London Tech Week kicks off with initiatives to boost UK telecoms

The 10th London Tech Week has commenced with a series of ambitious initiatives aimed at solidifying the UK's position as a telecoms leader.

Some of the initiatives announced this week include:

Supporting local authorities in procuring and testing "smart lampposts" to enhance connectivity within communities Signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UK and Australia to establish a roadmap for future telecoms collaboration Connecting the remote...

12 June 2023 | 5G

Viasat completes Inmarsat acquisition

Viasat has successfully completed its acquisition of London-based Inmarsat, just a week after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) dismissed a competition complaint filed by SpaceX.

The significant merger brings together two organisations with complementary technology assets, resources, and capabilities, creating a global communications provider with an expanded portfolio of services.

Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO of Viasat, said: 

“We are...

1 June 2023 | Networks

UK announces space infrastructure fund

The UK government is taking significant strides to bolster the country's space sector with the launch of the Space Clusters and Infrastructure Fund (SCIF).

This initiative marks the first dedicated fund for UK space infrastructure and aims to accelerate the development of R&D facilities necessary for making space products mission-ready and commercially viable.

Investment in space R&D infrastructure is crucial for fostering the growth of the UK's space and...

24 May 2023 | Hot Topics

CMA approves Inmarsat-Viasat merger

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has cleared the merger between satellite communications companies Viasat and Inmarsat after an extensive Phase 2 review.

The deal had been referred for further investigation following a Phase 1 inquiry that identified concerns over its potential impact on competition.

The CMA panel examined a range of evidence, including internal documents from the merging companies and competitors, as well as feedback from airlines and...

9 May 2023 | Networks

Rogers and Lynk partner to offer complete satellite coverage in Canada

Rogers Communications has partnered with Lynk Global to test and provide satellite-to-phone connectivity across Canada.

The collaboration will ensure that Canadians have wireless connectivity access no matter where they are. The move is aimed at helping Canadians reach 911 using 5G and 4G smartphones in remote regions and rural areas that are not covered by any wireless networks.

Tony Staffieri, President and CEO of Rogers, said:

“From underground transit...

28 April 2023 | Networks

AT&T conducts ‘space-based’ call using a regular smartphone

AT&T has achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting the first-ever two-way audio call using satellites with a standard smartphone.

The call was made from AT&T in Midland, Texas, to mobile carrier Rakuten in Japan on a Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone using AST SpaceMobile's BlueWalker 3 satellite. 

Abel Avellan, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, commented:

“Achieving what many once considered impossible, we have reached the most...

25 April 2023 | AT&T

UK publishes new Wireless Infrastructure Strategy

The UK government has launched a new Wireless Infrastructure Strategy aimed at delivering 5G connectivity to all populated areas by 2030, as well as investing in the next generation of connectivity.

The strategy includes a comprehensive 6G plan to ensure that the UK is at the forefront of the next generation of wireless technology. The government has also established a national mission, supported by up to £100m ($130m) of initial funding, to secure the UK’s place in “future...

11 April 2023 | 5G

OneWeb is ready to rival Starlink after weekend launches

OneWeb successfully launched 36 new satellites over the weekend, marking a key milestone for the UK-based outfit.

The successful deployment and contact of the satellites were confirmed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) after a launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India.

“NSIL would like to thank OneWeb for believing in our capabilities and giving us this important opportunity to undertake the mission,” said Radhakrishnan D, Chairman-cum-Managing...

28 March 2023 | Hot Topics

Amazon unveils terminals for its Starlink rival

Amazon has unveiled its first Project Kuiper terminals as it prepares to go head-to-head with SpaceX’s Starlink.

Project Kuiper is Amazon’s plan to build a constellation of 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit to provide high-speed internet anywhere in the world.

“Our goal with Project Kuiper is not just to connect unserved and underserved communities, but also to delight them with the quality, reliability, and value of their service,” said Rajeev Badyal,...

15 March 2023 | Broadband

Babcock awarded £400M contract to operate military satellites

Babcock and its partners have been awarded a £400 million contract to operate the Skynet military satellite communications system.

Skynet is the UK’s satellite system that enables communications to be sent from anywhere in the world back to the UK and its allies.

Defence Procurement Minister Alex Chalk KC said:

“Space is increasingly important for maintaining battlefield advantage.

The UK’s next-generation military satellite communications...

15 February 2023 | Legislation & Government