5G News
All the latest 5G insight, news and analysis involving BT, Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica and Vodafone.
Strategy & Change
Telefónica’s Rao hails bold approach to customer tech refresh
CTIO highlights ‘co‑creation’ role played by partners such as Salesforce.
Network & Infrastructure
European Aviation Network charts 5G NSA flightpath
5G NR backwards compatibility with existing Evolved Packet Core main attraction over standalone variant. Allows EAN to simultaneously support existing aircraft fleets using 4G, and 5G fleets when onboard equipment becomes available.
Network & Infrastructure
Joosub fears Telkom will put spanner in SA spectrum works
Vodacom CEO hopeful that operator dialogue with ICASA can solve impasse on 4G/5G spectrum. However, Joosub thinks Telkom has a propensity to “delay or play games”.
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.
Suppliers & SCM
Telefónica says continuity vital in 5G SA supplier selection
Operator confirms longstanding network partners Ericsson and Nokia as 5G SA radio suppliers. CTIO claims provider has the “best technology partners” that can help develop 5G “at the highest level of quality”.
Network & Infrastructure
Deutsche Telekom joins the 6G conversation
Operator shares vision for 6G and desire to shape the evolution. DT view: 6G will be sustainable, carbon-neutral, and human-centric. More 6G funds available as Germany invests €685m and EU allocates €900m.
Network & Infrastructure
BT accelerates Huawei swap‑out and sets 2028 full 5G goal
By 2028 EE’s 5G network to reach 90% of landmass and the remainder “on‑demand”. Consumer and Network‑fronted event intended to stake BT’s claim for national network superiority, and development of a platform for growth. Exacting ESN connectivity demands pinned as a reason for open access caution, but accelerated Huawei ...
Network & Infrastructure
DT and BNetzA lock horns over private 5G licences
Deutsche Telekom spectrum expert says frequency ‘set‑asides’ risk limiting the success of 5G in Europe. BNetzA says campus networks a ‘success story’ in 3.7GHz/3.8GHz band.
Network & Infrastructure
Telefónica weighs up public cloud for 5G SA
Trial with AWS in Brazil provides some assurances, but several elements still need to be clarified.
Partnerships & Alliances
BT’s Corston-Petrie: private 5G networks are changing the game
Mobile Core Networks Research lead underlines benefits of private 5G. BT’s John Davies outlines how data and the ‘three pillars’ of AI, IoT, and 5G are enabling a growing number of industrial use cases. AE Aerospace provides a real‑world example of a private 5G network in action.
Suppliers & SCM
Ericsson targets African gains on back of Vodafone reorg
Swedish vendor has been punching below weight within Vodafone’s African operations. Tech 2025 organisational changes and geopolitical flux could create openings to grow regional account.
DT’s Antje Williams puts three year timeline on enterprise 5G
Enterprises initially focusing on private networks but they want to test all types of features. ‘Fear of missing out’ cited as a key driver of digitisation and 5G.
Testbeds and Trials: many roads to 5G for BT
5G Create: UK MNOs left with bit parts
Telefónica on board with 5G emergency comms project
UK 5G innovation: the startups to watch
UK 5G innovation: projects, testbeds and trials
UK 5G innovation: Rural Connected Communities
UK 5G innovation: Industrial 5G
UK 5G innovation: 5G Create
UK 5G innovation: West Midlands 5G