unlicensed-6GHz-spectrum-puts-5G-economic-potential-at-risk-warns-GSMA">consumers and businesses receive even faster and more reliable 5G services</a>&nbsp;over the next five to 10 years, while avoiding a mobile capacity crunch caused by soaring demand for bandwidth as more devices and services, such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366554354/Qualcomm-looks-to-reshape-digital-world-through-spatial-computing">augmented reality headsets</a>, health sensors and vehicles, are connected to mobile networks that require greater processing power and capacity.</p> <p>For their part, the Wi-Fi providers warn that without additional Wi-Fi spectrum, European businesses will be less globally competitive due to higher wireless connectivity costs and less access to new technologies. Advocates say Wi-Fi in the upper 6 GHz band will deliver high-speed, ultra-low latency, low-cost, high-speed connectivity that will enable innovations in industry, including automated manufacturing, smart logistics and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366620872/Qualcomm-Palantir-extend-AI-to-the-edge-for-industrial-IoT">industrial IoT</a>.</p> <p>Explaining the issue at hand through the evolution of wireless comm standards, Coleman told Computer Weekly that the introduction of Wi-Fi 6E – the first Wi-Fi generation to introduce 6 Hz comms – was not a new but a spectrum paradigm shift. This spectrum has been available in the US for around five years and has been a “big game changer” in terms of the future of applications on the back of the 6 GHz spectrum and that, in terms of potential, Wi-Fi 7 is “bringing that home”.</p> <p>However, despite the company’s success in fitting out stadia such as the Lenovo Centr and The Swamp, Coleman revealed that the biggest challenge for Extreme in deciding what to build in outdoor developments, especially in stadiums, was the regulatory rules regarding 6 GHz.</p> <p>“That has been very challenging,” he said. “There are different rules for indoors and outdoors, and there are different rules for weatherised devices. Even though it’s been five years, the rules are still changing. So, we have daily conversations. It’s settled in solid here in the US, but regulatory [conditions] in the rest of the world for 6 GHz is still a work in progress.</p> <p>“The biggest problem with Europe … is [regulators are] behind the US. This is because there’s only 500 MHz of the frequency space. We have 1,200 [in the US] for 6 GHz. [Europe] still doesn’t have standard power or outdoor [standards]. So, we need spectrum harmonisation.</p> <p>“Why should the Americans be the only ones that have 1200 MHz of frequency space? It should be a worldwide thing, [but] that makes it challenging for us on what we build, because sometimes what we build isn’t going to work the same way in a different country.”&nbsp;</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about Wi-Fi</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366638609/Broadcom-claims-enterprise-Wi-Fi-8-first">Broadcom claims enterprise Wi-Fi 8 first</a>: Unified, wireless-first architecture based on latest wireless standard designed to address rising demand for hybrid work, and deliver performance, efficiency and security for next-gen enterprise networking.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636333/Three-in-five-businesses-more-confident-in-Wi-Fi-investment">Three in five businesses more confident in Wi-Fi investment</a>: Research finds 60% of businesses see converged Wi-Fi and 5G as key to enterprise flexibility, with 38% planning to roll out Wi-Fi 7 in 2025/2026, while 65% say 6 GHz availability is important to their Wi-Fi business.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641140/Wireless-AI-paradox-emerges-as-Wi-Fi-evolves-into-strategic-growth-engine">Wireless AI paradox emerges as Wi-Fi evolves into strategic growth engine</a>: Research finds businesses must adapt to diverse connectivity needs, and support a growing spectrum of users and devices including employees, contractors, robots, sensors and AI applications.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366639493/Alcatel-Lucent-looks-to-make-Wi-Fi-7-affordable-for-everyday-connectivity">Alcatel-Lucent looks to make Wi-Fi 7 affordable for everyday connectivity</a>: Enterprise networking and communication services provider offers entry-level access point based on latest wireless standard to deliver advanced wireless capabilities at a cost-effective price.</li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> Wi-Fi 7 access points designed to provide reliable, high-speed connectivity and key deployment made at University of Florida arena https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/Wi-Fi-network-hardware-escapejaja-adobe.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642758/Extreme-Connect-26-Wi-Fi-7-line-aims-to-address-needs-of-6GHz-era Thu, 07 May 2026 09:18:00 GMT <p>In a set of results whereby revenues falling on a yearly basis were offset by a third consecutive quarter of improved momentum in customer net additions, Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) has announced a mixed set of results in its first quarter of the 2026 financial year.</p> <p>According to <a href="https://www.virginmediao2.co.uk/">VMO2</a> CEO Lutz Schüler, 2026 is all about the leading UK communications operator navigating a turbulent market landscape while investing, where the conditions are right, to maximise opportunities, “future-proof” its networks and “lay the foundations to build long-term customer trust, profitability and cash generation”.</p> <p>The CEO regarded the firm’s <a href="https://news.virginmediao2.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Virgin-Media-O2-Q1-2026-Earnings-Release.pdf">performance for the three-month period ended 31 March 2026</a> as in line with its full-year guidance. Total service revenue for the quarter was £2.08bn representing a 3.0% year-on-year (YoY) decrease, adjusted for the transaction related to the <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366628283/O2-Daisy-opens-for-business">O2 Daisy mobile business line</a>. Also adjusted on this basis, total revenue decreased 6.5% annually to £2.390bn.</p> <p>VMO2 attributed this movement to consumer revenue decreasing by 3.8% compared with the first quarter of fiscal 2025, with a 3.9% fall in consumer fixed service revenue and a 3.7% reduction in consumer mobile service revenue. The company said this primarily reflected the impact of prior-year customer reductions, and ongoing competitive pressure in the consumer fixed market, which continued to weigh on ARPU.</p> <p>Business revenue decreased by 5.1% YoY, driven by a 9.9% tumble in business service revenue. The latter reduction was primarily driven by lower margin products, as the company begins the planned streamlining of the B2B product portfolio.</p> <p>By contrast, the company’s Wholesale revenue increased by 5.1%, said to be supported by a 12.7% increase in wholesale service revenue, with growth in MVNO revenue and an increase in long-term leases of the fixed network. In addition, approximately £15.4m &nbsp;of fixed pre-enablement and installation income improved wholesale service revenue, as the company targets scaling and expanding wholesale fixed services.</p> <p>Looking at the VMO2 customer numbers, the results showed that the firm’s total consumer fixed customer base stood at 5.5 million with a Q1 2026 customer reduction of around 7,000 people – representing a circa 38,000 improvement compared with losses in Q1 2025.</p> <p>Total mobile connections across the O2 network – including O2, <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252493587/giffgaff-goes-AWS-to-drive-operational-transformation">giffgaff</a>, <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642430/UK-businesses-being-held-back-by-growing-complexity-trap">O2 Business</a>, IOT and MVNOs such as Sky and Tesco Mobile – stood at 46.4 million by 31 March 2026. Consumer mobile contract connections totalled 12.5 million, a reduction of approximately 38,000 connections in Q1. The company noted that significantly reduced churn compared with Q4 2015 supported improved momentum with ARPU broadly stable. The wholesale contract connections base increased by around 300,000 vs Q1 2025, reinforcing said VMO2, a strong position in the mobile wholesale market.</p> <p>Outlining highlights for the quarter, VMO2 pointed to ongoing investment in fibre and 5G mobile, with that £500m invested in the quarter, claimed to now have the UK’s largest <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366640826/Virgin-Media-O2-accelerates-UK-5G-upgrade-programme">5G Standalone network</a> now available to 86% of the country’s outdoor population. There was a total of 18.8 million UK fixed-line premises serviceable, all with access to speeds of at least 1Gbps. VMO2 now had a full-fibre footprint of 8.7 million premises – a mix of continued fibre upgrades and the <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366617860/CityFibre-nexfibre-accelerate-roll-out-of-UK-gigabit-project">nexfibre joint venture footprint.</a></p> <p>The quarter also saw <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366639343/UK-direct-to-device-satellite-connectivity-takes-off-with-Virgin-Media-O2">the launch of</a> <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366639343/UK-direct-to-device-satellite-connectivity-takes-off-with-Virgin-Media-O2">O2 Satellite</a>, which is the first UK mobile network to switch on direct-to-device satellite connectivity, increasing landmass coverage to 95%.</p> <p>Looking ahead to the rest of the year, VMO2 offered 2026 guidance of a total service revenue decline of 3 to 5% YoY, adjusted for the Daisy transaction and adjusted EBITDA decline of 3 to 5% YoY, again taking into consideration for the Daisy transaction. It committed to an investment of £2bn to £2.2bn.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;Schüler added: “With a clear customer focus and underpinned by more than half a billion pounds of investment in Q1, we have started the year delivering against our core strategy through the launch of O2 Satellite, a first in Europe.</p> <p>“We’re expanding our 5G Standalone footprint to be the largest in the country, making continued improvements in customer service and satisfaction, and expanding our fibre footprint to almost nine million premises. We’ll continue to remain focused on delivery in all three of our areas – consumer, B2B and wholesale – while transforming for future success.”</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about VMO2</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366640826/Virgin-Media-O2-accelerates-UK-5G-upgrade-programme">Virgin Media O2 accelerates UK 5G upgrade programme</a>: UK operator inks multi-year agreements with strategic essential equipment partners to upgrade radio access network to next-generation 5G technology, boosting capacity, coverage and reliability.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366638763/Virgin-Media-O2-accelerates-automation-across-mobile-network">Virgin Media O2 accelerates automation across mobile network</a>: UK telco teams with cloud-first tech modernisation firm to deploy AI-driven automation technology to minimise downtime across mobile network, resolve issues faster and anticipating faults before escalation.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636658/Virgin-Media-O2-reveals-record-breaking-year-of-UK-data-use">Virgin Media O2 reveals record-breaking year of UK data use</a>: UK operator releases data exploring how British people lived online in 2025, finding record-levels of data consumption including a rise in both broadband usage and mobile traffic.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366633921/IONX-Virgin-Media-O2-claim-UK-5G-standalone-first">Ionx, Virgin Media O2 claim UK 5G standalone first</a>: Neutral host small cell platform integrates offer with live 5G SA network to show how neutral host models are not just viable, but essential to delivering high-performance 5G where customers actually need it.</li> </ul> </div> </div> Leading UK comms operator VMO2 says financial performance for the first three months of 2026 lays foundations for full fiscal year, with targeted network investments across expanding coverage area https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/HeroImages/Virgin-Media-O2-5G-mobile-user-PR-hero.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642559/First-quarter-revenues-fall-but-VMO2-sees-brighter-prospects-for-fiscal-year Fri, 01 May 2026 10:53:00 GMT <p>Having hit the accelerator of deploying 5G standalone (5G SA) services towards the end of 2025, the UK’s leading operator EE has revealed that it has expanded 5G+ to more than 50 million people across some 61 towns and cities in the UK after embarking on increases in capacity and performance as 5G+ customer usage accelerates.</p> <p><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366610032/EE-ups-UK-wireless-ante-with-5G-standalone-network-Wi-Fi-7-router">EE first introduced its 5G SA network in September 2024</a>, launching in 15 cities across the UK, including Bath, Belfast, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Sheffield.</p> <p>At launch, EE said its 5G SA network had been built to deliver up to 100 times more capacity than 4G connectivity, making it significantly better at handling demands from lots of devices at once.</p> <p>The operator said the upgraded network would offer a smoother, more reliable and more secure mobile connection built for better live streaming, video calling and mobile gaming. In addition, it was attributed with supporting enhanced voice calls in more places, with faster setup times that reduce the delay between dialling a number and the phone starting to ring via voice over 5G (Vo5G) standalone.</p> <p>Some of the most recent towns and cities gaining free 5G+ connectivity from EE include Aberystwyth, Antrim, Bangor, Barnsley, Cheltenham, Chicheste, Cirencester, Dorchester, Erskine, Melton Mowbray, Merthyr Tydfil, Newbury, Preston, Salford and St Austell.</p> <p>The operator said that it has now exceeded its original target to reach 41 million people with 5G+ by spring 2026.</p> <p>“This milestone shows the pace at which we’re building the UK’s most advanced mobile network,” said Greg McCall, chief security and networks officer at BT Group. “By expanding EE’s 5G+ coverage to millions more people and being the first in the world to launch new network technologies, we’re giving our customers more reliable and resilient connectivity in the places where it matters most.”</p> <p>The operator added that the expansion of its 5G+ network has resulted in the 54% increase in monthly customer usage and to ensure customers receive optimal day-to-day experience on 5G+, EE has reallocated its <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366632895/UK-networks-commit-to-pay-39m-to-secure-mmWave-5G-spectrum">2.1GHz (2100MHz) spectrum</a> across more than 4,000 mobile sites to deliver greater network capacity, stronge<a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642095/Freshwave-claims-next-evolution-of-5G-indoor-mobile">r indoor coverage</a> and improved upload speeds for 5G+ customers. This is seen as being particularly beneficial in built-up areas where demand is highest. EE plans to upgrade 5,000 more mobile sites in this way in the next few months.</p> <p>EE also claimed that its 5G+ customers are also enjoying considerably faster download speeds after it established the UK’s first network to launch five carrier aggregation on its 5G+ enabled mobile sites. This is designed to allow <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366627944/EE-5G-standalone-network-ready-to-scale-for-mass-usage">compatible 5G+ smartphones</a> and devices to combine the power of five spectrum bands at once. The company said this has resulted 10% faster download speeds on average and improved performance when streaming video.</p> <p>As it was announcing its 5G+ expansion, EE revealed further progress on the roll-out of <a title="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Ad8SCNkE8qi9wz2VVc8IlTyORF-?domain=urldefense.com" href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366630594/EE-claims-5G-world-first-with-advanced-RAN-coordination">Advanced RAN Coordination (ARC)</a> technology to enable mobile sites close to each other to dynamically share capacity in real time. EE stated that it is the first network in the world – and the only in the UK – to deploy ARC technology operator, saying it has instantly boosted network performance by 20% without the need for additional masts.</p> <p>ARC technology is seen as particularly beneficial in business use cases in busy locations such as train stations, high streets and city centres. Following the launch of the technology in Manchester and Edinburgh in 2025, ARC is now also live on EE’s 5G+ network in London. By the end of May 2026, it will be available in more of the UK’s busiest cities including Belfast, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle and Sheffield.</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about 5G+/5G Standalone</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366639259/Global-5G-standalone-dynamic-shifts-from-coverage-to-capability">Global 5G standalone dynamic shifts from coverage to capability</a>: Annual study of 5G SA market reveals coverage gap between major economic blocs narrowing by the end of 2025, but with growing signs of more consequential signs of divergent spectrum strategies, investment depth and network optimisation.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634853/EE-claims-5G-standalone-coverage-leadership">EE claims 5G standalone coverage leadership</a>: UK’s leading mobile provider reveals latest phase of its 5G standalone roll-out, confirming more than half a million customers have now been upgraded to what it markets as 5G+ at no extra cost.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634793/5G-Standalone-growth-spurs-differentiated-connectivity-services">5G Standalone growth spurs differentiated connectivity services</a>: Mobility Report shows 33 CSPs currently offer differentiated connectivity services based on network slicing, with a combined total of 65 offerings with around 1.4 billion people expected to be served by fixed wireless access.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366633921/IONX-Virgin-Media-O2-claim-UK-5G-standalone-first">Ionx, Virgin Media O2 claim UK 5G standalone first</a>: Neutral host small cell platform integrates offer with live 5G SA network to show how neutral host models are not just viable, but essential to delivering high-performance 5G where customers actually need it.</li> </ul> </div> </div> UK’s leading mobile provider announces set of 5G+ network upgrades as it continues coverage roll-out while embarking on plan to improve overall performance at scale https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/Ericsson-5G-Core-Standalone-Vodafone-Spain-CREDIT-Ericsson-hero.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642345/EE-evolves-5G-strategy-after-major-usage-surge Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:41:00 GMT <p>US mobile operator T-Mobile is claiming to be redefining business broadband with its <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/business/business-internet/superbroadband">SuperBroadband</a> product, in collaboration with satellite leader Starlink.</p> <p>The mobile operator said that to date, businesses have had to deal with inconsistent reliability, limited coverage and too much complexity.</p> <p>It stressed that reliability in communications isn’t optional for businesses – it’s mission-critical, and cited research from <a href="https://www.idc.com/">IDC</a> calculating that even minutes of downtime can carry a steep price, with losses averaging more than $100,000 per hour across industries.</p> <p>To protect against this, T-Mobile said many organisations have been forced to add a second ISP for redundancy, but that only works if a second provider is available.</p> <p>In particular, it observed that businesses in remote and rural areas are often underserved by legacy ISPs operating as regional monopolies, leaving gaps where entire areas are beyond the reach of traditional or wired providers.</p> <p>For organisations with multiple locations, T-Mobile warned that finding and managing primary and backup providers introduces a lot of complexity. It said one study found that enterprise businesses could have more than 20 different ISPs servicing their locations.</p> <p>The net result, said the operator, was that for far too long, such businesses have been burdened with stitching together regional and local internet providers, incompatible hardware, and disparate management tools from multiple suppliers – each with separate contracts, rate plans and support models. This, it said, was a logistical nightmare for all firms, but for small and medium-sized businesses without the time or IT capacity to manage this complexity, it meant reliable connectivity felt out of reach.</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about space-based communications</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641709/Amazon-acquires-Globalstar-to-expand-satellite-comms-business">Amazon acquires Globalstar to expand satellite comms business</a>: Strategic purchase to see satellites, radio frequency spectrum and operational expertise to enable existing Leo business to add direct-to-device services to future</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641666/SES-gains-altitude-for-in-flight-connectivity-with-Boeing-Japan-Airlines">SES gains altitude for in-flight connectivity with Boeing, Japan Airlines</a>: Satellite operator claims milestone towards line-fit offer for multi-orbit connectivity, with streamlined factory installation on Boeing craft and deal with Japanese carrier.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641696/Sateliot-launches-100m-series-C-financing-round">Sateliot launches €100m series C financing round</a>: Barcelona-based satellite operator announces investment that will see use in financing deployment of constellation and starts selection process for a lead investor in new round expected to close in summer.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366640878/Delta-in-flight-connectivity-takes-off-with-Amazon-Leo">Delta in-flight connectivity takes off with Amazon Leo</a>: Global airline looks to satellite provider to introduce connectivity on hundreds of aircraft, starting with an initial installation on 500 aircraft in 2028, working to expand its Wi‑Fi and seatback experiences.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <p>The operator heralded SuperBroadband as the solution to these issues, no less than “rewriting” the rules of connectivity, “shattering conventions that have long defined business internet”.</p> <p>“With SuperBroadband, we’re not just improving broadband – we’re redefining it,” claimed André Almeida, president of growth and emerging businesses at T-Mobile. “This is about taking the complexity out of connectivity and replacing it with virtually unbreakable connectivity to inspire confidence, so businesses of any size can focus on outcomes, not obstacles.”</p> <p>Combining what is claimed to be the US’s <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366623050/T-Mobile-rolls-out-5G-Advanced-across-US">largest 5G network</a>&nbsp;with Starlink, the owner of the world’s <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366640784/Starlink-reshapes-satellite-communications-as-industry-enters-terabit-era">largest low-Earth orbit satellite fleet</a> – the service is said to be able to extend coverage to effectively every business location in the US.</p> <p>It is designed to help businesses stay online through virtually all outages and disruptions with independent 5G and Starlink pathways. These are attributed with delivering built-in redundancy that is said to be beyond legacy services.</p> <p>Outdoor 5G equipment enhances signal strength and extends access to T-Mobile’s network, while routers bring connections together into a single, resilient offering. SuperBroadband then intelligently orchestrates 5G and Starlink in real time to maintain uptime and performance without manual intervention.</p> <p>The infrastructure is supported by Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions’ <a href="https://cradlepoint.com/products/netcloud-manager/">NetCloud Manager</a> for centralised control of the latest Cradlepoint routers and outdoor adapters. Businesses can gain visibility and control across their entire network through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/business/t-mobile-launches-edge-control-and-t-platform">T-Platform</a>. This unified portfolio platform provides a centralised management experience, including real-time insights into hardware, performance, usage and health, along with backup readiness and failover events.</p> <p>Starlink and T-Mobile say that the net result of the partnership is that enterprises can deploy their IT teams on projects that are more strategic than connectivity while smaller businesses can finally access the kind of reliability and support that has only been available to the largest customers in the past.</p> <p>“Integrating Starlink with T-Mobile 5G brings reliable, high-performance broadband to businesses with mission-critical operations where downtime costs thousands per hour,” said Jason Fritch, vice-president of Starlink enterprise sales at SpaceX. “Setup is quick and easy, delivering immediate productivity even in the most remote locations. Uniting T-Mobile 5G with Starlink helps keep operations running when other paths fail, and extends connectivity to millions of new locations.”</p> US 5G internet provider inks deal with leading satellite constellation to deliver broadband with ‘virtually unbreakable’ connectivity https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/LeMagIT/hero_article/Hero-starlink.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642501/TMobile-Starlink-aim-to-reinvent-business-internet-from-ground-up-sky-down Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:15:00 GMT <p>A study from the recently rebranded business division of UK mobile operator O2 has found that the country’s technology decisions are becoming harder to navigate and are having a tangible impact on firms, including reduced confidence in long-term growth, while technology challenges are increasing costs and slowing progress.</p> <p>The research from O2 Business – the new working name of O2 Daisy, which was created by <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366628283/O2-Daisy-opens-for-business">the merger of Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) Business and Daisy Group</a> – was conducted by Censuswide, which collected data from 502 UK business leaders between 22 and 23 April 2026.</p> <p>The survey data is said to highlight the scale of the challenge facing today’s leaders, with just over three-quarters of business leaders reporting increased personal pressure over the past two years, as their organisations balance cost pressures, growth ambitions and the need to adopt new technologies.</p> <p>Worryingly, the survey pointed towards a clear confidence gap emerging across the UK, with smaller businesses significantly less confident in their growth prospects than larger firms. Specifically, just over two-thirds of small office/home office (SOHO) businesses expressed confidence in long-term growth. This is compared with over 90% of mid-sized and larger organisations, pointing to a widening divide across the business landscape.</p> <blockquote class="main-article-pullquote"> <div class="main-article-pullquote-inner"> <figure> When technology is easier to deal with, businesses get back time, focus and confidence – and that’s when real growth happens </figure> <figcaption> <strong>Jo Bertram, O2 Business</strong> </figcaption> <i class="icon" data-icon="z"></i> </div> </blockquote> <p>While the research also showed that most organisations remain confident overall, it also found that complexity was beginning to erode that confidence. Some 16% of business leaders said that they were not confident in their organisation’s long-term growth prospects, highlighting underlying fragility beneath the headline figures.</p> <p>The findings pointed to what O2 Business called a growing “complexity trap” for UK businesses, with technology at the heart of the challenge. Two-thirds of leaders surveyed said technology decisions were becoming increasingly complex, and almost half believed their tech setup was more complex than it needed to be.</p> <p>Concerningly, this rising complexity was found to be already having a tangible impact on performance, with increasing operational costs (30%), putting pressure on leadership time and focus (26%) and slowing business growth (19%) cited as the top impact of technology challenges in the past 12 months.</p> <p>Leaders were seeing a clear way forward by simplifying technology and operations to cut spend, boost productivity and unlock growth, as a third (33%) faced rising costs.</p> <p>Commenting on the survey findings, O2 Business CEO Jo Bertram observed that most businesses don’t feel short of technology – they feel weighed down by it.</p> <p>“Too many systems, too many suppliers and too much time spent trying to make everything work together … we think it should be simpler than that. We’re breathing simplicity into the way business works by bringing connectivity and communications together in one joined‑up experience that just makes sense. When technology is easier to deal with, businesses get back time, focus and confidence – and that’s when real growth happens,” said Bertram.</p> <p>Matthew Riley, chairman of O2 Business, added: “UK businesses are the engine of our economy, but too many are being slowed down by complexity they never asked for. When organisations are tied up managing systems instead of strategy, productivity and growth suffer. Simplifying that landscape isn’t just a technical challenge – it’s a commercial opportunity.”</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about mobile business</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642341/Leeds-Bradford-Airport-takes-mobile-connectivity-to-higher-altitude">Leeds Bradford Airport takes mobile connectivity to higher altitude</a>: Neutral host provider installs all-operator 4G mobile connectivity to airport’s refurbished terminal and newly opened extension as an ongoing managed service, ensuring connectivity for passengers and staff.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366639408/Wildix-looks-to-bring-conversations-under-enterprise-control-with-eSIM">Wildix looks to bring conversations under enterprise control with eSIM</a>: AI-powered Fixed Mobile Convergence capability designed to connect native mobile calls to enterprise workflows, preserving identity, context and customer insight without requiring an app.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366640466/Infrastructure-is-back-as-Orange-Business-drives-trusted-agentic-platforms">Infrastructure is back as Orange Business drives trusted agentic platforms</a>: Annual customer gathering of enterprise arm of global telco sees launch of four key applications taking advantage of agentic AI capabilities and emphasising the need for robust and secure infrastructure.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641461/XCOM-RAN-intros-end-to-end-private-5G-for-physical-AI">XCOM RAN intros end-to-end private 5G for physical AI</a>: Next-generation private 5G technology provider unveils plans to expands spectrum and partners for global reach of dedicated wireless network.</li> </ul> </div> </div> Research from O2 Business finds that rising technology and operational demands are undermining confidence in long-term growth https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/O2-Business-Spatial-Insights-hero.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642430/UK-businesses-being-held-back-by-growing-complexity-trap Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:09:00 GMT <p>In the latest part of its 20-year concession to deliver high-speed mobile connectivity across the entire transport network, Boldyn Networks&nbsp;has been charged with delivering a 4G mobile network infrastructure that will enable the country’s Emergency Services Network (ESN) for London Underground.</p> <p>Neutral host provider <a target="_parent" href="https://www.boldyn.com/uk-ie">Boldyn Networks</a> was awarded a 20-year concession by <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366616875/TfL-cyber-attack-cost-over-30m-to-date">Transport for London</a> (<a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366616875/TfL-cyber-attack-cost-over-30m-to-date">TfL</a>)&nbsp;in June 2021 to deliver high-speed mobile connectivity across the entire London Underground network. TfL&nbsp;carries up to four million passengers a day on the London Underground network, and renewing and preparing the communications network for the future has long been regarded as essential to maintain and improve critical infrastructure.</p> <p>The network upgrade is seen as an important step in updating London’s public safety critical communications, enhancing response times and improving the quality of information available to emergency services personnel addressing live incidents.</p> <p>Boldyn’s delivery of infrastructure for ESN on the London Underground is being carried out in collaboration with leading UK mobile provider EE, TfL and the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office">UK’s Home Office</a>, with the primary aim of enabling more resilient and reliable communications services in the future for thousands of first responders including police, fire and ambulance services.</p> <p>The ESN has endured a series of problems since its inception with the £2bn network project beset by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/365531823/UK-National-Audit-Office-slams-mistakes-as-ESN-bill-soars-to-2bn">delays and cost overruns</a>. In 2015, the UK Home Office contracted suppliers to provide a new ESN to replace the existing and well-liked&nbsp;<a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/blog/The-Full-Spectrum/Airwave-goodbye-hello-ESN">Airwave terrestrial trunked radio (Tetra) network</a>&nbsp;used by all 108 police, fire and ambulance services across England, Scotland and Wales to communicate between the field and control rooms.</p> <p>As part of its Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP), the Home Office intended ESN to fully replace Airwave, be less expensive and provide users with access to “modern” mobile data. The government expected to turn off Airwave in 2019. In the same year, the Home Office contracted BT-owned <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/365535457/EE-claims-monster-4G-connectivity-for-further-1500-UK-rural-communities">EE</a>&nbsp;to provide priority access to its mobile network and increase network coverage. It also contracted Motorola Solutions UK for software and systems including critical features not normally found on a mobile network, such as a first-of-a-kind “push-to-talk” functionality.</p> <p>Numerous delays and criticism of the role of Motorola Solutions eventually led to the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252508705/UK-Competition-and-Markets-Authority-opens-investigation-into-Motorolas-Airwave">opening an investigation into the role of the Airwave network in the ESN in October 2021</a>, with a particular focus on the impact of Motorola’s dual role as the owner of the company providing the planned new mobile radio network and as a key existing supplier. In May 2023, the CMA recommended restricting how much Motorola can charge the emergency services to use Airwave.</p> <p>In January 2025, after several further delays and much criticism from Parliament regarding the project and its leading technology stakeholder, the current government decided to embark on a different approach to deliver the infrastructure, <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366617970/UK-Home-Office-reveals-new-approach-to-deliver-Emergency-Services-Network">appointing new IT and comms partners including IBM and Ericsson.</a></p> <p>The deployment for London Underground will aim to provide “seamless” mobile coverage across the 137 Tube, Docklands Light Railway and London Overground stations located underground. It will provide first responders with immediate access to what could be lifesaving data, imagery, live video and public safety information, supporting faster and more coordinated responses to live situations.</p> <p>Yet Boldyn also accepts that delivering these new capabilities within the London Underground presents unique engineering challenges because it is one of the UK’s most complex transport environments.</p> <p>“Access to connectivity for the emergency services can’t be compromised, especially in an environment as complex as the London Underground. Critically, ESN will ensure first responders can stay connected when it matters most, with access to the data and tools they need to respond quickly, safely and successfully,” said Paul Osborne, chief commercial officer UK at Boldyn Networks. “We’re proud to continue our work with TfL and EE to help safeguard the millions of daily passengers across the London Underground network.”</p> <p>In addition to the project to deliver mobile coverage across the Tube network, which remains on track for delivery by the end of 2026, Boldyn and TfL have committed to scaling the capital’s fibre backbone and installing small-cell technology on street furniture.</p> <p>Commenting on the new project, TfL’s director of technology products and operations, Rebecca Bissell, said:&nbsp;“Keeping our customers and London’s emergency services personnel safe while they travel and operate across our network is our top priority. That means ensuring frontliners are equipped with immediate access to lifesaving information to respond more effectively to emergency situations and keep London moving safely.”</p> <p>Faisal Mahomed, managing director of ESN mobile services at BT Group: “Extending ESN below ground marks another important milestone in our long-term commitment to empowering Britain’s emergency services with trusted, mission critical communications. We’re pleased to be working alongside Boldyn Networks and TfL to provide this service.”</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about London Underground connectivity and ESN</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366637334/Londons-Tube-network-extends-4G-5G-connectivity">London’s Tube network extends 4G/5G connectivity</a>: London Underground reveals more progress on introducing high-speed mobile coverage across the Tube network, with stations including Euston Square, Cannon Street and Battersea Power Station now gaining coverage.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366585817/CGI-selected-to-streamline-UK-ESN-programme">CGI selected to streamline UK ESN programme</a>: Controversial mobile network for UK emergency services mobile communications enters new phase with consulting firm appointed as technology delivery partner.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366640351/Fire-and-rescue-services-implement-shared-comms-command-centre">Fire and rescue services implement shared comms command centre</a>: Control room technology rolled out across three emergency services to make it possible to jointly manage emergency call handling, crew dispatch and incident coordination in mutual aid scenarios.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252529479/UK-government-reveals-further-ESN-contract-details">UK government reveals further ESN contract details</a>: Latest chapter in UK Emergency Services Network saga sees termination of Motorola contract for comms equipment and supplies, software packages and software development services.</li> </ul> </div> </div> Neutral host provider selected to deliver 4G mobile network infrastructure to enable Emergency Services Network across London Underground, supporting delivery of a critical national comms programme https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/Transport-for-London-Underground-Fotolia.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642427/Boldyn-EE-TfL-deploy-ESN-infrastructure-across-London-Underground Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:56:00 GMT <p>With a busy peak summer travel period ahead, and passenger numbers expected to reach seven million by 2030, staff and passengers at <a href="https://www.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk/about-leeds-bradford-airport">Leeds Bradford Airport</a> will be reliant on reliable mobile coverage, and to facilitate this, the airport has checked in with connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service provider Freshwave to deliver 4G mobile connectivity from all of the UK mobile network operators to its refurbished terminal and newly opened extension.</p> <p>Yorkshire’s primary airport, Leeds Bradford has been in operation at its site since 1931, seven miles and nine miles respectively from the cities from which it takes its name. In recent years, the airport’s passenger count has grown significantly from 1.2 million a year in 1997 to 2.9 million in 2007. The airport now welcomes over four million passengers a year as it serves more than 80 destinations.</p> <p>Looking to the future, the site’s operator says as a regional airport its success is one that it shares with the Yorkshire region, and that it was strategically planning growth and development with the local economy, environment and stakeholders in mind. To help achieve its ambitions, the operator is working on its <em><a title="Vision 2030 plan" target="_blank" href="https://lbavision2030.exhibition.app/" rel="noopener">Route to 2030 strategic development plan</a></em>, which expects annual passenger numbers to increase from four million to seven million by 2030.</p> <p>Leeds Bradford is undergoing a multi-million-pound regeneration programme designed to equip the airport for the future, and enhance passenger experience by creating new retail and dining outlets, improved passport control, more security lanes, and an upgraded immigration zone.</p> <p>The project features the construction of a three-storey extension, known as the X25 building, which opened in June 2025, and the refurbishment of the existing terminal, increasing floor area by 38% and boosting seating capacity by 83%. The Leeds Bradford Airport regeneration programme is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027.</p> <p>Underpinning this growth is the need to improve communications at the airport, as reliable indoor mobile coverage is essential for modern airports. Responses from the C-suite and IT directors in Freshwave’s <em><a title="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/ld20Cv2YjAf4rX91xFzi4TQx_Ep?domain=urldefense.com" href="https://freshwavegroup.com/the-mobile-connectivity-roi-index-sector-reports/">Mobile connectivity ROI index</a></em>&nbsp;noted that reliable indoor connectivity can unlock next-gen technologies such as real-time footfall tracking, enhanced safety monitoring and smart facility management, helping to keep passengers moving smoothly through the terminal.</p> <p>The report also highlighted that 68% of respondents see improved customer satisfaction as the biggest opportunity for venues, reinforcing the direct link between better mobile coverage and better passenger experience.</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about indoor mobile coverage</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642095/Freshwave-claims-next-evolution-of-5G-indoor-mobile">Freshwave claims next evolution of 5G indoor mobile</a>: In&nbsp;a claimed UK&nbsp;market first, a service powered by Ericsson’s Radio Dot System will offer all-operator 4G/5G signal indoors, with central&nbsp;London location&nbsp;already&nbsp;live.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366640730/Proptivity-Telehouse-team-for-reliable-indoor-4G-5G-in-London-workplaces">Proptivity, Telehouse team for reliable indoor 4G, 5G in London workplaces</a>: Datacentre service provider and indoor mobile infrastructure firm look to address connectivity blind spot inside modern office buildings, enabling scalable indoor 4G, 5G across London workplaces via neutral host provider.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641102/Wilson-Connectivity-Autonomous-Systems-team-for-in-building-wireless-service">Wilson Connectivity, Autonomous Systems team for in-building wireless service</a>: Joint development brings AI-ready, automated monitoring and real-time service assurance to indoor distributed antenna system and private network deployments.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634171/10-World-Trade-office-tower-boosts-connectivity-with-indoor-5G-solution">World Trade office tower boosts connectivity with indoor 5G service</a>: Investors, real estate firm and tech provider deliver small-cell based neutral host network at premier commercial building to provide high-capacity, multi-operator indoor coverage with scalable, sustainable performance.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <p>To that end, Leeds Bradford Airport is deploying <a href="https://freshwavegroup.com/omni-network/">Freshwave’s Omni Network</a> as an ongoing managed service, ensuring passengers and staff stay connected regardless of their mobile provider.</p> <p>At launch in June 2024, Omni Network was described as a world&nbsp;first, offering 4G mobile connectivity indoors from all the UK mobile network operators via a combined&nbsp;<a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366639791/O2-makes-major-5G-expansion-deploys-small-cells-to-boost-Bath-capacity">small cell unit</a>. It boasts more than six million square feet of real estate live or in-build. Omni Network was previously only available on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.andrew.com/onecell/">Andrew Onecell</a>, but the service is <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642095/Freshwave-claims-next-evolution-of-5G-indoor-mobile">now multi-supplier, being available using&nbsp;Ericsson Radio Dot&nbsp;technology</a>,&nbsp;which is seeing use in the new 5G on Omni offer.</p> <p>Freshwave has already connected 85,000 sq ft across three floors of the recently opened terminal extension, delivered as part of Phase 1 of the LBA: Regen programme. This includes baggage reclaim, new food and beverage areas, and retail outlets including World Duty Free. The Omni Network is described as being “fully scalable”, and will be deployed across another 44,000 sq ft of the terminal’s extension in the near future. This covers the new security area, ensuring, claimed Freshwave, that all users benefit from all-operator coverage.</p> <p>This is designed to allow passengers to access travel apps, browse, and keep in touch with friends and family before take-off. It also keeps airport staff communication smooth and secure by enabling the push-to-talk over cellular radio service to use the 4G offering.</p> <p>Adrian Rollins, head of information systems at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “We’re pleased to have worked with Freshwave to bring our passengers and staff reliable mobile coverage ahead of the busy summer period. With passenger numbers expected to reach seven million by 2030, this upgrade is a vital part of future-proofing our airport and getting the most out of digital systems that depend on mobile. Freshwave have been a trusted partner, expertly delivering the mobile system within a live, fully operational airport environment.”</p> <p>Brendan Hourihane, senior director at Freshwave, said: “By investing in an all-operator <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636714/Freshwave-O2-enhance-mobile-connectivity-for-Guildford">neutral host solution</a>, Leeds Bradford Airport have put the needs of their passengers and staff first, assuring signal no matter which network they use. Up to 80% of mobile data traffic occurs indoors; Omni Network is an energy and cost-efficient solution that gives everyone the coverage they need with an approach that can easily be replicated by other regional airports.”</p> Neutral host provider installs all-operator 4G mobile connectivity to English airport’s refurbished terminal and newly opened extension as an ongoing managed service, ensuring connectivity for passengers and staff https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/airport-baggage-travel-adobe.jpeg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642341/Leeds-Bradford-Airport-takes-mobile-connectivity-to-higher-altitude Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:45:00 GMT <p>The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA), alongside the <a href="http://www.portoftyne.co.uk/">Port of Tyne</a>, autonomous driving technology provider <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366631434/Oxa-gains-more-mileage-from-NVIDIA-for-autonomous-vehicles">Oxa</a> and a consortium of leading industry and academic partners, has delivered the <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/north-east-automotive-alliance_autonomous-bus-and-baggage-handler-projects-activity-7355592870231244801-ECbA/">Port‑Connected and Automated Logistics</a> (P-CAL) project.</p> <p>The Port of Tyne is one of the UK’s major deep-sea ports handling specialised bulk and containerised products, alongside delivery logistics, and assisting growing passenger numbers via its International Passenger Terminal.</p> <p>Overall, the Port of Tyne adds £658m to the local economy, supporting 10,400 jobs directly and indirectly, and as one of the UK’s largest trust ports. Fully self-financing, it runs on a commercial basis, reinvesting all of its profits back into facilities along the River Tyne for the benefit of the North East and its stakeholders.</p> <p>Delivered and funded through the <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641716/UK-government-accelerates-autonomous-vehicle-development-funding">UK government’s CAM [Connected and Automated Mobility] Pathfinder programme</a>, NEAA – a collaborative, industry-led cluster dedicated to fostering a competitive and sustainable environment for businesses – is working with its partners to deliver P-CAL to demonstrate autonomous container transport at the Port of Tyne. The initiative will see the deployment of a fully autonomous terminal tractor and secure mesh communication network to move containers between the dockside and the container compound, creating a UK first in waterside port automation.</p> <p>P-CAL was designed to push the boundaries of autonomous logistics by deploying and validating a fully autonomous terminal tractor in a live port environment. Building on the North East’s earlier <a href="https://northeastautomotivealliance.com/neaa-projects/v-cal/">5G CAL and V‑CAL initiatives</a> – which looked to assess the commercial viability of deploying autonomous yard tractors on the Vantec-Nissan route in Sunderland – the project worked to move autonomous technology from proof‑of‑concept trials into a complex, safety‑critical, real‑world operational setting.</p> <p>Over the course of the project, the consortium is said to have successfully designed, integrated and tested an autonomous container transport service capable of operating on a busy quayside. The scope of work included the deployment of a fully autonomous terminal tractor; a resilient mesh communication network; the capability to integrate with terminal operating systems; real‑time coordination with live crane movements; and the implementation of a cyber security framework to enable safe, remote and automated operations.</p> <p>The system was developed and tested in a newly defined and highly complex operational design domain. This is said to reflect the realities of a working port environment where traffic density, variable conditions and human interaction present unique challenges.</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about autonomous port technology</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366637131/Hutchison-Ports-completes-private-5G-network-at-UK-hub">Hutchison Ports completes private 5G network at UK hub</a>: Hutchison Ports taps into global mobile network to support autonomous trucks and future digital innovation.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366626503/Thames-Freeport-lands-multisite-private-5G-network">Thames Freeport lands multisite private 5G network</a>: Verizon Business and Nokia to deliver multiple dedicated infrastructures to enhance port operations with AI-driven data analytics, autonomous vehicle control and real-time logistics orchestration.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366560332/Norfolk-International-Terminal-expands-private-5G-for-Port-of-Virginia">Norfolk International Terminal expands private 5G for Port of Virginia</a>: One of the largest commercial shipping hubs in the US plans to use its private 5G network to enable drones used for safety and surveillance, autonomous trucks and mobile cranes, and cost reduction from reduced downtime.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366632398/OPCSA-terminal-gains-sharper-edge-with-private-5G-connectivity">OPCSA terminal gains sharper edge with private 5G connectivity</a>: Neutral host provider to design, deploy and operate a private 5G network at the Canary Islands’ largest container terminal, reducing costs associated with inefficiencies in the maintenance and monitoring of assets.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <p>The regional and national partnership delivering the project combined expertise across autonomous systems, logistics, cyber security, academia, legal compliance and industrial operations. The consortium believes its project has generated valuable technical, operational and regulatory insight that will inform the future deployment of CAM services across ports, logistics hubs and industrial sites nationwide.</p> <p>By augmenting the capability of the existing workforce, it says it has shown that autonomous systems can take on repetitive or more hazardous tasks, allowing skilled workers to focus on higher-value roles. This is seen as particularly vital for the North East, ensuring the region remains at the forefront of industrial evolution while creating a more resilient and tech-enabled labour market.</p> <p>“Delivering autonomous logistics in a live port environment has been a major step forward for the sector,” said Graeme Hardie, operations director at the Port of Tyne. “P-CAL has shown what’s possible when innovation is applied to real operational challenges, improving safety, efficiency and sustainability. The Port of Tyne is proud to have played a leading role in a project that will influence how ports across the UK and beyond approach automation.”</p> <p>Oxa founder and CEO Paul Newman added: “The success of P-CAL proves how autonomy will enable the future of resilient logistics operations. Through the project, we’ve demonstrated that existing work vehicles can be turned into a digital workforce – successfully completing autonomous container movements in a dynamic quayside environment, while providing worksite intelligence necessary for real-time industrial optimisation. P-CAL provides a blueprint for how ports and industrial hubs worldwide can deploy autonomous technology to drive productivity, efficiency and safety.”</p> <p>CAM Pathfinder is funded by the UK government, delivered by the Department for Business and Trade in partnership with automated mobility firm <a href="https://zenzic.io/">Zenzic</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/">Innovate UK</a>, the UK’s national innovation agency.</p> <p>Zenzic programme director Mark Cracknell said: “P-CAL is a strong example of how government and industry can work together to accelerate the commercial readiness of CAM technologies. Projects like this are vital in turning innovation into deployment, creating high‑value jobs and ensuring the UK remains globally competitive in connected and automated mobility. As the project closes, the outcomes and learning from P-CAL will continue to shape future CAM initiatives, investment opportunities and policy development, both regionally and nationally.”</p> <p>The next phase of the project will examine how the system performs across broader port operations, including the added pressures of multiple vehicles working alongside people, equipment and live commercial activity.</p> Autonomous port logistics project delivering improvements in terms of real operational challenges, safety, efficiency and sustainability https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/rms/computerweekly/Port-of-Tyne-hero.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642355/Port-of-Tyne-advances-connected-mobility-autonomous-logistics Mon, 27 Apr 2026 05:15:00 GMT <p>BT and mobile provider EE have now blocked over a billion clicks to malicious websites using intelligence supplied by the UK’s <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642156/NCSC-heralds-end-of-passwords-for-consumers-and-pushes-secure-passkeys">National Cyber Security Centre</a> (NCSC), according to figures disclosed today.</p> <p>The NCSC’s Share and Defend programme, launched last year, protects 46 million mobile phone users and 12 million fixed line internet subscribers from websites that could deliver malicious code, malware or phishing attacks, the NCSC said.</p> <p>It has allowed BT to head off “early stage cyber attacks” and attempts by its customers to access scam websites.</p> <p>The programme provides telecoms companies with streams of alerts about malicious websites, giving telcos and internet companies the option to block access to the most severe risks to its customers.</p> <p>Claimed to be the most extensive in the world, Share and Defend provides alerts to BT, EE and VodafoneThree.</p> <p>Other partners include broadband company PXC, which provides wholesale broadband and network services.</p> <p>The NCSC said it is “engaging” with other companies to achieve wider coverage and looking to bring new partners into the scheme.</p> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Threat feeds"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>Threat feeds</h2> <p>Share and Defend provides telcos with alerts from threat feeds, some of which are private to the NCSC, with others provided by businesses, and the Cyber Defence Alliance, a group for the finance sector.</p> <p>Other alerts are generated by take-down notices issued to remove malicious content from the internet, and from websites identified as being linked to phishing sites reported by the public.</p> <p>Organisations signed up to the programme are able to protect their customers from accessing malicious content, but can choose which sites to block based on their own risk analysis.</p> <p>The programme provides threat data from the NCSC-developed Protective Domain Name Service, run by Cloudflare and Accenture. The service is capable of preventing access to malicious web domains when they are looked up on the Domain Name System used to navigate the internet.</p> <p>It also takes feeds from the NCSC’s takedown service – run in conjunction with cyber security company Netcraft – which blocks and removes websites linked to spam and phishing attacks that could damage the reputation of government services.</p> <p>The Share and Defend service is also used by Jsic, a not-for-profit organisation, which builds and maintains the Janet network, used by education and research organisations.</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more from CyberUK 2026</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641875/CYBERUK-26-UK-lagging-on-legal-protections-for-cyber-pros">CyberUK 2026 – UK lagging on legal protections for cyber pros</a>: Ahead of this year’s CyberUK conference, the CyberUp Campaign for reform of the UK’s hacking laws proposes a four-pillar framework that would protect cyber professionals from prosecution.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642032/Nation-states-responsible-for-nationally-significant-cyber-attacks-against-UK-says-NCSC-chief">Nation states responsible for ‘nationally significant’ cyber attacks against UK, says NCSC chief</a>: The UK is facing four nationally significant cyber attacks a week, the majority from hostile states, NCSC chief, Richard Horne, warns at the CyberUK conference.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641790/UK-to-build-national-cyber-shield-to-protect-against-AI-cyber-threats">UK to build ‘national cyber shield’ to protect against AI cyber threats</a>: Security minister Dan Jarvis calls for artificial intelligence companies to work with government to develop AI-driven cyber defences.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642156/NCSC-heralds-end-of-passwords-for-consumers-and-pushes-secure-passkeys">NCSC heralds end of passwords for consumers and pushes secure passkeys</a>: UK National Cyber Security Centre is urging consumers to replace passwords and two-factor authentication with passkeys, following a technical study that shows they are more secure and easier to use.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641986/Chinese-hackers-using-compromised-networks-to-spy-on-Western-companies-says-Five-Eyes">Chinese hackers using compromised networks to spy on Western companies, says Five Eyes</a> - Companies urged to take countermeasures as Chinese hacking groups use networks of infected home and office devices ‘at scale’ to evade security monitoring systems.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <ul type="square" class="default-list"></ul> </section> NCSC’s Share and Defend scheme has seen BT block over a billion clicks through to malicious websites https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/cyber-security-attack-virus-malware-Skorzewiak-adobe.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642433/BT-has-now-blocked-over-a-billion-clicks-to-malicious-websites-says-NCSC Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:30:00 GMT <p>All enterprises want flexibility in networking setups, particularly with connected devices, but without the right guardrails, automation and orchestration, they could be creating increased risk. To counter this in internet of things (IoT) deployments, Eseye has unveiled SGP.32 capabilities in its AnyNet+ embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) and Infinity Connectivity Management platform.</p> <p>Created by the GSMA, the industry body responsible for mobile communication standards,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/technologies/esim/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SGP.32-v1.1.0.pdf">SGP.32&nbsp;is a global, next-generation eSIM standard</a> for remote SIM provisioning (RSP) in IoT devices – especially those with no user interface. It is designed to enable the large-scale, hands-off management of eSIM profiles, making it easier to deploy and operate IoT without physical access. It also makes it easier to remotely manage IoT device connections, particularly constrained endpoints.</p> <p>While eSIM technology has been available for consumer devices, managing these digital SIM profiles in IoT devices comes with unique challenges. For example, many IoT devices lack a user interface, making manual SIM management impractical. SGP.32 <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366624911/Major-shift-predicted-for-IoT-connection-strategies">addresses such limitations</a> and builds on existing eSIM technology, introducing a more efficient way to remotely manage IoT connectivity. It is intended to allow SIM profiles to be managed remotely through a centralised platform, enabling automated updates and provisioning – even for devices without user interfaces or located in hard-to-reach areas.</p> <p>The SGP.32 standard introduces the eSIM Orchestrator (eSO) role, which manages profile lifecycle, network selection, compliance and unified billing.</p> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="SGP.32 not an instant IoT connectivity fix"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>SGP.32 not an instant IoT connectivity fix</h2> <p>Yet even so, <a href="https://www.eseye.com/adopting-sgp-32-what-enterprises-need-to-know/">an Eseye research paper</a> has warned that SGP.32 is not a “magic wand” that instantly solves all multi-country IoT connectivity challenges. Commercial contracts, back-end processes, regulatory compliance and operational management of connectivity remain essential considerations.</p> <p>And while SGP.32 defines how profiles are delivered, resilience is not built into the specification alone. Uptime, network fallback behaviour, multi-network continuity and operational guardrails remain critical to success in real-world IoT environments.</p> <p>The key considerations identified by Eseye for enterprises utilising SGP.32 are:&nbsp;</p> <ul class="default-list"> <li>SGP.32 is particularly well-suited to constrained IoT devices, such as those without SMS capability or using lightweight protocols like LwM2M or CoAP;</li> <li>Enterprises should prioritise partners with proven, end‑to‑end experience across multiple remote SIM provisioning models;</li> <li>Remote SIM provisioning is most effective when used strategically;</li> <li>A unified orchestration and intelligence layer;</li> <li>Migration between SGP.02, SGP.22 and SGP.32 be approached as a managed transition.</li> </ul> <p>By combining remote SIM provisioning with multi-IMSI, intelligent fallback, and managed connectivity orchestration within the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eseye.com/iot-solutions/anynet-iot-sim-card/">AnyNet+ eSIM</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eseye.com/iot-solutions/iot-connectivity-management-platform/">Infinity Connectivity Management Platform</a>, Eseye said it can enable enterprises to deploy and scale IoT globally with greater resilience, control and continuity, and stop devices dropping offline in the real world.</p> </section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Delivering control and choice from a single interface"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>Delivering control and choice from a single interface</h2> <p>Eseye’s solution is attributed with giving enterprises unified control and choice across all RSP models (SGP.02, SGP.22 and SGP.32) from a single interface for more practical, resilient global IoT connectivity management.</p> <p>The Eseye Infinity platform provides a single pane of glass for orchestration, analytics and control<b> </b>across global deployments. Furthermore, Eseye addresses eSO by combining SGP.32 with its proven multi-IMSI capability, bootstrap connectivity with managed services and network orchestration, helping enterprises avoid disruption and maintain continuity across complex, long-lived deployments.</p> <p>The wider eSIM orchestration platform supports a broad ecosystem of RSP providers, including leading suppliers such as Thales, Idemia and Kigen, reflecting a supplier-agnostic approach to global IoT connectivity.</p> <p>Eseye’s managed service model is also intended to provide expert guidance, migration support and connectivity orchestration to help enterprises integrate SGP.32 alongside existing solutions, such as multi-IMSI and SGP.02, throughout their IoT connectivity journey. This approach is said to ensure enterprises benefit from SGP.32, where appropriate, while maintaining resilience, regulatory compliance (including data sovereignty) and operational simplicity.</p> </section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="DIY approach can be complex and risky"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>DIY approach can be complex and risky</h2> <p>It is also constructed to address the growing concerns of a “DIY” approach to SGP.32, which can quickly become operationally complex and present significant risks of devices being disconnected. That is, without a unified and fully managed orchestration layer, SGP.32 shifts critical technical and commercial complexity onto the enterprise, forcing them to handle ongoing technical configuration and commercial agreement changes that can ultimately leave devices stranded in the field with no way to reconnect.</p> <p>The net result, according to Eseye, is that customers benefit from global coverage across 800+ networks in 190 countries, delivering near 100% connectivity uptime resilience, robust regulatory compliance, support for high-performance IoT use cases and a proven track record of over 1,000 successful IoT project deployments.&nbsp;</p> <p>“SGP.32 is an important step forward for IoT, but true resilience depends on how it’s implemented. By integrating SGP.32 into our Infinity platform and AnyNet+ eSIM, Eseye delivers multi‑network continuity, fallback and orchestration guardrails, so enterprises get the resilience they need without having to become connectivity experts or effectively run their own MVNO,” remarked Eseye’s chief technology officer and co-founder, Ian Marsden.</p> <p>“However, the industry should be careful not to confuse remote provisioning with operational resilience. Giving customers a red button to switch networks without the right guardrails may sound empowering, but in practice, it can increase risk, complexity and the chances of self-inflicted outages. The real opportunity is to give enterprises the best of both worlds – the flexibility of remote provisioning with the operational guardrails, automation and expertise needed to protect uptime at a global scale.”</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about IoT and SGP.32</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366624911/Major-shift-predicted-for-IoT-connection-strategies">Major shift predicted for IoT connection strategies</a>: Arrival of SGP.32 eSIM standard, as well as regulations and evolving industry dynamics, seen as transforming the market for cellular-based IoT connectivity, including emergence of orchestrator role.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366639358/Aeris-Verizon-Business-aim-to-simplify-global-IoT-expansion">Aeris, Verizon Business aim to simplify global IoT expansion</a>: Wireless IoT provider announces inbound internet of things connectivity relationship with US operator to simplify how multinational enterprises deploy and manage IoT at scale.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366637630/Platforms-must-adapt-to-IoT-demand-to-support-eSim-growth">Platforms must adapt to IoT demand to support eSIM growth</a>: Research on embedded subscriber identity module markets reveal rapid growth and shifting consumer attitudes, with sustained growth especially in internet of things use cases.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366640346/Telenor-IoT-expands-global-connectivity-with-launch-of-global-APN">Telenor IoT expands global connectivity with launch of global APN</a>: Internet of things division of leading Nordic telco aims to simplify global IoT deployments by enabling companies to use&nbsp;a single access point name across all regions.</li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> Internet of things connectivity provider combines SGP.32 remote provisioning with multi-IMSI, intelligent fallback and managed eSIM orchestration to ensure resilient global IoT connectivity https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/German/article/industrial-IoT-2-adobe.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642413/Eseye-boosts-global-IoT-resilience-with-SGP32-eSIM-orchestration Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:19:00 GMT <p><a href="https://www.rendernetworks.com/">Render Networks</a> has announced $20m AUD in private equity growth funding alongside the acquisition of GIS software firm mPower Innovations, and extended its system of execution to electric infrastructure.</p> <p>The funding round comes from existing shareholders, advised by <a href="https://blackkite.partners/">Black Kite Partners</a>, and Render says it marks a “decisive step” in its evolution from field-first execution leader to the end-to-end system of execution for critical infrastructure. Combined with the mPower acquisition, Render’s investments span the entire asset lifecycle through design-deployment operations and lifecycle management, for both telecom and electric utilities.</p> <p>Render says the moment for infrastructure is happening now, with the buildout of critical infrastructure entering its most capital-intensive era in a generation. It noted that that artificial intelligence (AI) and hyperscaler datacentres are creating cascading, interdependent demand, from fibre broadband through to the power grid that sustains them. In addition, it said that utilities must deploy capital smarter and faster while managing greater complexity and maintaining full auditability across every asset, at a scale existing execution systems were never designed to handle.</p> <p>Render cited a study from <a href="https://powerlines.org/">consumer education group PowerLines</a> showing that the US electric sector alone faces a $1.4tn investment cycle through 2030, driven by AI load growth, the accelerating shift to renewables, and grid resilience mandates.</p> <p>Over the past 18 months, Render Networks has built and validated its system of execution across the telco sector, enabling large-scale fibre to the home, long haul and datacentre expansion.</p> <p>The funding is intended to accelerate Render Networks’ AI-first product roadmap, anchored in two platforms – geospatial foundation Esri ArcGIS and AI infrastructure ClearWay on Databricks – which are said to be built for the scale of modern infrastructure.</p> <p>With the former,<b> </b>Render is transitioning its spatial engine to Esri’s ArcGIS, the geospatial platform for electric, utility and connectivity infrastructure. Design, execution and operations will now all be grounded in a single, consistent geospatial model – and mPower’s existing Esri-native architecture validates this approach and accelerates the transition.</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about critical infrastructure</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366639976/Render-Networks-unveils-synchronised-agentic-critical-infrastructure-architecture">Render Networks unveils synchronised agentic critical infrastructure</a>: Critical infrastructure execution and intelligence software provider unveils agentic AI architecture designed for dynamic, scalable execution at infrastructure operators and constructors.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366638864/Cisco-shapes-up-for-delivery-of-critical-infrastructure-in-the-AI-era">Cisco shapes up for delivery of critical infrastructure in the AI era</a>: Annual European expo reveals what IT and networking behemoth claims will be a leap forward in AI adoption, with new products encompassing switches, optics, agentic operations and SASE.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366640692/Zayo-provides-critical-connectivity-infrastructure-for-AI-cloud-datacentres">Zayo provides critical connectivity infrastructure for AI, cloud datacentres</a>: Enterprise network provider deploys connectivity infrastructure to one of the UK’s largest AI cloud datacentre campuses to support up to 720 MW of AI-ready infrastructure.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366632062/3bn-opportunity-in-digital-network-upgrade-of-UK-critical-infrastructure">£3bn opportunity in digital network upgrade of UK critical infrastructure</a>: Study from BT highlights multibillion-pound net benefit that could be unlocked by upgrading critical services to digital platform.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <p>In terms of AI infrastructure, Render Networks says it will continue to advance ClearWay, its agentic AI architecture built on Databricks as the foundation for its data and AI platform. The plan is to move beyond static analysis to a federated system of governed agents capable of validating, approving and acting on work in real time.</p> <p>From a financial perspective, Render said that in private markets, as capital accelerates into hyperscaler and edge datacentre development, its unified system will now deliver the risk mitigation and execution visibility required across interdependent critical infrastructure, protecting capital deployment and compressing time to revenue.</p> <p>“Render has built something rare – an execution platform that actually reflects what happens in the field,” said Adrian Kerley of <a href="https://blackkite.partners/">Black Kite Partners</a>. “As infrastructure spending accelerates across both broadband and electric, the market needs a solution that can deliver verified, auditable outcomes at scale.”</p> <p>The acquisition of <a href="https://www.mpowerinnovations.com/">mPower Innovations</a> is designed to complete the Render Networks portfolio, enabling operators and build partners to deploy capital with precision and speed at a moment of massive industrial AI and datacentre demand.</p> <p>CEO of mPower Jason Brown and founder Greg Calcari will continue at Render in senior leadership roles, and mPower’s software services reach across design, asset management, outage management, interactive voice response and data analytics, enabling Render Networks to address the full infrastructure asset lifecycle.</p> <p>“Reliability starts with a shared operational truth,” said Brown. “By joining Render Networks, operators and builders can manage and deploy critical infrastructure with complete accuracy rooted in what is actually happening in the field – not what was planned on paper. Our customers can move forward with confidence and speed, knowing their system of execution reflects verified field reality.”</p> <p>With CEO Stephen Rose now heading into his second year, and following the finance and acquisition, Render believes its management has now anchored growth with a clear mandate: ensure every asset deployed has the best possible return on capital and ensure the entire deployment lifecycle is verifiable, visible and ready to perform for decades. That platform serves as the foundation on which to build a system of execution to address the full asset lifecycle for both electric and telco sectors.</p> <p>“Billions of dollars are moving into infrastructure deployment in the next five years, and the demand on infrastructure leaders leaves no margin for error,” said Rose. “Our existing shareholders are doubling down on what we’ve built and the market we’re moving into. With mPower, we extend our system of execution across both sectors, ensuring every asset is rapidly monetised, and the entire asset and deployment lifecycle is verifiable, visible and de-risked.”</p> Critical infrastructure software platform provider gains fresh capital to accelerate sector and portfolio expansion https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/German/article/IT-infrastructure-1-adobe.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642018/Capital-injection-acquisition-further-Render-Networks-in-critical-infrastructure Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:45:00 GMT <p>The 5G mobile market is moving beyond its initial land-grab phase and into a period shaped more by network quality, architectural maturity and service differentiation, according to a study from the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA).</p> <p>The <em><a href="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/ZZ-JCG6Y9jfq0zL5li7hjTB4iu3?domain=gsacom.com/">State of the market</a></em>&nbsp;report – from the industry association representing companies in the global mobile ecosystem engaged in the supply of infrastructure, semiconductors, test equipment, devices, applications and support services – was based on market data taken up until the end of March 2026.</p> <p>Among the key findings of the research was the underlying dynamic that global 5G expansion is still advancing, but the story is no longer just about adding more launches to the map, and the more meaningful story is how it is broadening.</p> <p>It reported that 392 operators have now launched 5G networks, up 14% from March 2025, reflecting 44% of total LTE and 5G networks. Spectrum was found to remain as the essential enabler of the next phase of 5G growth, and beyond that, 6G.</p> <p>Indeed, the study showed that over the past year, 11 5G auctions have been completed across the world, for an average price of $663.4m. And as of the end of March 2026, there were 4,256 announced 5G devices in the market, up 24% from last year. In comparison, total LTE devices totalled 29,024.</p> <p><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366639259/Global-5G-standalone-dynamic-shifts-from-coverage-to-capability">5G Standalone</a> was becoming the clearest marker of market maturity. Some 95 operators had launched a 5G Standalone service, highlighting a growth of 42% since the first quarter of 2025. Development of <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366623050/T-Mobile-rolls-out-5G-Advanced-across-US">5G Advanced</a> networks was seen to still be at an early stage, but the GSA stressed that its growth rate makes it one of the clearest signals of where the market is heading next. In total, 35 operators are investing in 5G Advanced, an increase of 71% since 2025. Of these operators and providers, 11 have launched a service.</p> <p>Looking at one of the key use cases of 5G networks, one the industry has long held to offer future prosperity, the study found that private mobile networks continue to demonstrate that 5G’s opportunity extends well beyond public consumer services. The manufacturing vertical is a strong adopter of mobile private networks, with 374 identified customer deployments, followed by the education and academic research sector, with 169 customers deploying it.</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about 5G</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366640730/Proptivity-Telehouse-team-for-reliable-indoor-4G-5G-in-London-workplaces">Proptivity, Telehouse team for reliable indoor 4G, 5G in London workplaces</a>: Datacentre service provider and indoor mobile infrastructure firm look to address connectivity blind spot inside modern office buildings, enabling scalable indoor 4G, 5G across London workplaces via neutral host provider.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641384/Turkey-launches-nationwide-5G-services-with-ambitious-domestic-production-targets">Turkey launches nationwide 5G services with ambitious domestic production targets</a>: Country’s three mobile operators go live across all 81 provinces following $2.95bn spectrum auction, with government mandating 60% local content requirements.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641461/XCOM-RAN-intros-end-to-end-private-5G-for-physical-AI">XCOM RAN intros end-to-end private 5G for physical AI</a>: Next-generation private 5G technology provider unveils plans to expands spectrum and partners for global reach of dedicated wireless networks.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366639116/Italian-Navy-sets-sail-with-Ericsson-5G">Italian Navy sets sail with Ericsson 5G</a>: Project sees long-range 5G Standalone data communication at sea successfully demonstrated, with on-board connectivity and naval vessel systems tested in real day and night operations.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <p>Yet despite the prospects from private 5G, the GSA’s report identified <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366632142/5G-enabled-FWA-CPE-shipments-form-majority-in-4-out-of-7-global-regions">Fixed Wireless Access</a> (FWA) as one of 5G’s strongest and most visible commercial success stories. The study found 394 operators who have launched a 5G fixed wireless service, with another 29 investing in the technology, an increase of 59% since June 2025.</p> <p>The report also tracked the rapid growth of satellite-enabled mobile connectivity, which it said is moving from experiment to early commercial reality. Some 97 operators are investing in satellite-to-cell phone connectivity, and eight available chipsets are compatible with the technology.</p> <p>Commenting on the study’s findings, Joe Barrett, president of the GSA, said: “The global 5G market is entering a more selective and strategic phase of development … This shift is most clearly visible in 5G Standalone, which now underpins much of the industry’s next wave of innovation, including 5G RedCap, network slicing and more advanced enterprise offers … These trends all point to a market that is no longer defined simply by how many 5G networks exist, but by what those networks are becoming.</p> <p>“5G in 2026 will be shaped by standalone adoption, ecosystem readiness and the ability of operators to translate technical capability into commercial value.”</p> Research finds 5G market no longer defined simply by how many 5G networks exist, but by what those networks are becoming, shaped by ability of operators to translate technical capability into commercial value https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/HeroImages/T-Mobile-5G-Advanced-mast-PR-hero.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641991/5G-market-enters-selective-and-strategic-phase-of-development Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:15:00 GMT <p>With reliable mobile connectivity still a major issue inside modern office buildings – particularly as energy-efficient materials block signal and user expectations remain high – connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) provider Freshwave has launched 5G on Omni to offer businesses “assured” indoor 5G connectivity from all the mobile network operators (MNOs).</p> <p><a href="https://freshwavegroup.com/">Freshwave</a> said that its mission is to invest expertise and capital to assure connectivity, bringing mobile operators, central and local government, and real estate providers to work together in new ways. It added that it has connected some of the biggest, most challenging wireless environments in the UK, including several central London boroughs and more than 2,000 buildings.</p> <p>At launch in June 2024, the company’s Omni Network was described as a world&nbsp;first, offering 4G mobile connectivity indoors from all the UK mobile network operators via a combined <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366639791/O2-makes-major-5G-expansion-deploys-small-cells-to-boost-Bath-capacity">small cell unit</a>. It boasts more than six million square feet of real estate live or in-build.</p> <p>Omni Network was previously only available on <a href="https://www.andrew.com/onecell/">Andrew Onecell</a>, but the solution is now multi-supplier, being available using <a href="https://www.ericsson.com/en/portfolio/networks/ericsson-radio-system/radio/small-cells/indoor/radio-dots">Ericsson Radio Dot</a> technology which is seeing use in the new 5G on Omni offer.</p> <p>In another claimed first and the next stage in the evolution of the Omni Network, <a href="https://freshwavegroup.com/omni-network/">5G on Omni</a> is designed to deliver 4G/5G connectivity indoors from all the UK MNOs – EE, O2, and VodafoneThree – via the Ericsson’s Radio Dot System, extending the 5G carrier-grade mobile coverage to more spaces than ever before.<b> </b></p> <p>Aiming to address the aforementioned issue whereby building materials can potentially block mobile signals from reaching indoors, Freshwave said its dedicated multi-operator in-building mobile system can ensures everyone inside has the mobile connectivity they need, no matter which network they’re on.</p> <p>Connecting securely to the MNOs’ networks, 5G on Omni is configured and controlled by Freshwave’s engineers via the company’s datacentre as a fully managed service. For organisations whose connectivity needs are met by 4G today, 5G on Omni provides a simple software upgrade path to 5G when required.</p> <p>In addition, the company said that 5G on Omni uses up to 50% less energy than a <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366639043/Silverstone-takes-mobile-connectivity-to-full-throttle">traditional distributed antenna system (DAS),</a> is faster and more cost effective to deploy with less cabling, and needs less space in the comms room.</p> <p>Remarking upon the launch and its objectives, Simon Frumkin, Freshwave’s CEO, said: “After a world-first with Omni Network, I’m delighted we’re now able to offer our customers another first with 5G on Omni. It’s the next stage of assured indoor mobile connectivity, bringing all the operators indoors on 5G via small cells.</p> <p>“Indoor connectivity is an essential productivity driver, as evidenced by our <em>Mobile connectivity ROI index</em> which found that the UK could gain £70bn of added value by eliminating mobile signal not-spots indoors. 5G on Omni represents an important step forward for indoor connectivity in the UK. We’re grateful to all the UK mobile operators and to our technology partner Ericsson for their collaboration in making this possible.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Luca Orsini, head of Ericsson North Europe, added: “We’re thrilled to have collaborated with neutral host provider Freshwave to deliver 5G from all UK mobile operators on the Ericsson Radio Dot for the very first time. It highlights how shared indoor infrastructure can accelerate high-quality 5G coverage and capacity at a lower total cost of ownership than legacy solutions, ensuring organisations and users benefit from seamless connectivity regardless of their mobile provider.”</p> <p>The service is also available via a pay-as-you-occupy model, which allows landlords to pay to cover shared areas in a building, while giving tenants the ability to contract directly with Freshwave to join the in-building system as and when they move in.</p> <p>Freshwave claims 5G on Omni is already seeing strong demand and that it is in the process of deploying it at several other customer sites this year across sectors including financial services, luxury goods brands and a global fast moving consumer goods company. One of the early adopters of the service has been flexible office provider <a href="https://www.workspace.co.uk/workspaces/the-record-hall">Workspace’s Record Hall site</a> in central London, bringing 4G/5G mobile signal from all the MNOs to the offices and workshops there.</p> <p>“Good connectivity should be something our SME customers don’t have to think about,” said Chris Boultwood, head of technology at Workspace. “With 5G on Omni from Freshwave now live at Record Hall, our customers can rely on seamless mobile coverage throughout the building, whichever network they use.”</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about indoor connectivity</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366640730/Proptivity-Telehouse-team-for-reliable-indoor-4G-5G-in-London-workplaces">Proptivity, Telehouse team for reliable indoor 4G, 5G in London workplaces</a>: Datacentre service provider and indoor mobile infrastructure firm look to address connectivity blind spot inside modern office buildings, enabling scalable indoor 4G, 5G across London workplaces via neutral host provider.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641102/Wilson-Connectivity-Autonomous-Systems-team-for-in-building-wireless-service">Wilson Connectivity, Autonomous Systems team for in-building wireless service</a>: Joint development brings AI-ready, automated monitoring and real-time service assurance to indoor distributed antenna system and private network deployments.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634171/10-World-Trade-office-tower-boosts-connectivity-with-indoor-5G-solution">World Trade office tower boosts connectivity with indoor 5G service</a>: Investors, real estate firm and tech provider deliver small-cell based neutral host network at premier commercial building to provide high-capacity, multi-operator indoor coverage with scalable, sustainable performance.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366632113/Boldyn-Networks-enhances-5G-fan-experience-at-AO-Arena">Boldyn&nbsp;Networks enhances 5G fan experience at AO Arena</a>: UK neutral host network provider engaged to deliver advanced 5G connectivity at sports arena in Manchester, one of the UK’s busiest entertainment venues and one of the largest indoor sporting homes in Europe.</li> </ul> </div> </div> In a claimed UK market first, a service powered by Ericsson’s Radio Dot System will offer all-operator 4G/5G signal indoors, with central London location already live https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/5G-mobile-network-speed-adobe.jpeg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642095/Freshwave-claims-next-evolution-of-5G-indoor-mobile Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:45:00 GMT <p>For airlines to run critical operations on networks that are set up and run for them, removing the complexity and cost of managing connectivity themselves, air industry tech firm SITA has launched a new network solution designed to support the demands of complex airport and transport environments.</p> <p>With around 2,500 customers, <a href="https://www.sita.aero/">SITA</a> technology supports more than 1,000 airports and more than 19,600 aircraft worldwide. The company said that it also helps more than 70 governments “strike the balance between secure borders and seamless journeys” and connects 45-50% of the industry’s data exchange to enable complex global networks to operate smoothly and reliably.</p> <p>As part of the latter aim, the SITA Campus Network, powered by <a href="https://www.hpe.com/uk/en/solutions/networking.html">HPE Aruba Networking</a>, aims to offer a <a href="https://www.sita.aero/solutions/sita-communications-and-data-exchange/sita-lan-management/sita-campus-network/">managed network service</a> covering more than 150 countries wherein SITA takes care of the design, procurement, shipping, installation, configuration and support for all devices involved. Boasting a low total cost of ownership (TCO), SITA is proposing “one of the most competitive” fully managed local area network/wireless local area network (LAN/WLAN) available in the industry.</p> <p>Explaining the rationale for the launch, SITA noted that managing networks across multiple locations, devices and suppliers is complex and costly. Furthermore, it said that when networks are fragmented, performance suffers and disruptions can spread quickly.</p> <p>SITA Campus Network is attributed with being able to remove this burden by delivering a fully managed network across wired and wireless environments. The campus network is claimed to combine “robust” connectivity with centralised, cloud-based management to ensure consistent, reliable performance across <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366538215/NTT-NARS-claim-mission-critical-comms-breakthrough-at-Narita-International-Airport">airport campuses and other large transport hubs.</a></p> <p>Designed for high-density environments such as terminals, hangars and airline operations centres, the solution is said to support large volumes of users and devices without compromising performance, even during peak demand. By integrating HPE technology into its managed service, SITA’s customers get a network that is centrally operated by SITA while retaining the flexibility to use different technologies and vendors.</p> <p>Available in more than 145 countries, with 24/7 operational support, SITA assured that by reducing the need for costly hardware and simplifying operations the network lowers both upfront investment and ongoing costs. Its pay-as-you-go model allows customers to scale usage up or down based on demand, with rapid deployment across locations.</p> <p>This is said to reduce the need for on-site support, spare equipment and recurring training, freeing up IT teams to focus on higher-value activities. Where needed, the campus network connects to <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366632694/SITA-unveils-next-gen-fibre-optic-comms-for-data-intensive-airports">SITA’s global wide-area network services</a>. This connectivity links more than 600 airports worldwide.</p> <p><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641094/Marvell-scales-up-networking-to-extend-Nvidia-AI-ecosystem">As is the norm with other leading networking solutions</a>, the&nbsp;SITA Campus Network uses AI to improve visibility across the network, detect issues earlier and automate troubleshooting, helping reduce downtime. It also provides centralised management, allowing infrastructure and devices to be monitored and controlled across both on-site systems and remote environments.</p> <p>Martin Smillie SITA senior vice-president of communications and data exchange, said integrating diverse systems and devices across airport environments is becoming more complex as operations become more connected: “At the same time, expectations on performance, resilience and security continue to rise. With SITA Campus Network powered by Aruba, we take on that complexity. We deliver a network that is set up, run and continuously optimised, so our customers can focus on keeping operations moving while maintaining control across increasingly demanding environments.”</p> <p>Sujai Hajela, executive vice-president and general manager for enterprise campus and branch at HPE, added: “Airports and airlines have to support thousands of staff, passengers and mission critical systems across terminals, gates and airside areas – and any network issue shows up immediately as delays and frustration.</p> <p>“SITA Campus Network powered by HPE Aruba Networking is built on our secure, AI-native technology to deliver a self-driving network that spots and fixes problems in real time, often before anyone notices, so operations keep moving and passengers stay connected.”</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about airport connectivity</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366627736/Enhanced-mobile-connectivity-takes-flight-at-Manchester-Airport">Enhanced mobile connectivity takes flight at Manchester Airport</a>: Passengers to UK’s third busiest airport now served by enhanced indoor wireless network coverage and capacity, especially when the outdoor signal from cell towers doesn’t effectively penetrate into buildings.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366573413/Traveller-experience-takes-off-at-Houston-Airports-with-HPE-Aruba-mobility">Traveller experience takes off at Houston Airports with HPE Aruba mobility</a>: One of North America’s largest public airport systems modernises connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and networking infrastructure to boost quality of passenger experience and contribute to sustainability goals.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366624977/Satellite-connectivity-service-keeps-airports-online">Satellite connectivity service keeps airports online</a>: Air transport industry’s IT provider launches space-based comms system to deliver ‘reliable, secure communication’ in more than 130 countries, even during blackouts and emergencies.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366593934/SITA-gains-higher-altitude-for-connectivity-with-Heathrow-Airport">SITA gains higher altitude for connectivity with Heathrow Airport</a>: Leading provider of IT to the air transport industry wins longest contract extension to date, with UK’s largest and Europe’s busiest airport to bolster network infrastructure services in expansive estate.&nbsp;</li> </ul> </div> </div> Air transport industry technology provider taps networking giant to keep transport hubs connected and running smoothly, without the cost and effort of managing networks in-house https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/airport-passengers-travel-adobe.jpeg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642173/SITA-launches-campus-network-to-keep-airport-operations-connected Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:37:00 GMT <p>Consumers are being urged to replace passwords with passkeys as a simpler, more secure method of accessing online services.</p> <p>The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of the signals intelligence agency GCHQ, said today that it would no longer recommend that individuals use passwords for logging on where passkeys are available as an alternative.</p> <p><a href="https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/feature/Passkey-vs-password-What-is-the-difference">Passkeys</a>, which are securely stored on people’s phones, computers, or in third-party credential managers, are quicker and easier to use than passwords and offer stronger security.</p> <p>The NCSC’s recommendation follows a technical study that shows passkeys are at least as secure – and generally more secure – than a password combined with two-factor authentication, such as an authorisation code sent by SMS.</p> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Resilience against phishing"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>Resilience against phishing</h2> <p>The agency claims that a move to passkeys would boost the UK’s resilience to phishing attacks and other hacking attempts, the majority of which rely on criminals stealing or compromising login details.</p> <p>The UK government <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366623776/UK-government-websites-to-replace-passwords-with-secure-passkeys">announced last year</a> that it would roll out passkey technology for digital services as an alternative to current SMS-based verification systems, which incur additional costs for sending SMS messages.</p> <p>The NHS became one of the first government organisations in the world to use passkeys to give patients secure access to hospital and pharmacy websites.</p> <p>Online service providers, including Google, eBay and PayPal, also support passkeys. According to Google, over 50% of active Google users in the UK have a registered passkey – the highest uptake. Microsoft is also introducing passkeys for Hotmail.</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more from CyberUK 2026</h3> <ul type="square" class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641875/CYBERUK-26-UK-lagging-on-legal-protections-for-cyber-pros">CyberUK ’26: UK lagging on legal protections for cyber pros</a>: Ahead of next week's CyberUK conference, the CyberUp Campaign for reform of the UK's hacking laws proposes a four-pillar framework that would protect cyber professionals from prosecution</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642032/Nation-states-responsible-for-nationally-significant-cyber-attacks-against-UK-says-NCSC-chief">Nation states responsible for ‘nationally significant’ cyber attacks against UK, says NCSC chief</a>: The UK is facing four nationally significant cyber attacks a week, the majority from hostile states, NCSC chief, Richard Horne, will warn at the CyberUK conference.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641790/UK-to-build-national-cyber-shield-to-protect-against-AI-cyber-threats">UK to build ‘national cyber shield’ to protect against AI cyber threats</a>: Security minister Dan Jarvis calls for artificial intelligence companies to work with government to develop AI-driven cyber defences</li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Better security than 2FA"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>Better security than 2FA</h2> <p>Passkeys offer a greater level of security than passwords and SMS two-factor authentication (2FA), both of which can be compromised by hackers.</p> <p>They allow people to log into websites securely, using their own mobile phones, tablets or laptops to verify their identity by entering a PIN or using facial recognition.</p> <p>The use of passwords with two-factor authentication for SMS can be vulnerable to “SIM swapping” attacks, where criminals allocate a victim’s phone number to a phone SIM card to intercept authentication keys.</p> <p>The NCSC said that it stopped short of endorsing passkeys last year because there were still key implementation challenges.</p> <p>However, it said that progress with the technology over the past year, including the ability to move passkeys between Android and Apple phones, has now made the technology viable.</p> </section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Passkeys not yet recommended for business"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>Passkeys not yet recommended for business</h2> <p>The centre said it can now recommend passkey technology to the public as a more secure and user-friendly login method, and to businesses as the default authentication option for consumers.</p> <p>The NCSC is not yet recommending <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/tip/How-to-roll-out-an-enterprise-passkey-deployment">passkeys for business applications</a>, which will take longer to phase in. Many organisations rely on old IT systems that do not support passkeys or two-factor authentication.</p> <p>The NCSC said that where services do not support passkeys, it advises consumers to create strong passwords and use two-factor authentication.</p> <p>Jonathon Ellison, director for national resilience at the NCSC, said moving to passkeys would accelerate the UK’s resilience against cyber attacks.</p> <p>“The headaches that remembering passwords have caused us for decades no longer need to be a part of logging in, where users migrate to passkeys – they are a user-friendly alternative, which provides stronger overall resilience,” he said.</p> <p>Phasing out passwords will be gradual, with the first step being for people to become comfortable with using passkeys. Big banks are expected to phase in the technology over the next three to five years.</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">How passkeys work</h3> <p>When people sign up for accounts using passkeys, their device creates a private key, which remains on the device, and a public key, which is stored by the service they wish to access.</p> <p>The device will prove to the website that it has the correct private key when the owner signs into a service, without disclosing the private key to the service provider.</p> <p>Passkeys are designed to synchronise across different devices, so a passkey stored on an iPhone would be automatically shared with the owner’s iPad.</p> <p>If a person loses a device and does not have a copy of the passkey on a second device, they will be able to recover it by going through an account recovery process.</p> <p>Unlike passwords, passkeys are cryptographically generated and do not need to be changed regularly to remain secure.</p> <p>They are stored in a “secure enclave” on phones and computers, which means they cannot be accessed if the device is compromised or lost.</p> </div> </div> </section> UK National Cyber Security Centre is urging consumers to replace passwords and two-factor authentication with passkeys, following a technical study that shows they are more secure and easier to use https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/German/article/easy-password-adobe.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642156/NCSC-heralds-end-of-passwords-for-consumers-and-pushes-secure-passkeys Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:01:00 GMT <p>Looking to develop a highly secure future‑ready infrastructure that can support global digital connectivity as it operates some of the most remote and operationally complex travel experiences in the world, A&amp;K Travel Group (AKTG) has selected Colt Technology Services to deliver a global network for its core business and portfolio of premier travel brands.</p> <p>Beginning life in 1962, <a href="https://www.abercrombiekent.com/about-us">AKTG</a> is a global lifestyle and travel company that describes itself as setting the standard for “refined and personalised travel experiences worldwide”. The group encompasses premier travel brands including Abercrombie &amp; Kent, Crystal, Cox &amp; Kings and Ecoventura, alongside strategic investments in other travel companies. The group has an international support system of more than 2,500 staff in 60 offices across 35 countries, having a presence in all seven continents. The company’s “guardian angels” provide 24/7 support.</p> <p>A&amp;K Travel Group operates some of the most remote and operationally complex travel experiences in the world, from expedition ships and river vessels to safari camps and global offices. Delivering those experiences, it said, requires secure, resilient connectivity that performs consistently across continents and environments.</p> <p>AKTG has taxed Colt with building out its global connectivity network – which includes quantum-safe encryption from <a href="https://arqitgroup.com/">Arqit</a> – to provide agile, quantum-safe security solutions that operate without distance limitations, across any location worldwide. This foundation is designed to provide AKTG with a resilient, interconnected global network architecture on which it can run its business and keep customers, employees and travel partners in more than 100 countries connected.</p> <p>Part of the project will see Colt team up with Arqit to deploy a quantum-secure <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366635495/SASE-SD-WAN-evolve-as-enterprises-prioritise-unified-network-security">wide-area network (WAN)</a> to help protect AKTG from the future risk presented by quantum computers, including the threat presented by “harvest now, decrypt later”.</p> <p>AKTG will also use the Colt infrastructure to help redefine the way audiences interact with its brands, supporting its commitment to providing “seamless”, immersive digital experiences with easier access to travel information; improved “inspiration” and content discovery; and new digital tools for creating tailor-made journeys. Colt’s network is seen as essential in underpinning fast, secure, low-latency connectivity for AKTG, ensuring “exceptional” service in locations ranging from remote landscapes to major cities.</p> <p>“As our digital ecosystem continues to evolve, protecting our data, our communications and ultimately our guests is a strategic priority,” said Fabio Agostini, CIO of A&amp;K Travel Group. “<a href="https://www.colt.net/">Colt’s global infrastructure</a> provides the robust network foundation we need, and through its integration with Arqit’s quantum-safe encryption technology, we are proactively strengthening our security posture against future threats.</p> <p>“This is not simply a network upgrade. It is an investment in future-ready infrastructure that supports our global operations today while preparing us for the next generation of cyber security challenges.”</p> <p>Colt Technology Services chief operating officer Buddy Bayer added: “Abercrombie &amp; Kent is a brand synonymous with unforgettable tailor-made journeys, from stargazing in the Serengeti to navigating the Nile by riverboat. Delivering a seamless digital experience is now just as essential as delivering those memorable moments. With Colt’s world-class digital infrastructure and Arqit partnering with Colt to safeguard the network against tomorrow’s threats, A&amp;K Travel Group can stay focused on what defines it: bringing its mission of ‘life, well-travelled’ to every guest, everywhere.”</p> <p>Andy Leaver, CEO of Arqit, said: “Arqit is proud to be supporting Colt as they lead the way in building a global quantum-safe network for AKTG. Its forward thinking enables AKTG to ensure high-performing secure connectivity from now into the <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366633476/Singapore-unveils-efforts-to-govern-agentic-AI-prepare-for-post-quantum-era">post-quantum era</a>.”</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about wide-area networks</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634553/Qatar-Airways-checks-in-SD-WAN-to-take-operations-to-higher-altitude">Qatar Airways checks in SD-WAN to take operations to higher altitude</a>: MENA airline’s worldwide roll-out of airline technology provider’s software-defined wide-area network claimed to set a benchmark for aviation connectivity and performance.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366635495/SASE-SD-WAN-evolve-as-enterprises-prioritise-unified-network-security">SASE, SD-WAN evolve as enterprises prioritise unified network security</a>: Research confirms trend that software-defined wide-area network implementations are increasingly tied to security, with the continual rise of cyber security incidents worldwide only accelerating this dynamic.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366632181/Zen-Internet-launches-Meraki-to-deliver-SD-WAN-portfolio">Zen Internet launches Meraki to deliver SD-WAN portfolio</a>: Zen Internet introduces software-defined wide-area network offer to address needs of businesses as IT budgets come under increasing under pressure while cyber threats rise.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366628091/Sunswift-gears-up-for-wireless-WAN-for-World-Solar-Challenge-racing">Sunswift gears up for wireless WAN for World Solar Challenge racing</a>: <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/contributor/Joe-OHalloran"></a>Comms tech provider’s 4G, 5G systems working to deliver uninterrupted connectivity for the upcoming solar car race events in Australia, combining 5G and satellite connectivity through intelligent link bonding.</li> </ul> </div> </div> Travel giant chooses services arm of digital infrastructure provider to build out its global connectivity network based on quantum-safe encryption systems that operate without distance limitations https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/Beach-holiday-vacation-relax-adobe.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366641832/AK-Travel-journeys-with-Colt-for-global-quantum-safe-network Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:36:00 GMT 60 editor@computerweekly.com