Related UK News – Page 31
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Network & InfrastructureBT preps for 2G cut-off
Operator confirms intent to follow 2023’s 3G services shutdown with retirement of 2G. Executives say preparations are in place to support customers and partners through transition. Move comes amid particular concern over how 2G sunset will impact rural, M2M, and elderly users.
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PremiumBT inches toward 100% coverage with OneWeb tie-up
State-backed satellite operator OneWeb snags distribution agreement with BT to launch satellite trials in 2022. Pair share 2028 target for 100% connectivity coverage.
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Venturing & InvestmentsTelefónica Innovation & Venturing Roundup: handful of Wayra investments flagged
Handful of investments flagged by regional Wayra hubs with interests in autonomous robotics, ed-tech, and fintech.
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PremiumH1 FY21–22 Spend: efficiencies found to give BT an edge
Improved cost points for BT’s fibre rollout front and centre, make for positive viewing. Operating expenditure down across the board, and capex up at CFUs.
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Innovation (R&D)UK telcos getting back to the labs, with 4.5%-R&D rise
UK telecoms players laid out more than £1bn on innovation during 2020, the first time they have done so since 2011. Ostensibly led by spend patterns at BT, sector has been regaining some of the significant ground it has lost after tightening budgets during downturn.
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Public AffairsAltnets gird for legal battle over Openreach FTTP pricing — report
CityFibre said to be heading up legal challenge to Ofcom’s Equinox decision. Rural fibre builder Gigaclear among altnets joining forces to fight back against Openreach’s lower FTTP pricing structure.
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Financial & PerformanceOpenreach accelerates provisioning to leave rivals in starting blocks
CEO Clive Selley on fibre build: phase one is “done”; now onto “selling and populating” stage. Bullish Business Briefing shows Openreach determined to establish its ‘fibre franchise’ as a marketplace while rivals strive for scale. Build process moving towards cruise control with Openreach cornering the market in skills.
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Partnerships & AlliancesUK telcos face missing out on Horizon Europe funding
Political brinkmanship between London and Brussels threatens access to €95.5bn R&D pot. UK preps Discovery Fund as alternative, but unlikely to match largesse of Horizon Europe.
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Public AffairsPhones 4u saga continues with ‘burner’ phone allegation
Former Orange exec Benoit Scheen attempted to arrange untraceable call to collude with Vodafone, according to High Court claim. Illicit text messages uncovered as part of evidence discovery.
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Network & InfrastructureColloms: DCMS must “crack on” with reform to back fibre
Openreach MD of Corporate Affairs confident on business’s ability to meet government goals on fibre deployment, but commercial programme will need support to maintain momentum. Physical access to sites potentially a huge obstacle to the rollout in both urban and rural areas, but “common sense” updates to legislation could ...
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Network & InfrastructureEE says “delays elsewhere” have impacted ESN delivery
Mobile operator “committed to ESN contractual obligations” as Home Office announces revised timetable for the UK’s LTE-based emergency services network. Unveils ESN Coverage Extender prototype from Parallel Wireless as part of ongoing preparations for nationwide shutdown of Airwave.
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OperationsRestructuring and legacy write-down hurt T-Systems UK
Deutsche Telekom’s UK enterprise IT unit records a loss on revenue slowdown. Figures also blunted by impairment of Managed Infrastructure unit.
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Products & ServicesGovernment considering BT’s emergency comms proposal
UK Home Office in discussions with BT over introduction of 888 emergency comms and tracking system. 888/Walk Me Home working titles for platform that could act as “deterrent to criminals”. £50m public funding required. Christmas 2021 launch possible.
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Public AffairsUK government defends Ethiopian mobile investment
Vodafone and CDC investment in Ethiopian mobile operator crops up in parliamentary debate on Tigray humanitarian crisis. Investment deemed to be “right” and long term. CDC emphasises role as impact investor with a lot of patience. Vodacom agrees to fund Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia.
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Public AffairsVodafone pursues UK government over lost contract
Vodafone loses Foreign Office contract to Fujitsu, claims process breached procurement rules. Preliminary issue trial set for January 2022.
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PremiumBT’s McRae flags benefits of Tarana’s FWA solution
McRae says customer trials have been encouraging so far. BT’s Allera and Watson tending to play down FWA’s role.
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Network & InfrastructureStarlink a potential suitor in Vodafone’s 28GHz lease deal
Vodafone in conversation with satellite operators to lease 28GHz spectrum in the UK. Elon Musk’s Starlink touted as an option
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PremiumBT engages virtual twin(s) on infrastructure resiliency
Group one of three national infrastructure owners to pledge resources to project using simulation tech to overcome impact of climate change on UK’s built environment. Tranche of UK universities and research institutes involved too. Yet another example of BT dipping toes into ‘digital twin’ realm.
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PremiumBT helps Ericsson shrink massive MIMO radios
Operator and supplier team up on product development. Lighter weight and easier to handle means faster urban 5G deployment.
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Public AffairsBT escalates appeal in landline overcharging case
Competition Appeals Tribunal tells BT it has little prospect of success in a call to block US-style class action. Operator will take case to Court of Appeal as it seeks to swap opt-out procedure for an opt-in alternative. The latest update in an ongoing £589m saga amid allegations of ...