A third of IT and telecoms businesses unprepared for next global crisis

A life ring floating in water.

New data from the intelligent planning technology Board International, a leading global provider of Intelligent Planning SolutionDespite nearly every global business (Global: 97%; IT & Telco: 98%) executing some form of planning transformation attempt since 2020, 90% (IT & Telco: 91%) report it failing to some degree.    

This is according to new data from the intelligent planning technology Board International, a global provider of Intelligent Planning Solutions,...

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...

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...

Telcos competing with hyperscalers on emerging services ‘unrealistic’

Telcos have various irons in the fire for strong future potential, from digital gaming and online video to eHealth and financial services – but they will continue to feel the pinch from Big Tech hyperscalers.  

That is the verdict of analyst firm Omdia who argues in its latest report that while telcos have already invested in areas around TV and online video entertainment, there are other markets to explore, but competing with hyperscalers is ‘unrealistic’. The report,...

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...

Uswitch: Ofcom’s missed ‘One Touch Switch’ deadline costs Brits £1.85B

Uswitch claims that Ofcom’s failure to enforce its ‘One Touch Switch’ deadline will cost 11 million broadband customers in the UK a total of £1.85 billion per year in overpayments.

The research was released on the same day that Ofcom's One Touch Switch, a new broadband standard designed to make switching providers easier, was due to come into effect. Earlier this month, Telecoms reported that the deadline was likely to be missed.

Ernest Doku, Telecoms Expert at...

Juniper Research: 5G revenue to hit $625B by 2027

A report from Juniper Research suggests that operators will generate $625 billion from 5G services by 2027.

If the forecast is correct, it would mean that – in just four years – operators will enjoy over double the $310 billion revenue they’re expected to generate from 5G services in 2023.

The rapid growth will lead to 5G accounting for around 80 percent of operators’ revenue by 2027. The increased revenue will result in operators seeing a clear return on the...

Half of Brits think European roaming fees are ‘unfair’

Half of Brits think it’s unfair they have to pay additional charges for using their mobile devices while travelling elsewhere in Europe.

That was the key finding from a survey conducted by Virgin Media O2. As it’s keen to point out, it was the only UK operator not to reintroduce EU roaming fees post-Brexit.

Gareth Turpin, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Media O2, said:

“We know that many people will be cost-conscious when going on holiday this year,...

Brits are unaware that 3G switch-offs begin next month

Research from Uswitch has found that most Brits are unaware that 3G networks will begin to be switched off from next month.

Just over half (51%) of surveyed Brits were unaware of the impending switch-off. Over 55s were the most unaware (61%) of the switch-off. In the 18-34 age range, that dropped to just 40 percent.

Ernest Doku, Mobiles Expert at Uswitch, says:

“It is clear that millions of mobile phone users aren’t aware that 3G is being phased out, or...

Failure to respond to cost of living crisis threatens telecoms sector

The rise in the cost-of-living has driven consumers to re-adjust spending priorities. Telcos’ failure to respond to this changing mindset is now the biggest threat facing the industry, according to the annual EY report, Top 10 risks in telecommunications 2023.

With consumer spending under increasing pressure, EY research shows that 60% of households are worried about rising broadband subscription prices, and nearly half (45%) believe they overpay for content...