Virgin Media O2 trials new approach to boosting mobile coverage

Virgin Media O2 has successfully trialled a new approach to boosting mobile services by leveraging its existing fixed network infrastructure along with new smart poles. This innovative solution could help boost mobile coverage across local areas in the UK.

The trial, conducted in collaboration with shareholder Liberty Global, involved installing compact smart poles adjacent to Virgin Media's fibre network cabinets. These poles, significantly smaller than traditional mobile phone...

18 March 2024 | 5G

UK Government urges more telecoms infrastructure sharing

The UK government is urging telecoms companies to prioritise sharing existing infrastructure like telegraph poles before installing new ones for broadband deployment. 

In a letter to the telecoms industry, Julia Lopez, the Minister of State for Data and Digital Infrastructure, cited increasing public concerns around the "duplication of overhead fibre networks" across the country.

Lopez said MPs have relayed constituents' frustrations about feeling they have no control...

15 March 2024 | Broadband

Toshiba and Orange demo quantum-secure fibre data transmission

Toshiba and Orange have achieved significant milestones in quantum-secure data transmission. Through a meticulous series of evaluations, the two companies have showcased the practicality of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology in safeguarding data transmitted over fibre optic networks.

The evaluations, which were carried out in laboratory settings, encompassed several key achievements. 

Initially, the tests demonstrated the co-existence of QKD alongside a high...

22 February 2024 | Broadband

Openreach supports digital transformations with 100Gbit/s data transport

Openreach has adopted Adtran’s FSP 3000 open optical transport technology to launch the new Optical Spectrum Access 100G Single enterprise service.

The solution offers a dedicated fibre link that allows more UK businesses to access point-to-point 100Gbit/s data transport, meeting the surging demand for high-bandwidth services.

Simon Williams, Head of Optical Products at Openreach, said:

“Corporate cloud applications and other data-intensive tasks such as...

3 August 2023 | Broadband

Telefónica will phase out copper in Spain by 2024

Telefónica has reaffirmed its commitment to transform its fixed infrastructure by completely switching to Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) and closing all its copper exchanges by 2024.

The copper switch-off will coincide with the company’s centenary. The move is in line with Telefónica’s strategy to increase the performance and speed of service while reducing energy consumption and its carbon footprint.

José María Álvarez-Pallete, Chairman of Telefónica,...

20 April 2023 | Broadband

Jurassic Fibre unveils fibre network growth plans as Rishi Sunak visits headquarters

Rushi Sunak being given a tour of Jurassic Fibre's HQ.

Jurassic Fibre, a broadband internet network developer, has announced ambitious plans to increase the rollout of its ultrafast fibre network to cover 500,000 homes and businesses across 30 towns and villages in the South West by 2026.

The announcement coincided with a visit from The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak MP to Jurassic Fibre’s Devon headquarters in Honiton.

During the Chancellor’s visit, Michael Maltby, CEO of Jurassic Fibre, outlined the...

21 June 2022 | Broadband

AT&T achieves 20Gbps speeds on a production fibre network

AT&T has achieved 20Gbps symmetric speeds on a production fibre network, an industry-first.

The operator’s Hyper-Gig service is already the fastest in the US, offering 5Gbps symmetric speeds to consumers and businesses.

AT&T has been working to further increase its speeds to ensure its network is prepared for whatever future applications are thrown at it. Earlier this year, the operator announced that it had achieved 10Gbps speeds in its labs.

Lab...

10 June 2022 | AT&T

EU to slap large tariffs on Chinese optical fibre cables

The EU is slapping large tariffs on Chinese optical fibre cables after finding they’re being sold at artificially low prices.

On Thursday, the EU announced that it will be introducing the anti-dumping duties following a European Commission investigation. The duties are intended to remedy damage to European producers such as Prysmian, Corning, and Acome.

Major Chinese optical fibre cable manufacturers include Yangtze Optical FC, Hengtong Group, Fiberhome, and...

19 November 2021 | 5G

Google’s subsea cable Grace Hopper delivers a ‘new generation’ of transatlantic connectivity

Google has announced that its subsea cable Grace Hopper has landed in the UK, bringing with it a “new generation” of transatlantic connectivity.

The new subsea cable is one of the first to be connected between the US and UK since 2003 and stretches from New York, US to Bude, UK and Bilbao, Spain.

With its 16-fibres, Google bosses claim Grace Hopper has 340 Tbps of capacity—equivalent to approximately "17.5 million people streaming 4K video...

15 September 2021 | Networks

White House says broadband ‘is the new electricity’ as it pledges connectivity for all

President Joe Biden is returning to where his campaign started in Pittsburgh to launch a $2 trillion infrastructure plan, including a pledge to ensure connectivity for all.

The eight-year plan will see $100 billion spent on deploying broadband to underserved communities across rural America.

In a release, the White House wrote:

“President Biden believes that building out broadband infrastructure isn’t enough. We also must ensure that every American who...

31 March 2021 | Broadband