Latest UK Headlines – Page 50
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PremiumVodafone goes 5G network slicing with Ericsson
Duo claims first successful lab trial for “on-demand” network slice. Set-up purportedly takes 30 minutes using “automated processes”. Guaranteed downlink speeds of 260Mbps apparently achieved.
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PremiumOpenreach to create 4,000 jobs, aims for more diversity
Industry steps up efforts to attract more people in tight labour market and keep fibre rolling. “Unprecedented” demand gives candidates upper hand. BT and Openreach, as well as Virgin Media O2, tout apprenticeship plans. Signs of progress on gender diversity and hiring more women in traditionally male-dominated roles.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Enterprise: £1.5 in NHS contracts
BT-backed lottery bid loses out to Vodafone rival; NHS contracts earn BT £1.5m.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Global: BT still in with Russia’s Rostelecom
Industry’s Russian withdrawal not so easy for Global as Rostelecom relationship remains; Diamond IP offloaded.
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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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CorporateOpenreach’s Selley in the dark about Drahi’s aims
Openreach CEO has met the Altice UK owner several times over the years. Selley sees BT as a “very good owner” that has the UK government’s ear.
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M&ATelefónica Tech boosts Microsoft partnership with Incremental acquisition
Incremental Group to be integrated into Telefónica Tech UK&I. £175m fee dependent on future performance. Acquisition sees Telefónica Tech UK&I become one of Microsoft’s largest partners in the UK.
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PremiumEE claims positives in ESN progress report
EE has upgraded 19,500 masts for the ESN. Extended Area Service sites and PTT system remain ongoing hurdles.
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PeopleBT pilots cyber-training to bridge skills gap
CAPSLOCK partnership aims to address cybersecurity skills shortage to fill “more technical roles” within BT. One part of the Group’s broader up-skilling endeavours.
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PremiumEE leans on Nokia for outdoor small cells
200 street-level 4G small cells rolled out in UK. 5G small-cell trials to start “soon”. Outdoor minicell trials with other suppliers in pipeline.
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PremiumBT rules out frontrunner role in 5G SA
Group expects to launch 5G standalone in early-2023 as it waits for device volume to ramp up. Marc Allera emphasises importance of clearly differentiating 5G SA benefits to customers. Howard Watson weighs in on the cloud native challenge. Rob Shuter sees BT’s new Division X as the “arrow point ...
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PremiumOneWeb rescues launch plan with SpaceX
UK-backed operator can send more satellites into orbit this year after cancelling launches on Russian rockets. Fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine hits satellite comms operator and threatens years of international space collaboration. Possible knock-on effect on distribution partner BT if service is delayed.
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Network & InfrastructureOfcom pursues ‘strategy refresh’ on satellite spectrum
UK regulator says the growing number of LEO broadband satellites is adding pressure on the use of spectrum. Warns that complexities of managing interference between different NGSO systems could have implications for competition. Starts industry consultation to review where best to focus efforts in space sector.
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Strategy & ChangeVodafone to roll out hybrid working, shrink Newbury HQ
Vodafone seeks sale and leaseback options for The Connection HQ, new Manchester and Newark hubs, and repurposed Stoke-on-Trent site all part of shift to permanent “blended working” model. New approach to work underpinned by “flexibility and trust”, instilling lessons learnt under pandemic conditions.
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Network & InfrastructureLiberty Global’s Fries hints at UK fibre consolidation
CEO outlines plan to create a separate ‘light NatCo’ for new fibre JV. Liberty Global and Vodafone at inflection point over VodafoneZiggo. Despite fibre plans, Fries says HFC technology will be around for a long time yet.
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Innovation (R&D)BT ‘leaning in’ on UK’s science superpower bid, says R&D chief Whitley
Exec backs government’s research ambitions, with added emphasis on private sector adoption. BT, as a top-five UK R&D player, brings real-world experience blending academia and down-streaming outcomes. Pragmatism over future engagement with Horizon, EU’s politicised R&D programme.
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Network & InfrastructureCellnex wins over BT and CMA to secure Hutchison UK tower merger
BT appeased by recent strengthening of its own Cellnex partnership. Cellnex to complete €10bn, six-country deal following approval of UK merger.
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Public AffairsOneWeb cancels satellite launches on Russian rockets
Fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine hits satellite comms operator. Decision could delay service launch and have knock-on effect on distribution partner BT’s rural coverage vision.
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PremiumVodafone Q3 FY21–22 Spend: CPI+ a “necessary logic”
Price rises planned across Europe, in response to rising costs. Della Valle outlines strategy, but remains vague on details. CPI+ formula embedded in five markets, with more to follow.
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Network & InfrastructureOpenreach hits pause on community fibre programme
Fibre Community Partnership initiative now closed to new registrations as demand soars. Books will reopen once the backlog is cleared. Openreach claims “extreme” popularity as FCP reached 2,050 communities.