Michelle Donegan
Michelle Donegan is an experienced telecoms writer and has been contributing as a reporter and news analyst for TelcoTitans since July 2020.
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InterviewUnmanned Life creates “brain” for autonomous robotics
Wayra‑backed startup blends 5G, AI, and edge computing in “autonomy‑as-a‑service” platform for orchestrating fleets of drones and ground robots.
- Suppliers & SCM
Arqit excited by prospects despite controversial report
BT-partnered quantum encryption startup’s share price remains sharply down following savage WSJ article.
- Partnerships & Alliances
DT expands SKT tie‑up to metaverse and beyond
Deutsche Telekom and SK Telecom map out new areas for cooperation. Tests of SKT’s metaverse platform expected in Germany by end 2022.
- Network & Infrastructure
Funding keeps flowing for UK full-fibre altnets
Investor appetite still strong for UK’s busy fibre build scene. Altnets swell ranks to 100 and counting, some start to snap up rivals. Old guard Openreach keeps ahead of the pack with seven million premises passed for full-fibre rollout.
- Venturing & Investments
UK’s rebranded BII embarks on new impact investing
British International Investment (BII) embraces broader digital strategy.
- 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.
- Suppliers & SCM
Vi poised to swap out Huawei 4G for Nokia
News signals desire for distance from Chinese vendor. 5G trials underway with Ericsson and Nokia. Details for long‑delayed 5G auction expected soon.
- Public Affairs
DT stops software development in Russia
Operator confirms closure of St. Petersburg development centre in response to Ukraine crisis. “Many” of DT’s thousands of employees have left Russia.
- People
Openreach 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.
- Strategy & Change
Ofcom urges service providers to promote social tariffs
Regulator says 1.1 million households struggling to pay for broadband. Social tariffs can help, but only six service providers offer the discounts. Millions of eligible households don’t know about the cheaper plans. Ofcom expects industry to “step up”.
- Partnerships & Alliances
OneWeb 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.
- Network & Infrastructure
Vodacom is big spender in SA spectrum auction
Long-awaited auction finally complete, but legal challenge looms. Vodacom is highest bidder, just ahead of MTN, and snags most spectrum. Government halts plan for controversial Wholesale Open Access Network.
- Products & Services
DT’s RDK router revamp gets ready to roll
Group goes “full throttle” on RDK router overhaul. Router software platform seen as foundation for complete home services. DT is “major contributor” of software to open source community.
- Interview
GSOA: The 5G and broadband view from space
Aarti Holla-Maini, Secretary General of the Global Satellite Operators Association, shares priorities for satellite sector and the challenge of speaking as one voice for a diverse membership.
- Public Affairs
Setback for Vodacom in Please Call Me legal battle
High Court orders operator to pay inventor 5% of Please Call Me revenue. 20‑year dispute not over yet, but end is in sight.
- Public Affairs
OneWeb 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.
- Network & Infrastructure
Reliance Jio joins DT on network disaggregation journey
Wider rollout planned for Germany as DT CTO appeals for more partners on fixed network disaggregation. Signs of the operator’s Access 4.0 vision becoming a reality?
- Partnerships & Alliances
Vodafone halts partnership with Russia’s MTS
14-year Partner Markets agreement suspended in response to Ukraine war and Russian sanctions.
- Financial & Performance
Movistar Prosegur Alarmas revs customer growth
Telefónica’s home security joint venture partner Prosegur pleased with performance and value created from MPA in Spain. Good start for Telefónica partnership in Colombia, as Prosegur looks to replicate Spanish JV model in Latin America.
- Public Affairs
Vodafone responds to Ukraine crisis on multiple fronts
Suspends 14‑year Partner Markets agreement with Russia’s MTS. Vodafone Foundation deploys portable base stations to support refugees in Hungary and donates humanitarian aid. OpCos offer free calls and texts to Ukraine, and free roaming for customers remaining in the country. Vodafone Ukraine blocks roamers from Russia and supports customers ...
