All UK government articles – Page 7
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Innovation (R&D)
Startup health “intimately linked” to telco relationships
Changes to competition, funding, and processes required to support startup ecosystem, TEG finds.
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Network & Infrastructure
Fibre in Water trials set to boost remote 5G rollout
Tests of fibre broadband technology within water mains infrastructure will examine potential for using water pipes to bring Gigabit connectivity to remote areas. 5G masts to be linked to 17km stretch of network as part of £3.2m project. New industrial use-cases for connectivity intended to minimise water leaks and ...
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People
Ofcom chair-elect “lacks knowledge” on digital issues
Lord Grade, set to take the chair at the UK’s media and telecoms regulator, lacks fundamental experience on key issues of social media and online platforms despite strength in broadcasting. Competitive and transparent telecoms industry among Grade’s priorities. Cronyism concerns after Grade’s appointment followed by Ian Cheshire’s move to ...
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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.
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Premium
Vodafone UK backs DCMS innovation overhaul
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 priorities.
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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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Digital Reports
BTwatch Report #332 – February 2022
Key stories include: Q3: Jansen confident despite rough numbers | BT airs concern on Cellnex tower deal | BT Sport finds JV buddy | Rackspace backs BT hybrid cloud | DCMS fibre plans in doubt
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Network & Infrastructure
Telcos turn to youth to help UK fibre buildout
Industry steps up efforts to attract more people in tight labour market and keep fibre rolling. “Unprecedented” demand gives candidates the upper hand. Signs of progress on gender diversity and hiring more women in traditionally male-dominated roles. BT, Openreach, and Virgin Media O2 tout apprenticeship plans.
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Network & Infrastructure
Macquarie linked with £10bn UK infrastructure boost
Australian group points to planned investments in UK broadband. Macquarie has snapped up local providers including KCOM, Voneus, and Wavenet.
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Public Affairs
DCMS told to get a grip on Project Gigabit
“Disappointed” accounts committee frustrated by lack of measurable progress and clear plans for reaching 2025 target of 85% ultrafast coverage. Department blasted for lack of meaningful legislation on removal of barriers to deployment. DCMS still seeking clarity from operators on national rollout plans.
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Network & Infrastructure
Vodafone claims 5G open RAN first
Vodafone UK launches 5G open RAN site, building on government-led open infrastructure ambition. Initial launch leverages partnerships with Capgemini, Dell, Intel, Keysight, Samsung, and Wind River. NEC and Samsung to be used in tandem for 2,500 sites from mid-2022.
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People
Openreach’s McTighe emerges as frontrunner for Ofcom chair
Mike McTighe, Chairman at Openreach, reportedly on the shortlist to oversee regulator. Drawn-out search for Lord Burns’ successor sees another BT-affiliated name on the cards.
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Premium
Elsewhere in BT Technology: DCMS hands out R&D investments
DCMS Future RAN competition hands four BT partners a portion of £36m R&D tranche.
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Network & Infrastructure
O2 Germany completes 3G shutdown in final hours of 2021
O2 Germany closed last 300 3G sites in December. CEO Markus Haas reiterates call for change in spectrum policy. Spain and UK to follow suit with 3G sunsetting.
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People
Ex-BT chair teed up to lead UK audit regulator
Business Secretary Kwarteng puts Jan du Plessis forward for appointment to chair the FRC amid governance struggles on the audit watchdog’s “underweight” board. FRC in transition, and requires a chair able to partner with government.
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Innovation (R&D)
DCMS allocates £36m in R&D funding for 5G projects
Future RAN competition rewards 15 companies, including four BT partners. UK government distributes funds as part of its Supply Chain Diversification Strategy. Also sets target for 35% of UK mobile network traffic to be carried via open RAN by 2030. 2G, 3G expected to be retired by 2033 at ...
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Network & Infrastructure
Altnets prep fibre wholesale platforms to rival Openreach
Two platforms aim to create full-fibre marketplaces for altnets and resellers. Signs of confederation among the UK’s 80-plus altnets, as wholesale competition heats up. Platforms facilitate Project Gigabit wholesale mandates and One-Touch Switching.
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Premium
Vodafone gets role as DCMS allocates RAN R&D funds
Future RAN competition rewards 15 companies. Flex-5G project, partnered by Vodafone, attracts £4.7m in government funding. Funds distributed as part of Supply Chain Diversification Strategy. Government sets target for 35% of UK mobile network traffic to be carried via open RAN by 2030. 2G, 3G expected to be retired ...
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Network & Infrastructure
Colloms: DCMS must “crack on” with reform to back fibre
Openreach MD of Corporate Affairs confident on business’s ability to meet government goals on fibre deployment, but commercial programme will need support to maintain momentum. Physical access to sites potentially a huge obstacle to the rollout in both urban and rural areas, but “common sense” updates to legislation could ...
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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.