News 

BT is encouraging small businesses across the UK to move from analogue technology to digital networks before the end of 2025, as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is set to be retired 

New research indicates that one in five SMEs (22%) still use traditional landlines, fax machines, and paper-based systems, which could lead to service disruptions as the network is phased out. 

Ofcom’s latest Connected Nations report highlights an increase in network incidents on the ageing infrastructure, rising by 45% in the past year. BT advises businesses to switch to digital services to ensure continuity and take advantage of modern connectivity options. 

BT has already moved nearly 300,000 business lines to digital in 2024. The company is working to ensure all its business customers have switched by 31 December 2025, ahead of the full network closure in early 2027. Any devices still relying on PSTN, including payment terminals and security alarms, will stop working after this date. 

The move to digital is supported by Ofcom and the UK Government as part of a broader plan to improve national connectivity. Businesses that have already switched report benefits, 80% say digital solutions give them an advantage, while 79% have gained more customers. 

Despite the benefits, some businesses remain reluctant to upgrade. In the past, 14% were slow to adopt the internet, 18% hesitated with social media, and 11% delayed using personal computers. 

With 73% of UK businesses now relying on high-speed broadband and mobile connectivity, digital transformation is becoming essential. Those that delay may struggle to keep up with modern technology. 

“The UK’s analogue copper telephone network has a proud history, but it’s no longer up to the task for businesses. It’s simply too risky to build the economy on a shaky foundation, and we’re calling on all businesses to move before the end of 2025 – well ahead of the switch-off,” said Kerry Small, chief operating officer of business at BT in a press release. 

“Analogue companies making the move now can benefit from rock-solid digital connectivity to help keep them in business for years to come. We’re supporting customers small and large through the move, so no business is left behind. Whether you’re a tech start-up or a family firm passed down through generations, when it comes to going digital – BT’s got your back,” she continued. 

The company is encouraging business owners to act now to avoid last-minute disruption. 

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Press Release

Turkcell, Türkiye’s leading telecommunications and technology company, has been deploying Europe’s largest Super C+L ASON (Automatic Switched Optical Network) mesh metro and backbone network, in collaboration with global technology leader Huawei. This cutting-edge infrastructure sets a new benchmark in the evolution of high-capacity, flexible, and reliable optical networks. 

This state-of-the-art network provides bandwidth capacity of up to 400 Gbps and 800 Gbps, potentially even up to 2.4 Tbps per wavelength. Moreover, thanks to Super C+L technology, the spectrum increases by 2.5 times compared to traditional solutions. This technological leap will boost the total capacity carried over a single fiber by 5 times compared to conventional methods. As a result, this network deployment marks a pivotal advancement in meeting the demands of the 5G Advanced and F5.5G era. 

Leveraging ASON technology, the Super C+L mesh network allows for automated, intelligent network management, streamlining operations and maximizing uptime. This deployment solidifies Turkcell’s position as a leader in technological innovation, offering a robust foundation for next-generation mobile and broadband services. Prepared for the demands of the F5.5G era and beyond, Turkcell is set to lead the way in delivering future technologies. 

Prof. Dr. Vehbi Çağrı Güngör, Chief Technology Officer of Turkcell, says: “Turkcell is at the forefront of building the next generation of telecom infrastructure. Our commitment to innovation and technological leadership ensures that we are not only meeting the demands of today but also preparing for the future. This advanced network is designed to deliver the high-performance, flexible, and reliable connectivity required to support the digital transformation across industries.” 

Gavin Gu, President of Huawei’s Optical Transmission Domain, said, “Huawei is proud to collaborate in deploying one of Europe’s most advanced optical networks. This 400/800G Super C+L ASON mesh network is a key enabler of the next phase of connectivity, empowering businesses and consumers with seamless, high-performance services. By embracing new technology, we are ensuring that this infrastructure will support the future needs of the digital world.” 

ABOUT TURKCELL: 

Turkcell is a technology and telecommunications company headquartered in Türkiye, offering a unique portfolio of voice, data and IPTV services over its mobile and fixed networks along with digital consumer, enterprise and techfin services. Turkcell Group operates in three countries: Türkiye, Belarus and Northern Cyprus. Listed on both the NYSE and BIST since July 2000, Turkcell remains the only dual-listed company on these exchanges.

Read more at http://www.turkcell.com.tr 

Adelaide, Australia & Oslo, Norway  – 27 February 2025. Myriota, the provider of global satellite based connectivity optimized for IoT devices, today announces the availability of its ground breaking 5G compliant Myriota HyperPulse^TM network running on Nordic Semiconductor low power cellular IoT solutions.

The partnership delivers end-to-end 5G NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) standards-based connectivity solutions for battery-constrained IoT. The two companies are closely aligned in delivering ultra-low power IoT services with battery life measured in years for a wide range of applications across logistics, utilities, and industrial control systems.

Myriota has more than a decade of experience in delivering high security, power efficient direct-to-satellite IoT solutions through their UltraLite^TM connectivity service. The addition of the new HyperPulse 5G standards-based network builds on this knowledge, expanding their extensive infrastructure with a constellation of satellites in geostationary (GEO) orbit and L-Band frequency.

HyperPulse is the first solution of its kind powered by Viasat’s dynamic leasing capability, which allows Myriota to scale the network’s performance dynamically to suit the needs of customer devices deployed in the field. By leveraging Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF9151, the smallest and lowest power System-in-Package (SiP) module for IoT deployments, device makers can upgrade their connectivity to Myriota HyperPulse quickly and easily.

“Myriota’s connectivity, designed specifically for the Internet of Things, is changing the game globally, unlocking better outcomes through intelligence gathered from the field. This is only possible because traditionally prohibitive satellite-based hardware and connectivity costs have been decimated. The industry can finally deploy secure, low power sensor devices at the scale needed to have real impact,” said Ben Cade, CEO of Myriota. “By combining our decade plus experience together with Nordic Semiconductor’s similar track record, we are enhancing our existing IoT connectivity platform with a 5G standards-based network which opens up a range of new applications, all powered by off-the-shelf modules with battery life measured in years and costs measured in single digit dollars.”

“Myriota is an established player in the satellite market, and our collaboration will now bring 5G NTN compliant solutions to the market, opening new possibilities for device makers out there” said Oyvind Birkenes, EVP of Nordic’s Long Range Business Unit. “It is rewarding to now have nRF9151 based devices connected and sending data over Myriota satellites to our nRF Cloud.

The two companies will demonstrate the solution at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on the Nordic Semiconductor Booth #7G21 in Hall 7, showcasing a sensing application where the end user device incorporates the Nordic Semiconductor nRF9151 module. The data is passed via the Myriota HyperPulse network and made available via a Nordic Semiconductor Dashboard demo. 

Myriota is also now taking applications for its HyperPulse Early Access Program — interested parties can apply at https://myriota.com/hyperpulse-5g

For more information about Myriota visit myriota.com

For more information about Nordic Semiconductor visit nordicsemi.com

Beaming, a specialist internet service provider (ISP) serving thousands of businesses across the UK, today opened a new office in Medway’s Chatham Dockyard. The Medway office will be home to a new sales team, technical support, and a research and development function focused on IT network performance and enhanced cybersecurity.

Beaming’s new office is its first outside of Hastings and is situated within Fitted Rigging House, a renovated historic building that was once the largest storehouse constructed by the Royal Navy. The location provides Beaming with additional facilities for meeting customers, closer proximity to its data centres, and the opportunity to increase its workforce. 

Sonia Blizzard, Managing Director of Beaming, said: “Over the last 20 years, Beaming has become a leading independent alternative to the generalist telecommunications giants. We now provide thousands of businesses across the UK with rock-solid, resilient connectivity, networking and IT services, a direct line to technical support experts, and the personal touch that only comes from working with a specialist.”

“Our new office in Medway is an exciting step on our growth journey, enabling us to expand the team and broaden our skills base, as well as host more customers at this unique and historic location.”

News 

AST SpaceMobile has been awarded a $43 million contract to support the US Space Development Agency (SDA), expanding its role in government satellite communications 

The agreement follows successful in-orbit testing of AST SpaceMobile’s BlueWalker-3 satellite under a previous contract in February last year. The company will deploy its Block 2 BlueBird satellites, which feature large phased-array antennas spanning 2,400 square feet, to improve connectivity. 

The SDA, part of the US Space Force, is responsible for advancing space-based capabilities to support military operations. AST SpaceMobile’s technology will contribute to strengthening communications in this sector. 

“This second contract supporting the SDA underscores the confidence in AST SpaceMobile’s innovative technology and its potential to support critical government missions,” said Chris Ivory, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Government Business of AST SpaceMobile in a press release. 

“We are deploying groundbreaking technology to create robust and resilient communications solutions and to enable new use cases for the U.S. government.”  

AST SpaceMobile holds 3,500 patent and patent-pending claims and develops technology for both commercial and government applications.  

Join us at Connected America next month, 11-12 March in Dallas. Get discounted tickets here! 

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News 

Telefónica Germany has renewed its collaboration with Mavenir, signing a five-year contract extension to transition its 4G and 5G voice services to Mavenir’s cloud-native IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) technology 

O2 Telefónica Germany has signed a five-year contract extension with Mavenir to upgrade its 4G and 5G voice services with Mavenir’s cloud-native IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) technology. 

The deal strengthens Mavenir’s role in O2 Telefónica Germany’s network evolution, replacing its virtualised IMS (vIMS) with a more flexible, scalable cloud-native IMS platform. The upgrade covers both fixed and mobile networks, serving the operator’s entire customer base. 

Mavenir’s IMS solution supports Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and Voice over New Radio (VoNR), ensuring seamless voice continuity across 4G and 5G networks. The cloud-native design, using stateless microservices and containerization, enables fast service deployment on public or private clouds. 

“It was a natural decision to extend our successful technology partnership with Mavenir, which has helped us to deliver our best ever quality of service to our customers and optimise our investment in agile network innovation,” said Matthias Sauder, Director Networks at O2 Telefónica in Germany in a press release. 

“Mavenir’s clear leadership in network functions virtualisation led to its initial selection and has since delivered transformative new capabilities across our operations. As the world embraces the opportunities being created by artificial intelligence and automation to open interfaces for digital transformation, Mavenir’s Cloud-Native IMS will be a core enabling platform for our ongoing network evolution and unlocking new routes to value for our business and our customers.” 

O2 Telefónica Germany recently received a ‘very good’ rating in the 2025 Mobile Network Test by connect magazine. The extended partnership with Mavenir aims to further improve service quality and accelerate digital transformation. 

BubbleRAN and Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) are thrilled to announce their collaboration to demonstrate Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), a foundational technology for 6G networks, at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona. 

This joint effort highlights the transformative potential of ISAC, merging sensing and communication capabilities, effectively creating new business opportunities and redefining the role of cellular networks in future industry.

The collaboration between BubbleRAN and ITRI brings this vision to life with a proof-of-concept (PoC) demonstration powered by BubbleRAN’s 5G O-RAN platform and ITRI’s cutting-edge AI-driven algorithms. The PoC features a real-time sensing xApp that spatially locates user terminals and constructs power and interference heatmaps using sounding reference signals and I/Q samples transported via the O-RAN stack. 

The sub-millisecond sensing capability opens the door to a plethora of applications that demand low latency, including:

• High-Accuracy Localization & Tracking – Ideal for warehouse automation and precise device movements;
• Imaging, Mapping, and Environment Reconstruction – Essential for smart cities and virtual city simulations;
• Augmented Human Senses – From telemedicine to pollution monitoring;
• Posture & Gesture Recognition – Applicable to smart homes and autonomous vehicles.

“This collaboration marks a major milestone toward groundbreaking innovations in 6G, where  our combined expertise in applied research is key to success. Together with BubbleRAN, we are shaping a future where science and innovation address real-world challenges”, says Dr. Pang-aAn Ting, Vice President and General Director of ITRI.

“This solution is the first step toward enabling real-time optimization of the next generation radio access network based on ISAC.” added  Mikel Irazabal, Principal Engineer at BubbleRAN.

The full demonstration will be showcased March 3–6, 2025, at the booth 6E9 during MWC Barcelona 2025. Attendees are invited to explore this cutting-edge development in 6G technology and witness how real-time sensing is poised to transform industries and drive new business models.

Press Release

[Algiers, 21 Feb, 2025] Algeria Telecom and Huawei jointly announced the official launch of the national 400G WDM project, building an all-optical premium transmission foundation covering the whole country, helping Algeria accelerate the development of its national digital economy.

As the largest telecommunications operator in Algeria, Algeria Telecom has always been committed to promoting the national digital transformation. This cooperation with Huawei aims to enhance the level of Algeria’s network infrastructure by introducing the most advanced 400G ultra-high-speed optical network technology to provide stronger support for the development of the digital economy. Additionally, this network is future-oriented, laying an ultra-high-speed, low latency and sustainable foundation towards intelligence era.

Huawei, as a leading global provider of information and communication technology solutions and smart devices, has rich experience and technical accumulation in the field of optical communication. The 400G ultra-high-speed optical network solution provided by Huawei for Algeria Telecom will have the characteristics of large bandwidth, high reliability, and low latency, which can meet the growing digital business needs in Algeria.

More specifically, the implementation of this project will help Algeria achieve the following goals:

• Improve network speed and capacity: The 400G ultra-high-speed optical network will provide higher bandwidth and transmission speed than the existing network, enabling Algeria to better cope with the increasing data traffic demand.
• Promote the development of the digital economy: The ultra-high-speed optical network will provide a solid foundation for the development of Algeria’s digital economy and promote the vigorous development of emerging industries such as e-commerce, cloud computing, and big data.
• Improve people’s livelihood services: A high-speed and stable network will provide better Internet experience for the Algerian people and promote the improvement of digital service levels in fields such as education, medical care, and government affairs.

Algeria Telecom and Huawei will cooperate closely to jointly promote all-optical network development. Both sides will give full play to their respective advantages to ensure the smooth delivery and stable operation of the network. It is believed that with the joint efforts of both sides, Algeria will embrace a more digital and intelligent future.

News 

The European Commission has announced an €8 billion investment to improve the security and resilience of submarine cables

This includes major funding for projects such as the Baltic Synchronisation (€1.23 billion), the Great Sea Interconnector (€658 million), Bornholm Energy Island (€645 million), the Biscay Bay Interconnector (€578 million), and the Celtic Interconnector (€531 million). 

Speaking in Helsinki, Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen outlined the EU’s plan to protect submarine cables amid rising security concerns. “In response to growing geopolitical tensions, particularly in regions such as the Baltic Sea, the European Commission is taking decisive action to safeguard our critical submarine cable infrastructure. With this Action Plan, we are taking a significant step forward to strengthen their security. We want to make sure Europe is equipped not only to prevent and detect sabotage to cables but also to actively deter, repair and respond to any threat to critical infrastructure that is key to our economy and collective security,” she confirmed. 

Recent incidents, including suspected sabotage in the Baltic Sea in December 2024, have highlighted the risks to these vital links. As 99% of intercontinental internet traffic and a growing share of Europe’s energy supply dependent on subsea cables, their protection is now a priority.  

Throughout this year and 2026, the Commission and the High Representative will work with Member States and the EU Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) to map existing and planned submarine cables, assess risks, develop security measures, and identify key projects for investment. 

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News

Using Taara’s wireless optical networking tech, two drones can establish a birectional connection over multiple kilometres, allowing the operator to bypass damaged sections of its network

This week, Vodafone has announced it is piloting a new drone solution aimed at helping networks stay operational in the event of cable damage.

The drones, operating in pairs and equipped with wireless optical technology from the Taara Project, aim to provide a wireless bridge across damaged network infrastructure. The Taara terminals themselves include a mirrors and sensors that point, acquire, and track beams of visual light, which is delivering data point-to-point.

Vodafone says it has completed a success trial of this technology in Seville, Spain, which saw one drone tethered to a mobile mast and another tethered to a Vodafone data transport hub 3km away.

Little detail was given about the quality of the ‘temporary connection’ achieved by this pilot project, but in tests back in 2021, Taara’s optical technology was shown to be capable of delivering bidirectional throughput of up to 20Gbps at a range of up to 20km.

Vodafone says that the drone solution’s versatility lies in its speed of deployment, making it ideal for quickly responding to cable breaks from construction or vandalism. It could also be a useful option for providing emergency connectivity in the event of natural disasters.

Taara itself suggests its technology has far broader applicability, such as establishing connections across difficult terrain, such as across rivers and sea straits, and connecting areas where terrestrial infrastructure may not be permitted, like national parks. In these more permanent deployments, deploying the Taara equipment directly on suitable fixed infrastructure will likely be preferred if available.

Further details of the partnership are expected to be shared at this year’s Mobile World Congress event.

The Taara Project is a product of X (previously Google X), part of Google’s so-call ‘mooshot factory’ that also produced the now defunct Loon connectivity platform project.

Taara’s technology is already being used by a handful of operators worldwide, including Bharti Airtel in India, Digicel in various parts of the Pacific, and T-Mobile in the USA.

Keep up to date with the latest international telecoms news by subscribing to the Total Telecom newsletter

Also in the news:
Navigating the depths: Strategies for delivering successful subsea cable projects
Vodafone–Three reveals leadership team
French energy giant EDF offers up land for data centre projects