AST SpaceMobile achieves space-to-smartphone 5G connection

AST SpaceMobile has successfully established the first-ever 5G connection for both voice and data between a standard smartphone and a satellite in space.

The achievement was demonstrated by AST SpaceMobile's engineers who orchestrated a call from the serene shores of Maui, Hawaii to a Vodafone engineer located in bustling Madrid, Spain.

What makes this achievement truly remarkable is that it was accomplished using an unmodified Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone, with the...

20 September 2023 | 5G

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

T-Mobile strikes $3.3B deal with Comcast to expand spectrum holdings

T-Mobile is bolstering its spectrum portfolio by acquiring airwaves from Comcast in a transaction valued at up to $3.3 billion.

The agreement was unveiled in a blog post on Comcast's website, where the company cited a reduced need for the 600MHz spectrum as the primary motivation behind this strategic move.

Comcast had initially announced its intentions to employ the 600MHz spectrum in the development of a 5G network to enhance its Xfinity Mobile service. Alongside this,...

13 September 2023 | 5G

Ofcom: Over half of UK can access full-fibre, mobile coverage steady

In the latest release of Ofcom’s Connected Nations report, the regulator has provided insight into the state of mobile coverage and broadband availability across the UK.

The report, which delves deep into the accessibility of essential services, brings encouraging news regarding full-fibre broadband accessibility and a steady course for mobile coverage.

Full-fibre reaches majority of UK homes

The standout revelation from the report is the availability of full-fibre...

8 September 2023 | 5G

Vodafone to use Amazon’s LEO satellite network to extend 4G/5G

Vodafone and Amazon's ambitious Project Kuiper have unveiled a strategic partnership to expand the accessibility of 4G and 5G services.

The venture will leverage Project Kuiper's cutting-edge low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network and promises to deliver connectivity in regions that have long been deemed logistically challenging and economically prohibitive for traditional communication infrastructure.

Dave Limp, Amazon's SVP for devices and services, expressed the...

6 September 2023 | 5G

Deutsche Telekom provides 5G to ‘Port-as-a-Service’ project

In collaboration with Deutsche Telekom, container terminal operator EUROGATE has commissioned the establishment of three 5G campus networks in the ports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven, and Wilhelmshaven.

The campus networks aim to revolutionise the efficiency and flexibility of digital logistics applications within container terminals, setting new standards in the maritime industry.

The 5G campus network, known as 'Campus network L,' is set to usher in a new era of connectivity...

29 August 2023 | 5G

3GPP elects three Samsung researchers as vice-chairs

Samsung has announced that three of its researchers have been elected as vice-chairs within the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project).

The achievement solidifies Samsung's influence within the world's largest telecommunications standard development organisation. With these new appointments, Samsung now boasts a total of seven officials within 3GPP, comprising two chairs and five vice-chairs.

Since its inception in 1998, 3GPP has united telecommunications powerhouses...

23 August 2023 | 5G

Vodafone and Ericsson trial 5G network slicing for mobile gaming

Vodafone and Ericsson have completed a live network trial at Coventry University showcasing the transformative capabilities of 5G Standalone network slicing for mobile gaming.

The trial leveraged the power of network slicing, a pivotal feature of 5G Standalone networks that enables the customisation of connectivity services for specific customers and use cases. 

Phil Patel, Group Director of Product and Services at Vodafone, said:

“5G Standalone aims to...

21 August 2023 | 5G

Ericsson achieves 5.7Gbps in world’s first 6CC data call

Ericsson has pushed the boundaries of 5G Carrier Aggregation by seamlessly integrating six component carriers (6CC) to achieve a record-breaking download speed of 5.7Gbps.

The groundbreaking data call was orchestrated through the harmonious convergence of three Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) bands with three Time Division Duplex (TDD) bands within the sub-6GHz spectrum range.

Sibel Tombaz, Head of Product Line 5G RAN at Ericsson Networks, said:

"We are...

18 August 2023 | 5G

Web3 project Helium Mobile launches $5/month unlimited plan

Helium Mobile, the “People’s Carrier,” aims to disrupt the telecoms industry with its unlimited plan.

Helium Mobile’s no-contract $5/month plan is initially launching in Miami and offers unlimited talk, text, and data. This disruptive offering comes as a result of Helium Mobile's innovative approach, making use of Dynamic Coverage.

Dynamic Coverage enables subscribers to access both the localised Helium network – run by a global network of individuals who are...

16 August 2023 | 5G