BT launches UK’s first 5G-enabled, interactive simulation experience

BT has launched immersive spaces for business and public sector customers – creating the UK market’s first 5G-enabled interactive simulation experience.

Launched in partnership with Immersive Interactive, BT Immersive Spaces simulate real-life environments within an internal or external room, or mobile unit – to create an interactive immersive experience.

The fully immersive rooms are connected to the EE mobile network, using cameras and HD projectors to bring...

26 May 2023 | 5G

Vodafone to cut 11,000 jobs as part of turnaround plans

vodafone europe telecoms margherita della valle job cuts

Vodafone is undergoing a major restructuring effort under its new CEO, Margherita Della Valle.

The company has announced plans to cut 11,000 jobs across Europe as part of its turnaround strategy. Della Valle stated that the company's performance has not been up to par and that changes are necessary for Vodafone to consistently deliver.

One area where Vodafone sees potential for growth is its business segment. Despite representing only 27 percent of group service revenue,...

17 May 2023 | 5G

Vodafone and Three prepare to announce merger

Vodafone and Three are close to agreeing on a merger of their UK telecoms businesses, creating the biggest mobile operator in the country.

The deal is expected to be worth £15 billion ($19 billion) and will knock BT-owned EE from the top spot in terms of mobile subscribers.

The merged company's equity is valued at around £9 billion, with £6 billion in debt. The merger is expected to be agreed this month, with a formal announcement due to be made "very...

4 May 2023 | 5G

Nokia unveils 5G ‘drone-in-a-box’ solution

Nokia has become the first company to launch a turnkey 5G “drone-in-a-box” solution.

The solution is designed to address the increasing demands of organisations such as energy, construction, defence, smart cities, and public safety agencies.

Nokia Drone Networks is CE-certified to fulfil EU safety requirements and is built to enhance situational awareness for professionals using public and private 4G/LTE and 5G networks.

Thomas Eder, Head of Embedded...

3 May 2023 | 5G

UKTIN launches plan to boost telecoms ecosystem

The UK Telecoms Innovation Network (UKTIN) has launched a plan to boost research, development and innovation within the UK telecoms industry.

The aim of the inclusive industry forum is to help organisations accelerate R&D investment, collaboration and commercialisation of emerging technologies.

Nick Johnson, Head of UKTIN, said:

“The launch of our services is a pivotal moment for the UK telecoms sector.  Fragmentation across the ecosystem has...

27 April 2023 | 5G

85% of telcos had projects delayed by supply chain issues

Research by TXO reveals that 85 percent of operators have experienced project timeline disruptions due to supply chain issues.

The research highlights sourcing new equipment from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as a major problem.

Over a third of operators (34%) have been delayed by six months or more. All operators surveyed reported supply chain issues affecting their business.

Over three-quarters (78%) of operators had to wait over three months while...

26 April 2023 | 5G

5G has reached its ‘tipping point’

VIAVA Solutions has revealed that 5G networks are now available in 47 out of the world's 70 largest economies by GDP, according to its annual ‘The State of 5G’ report.

The report shows that there are currently 2,497 cities globally with commercial 5G networks, across 92 countries.

23 countries have pre-commercial 5G trials underway, while 32 countries have announced their 5G intentions. As for the remaining 48 countries, many are smaller island nations that have not...

18 April 2023 | 5G

UK publishes new Wireless Infrastructure Strategy

The UK government has launched a new Wireless Infrastructure Strategy aimed at delivering 5G connectivity to all populated areas by 2030, as well as investing in the next generation of connectivity.

The strategy includes a comprehensive 6G plan to ensure that the UK is at the forefront of the next generation of wireless technology. The government has also established a national mission, supported by up to £100m ($130m) of initial funding, to secure the UK’s place in “future...

11 April 2023 | 5G

BT is reportedly looking for a new CEO

According to reports, BT Group CEO Philip Jansen may be leaving his position.

BT Group includes Openreach, EE, and Plusnet. Sources for the Mail on Sunday claim that BT Group has begun searching for a replacement for Jansen, who has held the position since 2018.

During his tenure, Jansen has focused on expanding the rollout of Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) across the UK, reduced the company's focus on the pay-TV market, and undertook a significant rebranding across...

27 March 2023 | 5G

Ofcom to make over 6 GHz of mmWave spectrum available

British telecoms regulator Ofcom has announced that it will make over 6 GHz of mmWave spectrum available.

The spectrum will span the 26 GHz (24.25-27.5 GHz) and 40 GHz (40.5 GHz-43.5 GHz) bands and deliver large increases in speeds and capacity.

Tony Eigen, VP of Marketing at Baicells, said: “Many countries, including the US, are already seeing the clear performance benefits of mmWave. Data from Ookla in the US revealed mmWave is achieving extraordinary speeds - almost...

14 March 2023 | 5G