Fibre Technology News
All the latest fibre (FTTC/FTTP) technology insight, news and analysis involving BT, Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica and Vodafone.
Network & Infrastructure
Fries floats full-fibre future for VM–O2 in Liberty‑led UK scene
A future upgrade of VM‑O2 fixed infrastructure could see coaxial cable edged out and fibre deployed throughout the operator’s footprint, according to JV’s Chairman. Pragmatic approach to fibre is being driven by the JV weighing its options on expanding into the wholesale market. Targeting the B2B sector seen as ...
Network & Infrastructure
German MNOs face “Herculean” flood recovery projects
O2, Telekom Deutschland, and Vodafone make headway in respective network restoration efforts after flash floods take out networks. Portable base stations plugging gaps left by damaged fibre.
Partnerships & Alliances
Telefónica ties with KKR again on Colombian fibre InfraCo
FTTH InfraCos spun out in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia this month. Latest agreement with KKR sets up InfraCo in Colombia. Chilean fibre venture with KKR finalised. FiBrasil infrastructure company launched in Brazil. InfraCo model lightens capital investment intensity for Telefónica.
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 ...
M&A
Drahi cites Brexit for BT swoop
Co‑founder of Altice telecoms group pays UK government ministers a visit about newly acquired 12.1% BT stake. Claims Brexit and relatively low FTTP rollout makes UK ripe for investment. Some in BT reportedly think overtures to government might be part of a grand takeover plan.
Network & Infrastructure
Digging the UK fibre scene: competition hots up
Investment funds continue to flood fibre altnets, with emerging challengers collectively committing to passing more than 20 million homes in coming decade and many billions in investment promised.
Network & Infrastructure
DT cash flows to Community Fibre amid altnet boom
Urban fibre outfitter backed by BT stakeholder Deutsche Telekom accelerates growth, as challenge to Openreach builds.
Network & Infrastructure
BT, STL push for legacy support in SDN migration
Two companies working within Broadband Forum to help define standardised and open interfaces to support legacy assets as operators embark on SDN migration. Fisher pointedly remarks that network and technology investment cycles are typically between seven and twelve years.
Suppliers & SCM
Openreach enlists CommScope for full‑fibre support
CommScope’s NOVUX platform to enable Openreach to hit FTTP deployment goals. US‑based vendor added to a growing list of rollout programme partners.
Network & Infrastructure
BT flags hollow core fibre trial with Lumenisity, Mavenir
BT optical networks guru Lord hails technology as “truly remarkable”, but large‑scale deployments unlikely anytime soon. Shorter latency times of up to 50% and lower 5G rollout costs among perceived benefits.
Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Openreach: fibre rollout crosses Forth Road Bridge
Altice impact on Openreach future yet to be seen; full‑fibre rollout crosses the Forth Road Bridge.