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

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,...

26 May 2023 | Digital Transformation

UK announces space infrastructure fund

The UK government is taking significant strides to bolster the country's space sector with the launch of the Space Clusters and Infrastructure Fund (SCIF).

This initiative marks the first dedicated fund for UK space infrastructure and aims to accelerate the development of R&D facilities necessary for making space products mission-ready and commercially viable.

Investment in space R&D infrastructure is crucial for fostering the growth of the UK's space and...

24 May 2023 | Hot Topics

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

Cox to form a new standalone firm after UPN acquisition

Cox Communications plans to acquire the remaining interest in enterprise fibre provider UPN (Unite Private Networks).

The transaction is set to close by June 30th and aims to bring UPN and Segra, another business services company in which Cox has invested, together to form a new standalone company.

The move comes as part of Cox's ongoing focus on expanding its business services portfolio. In recent years, Cox has made strategic investments in companies like Segra and...

15 May 2023 | Broadband

BT launches Fortinet-secured SD-WAN service

BT has announced the launch of a new all-in-one networking and security service that will enable its business and public sector customers to manage their connectivity across multiple sites.

The service will bring together SD-WAN, SD-Branch, and security in one place. It will be fully managed by BT’s expert team, reducing cyber risk and supporting customers in moving data and applications into the cloud. The service is purpose-built to support retailers better in meeting customer...

11 May 2023 | Networks

CMA approves Inmarsat-Viasat merger

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has cleared the merger between satellite communications companies Viasat and Inmarsat after an extensive Phase 2 review.

The deal had been referred for further investigation following a Phase 1 inquiry that identified concerns over its potential impact on competition.

The CMA panel examined a range of evidence, including internal documents from the merging companies and competitors, as well as feedback from airlines and...

9 May 2023 | Networks

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

Rogers and Lynk partner to offer complete satellite coverage in Canada

Rogers Communications has partnered with Lynk Global to test and provide satellite-to-phone connectivity across Canada.

The collaboration will ensure that Canadians have wireless connectivity access no matter where they are. The move is aimed at helping Canadians reach 911 using 5G and 4G smartphones in remote regions and rural areas that are not covered by any wireless networks.

Tony Staffieri, President and CEO of Rogers, said:

“From underground transit...

28 April 2023 | Networks

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