Global UCaaS market to reach more than 131m users by 2028

The global Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) market is set to grow to more than 131 million users by the end of 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% over the next five years.

This is according to research by Cavell, a research and consulting firm specialising in the telecommunications industry.

Cavell’s set of 2024 Cloud Comms Market Reports surveyed over 100 service providers across the UK, Europe and US. The latest findings also...

25 March 2024 | Digital Transformation

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

UK led European full fibre rollout in 2023 but lags in uptake

The UK added 4.7 million homes to its full fibre broadband footprint in the year leading up to September 2023, outpacing every other European country.

According to the latest market report from the FTTH Council Europe, this rapid expansion brought the UK's total fibre homes passed to 17.1 million—ranking it third in Europe behind France (26.3 million) and Turkey (18 million).

Given the UK's population size and need to catch up on fibre deployment, its leading position...

21 March 2024 | Broadband

Government programme boosts 4G coverage in rural Wales

Several rural communities in Wales are now accessing fast and reliable 4G mobile coverage thanks to the UK government's Shared Rural Network initiative to tackle poor connectivity in remote areas.

The first of 86 planned 4G mobile masts have been switched on this month in places like Pont-rhyd-y-groes, Ysbyty Ystwyth, LLanafan, Tynygraig, West Fedw and Trawsgoed in Powys County. Residents, businesses and tourists in these areas can now benefit from improved 4G coverage from all...

19 March 2024 | Hot Topics

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

Nations demand tech firms tackle scammers

Governments from around the world have called on telcos and tech giants to strengthen their efforts in combating fraud conducted over their networks and platforms.

The calls were made at the inaugural Global Fraud Summit held at Lancaster House in London this week. Ministers and representatives from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, the UK, and the US attended the summit.

UK Home Secretary James Cleverly said:...

14 March 2024 | Legislation & Government

Automotive leads eSIM adoption for IoT as new trends emerge

The automotive industry is emerging as a frontrunner in the adoption of embedded SIM (eSIM) technology for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, according to a recent study by GSMA Intelligence.

As eSIM functionality becomes increasingly available in new connected vehicles, collaboration between operators, eSIM vendors, and auto manufacturers is on the rise. Additionally, regulations mandating emergency call (eCall) functionalities are further propelling eSIM deployments in the...

13 March 2024 | IoT

SpaceX probed over Russia’s alleged Starlink use

Democratic lawmakers are investigating SpaceX over reports that Russia is using the company's Starlink satellite internet service in occupied areas of Ukraine, raising concerns about potential violations of US sanctions and export controls.

In a letter sent Wednesday to SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell, Reps. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Robert Garcia of California cited intelligence from Ukraine indicating Russian forces have illegally deployed and activated Starlink terminals in...

8 March 2024 | Networks

Viavi to acquire Spirent in $1.2B deal

Viavi Solutions has agreed to acquire Spirent Communications in an all-cash deal valuing Spirent at around $1.2 billion.

Under the terms of the acquisition, Spirent shareholders will receive 175 pence per share—comprising 172.5 pence in cash and a 2.5 pence special dividend. This represents a premium of 61.4 percent over Spirent's closing share price of 108.4 pence on March 4th.

The acquisition will create a combined company that aims to be a global leader in test,...

5 March 2024 | Networks