News 

T-Mobile had previously only mentioned testing with Samsung devices, with no mention of Apple’s iPhones 

Apple has been “secretly” working with T-Mobile and SpaceX test Starlink’s network using Apple’s latest iPhone software, according to a Bloomberg report.  

The iPhone’s latest software update, which was released this week, will allow selected T-Mobile customers to connect directly to the satellites.   

The test will “begin with select optimised smartphones” and the full launch will “support the vast majority of modern smartphones”. 

The following alert was sent to initial beta users: “You’re in the T-Mobile Starlink beta. You can now stay connected with texting via satellite from virtually anywhere. To start experiencing coverage beyond, please update to iOS 18.3.” 

When an iPhone on the T-Mobile network has no connectivity, the pilot devices will attempt to pair with Starlink satellites. The software is designed to connect automatically, even if the device is not in use. 

Medium resolution images, music & audio podcasts should work with the current generation Starlink direct-to-phone constellation.

Next generation constellation will do medium resolution video. https://t.co/yfDPbkgSJH

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 29, 2025

Back in November, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved a license for T Mobile and Space X to provide coverage to remote areas, in an effort to eliminate “dead zones”. 

“The FCC is actively promoting competition in the space economy by supporting more partnerships between terrestrial mobile carriers and satellite operators to deliver on a single network future that will put an end to mobile dead zones,” said the FCC Chair at the time, Jessica Rosenworcel. 

It is worth noting that, iPhone (14 or later) users can already connect to satellite for free emergency text messaging, thanks to Apple’s partnership with satellite firm Globalstar, which was agreed in 2022.  

It is unclear what impact these tests with SpaceX will have on Apple’s relationship with Globalstar moving forward. 

Join us at this year’s Connected America, 11-12 March in Dallas. Get discounted tickets here! 

Also in the news: 

News 

The launch of DeepSeek has rattled the global AI industry, potentially offering a far cheaper alternative to market leaders like OpenAI and Anthropic 

Founded in 2023 by former hedge fund manager Liang Wenfeng, DeepSeek has quickly positioned itself as a strong competitor to the likes of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s CoPilot, having seemingly trained a comparative AI model at a fraction of the usual cost (around $6 million compared to the industry standard of billions).  

The launch has brought into question the current US dominance in the sector. By reducing the costs of AI development and deployment, DeepSeek has created an economic advantage for itself in terms of startup and operating costs, but has also challenged the way the AI industry operates, which has the potential to transform the future of AI adoption and accessibility. This is because DeepSeek has proved that  advanced models don’t require massive budgets, lowering barriers for new players. If its claims about faster inference speed are true, it may accelerate AI adoption and shift investment away from costly, chip-heavy models 

DeepSeek’s own website describes the chatbot as achieving a “significant breakthrough in inference speed over previous models. It tops the leaderboard among open-source models and rivals the most advanced closed-source models globally.” 

Both the chatbot release and the slimmer startup costs has caused panic in the global financial markets, especially in the case of chip giant Nvidia, which lost almost $600bn (£482bn) of its market value on Monday, which was the biggest one-day loss in US history. Today, however, stocks have begun to recover, having gained around 2.5% in early trading yesterday. In short statement since the market tumble, Nvidia called DeepSeek “an excellent AI advancement.” 

President Trump has responded to the news, calling it “a wakeup call for our industries that we need to be laser-focused on competing to win”.  

The success of the launch is also a huge boost for the Chinese AI industry, as technological geopolitical tensions between China and the West continue to rage. Yesterday, China’s state-owned Global Times suggested that the US has failed to halt Chinese progression in the sector, adding, “the Biden administration’s four-year crackdown on China’s AI and computing power has not only failed but has also spurred the country to forge a unique path for AI development.” 

Join the discussion around AI at this year’s Connected America, 11-12 March in Texas. Get discounted tickets here! 

Also in the news: 

Tim Höttges to remain at the helm of Deutsche Telekom until 2028 
VMO2 bring connectivity to rural notspot with Starlink
A ‘vulnerable soft underbelly’: UK joint committee explores subsea cable security

Feature Week: Trump on Telecoms

Donald Trump’s return to the White House in 2025 has ushered in a new era for US telecoms and technology policy. His administration has wasted no time in making major changes, with key moves including the appointment of Brendan Carr as Federal Communications Commission chair and proposals for greater control over platforms like TikTok.

With a focus on deregulation, free speech, and national security, Trump’s policy decisions are set to redefine the telecoms landscape that President Biden’s administration has presided over since 2020.

Let’s take a look at what’s happened so far.

2024

5th November – Trump win election to become President of the United States
Donald Trump wins the 2024 US Presidential Election, suggesting significant shifts are to come in telecoms and tech policy.

17^th November – Brendan Carr nominated for FCC chair
Trump names Brendan Carr as FCC chair. Carr, a notable critic of Big Tech and opponent of net neutrality, has been a commissioner since 2017. His appointment suggests a potential shift towards deregulation for telecoms operators, but scrutiny for major tech players like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.

22^nd November – Carr puts BEAD’s future up for debate
Carr suggests an “important discussion” about the program (BEAD)’s future is needed, given that the lion’s share of the money has not been spent.

2025

20th January – Trump sworn in
Trump was inaugurated for his second term, and Brendan Carr officially became FCC chair.

21t January – Trump delays decision over TikTok ban
Trump signs an Executive Order giving ByteDance more time to find a new owner before a shutdown. He had previously proposed the US government take a 50% stake in TikTok to address security concerns, though many Republicans pushed for a full divestiture by the company’s Chinese owners. “Frankly, we have no choice. We have to save it,” said Trump.

21^st January – New FCC commissioner named
Olivia Trusty is nominated to serve on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) by President Donald Trump. Trump says Trusty and Carr will work together to “cut regulations at a record pace.”

22^nd January – Trump backs $500bn AI project ‘Stargate’
The president praised a new joint venture between OpenAI, SoftBank, Oracle, and MGX that promises $500 billion in AI investment, with the first $100 billion to be invested this year.

23^rd January – Ericsson CTO bullish on tech support from Trump administration
Industry leaders such as Ericsson’s CTO expressed optimism about Trump’s policies at the World Economic Forum in Davos, expecting additional support for 5G and AI advancements. “The opportunities just seem fantastic right now to put in an extra gear and then make sure that we are part of that (AI), says CTO Erik Ekudden.

23^rd January – FCC reinstates complaints about 2024 election coverage
Ex-FCC chair Jessica Rosenworcel had previously dismissed complaints about election coverage from NBC, ABC, and CBS, describing them as attempts to ‘weaponise the FCC’.

27^th January – Trump fires Cyber Safety Review Board members
The CSRB advisory committee, serving the Department of Homeland Security, was set up to investigate cybersecurity and digital espionage incidents, most recently the massive ‘Salt Typhoon’ cyberattacks carried out by China-liked hackers. The CSRB committee was one of many disbanded by the new administration.

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

Also in the news:
EXA Infrastructure enters into agreement to acquire Aqua Comms
“European competitiveness has one foot in the morgue,” warns Nokia CEO
BT quietly scraps EV charging pilot

News

To date, around 4.3 million connections have been made possible through federal gigabit funding 

The German Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport (BMDV) has launched its 2025 Gigabit Funding programme. Starting this month, €1.2 billion will be available to support infrastructure projects and a pilot programmes to close connectivity gaps in underserved areas. 

This year’s funding round is centred on the 2025 infrastructure funding programme, which includes both a standard funding process and a quicker “fast lane” option. The criteria and rules for applying remain largely the same as last year, providing stability for states, municipalities, and applicants.  

The funding round also includes the continuation of a pilot programme designed to improve internet access in smaller regions that have been left out of gigabit expansion so far. With a simplified application process, this programme aims to develop these areas quickly, making use of both public and private funding to ensure the best results. 

“Digitalisation requires high-performance, resilient and future-proof networks. Fiber optic technology enables particularly fast, energy-efficient and reliable data communication. In this legislative period, we have made great progress in fibee optic expansion – thanks to the high dynamics in the market and our targeted funding,” said Federal Minister Dr. Volker Wissing in a press release (translated). 

“Even in a difficult budget situation, we are keeping our ambitious gigabit expansion goals firmly in sight: We continue to support regions in which private expansion is reaching its limits and thus create digital participation for everyone. Our goals set out in the gigabit strategy remain clear – nationwide gigabit supply by 2030, a clear focus on private sector expansion and targeted funding measures as a supplement,” he continued. 

In 2022, around 560 projects were approved, with €2 billion invested in expanding fibre optic networks. This helped provide more than 440,000 connections and helped around 1,700 communities.  

Is Germany’s fibre network expansion moving quickly enough? Join us at this year’s Connected Germany event in Munich to discuss the sectors biggest challenges and opportunities! Find our more here 

Also in the news:
BT pushes for accelerated withdrawal from “outdated” copper landline network as faults rise
Boldyn takes first steps in Germany with Smart Mobile Labs acquisition
VMO2 deploys more small cells in Birmingham with Ontix

News 

BT has urged the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) providers to accelerate plans to transition away from the ageing Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), warning that the outdated system poses growing risks to essential services 

Increasingly fragile and difficult to maintain, the PSTN saw a 45% rise in major resilience incidents last year, according to Ofcom’s Connected Nations report.  

BT warns that delays in migrating to digital connectivity could disrupt critical systems such as fire alarms, lift phones, and even water monitoring sensors.  

Industries like energy and water are leading the way in the transition away from the PSTN, with 80% and 64%, respectively, of BT’s customers in these sectors having already put a transition plan in place.  

However, 60% of the operator’s CNI customers have yet to develop a transition plan.  

“With the ageing copper landline network becoming increasingly fragile, it’s simply too risky to run the UK’s essential public services on outdated networks. BT is committed to moving these services onto future-proofed modern connectivity well ahead of the closure of the analogue copper network – but we can’t do it alone,” said BT CEO Bas Burger in a press release. 

“We’re urging all Critical National Infrastructure providers to act now to help protect their services and reap the long-term benefits of going digital. Waiting until the analogue switch-off is too late. We’re working with customers to review their technology estate, test their critical devices and switch to more reliable connectivity by the end of 2025,” he continued. 

To support the shift, BT’s specialists are helping organisations review technology, test device compatibility, and migrate to digital systems. The government has also introduced the PSTN Critical National Infrastructure Charter, to make sure of safeguards for essential services during the transition.  

The move to digital networks offers a range of benefits. Faster broadband speeds, better security, and features like scam prevention and integrated calling across devices. 

Is the UK’s rollout of next-generation moving quickly enough to support the UK’s digital economy? Join the discussion at Connected North, live in Manchester 

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

Also in the news:
EXA Infrastructure enters into agreement to acquire Aqua Comms
“European competitiveness has one foot in the morgue,” warns Nokia CEO
BT quietly scraps EV charging pilot 

Press Release

Boldyn Networks (Boldyn), one of the largest shared network infrastructure providers in the world, cements its position as a leading global mobile private networks player through the agreement to acquire Smart Mobile Labs (SML), Germany’s market leader in bespoke private 5G networks and turnkey applications.

The addition of SML will immediately expand Boldyn’s footprint, placing the business with a track record of over 110 mobile private network (MPN) implementations across the five largest European economies, in addition to the US. The strategic acquisition enhances Boldyn’s technical knowledge for critical sectors, tailored use cases, and the further development of its Private 5G as a Service offering, the first of its kind in the industry. Read the full press release here.

Justin Berger, Group Chief Strategy Officer at Boldyn Networks said: “Germany is a very attractive market for mobile private networks. By bringing Smart Mobile Labs’ expertise to Boldyn, we’ll be able to scale our existing private networks expertise to benefit customers looking for a partner of choice across a wider area of Europe.” He continued: “The SML leadership team comes with a combined 100 years of experience in engineering and technology, adding to our talented team at Boldyn.”

Igor Leprince, Group Chief Executive Officer at Boldyn Networks said: “At Boldyn we have been leading the way in reimagining customers’ digital transformations through dynamic private 4G and 5G networks. As an important player in the fast-rising private network ecosystem Smart Mobile Labs will support our expansion in the top five markets in Europe and globally. SML comes with an impressive customer base across key sectors for us, which rely on their strong technical capabilities, innovation, and a market-leading partner network.”

Klaus Nagora, CEO & Founder of Smart Mobile Labs said: “Joining Boldyn Networks in their global growth journey is exciting for us and for our customers. Not only will we be able to scale our private network and EVO offerings inside of Germany, but worldwide, now with the backing of a neutral host portfolio leader and a global team of experts. We share Boldyn’s focus on developing bold solutions that can solve our customers’ needs. It’s in our DNA to be ahead of such needs.”

Rüdiger Hnyk, COO of Smart Mobile Labs said: “SML and Boldyn together will become a major player for private 5G offerings in Europe. We will now be able to offer the most experienced and most practical references for specialised market solutions. From remote driven trains and container handling solutions for logistics storage, to autonomous driving and valet parking, safety applications like “5G drone patrol”, and video camera control solutions for airports, our joint capabilities will be best suited to cover the growing demands of a variety of sectors successfully.”

How is the German telecoms sector evolving in 2025? Join the indutry in discussion at Connected Germany

Also in the news:
EXA Infrastructure enters into agreement to acquire Aqua Comms
“European competitiveness has one foot in the morgue,” warns Nokia CEO
BT quietly scraps EV charging pilot 

News 

A court ruling has upheld a previous decision ordering the Italian government to pay TIM €1 billion in relation to an illegal licence fee collected in 1998 

An Italian appeals court has rejected the Italian government’s request to suspend a €1 billion payment that it owes Telecom Italia (TIM) after a long license fee dispute, the Italian incumbent has announced. 

The Italian telecoms sector was liberalised in 1997 and, the next year, TIM was forced to pay a license fee of around €500 million. This licence fee was issued in contradiction of European Union policies for a liberalised market.   

As such, since 2009, TIM has been attempting to recover this fee, plus revaluation and the accrued interest, arguing that they should not have been charged the fee following the market liberalisation process.  

In April last year, the Rome Court of Appeal ordered the Italian government to pay TIM the fee, and to immediately begin recovering the capital. The amount owed totals €500 million, plus another €500 million in accrued interest. 

The two parties were given until Monday this week to settle the dispute out of court, but an agreement could not be reached. The government had asked that the payment be delayed until it goes to the Supreme Court, which the Italian appeals court rejected 

The decision should allow TIM to claim the funds from the government, regardless of ongoing appeals. 

Nonetheless, the case is not over yet. A final decision will come from Italy’s Supreme Court, expected later this year. For now, TIM can receive the payment, but whether it will ultimately be allowed to keep it is another matter.  

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

Also in the news:
EXA Infrastructure enters into agreement to acquire Aqua Comms
“European competitiveness has one foot in the morgue,” warns Nokia CEO
BT quietly scraps EV charging pilot  

News

A new chairman has taken the helm at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and learn about Trump’s new nominee to fill the vacancy left by former FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. Plus, see how data centers are driving demand and controversy in recent headlines.

Trump designates Brendan Carr as FCC chairman
Brendan Carr has been designated as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) following an order signed by President Donald Trump yesterday.

Trump nominates Olivia Trusty to serve as FCC commissioner
The policy director of the U.S. Senate Committee on Science, Commerce, and Transportation has been nominated to serve as an FCC commissioner

Lightpath says AI-driven infrastructure demand is unprecedented

Lightpath, an infrastructure-based connectivity provider, is reporting significant recent sales to hyperscalers for AI-driven infrastructure.

Data centers near battlefields cause controversy in Virginia

The findings of a Virginia legislative audit and review commission that investigated the impacts of data centers in Virginia have come under fire.

Forecasted demand for data center due diligence spurs rebrand

Broadband Success Partners, a firm that completes network and data center evaluations, is rebranding in 2025.

Join the conversation about connectivity in North America. Click here to learn more about Broadband Communities Summit 2025

News

By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities

The policy director of the U.S. Senate Committee on Science, Commerce, and Transportation has been nominated to serve as an FCC commissioner.

Olivia Trusty’s nomination was first announced by now-President Donald Trump on Truth Social last week, a social-media platform owned by Trump Media.

“She has fought tirelessly to grow the economy, empower innovation, and reignite the American Dream,” Trump’s Jan. 16 post stated.

He said Trusty would work with Brendan Carr, the newly named FCC chairman, “to cut regulations at a record pace.”

Trump also said they’d “protect free speech, and ensure every American has access to affordable and fast internet.”

Trump also made mention of Trusty’s academic background, which includes Georgetown University and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

Her nomination is pending Senate approval.

In the meantime, the FCC’s remaining Democratic commissioners reacted to the news.

Ana M. Gomez released a statement congratulating Trusty.

“She is widely respected, a consummate professional, and has a strong background on communications policy,” Gomez stated. “I welcome the opportunity to work with her.”

Additionally, Geoffrey Starks, the other Democrat on the FCC, also congratulated her.

“She is a committed public servant with extensive knowledge of the communications sector,” the statement from Starks read. “As clearly exhibited
by her work in the Senate, she is an effective policy-maker, which will benefit the agency and the American people going forward.”

Meanwhile, in the days since Trusty’s nomination, Jessica Rosenworcel, the former FCC chair, has departed the commission.

Replacing her as chair is Brendan Carr, who was named the FCC’s chair with an official order signed by Trump on Inauguration Day.

Learn more about Broadband Communities Summit 2025 in Houston.

Also, click here to subscribe to the Broadband Communities newsletter.

Press Release

Telehouse launches educational initiative featuring character ‘DC’ to enhance public understanding of data centres and their impact on digital lives

Half of UK consumers (51%) have never heard of the term ‘data centre,’ highlighting a significant lack of awareness about their critical role in powering daily digital life. New research from Telehouse reveals how, despite the increasing reliance on digital services and their recent categorisation by the government as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), 67% of UK consumers admit they do not know what a data centre is or does.

The survey, which involved over 2,000 UK consumers, identifies a significant gap in public understanding. While 48% of respondents believe data centres positively impact the digital services they use at home and work, such as video streaming and online shopping, there remains a substantial knowledge gap about the scale and scope of data centre operations. Nearly half (43%) of the respondents are unaware of the vast number of people, applications, and data supported by these facilities.

Telehouse’s findings also highlight a mixed perception of data centres’ importance in the context of remote working, a trend that has surged in recent years. While 59% see data centres as critical to enabling remote work, 19% are unsure how these facilities support such activities, and 15% consider them not very critical or not critical at all.

The study underscores the public’s partial understanding of data centres, with misconceptions about their roles. In an effort to bridge this knowledge gap, Telehouse has launched an educational initiative featuring a character named ‘DC.’ Through an engaging video, DC aims to demystify data centres, explaining their functions and significance in everyday technology use.

Mark Pestridge, Executive Vice President and General Manager at Telehouse Europe, commented on the initiative: “We realise there’s a significant knowledge gap regarding data centres and their impact on digital lives. By introducing ‘DC,’ we hope to educate people about the critical work done in data centres and inspire our future generations to consider careers in this field. We also hope that bridging this knowledge divide may be key to increasing trust in the digital infrastructure that underpins our connected lives.”

Telehouse’s commitment extends to supporting education and career development in the technology sector, offering apprenticeships and work experience opportunities to young people. The company also advocates for more educational programs focused on data centre technologies in schools and universities.

For more information on the crucial role of data centres and to watch Telehouse’s educational video featuring the ‘DC’ character, visit their website.

How is the growing data centre ecosystem impacting the UK economy? Join the discussion at Connected North live in Manchester   

Also in the news:
EXA Infrastructure enters into agreement to acquire Aqua Comms
“European competitiveness has one foot in the morgue,” warns Nokia CEO
BT quietly scraps EV charging pilot