All Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) articles
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Network & Infrastructure
DSIT-funded masts go live as UK’s SRN plugs eco-credentials
The Shared Rural Network is gathering steam and tooting its horn as government cash finally begins to flow to remote 4G sites. SRN management are pushing an environmentally friendly purpose, and operators EE and VM O2 are vying to be seen as programme stars.
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Network & Infrastructure
Rakuten nabs a position at DSIT’s 5G diversity test centre
The UK government is upping its efforts to create a diverse 5G supplier ecosystem with Rakuten Symphony solutions procured for its £80m testing facility, and network security a key driver…
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Public Affairs
UK: Lords maul government on digital exclusion, call for greater altnet role
Locally-focused altnets are seen as a valuable tool in bridging the Digital Divide by peers tasked with assessing the costs and consequences of digital exclusion.
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Public Affairs
BT calls for pro-adoption, principles-based AI regulation
Public Policy Director Daniel Wilson urges UK government to build pro-adoption into its AI approach, lauds pro-innovation building blocks.
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People
New CEO takes helm at Building Digital UK
Dean Creamer oversees Project Gigabit and Shared Rural Network as new head of Building Digital UK.
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Premium
BT welcomes “bold” Spring Budget but altnets left wanting more
Openreach’s fibre rollout plans will benefit from new tax policy, but altnets want more regulatory reform to protect investment.
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Partnerships & Alliances
UK landowners, operators launch alliance ahead of ECC reform
Openreach, Cellnex, Cornerstone, and MBNL among inaugural members of National Connectivity Alliance, alongside landowner groups.
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Premium
BT requests “short extension” to Huawei ban deadline
Group blames COVID-19 for delays in removing Huawei from mobile core network.
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Premium
UK gov rallies BT and peers for discount drive
Cost‑of‑living challenges get political attention after BT calls for government leadership.
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Strategy & Change
UK’s new Digital Strategy ‘lacks long-term vision’
TechUK claims new strategy would need to be updated in 2024 to ‘remain relevant’.
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Network & Infrastructure
Fibre in Water trials set to boost remote 5G rollout
Tests of fibre broadband technology within water mains infrastructure will examine potential for using water pipes to bring Gigabit connectivity to remote areas. 5G masts to be linked to 17km stretch of network as part of £3.2m project. New industrial use-cases for connectivity intended to minimise water leaks and ...
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Network & Infrastructure
From castles to classrooms: Wales tests rural 5G case
Project explores 5G value for rural communities with focus on agriculture, education, tourism, and transportation. EE 5G network connects sites in Blaenau Gwent and Monmouthshire. 4G and 5G are considered key to closing rural broadband gaps in Wales, but policymakers can do more to encourage investment.
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Premium
Vodafone UK backs DCMS innovation overhaul
UK Telecoms Innovation Network aims to build transparent, open hub for public and private R&D opportunities. Seeks to fix supply chain diversity issues in UK telecoms and export technology abroad. Interoperable network tech among priorities.
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Premium
Elsewhere in Openreach: Viavi signed up to test fibre network
Openreach partners Viavi to provide end users with “speedometer” for full-fibre speeds; joins Birmingham Chamber of Commerce.
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Innovation (R&D)
DCMS launches ‘open’ R&D network to overhaul UK innovation
UK Telecoms Innovation Network aims to build transparent, open hub for public and private R&D opportunities. Seeks to fix supply chain diversity issues in UK telecoms and export technology abroad. Interoperable network tech among the priorities.
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Interview
OpenUK explores Gaia-X data model
Open technology advocacy group wants to keep UK engaged with Europe on developing federated data models.
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Public Affairs
DCMS 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.
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People
Openreach’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.
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Premium
Elsewhere in BT Technology: DCMS hands out R&D investments
DCMS Future RAN competition hands four BT partners a portion of £36m R&D tranche.
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M&A
Will Drahi come knocking on BT’s door?
Six months on from French billionaire’s surprise raid on BT, Altice UK now free to up its stake or mount a takeover bid. Jansen called in for meeting with UK government minister to get the lowdown on Drahi’s intentions.