Telecom Italia approves €19B sale of fixed-line network to KKR

Telecom Italia (TIM) has given the green light to the €19 billion sale of its fixed-line network to US private equity firm KKR.

The move is particularly notable as TIM becomes the first major telecoms group in a European country to part ways with its landline grid.

Italy views this asset as nationally strategic. The country has been working diligently to bridge its digital divide with the rest of the European Union, making the sale a crucial step in its digital...

6 November 2023 | Broadband

Nokia introduces ‘carrier-grade’ Wi-Fi 7 portfolio

Nokia has introduced its “carrier-grade” portfolio of Wi-Fi 7 devices that are designed to enhance end-users' broadband experience.

The new portfolio encompasses a wide array of devices, catering to both low- and high-end users. It includes dual-band, tri-band, and quad-band configurations, addressing diverse regulatory constraints and market demands.

Nokia's Wi-Fi 7 offerings stand out due to their unique capabilities, with the Beacon 24 leading the pack. This...

23 October 2023 | Broadband

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

SK Telecom settles Netflix dispute with strategic partnership

SK Telecom and Netflix have ended their dispute over network usage fees, opting instead for a strategic partnership.

As part of the partnership, SK Telecom aims to enhance the convenience of accessing and paying for Netflix shows and movies on mobile devices and IPTV for their customers. They will provide a range of pricing options and product bundles for users; including services that incorporate Netflix's ad-supported pricing model.

Tony Zameczkowski, VP of APAC...

18 September 2023 | Broadband

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

BT appoints Allison Kirkby as CEO

BT has officially announced the appointment of Allison Kirkby as its new chief executive.

Kirkby will succeed Philip Jansen and is expected to assume the role by the end of January 2024 at the latest.

“I’m incredibly honoured to have been appointed as the next chief executive of BT Group. BT is such an important company for the UK, and our many customers both in the UK and internationally and is uniquely placed to help everyone benefit from the rapid advances in...

31 July 2023 | 5G

BT to find new CEO amid takeover rumours

BT CEO Philip Jansen has revealed his plans to step down from his position, sparking rumours of a possible takeover bid for the telecommunications company.

BT stated that Jansen would depart at an "appropriate moment" within the next 12 months. 

The news comes as BT intensifies efforts with advisors Robert Warsaw and Goldman Sachs to strengthen its takeover defence strategy, amidst speculations of interest from Deutsche Telekom, which currently holds a 12 percent...

10 July 2023 | Broadband

Brits hit with above-inflation price increases for unreliable broadband

Consumer champion Which? has found that Brits are being hit with above-inflation price increases for their broadband while suffering from unreliable services.

According to the research – which gathered responses from nearly 4,000 broadband customers – 53 percent of respondents had experienced issues such as slow speeds, connection dropouts, outages, and router problems.

The problems were widespread across all broadband providers, with only marginal differences...

5 July 2023 | Broadband

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

Telefónica will phase out copper in Spain by 2024

Telefónica has reaffirmed its commitment to transform its fixed infrastructure by completely switching to Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) and closing all its copper exchanges by 2024.

The copper switch-off will coincide with the company’s centenary. The move is in line with Telefónica’s strategy to increase the performance and speed of service while reducing energy consumption and its carbon footprint.

José María Álvarez-Pallete, Chairman of Telefónica,...

20 April 2023 | Broadband