All UK government articles – Page 6
-
Network & InfrastructureTelcos turn to youth to help UK fibre buildout
Industry steps up efforts to attract more people in tight labour market and keep fibre rolling. “Unprecedented” demand gives candidates the upper hand. Signs of progress on gender diversity and hiring more women in traditionally male-dominated roles. BT, Openreach, and Virgin Media O2 tout apprenticeship plans.
-
Network & InfrastructureMacquarie linked with £10bn UK infrastructure boost
Australian group points to planned investments in UK broadband. Macquarie has snapped up local providers including KCOM, Voneus, and Wavenet.
-
Public AffairsDCMS told to get a grip on Project Gigabit
“Disappointed” accounts committee frustrated by lack of measurable progress and clear plans for reaching 2025 target of 85% ultrafast coverage. Department blasted for lack of meaningful legislation on removal of barriers to deployment. DCMS still seeking clarity from operators on national rollout plans.
-
Network & InfrastructureVodafone claims 5G open RAN first
Vodafone UK launches 5G open RAN site, building on government-led open infrastructure ambition. Initial launch leverages partnerships with Capgemini, Dell, Intel, Keysight, Samsung, and Wind River. NEC and Samsung to be used in tandem for 2,500 sites from mid-2022.
-
PeopleOpenreach’s McTighe emerges as frontrunner for Ofcom chair
Mike McTighe, Chairman at Openreach, reportedly on the shortlist to oversee regulator. Drawn-out search for Lord Burns’ successor sees another BT-affiliated name on the cards.
-
PremiumElsewhere in BT Technology: DCMS hands out R&D investments
DCMS Future RAN competition hands four BT partners a portion of £36m R&D tranche.
-
Network & InfrastructureO2 Germany completes 3G shutdown in final hours of 2021
O2 Germany closed last 300 3G sites in December. CEO Markus Haas reiterates call for change in spectrum policy. Spain and UK to follow suit with 3G sunsetting.
-
PeopleEx-BT chair teed up to lead UK audit regulator
Business Secretary Kwarteng puts Jan du Plessis forward for appointment to chair the FRC amid governance struggles on the audit watchdog’s “underweight” board. FRC in transition, and requires a chair able to partner with government.
-
Innovation (R&D)DCMS allocates £36m in R&D funding for 5G projects
Future RAN competition rewards 15 companies, including four BT partners. UK government distributes funds as part of its Supply Chain Diversification Strategy. Also sets target for 35% of UK mobile network traffic to be carried via open RAN by 2030. 2G, 3G expected to be retired by 2033 at ...
-
Network & InfrastructureAltnets prep fibre wholesale platforms to rival Openreach
Two platforms aim to create full-fibre marketplaces for altnets and resellers. Signs of confederation among the UK’s 80-plus altnets, as wholesale competition heats up. Platforms facilitate Project Gigabit wholesale mandates and One-Touch Switching.
-
PremiumVodafone gets role as DCMS allocates RAN R&D funds
Future RAN competition rewards 15 companies. Flex-5G project, partnered by Vodafone, attracts £4.7m in government funding. Funds distributed as part of Supply Chain Diversification Strategy. Government sets target for 35% of UK mobile network traffic to be carried via open RAN by 2030. 2G, 3G expected to be retired ...
-
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 ...
-
Innovation (R&D)BT explores metamaterials for future networks
Researchers delve into new materials for smarter, greener wireless tech. Metasurfaces applied for better signal propagation and performance. Operator planning to increase investment in materials R&D.
-
Public AffairsNI report criticises past public broadband projects
Audit Office report cannot verify that two broadband projects “achieved value for money”. High service take-up rates suggest not all public funding was needed. NI expected to claw back £14m of public funds from BT. Hopes for £165m Project Stratum to deliver better outcome for rural broadband.
-
Digital ReportsBTwatch Report #323 – April 2021
Key stories include: BT’s digital spring | NICE expands enterprise role | Consumer buys into Enjoy | Enterprise allays Zoom fears | STL aims to ‘de-skill’ fibre
-
PremiumBT “disappointed” as government tweaks voucher scheme
Government kicks off first phase of £1.2bn Project Gigabit. £210m for rural voucher scheme, but fewer communities are eligible; £110m for connecting rural doctors’ surgeries, libraries, and schools. DCMS Delivery Plan suggests considerable uncertainty on most effective way to target government spending.
-
Innovation (R&D)Testbeds and Trials: many roads to 5G for BT
Two private networks in the West Midlands to be switched on, powering manufacturing modernisation in the region, underpinned by BT infrastructure. BT/EE powers two projects in state-backed 5G Create funding call.
-
Innovation (R&D)5G Create: UK MNOs left with bit parts
Another nine projects added to the state-backed funding call. BT/EE, O2, and Three support AR, broadcasting, and logistics use-cases. Emerging players take lead roles.
-
Network & InfrastructureO2 UK battles for 5G leadership
O2 UK flags 5G coverage expansion, matching rivals by some metrics. Apparent rollout successes come ahead of further delayed UK spectrum auction, now pushed back to March. 5G Create partnership indicates continued innovation effort.
-
Digital ReportsBTwatch Report #320 – January 2021
Key stories include: Mehta to lead disruptive Digital | DCMS fibre plans prompt competition concerns | AI championed for RAN transformation | Eagle-i kickstarts Global digital charge | Openreach deploys EXFO technology for fibre rollout