Ofcom’s easy broadband switching process set for delay

A deadline for broadband providers to implement Ofcom’s new easy switching process is likely to be missed.

The ‘One Touch Switch’ process intends to make it easier for customers to switch their broadband provider.

Research from Uswitch found that over a third (36%) of broadband customers have never switched their provider. Many households could be missing out on savings which could help ease cost-of-living pressures.

“As broadband customers across the...

24 March 2023 | Broadband

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

EU greenlights Vodafone-Altice FTTH plans

The EU Commission has given the green light to a joint venture between Vodafone and Altice to deploy fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) across Germany.

The joint venture is called FibreCo and will see the partners deploy FTTH to up to seven million homes over a six-year period.

Nick Read, CEO of Vodafone Group, commented:

“This partnership builds on Vodafone’s significant next-generation network with Altice’s industrial expertise and proven Fibre-to-the-Home...

21 February 2023 | Broadband

Babcock awarded £400M contract to operate military satellites

Babcock and its partners have been awarded a £400 million contract to operate the Skynet military satellite communications system.

Skynet is the UK’s satellite system that enables communications to be sent from anywhere in the world back to the UK and its allies.

Defence Procurement Minister Alex Chalk KC said:

“Space is increasingly important for maintaining battlefield advantage.

The UK’s next-generation military satellite communications...

15 February 2023 | Legislation & Government

Ofcom launches review into mid-contract price rises

Ofcom has launched a review into whether mid-contract price rises by telcos give customers sufficient certainty about their finances.

The cost-of-living crisis has made budgeting more important than ever as households feel the squeeze and many get pushed into financial difficulties.

In the UK, telcos are free to include a clause in their agreements that allow for inflation-linked price rises mid-contract. Some providers guarantee not to increase their prices mid-contract...

9 February 2023 | 5G

Surveillance balloons spotted over the US and Canada

High-altitude surveillance balloons have been spotted by US and Canadian authorities over their respective territories.

The first balloon was spotted in the US over sensitive American national security installations, including the Malmstrom Air Force Base. 150 nuclear-armed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles are located at the base.

The Pentagon claims the balloon belongs to China. Beijing has not taken responsibility but says that it’s looking into the...

3 February 2023 | Legislation & Government

Ukraine signs NATO cybersecurity centre accession

Ukraine has formally signed its accession to the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE).

The country applied for CCDCOE membership in August 2021. On 4 March 2022, existing CCDCOE members voted unanimously to accept Ukraine into the organisation.

“We have been actively cooperating with the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence for the last year,” said Yurii Shchyhol, Head of the State Special Communications Service of...

24 January 2023 | Legislation & Government

UK announces £50M satellite industry boost

The UK Space Agency has announced a £50 million fund to boost the satellite communications industry.

Funding from the initiative will be used for projects including satellite constellations, ground systems, and entirely new end-to-end systems.

Science Minister George Freeman said:

“Developing UK space capabilities and maximising commercial opportunities are key to the National Space Strategy, as part of our plans to become a leading power in space and build...

23 January 2023 | Broadband

Wildanet awarded £36M to connect thousands of rural premises

Cornwall-based provider Wildanet has been awarded £36 million by the UK government to connect thousands of rural premises.

The contracts will enable Wildanet to deliver fast broadband connectivity to left behind communities in Cornwall. Up to 19,250 homes and businesses are set to be connected.

Helen Wylde, CEO of Wildanet, said:

“This is great news for remote communities in Cornwall as we continue to connect Cornwall’s homes and businesses to full fibre...

19 January 2023 | Broadband

FCC establishes space bureau to meet growing demands

The FCC has voted to establish a space bureau that will support the flourishing industry.

Increasing private, public, and mixed ventures are leading to what some consider to be a new space race.

SpaceX is undisputably among the leaders driving this space renaissance. The company has launched over 3,000 satellites since 2019 and built impressive vehicles to lower space transportation costs.

This year, Amazon is set to launch its ‘Project Kuiper’ low Earth...

10 January 2023 | Hot Topics