All Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) articles – Page 3
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Openreach: FTTP circuit charges increase
Charge increases for FTTP circuits; investigation into BT’s USO compliance suspended; FTTP rollout in Scottish Highlands prompts disquiet.
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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.
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Network & InfrastructureOpenreach doubles rural fibre targets
Infrastructure business targets six million premises passed with full-fibre by 2025, aided by recruitment drive and enhanced investment. 4.8 million total premises passed so far, but no word on rural progress. Collaboration with government and fellow builders key to hitting goals.
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Content & TVEx-BT chief Patterson tipped for Super League top-spot
Former BT CEO Patterson said to be among those considered for controversial European Super League stewardship. Former employer BT stands against the breakaway league proposals.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Network & InfrastructureDCMS preps Gigabit UK as MPs growl and BT looks ahead
Government finally picking up on election promises of Gigabit connectivity and consulting on how best to spend a more limited budget. Age-old questions remain over how to connect the unconnected, however.
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Network & InfrastructureDCMS taking an ‘outside-in’ approach, but vouchers there for quick wins
Small targeted interventions and mid-size fill-ins expected to feature in first swathe of public–private contracts. Mega-deals not ruled out. Pragmatic use of Public Sector Hubs another option.
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Network & InfrastructureDCMS helping England play catch up, or possibly leapfrog
Devolved nations at the back of the queue for new money. Fibre emphasised over cable.
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Network & InfrastructureDCMS defends its record as PAC report sees trouble ahead
PAC scathing in review of previous funding plans. Watchdog critical of a lack of planning and joined-up thinking now. Rural sites seen as at risk of being overlooked in trimmed-down Gigabit programme.
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Network & InfrastructureA lack of joined up governing
Red tape roadblocks remain in place. Business rates continue to stick in craw of infra players. Double-edged sword on state aid changes.
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Network & InfrastructureBT and Openreach voices being heard
BT execs appear to be getting message across on need for support. Rivals remain keen to extract more concessions from Openreach on infra access.
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Network & InfrastructureJansen just wants to get on with it
Jansen’s BT more focused on regulatory leeway on build than government handouts. CEO wants closer scrutiny of data and digital-based services.
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Partnerships & AlliancesOpenreach hits FTTP milestone in Cumbria
Connecting Cumbria programme completes Phase Two, nearing regional ‘superfast’ targets. Phase Three on the table to finish the job. Gigabit-capable coverage lags behind for rural premises.
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Network & InfrastructureOpenreach requests COVID vaccine relief
Direct talks between Openreach and government officials confirmed. COVID-19 surge halts operations. Openreach seeks to highlight public importance of connectivity.
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Network & InfrastructureUK gets on with life after Huawei
New 5G Diversification Strategy and Telecommunications (Security) Bill expected to introduce tough new network security expectations on operators, while attempting to reduce the risks associated with over-reliance on Ericsson and Nokia. Government backing open standards, and particularly open RAN, to create a diverse supply chain, but relative lack of ...
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Products & ServicesBT Sport App enters a new reality
BT Sport App upgrade showcases 5G capabilities. 5G Edge-XR project starting to bear fruit. Support crew of specialist partners, including outreach startups.
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Network & InfrastructureUK plots 5G future sans Huawei
BT suggests Adastral Park would be a natural home for parts of the proposed National Telecoms Lab.
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Suppliers & SCMUK tightens screws on telcos over Huawei
Government plans to tackle lack of diversity in upcoming new 5G strategy.