News

EE are only the third carrier in the UK to rollout 5GSA, behind Vodafone and VMO2

EE has launched its new 5G standalone (5GSA) mobile network in 15 major UK cities, alongside a new Wi-Fi 7 Smart Hub Pro for home broadband users. The 5GSA network is designed to enhance mobile coverage and performance, while the Wi-Fi 7 hub provides faster, more reliable connectivity indoors.

The new 5GSA network, is now live in Bath, Belfast, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Manchester, and Sheffield. The plans offer improved outdoor coverage and is available through a new range of monthly plans. Built to support the growing number of AI-powered devices, the network provides faster speeds, lower latency, and enhanced reliability. A key feature of the 5GSA network is “Network Boost,” which improves performance in busy areas by allocating additional capacity to users on select plans.

“Today, EE is launching UK firsts in network capabilities designed to unleash the huge potential of a wave of AI powered devices. 5G standalone is a new mobile network giving enhanced performance to customers from day one and unlocks game-changing new services of the future. It’s been built to handle the growing range of AI-powered devices, from smartphones to laptops, tablets and more,” said EE CEO Marc Allera in a press release.

“Wi-Fi 7 for the home is another first for EE customers, giving households higher speeds and better capacity to support devices in every corner of their home. Together, these new technologies bring EE customers the best networks in and out of the home,” he continued.

EE’s new mobile plans also offer unlimited data options and include roaming allowances for the EU and select international destinations. Customers on premium plans will have access to Google One AI Premium tools, as well as services like Apple One, Netflix, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

On the home broadband front, EE’s new Wi-Fi 7 Smart Hub Pro, developed with Qualcomm, delivers faster speeds, less interference, and better coverage. Full Fibre customers will benefit from gigabit speeds and a guaranteed 100Mbps connection in every room, with a money-back guarantee for dissatisfied users.

Join Marc Allera at next week’s Connected Britain, 11-12 September in London. Get last minute discounted tickets here!

Also in the news:
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AT&T fined nearly $1m over 911 failings
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Insight

by Jamie Hayes, Chief Sales and Commercial Officer, Cornerstone 

As I reflect on our journey leading up to Connected Britain 2024, it’s incredible to think that seamless, high-speed internet—once a luxury—is now becoming a fundamental right that fuels innovation and growth across the UK. I’m genuinely excited about Cornerstone’s role in enabling a digitally connected society across all Four Corners of the UK through our national platform. Our goal is to ensure that your connected world is always within reach. 

Having recently toured the Four Corners of the UK, I saw firsthand how Cornerstone’s work is not just addressing today’s connectivity needs but is truly shaping a brighter, more interconnected future for businesses and communities nationwide. Here’s a snippet of my personal observations of our work alongside other leaders and colleagues in the industry who also have a part to play in shaping the UK’s digital economy. 

England: Strengthening Local Connections
My 1305-mile tour began in the small seaside town of Littlehampton. Our partnership with Isthmian League semi-professionals Littlehampton Town Football Club is a poignant example of how connectivity can uplift local communities. Following a severe storm that damaged a Cornerstone mast at the football club, our response ensured that vital community events could continue without disruption. What started as an emergency repair transformed into a meaningful collaboration. We supported the club not only by restoring functionality but also by enabling digital payment solutions that streamline matchday transactions. This initiative has reinforced the club’s role as a community hub, enhancing local engagement and supporting the club’s growth. Littlehampton FC’s ability to maintain its community activities and embrace modern technology reflects our commitment to strengthening the local economy and fostering community development. We are a proud sponsor. 

Wales: Bridging Digital Gaps in Rural Areas
My next stop took me deep into the most remote parts of Wales. Here, our efforts have focused on bridging the digital divide in some of the country’s most isolated regions. In Carmarthenshire, we addressed a critical need for our customers Vodafone, VMO2 and Three, supporting them to bring the necessary and reliable connectivity in a rural area that had long struggled with getting online access for the everyday things we take for granted. By deploying advanced satellite backhaul and power generation technology, we’ve transformed access for residents and businesses across a 20km radius, unlocking new opportunities for economic activity and social inclusion. The impact has been profound—local businesses can now reach new markets, and residents enjoy improved access to services and social connections in an area prone to isolation and with high unemployment and mortality rates. Similarly, in Builth Wells we overcame steep terrain and regulatory challenges with innovative solutions. We collaborated with local stakeholders such as council representatives, farmers and residents, who helped us navigate the terrain, demonstrating our commitment to blending modern technology with respect for the region’s unique characteristics and needs. We know that nature and technology can and must co-exist. 

Scotland: Driving Digital Innovation in Glasgow
A short flight later, we found ourselves in the bustling, vibrant city of Glasgow. Our initiatives here are enhancing the city’s digital infrastructure with a focus on both technological advancement and environmental impact. Our collaboration with Vodafone, Arqiva, Cambridge University, and others has led to the deployment of smart water meters across the city, revolutionising water management with real-time data. This project not only enhances resource efficiency but also supports Glasgow’s sustainability goals. Additionally, our Air Quality Sensor Network, measures pollution particulates and their movement, providing valuable data to tackle urban air quality challenges. By working closely with Glasgow City Council, we are not just enhancing connectivity; we are helping Glasgow emerge as a leader in digital excellence and sustainability. Our efforts contribute to a healthier environment and demonstrate our commitment to integrating technology with environmental stewardship. 

Northern Ireland: Enhancing Connectivity in Torr
Our final stop was to the breathtaking coastal town of Torr, just outside Ballycastle in Northern Ireland. Here, we demonstrated firsthand how improved connectivity can invigorate local economies and tourism. Located along the stunning Causeway Coast Road, Torr faced significant challenges with limited mobile and broadband access, impacting tourism, local businesses and public services. By installing new 4G infrastructure, we’ve enabled our customers to address these issues, providing visitors, residents and businesses with reliable connectivity to support economic growth and enhance the tourism experience. Our integration of this technology with the region’s rich heritage required careful planning and collaboration with the Historic Environment Division to preserve historical sites, including a Cold War Navy listening station and ancient burial grounds. Our work ensures that Torr can benefit from modern connectivity while maintaining its unique historical context, an area of outstanding natural beauty. This project highlights our dedication to respecting and enhancing local heritage while advancing digital progress. 

A Vision for the Future
As we look to the future, Cornerstone remains committed to building and maintaining the digital infrastructure that will enable the UK to thrive in an increasingly connected world. Whether it’s supporting community spirit in Littlehampton, bringing connectivity to rural communities in Wales, pioneering air quality monitoring in Glasgow, or driving innovation in remote Torr, our mission is clear: at Cornerstone, your connected world is always within reach.  

Connected Britain is a celebration of the achievements of our industry, but from our position, with the largest digital infrastructure in the UK, we know that many people and places are still left behind—without the basic and necessary mobile services that so many rely on. Every day, we design, build, and finance new sites or upgrades across our digital estate. And every single day, we operate and look after our network of 15,700 sites to ensure reliability and resilience for our customers. 

More than any other provider in the UK, we are safeguarding the critical infrastructure of the mobile sector. But we still face challenges in some areas where we can’t yet celebrate, held back by the need for more pragmatic reform of town planning. This reform is essential to bring 4G and 5G to over 3,000 places where we’re eager to invest. It’s about more than connectivity—it’s about enabling job creation and driving digital inclusion. 

The stories I’ve shared today are a testament to the real impact our infrastructure has on communities across the UK. But we have much more to do, and my appeal is simple: we need to work collectively, across public and private partnerships, to create an effective framework for digital infrastructure planning, one that attracts investment and builds a country for growth. 

We’d love to continue this conversation. Please visit us at Exhibitor stand 97 or at the Tower Café during Connected Britain 2024 to explore these exciting developments. Our team looks forward to discussing how we can collaborate to build a more connected and prosperous society. 

At Cornerstone, your connected world is always within reach. 

Jamie 

—

About Cornerstone
As the UK’s leading mobile and digital infrastructure services provider, Cornerstone is set to play a pivotal role in Connected Britain 2024. With an impressive portfolio of approximately 15,700 sites across the UK, Cornerstone stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence in infrastructure deployment. Their commitment to advancing the UK’s digital economy aligns seamlessly with the theme of Connected Britain, which aims to explore and enhance the future of digital connectivity.  

News 

It is the world’s first legally binding AI treaty, and other countries, including the US and Australia, are invited to join 

This week, the Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood will sign a new international agreement to protect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law from potential risks posed by AI. 

The treaty, agreed by the Council of Europe, commits countries to work together to regulate AI and prevent its potential misuse. While AI offers benefits like improved productivity and analytics, it also poses risks, such as spreading misinformation or using biased data. The treaty ensures that nations monitor AI developments and manage the technology responsibly.  

Once ratified, it will strengthen existing UK laws and regulations on AI. 

The agreement has three principles: 

• Protection of human rights – ensuring personal data is handled appropriately, privacy is respected, and that AI systems do not discriminate. 

• Preservation of democracy – preventing AI from undermining public institutions and processes. 

• Upholding the rule of law – requiring countries to regulate AI-specific risks and protect citizens from potential harm. 

“Artificial Intelligence has the capacity to radically improve the responsiveness and effectiveness of public services, and turbocharge economic growth,” said Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood in a statement. “However, we must not let AI shape us – we must shape AI.” 

“This convention is a major step to ensuring that these new technologies can be harnessed without eroding our oldest values, like human rights and the rule of law,” Mahmood concluded. 

Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, echoed this sentiment and invited governments around the world to join the treaty 

“Once in force, [the treaty] will further enhance protections for human rights, rule of law and democracy, – strengthening our own domestic approach to the technology while furthering the global cause of safe, secure, and responsible AI,” he said. 

Join the conversation around AI in telecoms at next week’s Connected Britain, 11-12 September in London. Get last minute discounted tickets here! 

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Viewpoint

Dr. Wen Tong, CTO, Huawei Wireless

At the IEEE PIMRC conference held on September 4, 2024, Dr. Tong Wen, Huawei Wireless CTO, presented his views on the development direction of the 6G industry. Titled with “The Architectural Framework for A-RAN and A-Core”, Dr. Tong Wen pointed out, “6G will not be a simple upgrade of 5G, it should integrate AI revolution for the past 20 months, so to reshape the wireless industry and take it to the next height.”

5G is a success and 6G is on track. Dr. Tong Wen shard the timetable of 6G standard. The first 6G standard discussion will start in 3GPP in 2025 and the first version of 6G standard will be frozen in 2030. In a nutshell, after 6 years, there will be a global 6G standard and the mobile industry ecosystem will rally to go to market.

However, 6G is a long-term game plan, its technology and standard should support the innovations during the future decade from 2030 to 2040. From the investment point of view, 6G technology also should have a long-shelf time, which is not a replicate of 5G technology, but an incremental generation of wireless.

At the conference, Dr Tong Wen elaborated on 6G Standardization Direction and Innovations Driving 6G Standardization.

First, 6G is a true generational technology disruption.

Currently, AI revolution is profoundly changing every aspect of our work and life, 6G for sure should consider the emerging AI revolution happed now and future. Therefore, we need to re-examine the new possibilities and potential for the mobile industry for the time-frame 2030 and beyond. Therefore, 6G standard, key technologies, and network architecture should be re-defined based on application scenarios and requirements from 2030 to 2040.

The 6G standard needs to adopt the disruptive technologies to enable a true generational capability improvement. Specifically, in terms of core network, RAN, and terminals, the day-one 3GPP 6G standard must have the original technologies and major air interface features to drastically improve network performance and energy saving, to deliver 10 to 30 times better user experience, 3 times more intrinsic spectral efficiency and energy efficiency.

In summary, 6G is not the continuation or upgrade of 5G technologies, it is also not another way to implement 5G. Instead, 6G is a new generation of capabilities, it should generate new values for the consumers.

Second, 6G should embrace the AI revolution with an OOM Quantum Leap 

Twenty years ago, the Internet was an enabler of the latest technology. Wireless industry embraced the Internet and achieved great business success. Today, AI is becoming the enabler of the latest technologies. It is no doubt that 6G should embrace AI. Thus, the 3GPP 6G standardization process needs to fully digest the disruptive changes of the AI technologies.

• On the core network side, using Agentic-AI-based technology to re-architect 6G-Core to achieve full automation for the 6G-Core including generation, operation, and maintenance. 6G-Core is a new and beyond 5G SBA to support the primitive capabilities of 6G AI, Sensing and NTN.
• On the RAN side, AGI and embodiment-AI will be the mainstream AI applications in 2030-2040. The industry needs to further study AGI and embodiment-AI, not just the current Generative-AI. Therefore, it is too early to draw conclusions on the 6G air interface design about how to supports 6G AI.
• On the UE side, 6G UEs must support the “Full AI” function. The 6G transformation from 5G technologies will be difficult if 6G UE can not adapt to the rapid development of AI and sensing capabilities from 2030 to 2040. 

Third, 6G architecture should be a continuous innovation to create a bigger market

5G has proved its market success in the past years, and 5G technology is evolving into 5G-Advanced. In the next 5 years or more, 5G and 5G-Advanced can meet the customer requirements and will continue to deliver the value to the operators and protect their 5G investment.

Therefore, 6G technologies should not overlap and duplicate with 5G, as well as to compete with the 5G market space and waste operators’ investment. Instead, 6G technologies should create innovative industry values and expand the market space for the mobile industry.

Simply reusing 5G network architecture without generational and fundamental innovation, will limit the mobile industry’s aspiration and imagination to dive the innovation in the 6G era. In particular, to reuse the 5G core network will hinder the innovation in AI.

Fourth, 6G user device calls for a breakthrough

The breakthrough of terminal technologies is the key if not the only factor for mobile device evolution. In 2007, iPhones enabled the mobile broadband industry development with a phenomenal market success. It is hard to imagine that smartphone will continue to drive mobile industry beyond 2030.

Therefore, new breakthroughs must be made in terminal technologies in the 6G, and 6G system must be prepared for terminals in the 6G era.

In the end, Dr. Tong Wen further clarified the relationship between 5G and 6G: “ 6G must be an innovative generational technology, instead of a simple extension of 5G technology. Now, 5G deployment is rolling out globally, and the current market demand and requirement can be met by 5G-Adavanced. This will protect the investment of operators, and continue to expand the market space. To duplicate 5G technologies for 6G, is essentially a pseudo-6G technology, which is not the best use of investment for operators. We should not underestimate the capabilities of 5G-Advanced for current market, and we should not underestimate the potential of 6G.”

News 

The companies say that the deal will “accelerate future-ready fibre broadband growth” across the US 

Nokia has signed a multi-year deal with AT&T to help upgrade and expand its fibre network. 

Over the next five years, Nokia will supply AT&T with fixed broadband equipment to improve its current infrastructure and support future network growth. Nokia’s solutions will also help automate AT&T’s network operations. 

“Fibre plays a crucial role in providing the foundation for the services we offer to our customers. This expansion will not only enhance broadband access for millions of customers but also sets the stage for the next wave of digital innovation, including Industry 4.0, smart cities, IoT applications, and ultra-high-definition streaming,” said Chris Sambar, Head of Network at AT&T in the announcement. 

“Our fibre solution opens the door to a full range of PON technologies available on the same platform and fibre,” said Sandy Motley, President of Fixed Networks at Nokia.  

“This includes 10/25G PON today and eventually 50/100G PON in the future. Ultimately this can help operators like AT&T make the most of their existing fibre broadband networks today and in the future. Together, we’re paving the way for a more connected and responsible future,” she continued. 

Just nine months ago, Nokia lost out to rival equipment maker Ericsson when AT&T selected the latter as their Open RAN equipment supplier.  The $14 billion deal will result in Nokia equipment in AT&T’s network being replaced with Ericsson tech in certain areas, with the new Open RAN gear aiming to carry 70% of AT&T’s wireless traffic by the end of 2026..  

This major loss contributed to recent rumours that Nokia was considering selling or spinning off its mobile networks business, which could be valued at around $10 billion, with Samsung mentioned as a potential buyer. Speaking to Bloomberg, people familiar with the matter said the interest has come “amid increasing pressure to find new growth in the troubled telecom equipment sector.”  

Nokia has been quick to quash these rumours, saying that its mobile network business remains a core part of its overall strategy.
Join Nokia at next week’s Connected Britain, 11-12 September in London. Get last minute discounted tickets here. 

Also in the news:
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How will the CityFibre–Sky deal really affect BT?
 

News

TalkTalk has been struggling with debt for several years, with the total currently standing at nearly £1 billion

TalkTalk has announced that it has signed a binding agreement on a refinancing deal that was first revealed last month.

The deal saw shareholders – including founder Sir Charles Dunstone, Toscafund, and Ares Management – agree to inject an additional £170 million into the business, in addition to the £65 million invested last month.

The deal also included the transfer of assets including Virtual1 subsidiary and the customer bases of Ovo and Shell, bringing the total refinancing to over £400 million.

The agreement will enable TalkTalk to extend the repayment deadlines for its Revolving Credit Facilities (RCF), originally due in November 2024, and its Senior Secured Notes (SSN), which were set to mature in February 2025. The new agreement will push the debt maturities out to September 2027, giving the company more time to shore up its finances.

The deal was expected, with TalkTalk’s Chief Financial Officer James Smith confirming last month that “we are making constructive progress and are confident of a near term agreement which will ensure the group is well capitalised going forward.”

The company will now move forward with implementing this refinancing agreement, with the transaction expected to be completed in the coming months.

In related news, last month it was reported that Macquarie, who had been in discussions to acquire a £450 million stake in TalkTalk’s wholesale unit, PlatformX, had walked away from the deal. Reports have suggested that it could reopen negotiations if TalkTalk’s financial situation improves.

“The Company has entered into a binding lockup agreement in support of the transaction with its major shareholders, RCF banks and a group of SSN holders, which together hold approximately 70% of the Company’s secured debt,” read TalkTalk’s statement.

Join the conversation on the UK connectivity market at this year’s Connected Britain, 11-12 September in London. Get tickets here! 

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News 

The company says the deployment is the first of its kind for the ČEZ Group 

Vodafone has launched Europe’s first 5G mobile private network (MPN) at the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant in Czechia. The network, created for the energy company ČEZ Group, is part of a pilot project, currently covering outdoor areas and specific sections of the plant. 

The new 5G MPN is designed to replace traditional walkie-talkie communications at the plant, and support advanced tools like augmented reality glasses for the technicians. 

“By being entirely independent from the public network, our private 5G solution ensures that all user data and infrastructure are securely managed within the power plant’s own systems, which is vital for maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability,” said Violeta Luca, CEO of Vodafone Czechia in a statement. 

“This technology is a key enabler in advancing the secure digitalisation of such critical infrastructure,” he continued. 

Bohdan Zronek, Member of the Board of Directors and Director of the Nuclear Division of ČEZ confirmed that Temelín is “the first nuclear power plant in Europe to actually test a private 5G network, while other European operators work mostly with 4G.” 

The project at Temelín follows a similar deployment by Vodafone at Škoda Auto’s production plant, where a 5G MPN has enhanced automated processes and machine communication. Vodafone has also launched private networks in Germany, Italy, and Ireland. 

Keep up with all the latest telecoms news with Total Telecom’s daily newsletter 

Also in the news:
Coastguard’s emergency network gets an upgrade from Telent
AT&T fined nearly $1m over 911 failings
How will the CityFibre–Sky deal really affect BT?

News 

The rumours come amid financial difficulty in the sector 

Nokia has officially denied rumors that it plans to sell its mobile networks division to Samsung.  

Speculation about a potential sale emerged after a Bloomberg report yesterday suggested that Nokia was considering selling or spinning off its mobile networks business, which could be valued at around $10 billion, with Samsung mentioned as a potential buyer. 

Citing people familiar with the matter, the article explained that the investment interest has come “amid increasing pressure to find new growth in the troubled telecom equipment sector.” 

Nokia swiftly rejected these claims, stating in a regulatory filing that it “is issuing this stock exchange release in response to the recent trading activity of its stock due to a market rumour. Nokia has nothing to announce in relation to the speculations published in an article today, and no related insider project exists.” 

The company emphasised its commitment to its mobile networks division, describing it as a “highly strategic asset critical to both Nokia and its customers”.  

This division remains crucial for Nokia despite recent financial challenges, including a 25% decline in sales and a 32% drop in operating profit in Q2 2024. 

In December last year, Nokia suffered a significant blow after AT&T chose Ericsson to supply the Open RAN equipment that will carry 70% of its wireless traffic by the end of 2026.  The $14 billion deal will result in Nokia equipment in AT&T’s network being replaced with Ericsson tech in certain areas.  

Nokia CEO Pekka Lundmark called the news “disappointing” in a statement. 

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Also in the news: 

Press Release

Ericsson and Telstra today announced a groundbreaking, world-first achievement in mobile connectivity with the deployment of Ericsson’s 4th generation of Radio Access Network (RAN) purpose-built compute platform, paving the way  for a consistent 5G Advanced platform for Australia.

With live deployment on August 14, 2024, this technology marks a new era in mobile data and connectivity, setting a new benchmark for speed, reliability, and efficiency.

Telstra deployed Ericsson’s RAN Processor 6672 in a baseband pooling configuration, also called a Centralised RAN (C-RAN) configuration, delivering greater than three times capacity compared to the previous generation. The latest RAN processors are engineered to deliver exceptional data speeds with higher efficiency and reliability. These RAN Compute units handle all the digital signal processing tasks of the RAN including the modulation, demodulation, encoding and decoding and scheduling of a users’ LTE and NR traffic. A more advanced RAN Compute platform allows more data to be processed simultaneously, a better user experience optimised with advanced AI capability all while consuming less energy.

Telstra is the first telco globally to test, validate, and operate commercial traffic on this RAN Compute platform within their C-RAN hubs that service multiple radio sites. In a C-RAN configuration, the new RAN processors offer up to 60 percent lower energy consumption compared to a distributed deployment. This architecture also enables more flexible operations, remove single points of failure and efficient scaling of compute with the use of Ericsson’s packet fronthaul technology.

This deployment is a crucial step toward future-proofing the network and lays the groundwork for forthcoming 5G Advanced and associated technologies. With the latest RAN Compute technology Telstra’s network is set to evolve for the future, offering consumers new and improved features as soon as they are available. The new platform supports advanced automation and AI/ML capabilities, enabling a programmable network that offers enhanced flexibility and responsiveness. Compared to previous generations, the new RAN processors can have up to 20 times more pre-loaded AI models with higher inference capacity enabling superior user experience through AI. This capability will benefit various industries and applications through improved services and innovative network features.

Emilio Romeo, Head of Ericsson, Australia, and New Zealand, says, “The deployment of our latest Generation RAN compute platform with Telstra represents a significant global milestone in mobile technology. This breakthrough not only enhances current services but also prepares the network for future innovations providing a more reliable, sustainable experience.

Telstra’s Executive for Wireless Network Engineering, Sri Amirthalingam added, “We aspire to give our customers a world leading mobile experience and this technology will unlock new capabilities and support increased capacity in the network. With Ericsson’s support, it will help us meet our customers’ data needs more efficiently as they rely on their mobile for day-to day tasks and is an important step in laying the foundations for 6G.”

News 

China’s objective is to establish a comprehensive computing power infrastructure system by the end of 2025 in the face of US restrictions 

China has invested more than 43.5 billion yuan ($6.1 billion) in data centre investment over the past two years, according to an official statement on Thursday reported by Chinese state publication Xinhua. 

The funds have paid for the construction eight computing hubs as part of China’s “East Data, West Computing” initiative, launched in 2022 by Chinese National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). 

The concept involves storing data in the more economically developed eastern regions of China, where digital and industrial activity is concentrated, and processing it in the western regions, which have plenty of land and energy but lower data demand.   

The $6,1 billion investment includes the deployment of three server hubs on China’s populous east coast and five hubs in China’s central/western corridor.  

Speaking at a big data expo in Guiyang, in southwest China’s Guizhou Province, Liu Liehong, the head of the National Data Administration, reported that total investments linked to the hubs deployment had surpassed 200 billion yuan ($28.2 billion). He also mentioned that the number of data center racks now exceeds 1.95 million. 

This project is a critical element of China’s digital infrastructure strategy, aiming to boost the capacity of inland areas to store and manage data. China also has plans to create 10 national data center clusters as part of this broader effort.  

The push comes as the country has faced tight sanctions from the US, which have included exports of some advanced computing products. 

As computing power is emerging as a vital productive force in the digital economy, Liu explained that China will support cities in exploring new approaches over the next few years to determine the most effective solutions for data infrastructure development countrywide. 

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

Also in the news:
Coastguard’s emergency network gets an upgrade from Telent
AT&T fined nearly $1m over 911 failings
How will the CityFibre–Sky deal really affect BT?