CMA raises concerns about proposed Vodafone-Three merger

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has expressed concerns over the proposed merger between Vodafone and Three, two of the UK's four major mobile network operators.

The regulator launched its initial Phase 1 investigation in January after the two companies announced a joint venture agreement last year that would combine their 27 million customers under a single network provider.

The CMA's 40-day Phase 1 review aimed to identify whether the deal could lead to a...

22 March 2024 | 5G

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

Vodafone UK completes 3G shutdown to enhance 4G/5G services

Vodafone UK has followed EE's announcement this week by officially shutting down its 3G mobile network nationwide. This transition allows for the repurposing of related radio frequencies to bolster the faster 4G and 5G services.

While Vodafone claims the switch-off is complete as of this week, it slightly missed its initial target of finishing by the end of January 2024. Additionally, a "small number of locations" with "UK security significance" and some remote rural areas will...

28 February 2024 | 5G

AI-RAN Alliance aims to integrate AI into mobile networks

A new alliance announced during MWC could reshape the future of mobile networks and telecommunications by integrating AI into radio access networks (RAN).

The AI-RAN Alliance brings together tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Samsung, along with major telecom companies including Ericsson, Nokia, SoftBank, and T-Mobile.

The alliance's goals are using AI to enhance mobile network efficiency, reduce power consumption, retrofit existing infrastructure, and...

26 February 2024 | 5G

GSMA Open Gateway unlocks mobile network capabilities for developers

A new collaboration between the world's leading mobile operators will accelerate innovation across industries from finance and retail to transportation, healthcare, and beyond. The GSMA Open Gateway initiative provides developers simplified access to core network capabilities via open application programming interfaces (APIs).

Initially focused on security, new APIs for number verification and SIM swap detection are being implemented by operator groups across 42 countries so far....

23 February 2024 | 5G

Widespread cellular outage hits the US

A cellular outage has swept across large portions of the US, causing disruptions in services provided by major telecom companies including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.

Data collected from outage tracking website Downdetector revealed that more than 32,000 incidents were reported with AT&T's service around 4:30am Eastern Time. The outage affected cities including San Francisco, Houston, and Chicago, according to information displayed on the website.

Users of...

22 February 2024 | 5G

T-Mobile sets 5G uplink speed record in the US

T-Mobile has achieved a new 5G milestone, recording the fastest ever uplink speed on a 5G standalone network in North America.

In a recent test, T-Mobile hit a blazing fast upload speed of 345 Mbps using sub-6 GHz spectrum. This shatters the company's previous record of 275 Mbps.  

The breakneck speed was made possible thanks to a new technology called UL Tx switching, which enables seamless switching between different frequencies to boost capacity and speed....

16 February 2024 | 5G

Berlin is Europe’s 5G performance leader

A new report finds that Berlin has the best overall 5G mobile network performance across 10 European capitals. 

The comprehensive benchmark, conducted by network testing firm MedUX, analysed the quality and speed of 5G services in major cities across Europe.

For the report, researchers drove over 4,000 kilometres across 10 countries during 2023 to conduct network tests to grade "Quality of Experience" for average consumers.

Berlin edged out second-place...

14 February 2024 | 5G

Vodafone Romania awards Ericsson major 5G RAN contract

Vodafone Romania has selected Ericsson as a key partner to upgrade its radio access network (RAN) infrastructure and roll out 5G technology across the country.

The six-year agreement will see Ericsson provide 5G RAN products and solutions to boost network speeds, reduce latency, and improve reliability for Vodafone customers.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ericsson will serve as Vodafone Romania's primary 5G RAN partner, deploying its cutting-edge technology to...

12 February 2024 | 5G

Ericsson, Qualcomm and BT conduct 5G SA network slicing trial

BT, Ericsson, and Qualcomm have successfully conducted a trial showcasing the capabilities of 5G Standalone (SA) network slicing.

The trial – conducted at Adastral Park, BT Group’s hub for research and innovation – demonstrated the potential for differentiated connectivity for both consumers and enterprises using Ericsson’s 5G Core and Radio Access Network technology, powered by devices equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy Mobile Platform.

Greg...

8 February 2024 | 5G