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.
NEW YORK – February 19, 2025 –Lightpath, an all-fiber infrastructure-based connectivity provider that is revolutionizing how organizations connect to their digital destinations, announced its entrance into the Phoenix market with a new 230-route mile, high-fiber count network throughout the region, anchored by multiple hyperscaler customers.
The Phoenix network build will encompass 230-route miles of underground, multi-conduit systems with capacity for 20,000 fibers, connecting 8 data center campuses and carrier hotel locations, with an additional 30+ data center campuses near the planned routes. The network will connect emerging data center ecosystems in Goodyear, Buckeye, Chandler, Glendale, Mesa, and Tempe, with additional connectivity to major carrier hotels throughout Phoenix Metro.
Construction of the network has already commenced with priority routes targeted for completion in Q2 of 2025. Subsequent routes will be service-ready on a phased basis with overall completion in 2026.
Lightpath will be offering a full range of infrastructure and connectivity services on its Phoenix network, including high-count dark fiber, conduit services, wavelengths up to 800 Gbps, Ethernet, Internet, and more. In addition to hyperscalers, the Lightpath Phoenix network will be available to enterprises, educators, governments, carriers, and wireless providers.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with our hyperscale customers to develop the next generation of fiber infrastructure in greater metropolitan Phoenix,” explained Chris Morley, CEO of Lightpath. “Phoenix represents the fifth largest data center ecosystem globally with 1.6GW of operational capacity and an additional 1+GW planned by 2027.”
Phoenix Network Designed to Support Massive AI-Driven Connectivity Requirements
The massive fiber-density and overall capacity of the network design are direct reflections of the unprecedented connectivity demand the company is seeing from hyperscalers planning for AI-related initiatives. Lightpath previously announced $110 million of AI-related bookings in 2024 with a remaining demand pipeline of approximately $1 billion.
“The incredible fiber density in our Phoenix network is designed to support AI workload requirements that are estimated to be 10x those required to serve today’s multi-cloud network architectures,” explained Tim Haverkate, EVP of Major Infrastructure Solutions, Lightpath. “Add to that more capacity for other market segments and customers, and this is the densest network we have ever brought to market, by far.”
Indian billionaire and Bharti Enterprises chairperson Sunil Mittal (pictured) has sold US$976 million worth of Bharti Airtel shares as he looks to secure funds for other ventures.
According to Bloomberg, Mittal’s company, Indian Continental Investment – a founding entity of Bharti Airtel, India’s second-largest telecom operator – sold 51 million shares (0.84%) for INR 84.85 billion (US$976 million).
Around a quarter of these shares were sold to holding company Bharti Telecom, while the remainder went to GQG Partners LLC, Fidelity Investments, Lazard Inc., SBI Life Insurance Co., and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Co., sources told Bloomberg.
The share sale disclosure follows Bharti Airtel’s strong financial performance, including a 460.9% year-on-year surge in net profit, driven by growth in its Indian mobile business and investments in African markets.
Mittal is also invested in UK-based satellite company OneWeb, after Bharti Enterprises acquired a 24.5% stake from BT Group last year.
The Innovation Centre is supported by a grant from the Spanish Space Agency and will allow partners to test solutions combining satellite and mobile connectivity
Vodafone has this week announced the creation of a new innovation centre in Málaga, Spain, aimed at better integrating satellite and terrestrial mobile communications.
The centre’s creation is partially financed by a grant from the Spanish Space Agency and includes AST SpaceMobile and the University of Málaga as its key initial partners.
According to Vodafone, the centre “will specifically focus on the design, testing and validation of new open-source hardware, software, and processing chips that can work interchangeably in both space and terrestrial networks”, according to a joint press release.
More specifically, the centre will house a space-to-land gateway, allowing third parties to test services using AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites.
AST SpaceMobile launched its first five commercial low Earth orbit satellites in September last year. These satellites are designed to integrate with mobile networks, allowing regular smartphone users to access satellite connectivity whenever terrestrial connectivity is lost.
These initial five satellites are set to cover the US, while subsequent launches set to increase coverage across the globe.
AST SpaceMobile already has agreements with 45 mobile network operators worldwide, including Vodafone.
“As society becomes more digital, the need to close coverage gaps increases. Vodafone, together with AST SpaceMobile and the University of Málaga, will forge partnerships with like-minded organisations to build harmonious space and earth networks to meet Europe’s ambitious targets for ubiquitous digital connectivity,” said Alberto Ripepi, Vodafone Group’s Chief Network Officer.
Vodafone says that it expects to commercially launch direct-to-device satellite connectivity services in parts of Europe later this year.
The Centre is expected to open for partners by summer this year.
The North East’s pioneering role in advanced wireless innovation took centre stage at the 5G Innovation Regions (5GIR) Showcase.
Bringing together industry leaders, government representatives and technology innovators, the event celebrated the progress, impact and future potential of advanced wireless infrastructure use cases across key sectors, including smart port operations, agritech, connected transport and creative industries.
Spearheaded by Sunderland City Council in collaboration with the North East Combined Authority, this initiative is driving regional innovation and connectivity. The 5GIR programme has established the North East as a national leader in digital innovation and demonstrated close partnerships with industry, academia and technology providers. With investment from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the region has accelerated the deployment of cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of connectivity, industry and sustainability.
Through these four pioneering projects, the region is demonstrating how connectivity can enhance efficiency, safety and engagement, ensuring no one and nowhere is left behind.
Opening the event at City Hall in Sunderland, Patrick Melia, chief executive of Sunderland City Council and digital lead officer for the North East Combined Authority, reinforced the region’s commitment to harnessing technology for economic growth, social impact and environmental sustainability. Patrick said: “5G innovation is not just about infrastructure, but about real-world benefits. Our goal encompasses more than leveraging technology alone, it’s focused on the impact technological advancement has on people’s lives, prospects and the opportunities it opens for them.”
This sentiment was echoed by Rob Hamilton, chief economist at the North East Combined Authority,who highlighted that: “Technology must serve a purpose, driving real benefits for businesses and communities across the North East.
“5G infrastructure is underpinning the region’s ambitions for economic resilience, digital inclusion and future skills development.”
The showcase event focused on the impressive progress across four main projects, each demonstrating the vital role of advanced wireless technologies, including 5G, in reshaping regional industries: Connected Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS), Creative Industries, Smart Port and Agritech.
Connected Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS): One focus of the showcase was the Connected Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) project, which leverages 5G to improve the movement of people and goods across the region. Mark Wilson from Sunderland City Council’s HighwaysAuthority said: “5G connectivity is enabling real-time traffic management, multimodal journey planning and enhanced safety measures.
“By integrating live data, we are creating a smarter, more efficient transport network across our region, whilst demonstrating how this can be transferred and implemented throughout the UK.”
Adrian Molloy, Head of Delivery at Boldyn Networks, discussed the role of 5G private networks in enabling autonomous vehicle integration and AI-driven analytics for transport efficiency. Simon Edwards, Senior Researcher in Inclusive Mobility at Newcastle University, further emphasised the role of CITS in supporting connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) trials, highlighting the potential for real-time data exchange between vehicles and infrastructure to optimise mobility solutions.
Creative Industries The showcase also featured groundbreaking applications in the Creative Industries, with a focus on immersive digital experiences and real-time broadcasting. Two major use cases were introduced: live 360º video broadcasting and the Sunderland EXPO Pavilion, one of the UK’s largest immersive screens, developed in collaboration with Animmersion and ArtAV.
Marion Dixon, Assistant Director Regulatory Services and Events at Sunderland City Council, said:“The EXPO Pavilion serves as adynamic digital canvas, showcasing the city’sculture, music and heritage. It’s been incredible to see live demonstrations in Keel Square – broadcast in real time using 5G-enabled cameras and dual-SIM broadcasting technology –redefining audience engagement as we merge technology and creativity to bring digital content to life in public spaces.”
The project team at Port of Tyne – part of the 5GIR North East Showcase.
Smart Port On the second day, attendees visited Port of Tyne’s Innovation Hub, where Dr Jo North, innovation ecosystem director, and Mark Stoner, chief financial officer at the Port, highlighted how 5G is transforming port operations. Mark said: “The expansion of our private 5G network, in partnership with BT and Ericsson, is enabling real-time monitoring of road conditions, vehicle movements and environmental impact. This enhanced connectivity allows us to proactively manage safety risks, optimise logistics and improve operational efficiency across the Port.
“By leveraging data-driven insights, we are creating a smarter, safer and more sustainable port environment that supports the wider supply chain and maritime industry.”
The implementation of AI-enhanced PPE monitoring, vehicle tracking and automated maintenance insights, are further reinforcing the Port’s vision to become a smart, green and fully connected logistics hub.
Agritech The showcase concluded with a visit to Newcastle University’s Nafferton Farm, where attendees explored advanced wireless farm sensors for soil health monitoring and methane reduction. Dr Elisa Lopez Capel, senior lecturer in soil science at Newcastle University, demonstrated how LoRaWAN-connected sensors are providing continuous soil condition data, while James Standen, director of Newcastle University Farms, detailed the use of IoT technology in precision agriculture to improve sustainability and efficiency.
Dr Hannah Davis of Newcastle University introduced the methane monitoring use case, explaining its critical role in reducing agriculture’s carbon footprint. By leveraging advanced wireless infrastructure, researchers have developed low-cost methane sensors, which are now installed in the dairy parlour at Nafferton Farm. This technology advances environmental sustainability whilst unlocking opportunities for carbon credits and additional revenue streams.
The 5GIR North East Showcase reinforced the region’s status as a leader in digital transformation, demonstrating how collaboration, investment, and innovation are shaping the future. With projects already delivering tangible benefits, the North East continues to drive forward as a blueprint for connected, intelligent and sustainable communities.
Intracom Telecom, a global technology systems and solutions provider, is once again participating in Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, taking place on March 3-6, 2025.
At the company’s stand #7B44 in Hall 7, Intracom Telecom will feature its cutting-edge technologies designed to drive growth across diversified customers and industries.
More specifically, Intracom Telecom will unveil its Smart Carrier-Grade wireless transport & FWA portfolio. On display there will be the latest innovations for mmWave FWA connecting subscribers with speeds up to 2Gbps and at ranges exceeding 8km. The company will also showcase its Long-Range E-Band Solutions, demonstrating its unique technology with symmetrical speed up to 38 Gbps perfectly suited for the demands of the 5G/5G+ era. The portfolio will also feature advanced technologies for 5G Backhaul, offering Multi-Gigabit MW Transmission. Furthermore, Intracom Telecom’s Network Lifecycle Automation solutions will be showcased, demonstrating how they streamline deployment, management, and optimization across diverse network environments.
Additionally, the Group will unveil its high-performance antennas with Intelligent Beam Tracking technology, ensuring optimal network efficiency and superior connectivity, even in challenging weather conditions.
In the software domain, Intracom Telecom will highlight AI-driven solutions focused on sustainability, quality of experience (QoE), and customer experience (CX). Specifically, the company will present new platform features designed to optimize the efficiency of telco networks, data centers, and OpenRAN-based radio access networks. Using AI and real-time monitoring, these features enhance performance through accurate KPI prediction and digital twin profiling of RAN infrastructure. Another key attraction will be the latest release of its Unified Data and AI platform, that empowers its customers to easily develop and deploy Generative AI applications based on commercial and open-source language models, enabling use of AI Agents to take over complex and labor-intensive tasks, allowing them to achieve unprecedented cost efficiencies and decreased time to market.
Alexandros Tarnaris, Corporate Communications Director atIntracom Telecom Group, stated:“MWC 2025 provides an excellent platform for us to demonstrate how our innovative solutions are empowering operators and ISPs to meet the evolving demands of modern networks. We’ve been participating in this show since 2007, and every year our R&D team develops new technologies to showcase. This year, the technologies on display are designed to drive efficiency, sustainability, and superior customer experiences across AI, FWA, 5G, and beyond.”
Colt Technology Services (Colt), the global digital infrastructure company, today announced an expansion to its technology portfolio with Managed LEO+, a new managed service which integrates Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity with cellular 4G/5G. Managed LEO+, now available to Colt customers across 65 countries, brings a greater choice of networking technologies to businesses with operations – such as production facilities, manufacturing sites and retail locations – in rural and hard-to-reach areas. The new service complements Colt’s fibre connectivity by providing businesses with alternative back-up options for their infrastructure and is ideal for organisations looking for rapid deployment*.
Managed LEO+ is launched following a successful trial with a global biopharmaceutical company which has operations in 30 countries, some of which are in rural locations previously underserved by network providers. The company needed a secure, sustainable, futureproof digital infrastructure to connect and integrate its operations; to run tools and applications; and to share data between sites in areas such as research and development and supply chain management.
The company required consistently high levels of performance and reliability, regardless of whether they were located in urban or rural areas. Colt’s managed LEO 4G/5G network met these requirements and more, enabling efficient remote access, improving collaboration and ensuring robust levels of regulatory compliance.
Managed LEO+ demonstrates Colt’s commitment to delivering innovative connectivity solutions which address the unique needs of its customers while maintaining business continuity in the most challenging environments.
Annette Murphy, chief commercial officer, Colt Technology Services said, “Businesses with operations in remote and hard-to-reach areas are disadvantaged by patchy, low-quality access to their enterprise networks. This isn’t just frustrating for them: it slows progress, stifles innovation and excludes them from the digital economy. Our new Managed LEO+ service complements our existing fibre network and provides an exciting new option for high-performing, secure network access – and it’s fully managed by Colt, so businesses benefit from our mission to remove complexity and make life easier for them”.
Colt’s expansive global network spans four continents, with a land-based network in 40 countries and ten subsea systems, including subsea cables and landing stations.
Managed LEO + completes Colt’s trio of digital infrastructure across land, sea, and low Earth orbit, offering wide coverage and secure, low-latency networks to help global businesses succeed.
*The site survey determines the optimal location for the satellite antenna and establishes the required works guidelines to install the necessary equipment. Following approval of the works by the customer or site owner, the deployment is scheduled taking no more than 24 hours including installation, commissioning and testing.
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