News 

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said that the investment would “cement the UK’s leadership in advanced connectivity and support projects delivering real, tangible change for people and businesses across Britain” 

This week, the UK government has announced a £23 million investment in telecoms research and development, covering a wide range of topics including 5G, quantum computing, and drone technologies.  

The new funding will impact seven technology projects led by local governments across the UK: 

• Belfast City Council – Belfast City Region 

• West Midlands Combined Authority 

• Glasgow City Council – Glasgow City Region 

• The Council of the City Of Sunderland – North East Combined Authority 

• North Ayrshire Council – Ayrshire Growth Deal Region 

• West Sussex County Council – Sussex (East and West) 

• Shropshire Council – River Severn Partnership 

Around £7 million of this funding will support projects that integrate 5G into businesses and public services, with the remaining £15 million going into AI and cloud computing research.Among the organisations set to receive new funding is the Northeast Combined Authority, which has secured an additional £1.9 million for a variety of projects. These include the further development and extraction of smart port solutions into other sectors, as well as improving transport efficiency between Nissan and the Port of Tyne.  

In the local agriculture sector, the funding will enable the deployment of wireless sensors for soil and methane monitoring, helping to boost automation and improve sustainability.  

The projects aim to establish the Northeast as a national hub for 5G innovation and deployment across multiple sectors. 

Other funding injections include £1.3 million to Belfast City Council to boost the adoption and commercialisation of advanced wireless technologies and £1 million to the West Midlands Combined Authority for Industry 4.0 technology amongst others. 

“By 2035 we could see a whole new Britain emerge, harnessing the power of technological development, from engineering biology to AI, semiconductors and cyber security, or quantum and future telecoms for a stronger economy and better lives for all in the UK,” said Peter Kyle in the announcement’s press release. 

Join us at Connected North, 23-24 April in Manchester. Get discounted tickets here! 

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WALTHAM, MA and RIYADH, KSA   — March 4, 2025 — Zain KSA announced today that it has completed a large-scale digital transformation program with Netcracker Technology. The complex BSS/OSS transformation across all lines of business was successfully achieved in less than three years.

With the new cloud-based BSS/OSS in place, Zain KSA will further enhance customer experiences and scale up its business ecosystem and expansion across adjacent markets, including fintech, IoT and cloud computing services. The transformation also supports enhanced operational efficiencies, demonstrated through a 50 percent decrease in product development time and customer line activation time.

Zain KSA partnered with Netcracker on a comprehensive, full-stack, AI-driven IT transformation based on Netcracker Digital Platform, the foundation for a cloud-native digital BSS and OSS, as well as Netcracker’s comprehensive suite of managed services. The project included replacing Zain KSA’s existing IT stack and migrating customers to the new cloud-based systems.

Executive VP of Information Technology at Zain KSA, Eng. Maha Al Qernas, stated: “Transitioning into a cloud-based BSS/OSS is a new milestone for Zain KSA’s advanced digital ecosystem. This transformation, achieved through our strategic partnership with Netcracker, aligns with Zain KSA’s goal to create fully digital journeys for our individual and enterprise customers. We are proud that we have leveraged the market’s demand for 5G standalone technology. Our cloud-based systems support a broad range of innovative use cases, enriching our capabilities in 5G, and setting a new benchmark in connectivity and enabling transformative experiences for customers across the Kingdom and beyond to continue to empower a tech-enhanced quality of life in Saudi Arabia.”

“We are extremely honored to play a role in this significant transformation program with a leader in the 5G space and a disruptor in the market,” said Benedetto Spaziani, GM at Netcracker. “Zain KSA has been at the forefront of adopting new technologies and bringing innovative services to customers, and we look forward to being part of its ongoing success.”

Zain KSA started updating its BSS/OSS systems in late 2021. The initiative aims to enhance customer experiences and improve cybersecurity, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and the nationwide digital transformation.

About Netcracker Technology
Netcracker Technology, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NEC Corporation, has the expertise, culture and resources to help service providers around the world transform their businesses to thrive in the digital economy. Our innovative solutions, value-driven services and unbroken delivery track record have enabled our customers to grow and succeed for more than three decades. With the latest technological advancements in key areas including 5G monetization, AI, automation and vertical industries, we help service providers to reach their transformation goals, advance their telco to techco evolution and realize business growth and profitability. To learn more, visit www.netcracker.com.

Media Contact

Anita Karvé
Netcracker Technology
MediaGroup@Netcracker.com    

News

Fuelled by a newly refreshed Board of Directors, Telefonica’s incoming chairman Marc Murtra is wasting no time in reshaping the company from the top down.

Telefonica has this week announced a major executive reshuffle, marking the start of a new strategic direction with chairman Marc Murtra at the helm.

The first and most significant change is the promotion of Telefonica Spain CEO Emilio Gayo to the role of Group COO and executive director. In this role, he will oversee the Group’s operations in in Spain, Brazil, Germany, and the United Kingdom, as well as the B2B, Telefónica Tech, Telefónica Infra and gCTIO business units.

Gayo, who has worked at Telefonica in various roles for the past two decades, replaces outgoing COO Ángel Vilá.

Vilá will remain on the board of Virgin Media O2 in the UK and is being proposed for a board position at Telefonica Germany.

In addition to the new COO, Murtra is also leaning on ex-colleagues from his previous employer, defence firm Indra, to fill strategic positions.

Borja Ochoa, previously general director of defence and security at Indra, will replace Gayo at the head of Telefonica Spain, while the CEO of Telefonica Tech, José Cerdán, will also be replaced by an Indra alumnus, Sofía Collado.

Finally, there will also be a change of chief digital officer, with Sebas Muriel replacing Chema Alonso, who has held the role for the past 13 years.

The scale and speed of this reshuffle is worth noting. New chairman Murtra took over the position from José María Álvarez-Pallete after the latter’s surprise ousting in January. Murtra’s appointment was largely seen as relating to the Spanish government’s increasing sensitivity over Telefonica’s future, with the state having grown its stake in the business to counterbalance foreign investment from the likes of the UAE’s e&.

Since taking over the role six weeks ago, Spanish media has reported that Murtra has been dissatisfied with Vilá, with his replacement seen as the first step in a major restructure that will likely include changes to several more leadership positions.

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

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New York – March 4, 2025, Lightpath, an all fiber, infrastructure based connectivity provider revolutionizing how organizations connect to their digital destinations, announced the company has completed the acquisition of WANRack’s network assets and customers in the Phoenix metropolitan market. This acquisition adds 133 route miles of fiber, including diverse paths between the Goodyear data center ecosystem and metro Phoenix carrier hotel facilities, accelerating Lightpath’s service readiness and expansion in the region.

 In conjunction with Lightpath’s recent Phoenix market entry announcement, the integration of WANRack’s assets increases Lightpath’s total network footprint in the market to 363 route miles. Upon construction completion, this infrastructure will connect 10 key data centers via underground, multi-duct conduit systems, linking emerging data center hubs in Goodyear, Buckeye, Chandler, Glendale, Mesa, and Tempe to Phoenix’s primary carrier exchange ecosystems.

Beyond the 10 planned connected data centers, the network will be strategically positioned near more than 30 additional single and multi-tenant data center campuses. While Lightpath is already service ready on 133 miles of acquired fiber, additional high priority network segments will be constructed in Q2 2025, with full network completion targeted by the end of 2026.

View a Map of Lightpath’s Phoenix Network

“WANRack’s Phoenix business is a perfect fit with Lightpath’s recent market entry and provided a solution for solving our strategic customer’s near-term requirements,” explained Rachel Stack, CFO, Lightpath. “This transaction demonstrates our creative problem solving and commitment to innovative solutions in response to customer challenges.” 

“Phoenix represents a strategic and growing market for Lightpath as we look to provide critical fiber infrastructure to customers with intensive bandwidth requirements”, stated Tim Haverkate, EVP, Major Infrastructure Solutions, Lightpath. “We look forward to partnering with WANRack’s customers to serve their growing connectivity needs and expanding Lightpath’s fiber infrastructure and customer relationships across Phoenix.”

About Lightpath:

Lightpath is revolutionizing how customers connect to their digital destinations by combining our next-generation network with our next-generation customer service. Lightpath’s advanced fiber-optic network offers a comprehensive portfolio of custom-engineered connectivity solutions with unparalleled performance, reliability, and security. Our consultative customer service means we work with you to design, deliver, and support the solution for your unique needs, faster and more easily than ever before. For over 30 years, thousands of enterprises, governments, and educators have trusted Lightpath to power their organization’s innovation. Lightpath is jointly owned by Altice USA (NYSE: ATUS) and Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners.

Follow Lightpath on LinkedIn. For more information, please visit lightpathfiber.com.

For Lightpath Media Inquiries:

JSA for Lightpath

1-866-695-3629 

jsa_lightpath@jsa.net

News

This week, Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile have announced a new joint venture, SatCo, to bring space-based mobile broadband to Europe. The company said it will aim to provide “100% geographic coverage in every part of Europe”

SatCo will act as the exclusive distributor of AST SpaceMobile’s satellite services across Europe, using Vodafone’s network and AST’s low Earth orbit (LEO) technology. The collaboration is set to deliver mobile broadband directly to users without requiring additional hardware or software.  

“Vodafone’s space-based mobile broadband will mean our customers can stay connected, wherever they are. Our new satellite company will be able to offer this pioneering technology to other European mobile operators through a turnkey service that combines Vodafone’s leading network and engineering with AST SpaceMobile’s ‘antennas in the sky’,” said Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle in a press release. 

The company will be headquartered in Europe and will operate a network of ground stations to ensure secure and sovereign backhaul services. AST SpaceMobile’s satellites function as remote radio heads, maintaining core network control within MNOs.  

In January, Vodafone announced that it had successfully conducted the world’s first space-based mobile video call using AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites. The demonstration showed that satellite broadband can integrate with Vodafone’s existing mobile networks. With commercial rollout planned for 2025 and 2026, the service will expand coverage to areas where traditional networks struggle, including mountains, rural locations, and open waters. 

Join us at Connected North, 23-24 April in Manchester. Get discounted tickets here! 

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Contributed Article

The evolution of mobile networks will transform how people connect, work, and interact with technology. At this year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona, Huawei’s Corporate Senior Vice President and President of lCT Sales & Service, Li Peng highlighted the role of 5G advancements in improving the user experiences and creating new business opportunities, in his keynote speech

“We’re rapidly entering a fully intelligent world. Intelligent applications are spreading everywhere, placing new demands on networks,” said Li. “By embracing and evolving 5G, we can unlock the infinite potential of mobile networks. Huawei is willing and ready to work with carriers and industry partners around the world to promote digital enablement, reinforce network foundations, and bring AI to all. Together, we can shape the D.N.A for an intelligent world.”

Improving mobile networks

Li emphasised how the way people interact with technology is changing. With the rise of voice assistants, cloud-based applications, and smart services, mobile networks must offer faster speeds and lower latency. As mobile experiences become more interactive (such as AI-powered voice and visual assistants) networks also must evolve to meet these increased demands.

To be able to do this, networks need to transition from 5G NSA (non-standalone) to 5G SA (standalone) and eventually to 5G-A. Key technologies like Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS), which separates control and user data traffic to improve network efficiency, and Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR), which ensures a minimum data rate for specific services, will be essential to improving network responsiveness and efficiency.

Managing increased network traffic

Li also discussed the rapid growth of digital content production and distribution. As high-quality videos and interactive media become more widely used, mobile data usage is expected to rise to an “unprecedented” level, again highlighting the need for more spectrum, more network capacity, and greater upload and download bandwidth.

Expanding coverage for smart devices and IoT

As smart devices and cloud services become more widespread, the demand for fast, reliable network coverage continues to grow. By 2030, over a billion people are expected to rely on cloud-based services, which will require seamless access to data and applications. Additionally, smart vehicles and other IoT devices will need continuous network coverage across cities, highways, and rural areas. Carriers will need to continue expanding 5G networks to provide the coverage necessary for these increased needs.

Improving network management with smarter operations

With networks becoming more complex, Li emphasised the importance of smarter operations and maintenance (O&M) systems. Many carriers are already using AI-powered tools to enhance efficiency, predict network issues, reduce downtime, and optimise network traffic in real time. By making these improvements, carriers can provide better service reliability and faster response times, ensuring a more seamless and consistent mobile experience. Some carriers who are already using AI agents, and those with self-learning capabilities can increase troubleshooting efficiency by 30%, by predicting and locating faults in just a few seconds.

New business opportunities

Li also highlighted how carriers can explore new ways to generate revenue. By offering premium services based on network speed, reliability, and custom features, telecom operators can cater to different customer groups. In China for example, telcos have partnered with industries like insurance and hospitality to offer new communication services through Open APIs, leading to increased revenue growth from business clients.

Li predicted that the combination of 5G-A and AI technologies could lead to double-digit growth in Data of Usage (DOU) and Average Revenue Per User (ARPU), creating big opportunities for carriers to monetise their networks.

“The opportunities are huge,” concluded Li. “And the time to act is now. Pioneers are already scaling up fast in over 200 cities around the world. They’re taking solid steps forward, unlocking incredible new value.”

News 

Verizon Business is expanding its Internet of Things (IoT) services with two new key partnerships 

Image credit: Verizon

Verizon Business has teamed up with Singapore’s Singtel and satellite provider Skylo to offer IoT connectivity in over 200 countries. Customers can now manage services through Verizon’s ThingSpace platform, using a mix of satellite, roaming, and eSIM solutions. 

Singtel will join Verizon’s Global IoT Orchestration service, which lets businesses activate IoT devices internationally using partner networks. The partnership will help Verizon customers expand their IoT coverage in the Asia Pacific region. With the service now available, Verizon’s Global IoT Orchestration also includes Bell Canada and Telenor IoT. 

In the US, Verizon has partnered with Skylo to provide IoT coverage in areas where traditional cellular signals may not reach. The service is expected to expand internationally in the future.  

“Our IoT services and platforms are designed to meet our customers’ needs wherever they do business, which is all around the world. We’re thrilled to see Global IoT Orchestration in-market now and satellite-enhanced IoT coverage in the U.S. to be available nearterm, enabling worldwide connectivity for our customers from the best partners in the industry,” said Shamik Basu, Vice President, Strategic Connectivity, Verizon Business in a press release. 

The Global IoT Orchestration service is available through Verizon’s ThingSpace platform, allowing businesses to manage IoT connectivity in both domestic and international markets. Customers can use eSIM profiles from Verizon’s partners to activate devices in supported regions, ensuring local-like coverage. 

The new service is available to US based businesses looking to activate IoT devices internationally.  

Join us at Connected America NEXT WEEK in Dallas! Heavily discounted tickets are available here

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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