CityFibre awards contracts for its Project Gigabit rollouts

CityFibre has awarded its first round of contracts to build partners as part of Project Gigabit.

Project Gigabit is the government’s £5 billion programme to connect 715,000 rural properties, ensuring they have access to high-speed broadband services.

CityFibre has appointed the following as its build partners:

Granemore Group in Cambridgeshire OCU Group and CCN Communications in Hampshire OCU Group in Norfolk Telelink, OCU Group, and Granemore Group...

22 September 2023 | Broadband

UK invests £88M in Open RAN initiatives transforming mobile connectivity

The UK Government has invested £88 million into 19 groundbreaking Open RAN initiatives under the Open Networks Ecosystem (ONE) competition.

Open RAN technology represents a paradigm shift in how mobile networks are built. Rather than relying solely on a single company's equipment, it allows various companies' technologies to be interoperable.

Nick Johnson, Head of UK Telecoms Innovation Network (UKTIN), said: 

“The Government’s funding to tackle...

14 September 2023 | 5G

UK to rejoin EU’s Copernicus and Horizon schemes

In a step forward for European space and scientific collaboration, the UK is set to rejoin the Copernicus and Horizon Europe programs. 

The UK was a major expertise and financial contributor to both programs prior to its decision to leave the EU. The EU blocked an agreement in the Brexit deal for the UK to become an associate member of Horizon over the long-running dispute over the Northern Ireland Protocol.

A resolution to the dispute was reached under the Windsor...

7 September 2023 | Legislation & Government

Microsoft: UN treaty creates ‘ideal conditions’ for cybercrime

Amy Hogan-Burney, Associate General Counsel, Cybersecurity Policy & Protection at Microsoft, has voiced concerns about a Russia-led United Nations (UN) cybercrime treaty. 

As the global menace of cybercrime gains sophistication and extends its reach, a united front is crucial to effectively combat these digital threats. Concerted cooperation between law enforcement agencies, governmental bodies, international partners, and private corporations is required.

However,...

31 August 2023 | Legislation & Government

Drahi: If Altice corruption allegations are true, I feel ‘betrayed’

Patrick Drahi, the billionaire founder and controlling shareholder of Altice International, publicly addressed the corruption allegations that have recently surfaced involving the company's Portuguese operations.

Speaking during a Q2 2023 call for debt investors, Drahi expressed shock and disappointment over the allegations and stated that if proven true, he feels "betrayed and deceived."

The corruption probe, which came to light last month, centres around procurement...

8 August 2023 | 5G

Ericsson shareholders sue for millions over withheld report

A group of shareholders is taking legal action against Ericsson over its alleged failure to disclose vital information with regard to an internal investigation into its business practices in Iraq.

The shareholders are seeking damages of $175-$300 million over claims the failure resulted in significant financial losses for the shareholders. As of 4th August 2023, 37 claimants have filed their case against Ericsson and more are expected to follow.

The controversy began in...

7 August 2023 | 5G

UK announces fund to revolutionise connectivity with satellites

The UK has announced a £160 million investment in the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit scheme (CLEO).

Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan unveiled the scheme, which aims to deliver the next generation of high-tech satellites to boost internet connectivity and bridge digital divides across the country.

CLEO is set to capitalise on the latest advancements in space technology, particularly Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, renowned for their resilience and...

1 August 2023 | Legislation & Government

FCC announces plan to halt SIM-swappers

The FCC has unveiled a set of rules aimed at safeguarding consumers against scams that seek to commandeer their cell phone accounts.

The proposed regulations, designed to protect citizens' freedom to choose their preferred device and provider, require wireless providers to implement secure authentication methods when swapping SIM cards or porting phone numbers to another carrier.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said: “Every consumer has a right to expect that their...

13 July 2023 | Legislation & Government

UK Government stops publishing Huawei security reports

The UK's annual report investigating potential security risks posed by Chinese telecoms company Huawei has not been made public for nearly two years, raising concerns about government transparency.

The decision to shelve the publication of the Huawei Cyber Security Evaluation Centre (HCSEC) report was reportedly made by the then-culture secretary, Nadine Dorries, according to the Telegraph.

The HCSEC report, which analyses potential risks to the UK's national...

27 June 2023 | Legislation & Government

London Tech Week kicks off with initiatives to boost UK telecoms

The 10th London Tech Week has commenced with a series of ambitious initiatives aimed at solidifying the UK's position as a telecoms leader.

Some of the initiatives announced this week include:

Supporting local authorities in procuring and testing "smart lampposts" to enhance connectivity within communities Signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UK and Australia to establish a roadmap for future telecoms collaboration Connecting the remote...

12 June 2023 | 5G