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

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

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

Churches partner with Vodafone to enhance rural coverage

Vodafone and Net CS have joined forces to embark on an ambitious project to enhance mobile technology in 11 Church of England parish churches across the country.

The primary goal of this partnership is to provide robust and reliable 4G coverage to rural communities in the vicinity of these historic churches.

The first phase of the project has already been completed, with the installation of the new mobile technology at two churches: the Blessed Virgin Mary in Brompton...

27 July 2023 | Networks

State of mobile in the UK: A review of H1 2023

In the first half of 2023, RootMetrics conducted extensive testing to assess the end-user mobile experience across major metropolitan markets, nations, and the UK as a whole.

EE, the longstanding leader, continued to shine in the UK-wide testing. It secured the top position in all seven RootScore categories, securing the UK Overall RootScore Award for the tenth consecutive year.

Marc Allera, CEO of EE, said:

"The quality and reliability of mobile networks are...

25 July 2023 | Telecoms

Huawei says it will launch ‘5.5G’ equipment in 2024

During MWC Shanghai, Huawei made a bold claim that it would provide all the necessary components for running a 5.5G network by next year. However, no-one can define what 5.5G even is.

Yang Chaobin, the director and president of ICT Products & Solutions at Huawei, announced the company's ambitious plans, stating that the launch would signify the beginning of the 5.5G era for the industry.

However, the term "5.5G" is currently not recognised by the 3rd Generation...

30 June 2023 | 5G

Vodafone launches UK’s first 5G SA network for consumers

Vodafone has made a groundbreaking move by becoming the first operator in the UK to offer customers a 5G SA (5G Standalone) network.

The advanced network, known as 5G Ultra, represents a significant upgrade from the existing 5G service.

While the previous 5G technology relied partly on 4G infrastructure (referred to as 5G Non-Standalone), Vodafone's 5G SA network has undergone a complete overhaul, making it fully upgraded and future-proofed.

Customers who...

23 June 2023 | 5G

EE and Nokia boost mobile connectivity in Wimbledon

EE and Nokia have significantly improved mobile connectivity in the Wimbledon area to support residents and visitors to the London district that’s home to one of the world’s most famous sports championships.

With the help of 17 existing 4G and 5G sites and a new small cell system, EE aims to provide high-capacity, high-speed mobile connectivity to half a million sports fans who visit Wimbledon each year.

In today's digital age, staying connected has become a...

19 June 2023 | 5G

Vodafone and Three announce UK merger

Vodafone and Three-owner CK Hutchison have officially announced the merger of their UK operations, a move that is set to create the largest operator in the country.

After several months of speculation and discussions, Vodafone and CK Hutchison made the long-awaited announcement on Wednesday, unveiling the details of the merger. The merger aims to enhance competition and stimulate investment with a commitment of $14 billion in the UK.

According to the agreement, Vodafone...

14 June 2023 | 5G

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