Press Release

Ekinops, a leading optical transport and network access specialist, today announced that Global Caribbean Network (GCN), a provider of wholesale capacity to telcos in the Caribbean region, has upgraded its existing subsea cable network using the Ekinops360 WDM platform with FlexRate™ technology.

GCN operates a cable system in the Guadeloupe region of the Caribbean consisting of critical routes unserved by other cables. With service areas separated by long spans that have challenging optical requirements, GCN needed a solution that could support services from 10G to 100G on extended links over 350Km. Using the 400FRS04-SF module, ROADMs and low noise amplifiers from Ekinops, GCN is now able to deliver the bandwidth needed for the local service providers throughout the region to offer high bandwidth internet services to the local populations.

GCN built its original cable system as part of a public service delegation contract with the regional council of Guadeloupe. By its nature, the contract requires control of the cable be returned to the regional government after a fixed period of time. As a pre-requisite GCN needed to modernize the infrastructure with a future-proof network capable of supporting higher capacities. Recognizing Ekinops’ ability to deliver the solution, services and support it needed within a tight schedule, GCN selected the Ekinops360 even after comparing it to purpose-built submarine systems.

“We were very impressed with Ekinops ability to not just meet our requirements but also their willingness to work with us in finding the best solution,” commented Axel Adenet, Chief Operations Officer at GCN. “We made it our mission to upgrade the network with cutting-edge equipment and technology, as we wanted to ensure that the cable system may continue in operation for many years and Ekinops proved to be the best partner for doing that. Being able to use a French technology company has also been a key factor in our choice since national sovereignty stakes are high for these strategic data flows.”

“The platform flexibility of the Ekinops360 makes it highly efficient for a wide range of applications, including subsea deployment,” said Frank Dedobbeleer, Chief Revenue Officer, EMEA & APAC at Ekinops: “Ekinops origins are actually in the submarine world, so we are able to leverage our deep expertise in this area to address the needs of customers like GCN.”

Featured Event
Submarine Networks EMEA is the largest annual subsea connectivity event, bringing together 1,000 senior leaders from the global subsea market –  www.totaltele.com/subnets

Press Release

eCommunity™ Fiber, a leading open-access fiber network provider, today announced the deployment of Ciena’s (NYSE: CIEN) routing and multi-layer network control solutions as the high-capacity backbone connecting The District in Morrow, Georgia, directly to the Atlanta Internet Gateway. This continued collaboration with Ciena underscores the foundational technical infrastructure enabling Morrow’s ambitious smart city transformation.

Ciena, the global leader in high-speed connectivity, has been the central technology provider for eCommunity™ Fiber’s network over the last 3 years. It is now being expanded to provide Morrow with resilient, high-bandwidth connectivity essential for supporting a new era of municipal innovation—from sophisticated IoT integrations and advanced public safety applications to ubiquitous community Wi-Fi and citizen-centric digital services.

Ciena’s 5164 Routers ensure reliable and scalable transport, acting as the vital artery that links Morrow’s developing smart city network, including the recently activated services at The District, to the broader digital landscape via the Atlanta Internet Gateway. This core connectivity empowers eCommunity™ Fiber’s open-access model, allowing multiple service providers to deliver high-speed internet, voice, and video services over a shared, cutting-edge infrastructure.

“The City of Morrow very much understands the difference between internet access and connectivity and how to prepare themselves for the future of technology,” explains Jerrald Rector, COO of eCommunity™ Fiber

Building a future-ready smart city requires a network backbone that is not only high-performing and reliable but also inherently scalable to meet evolving demands. Ciena’s routing and multi-layer network control technologies provide the critical capacity and resilience needed to extend advanced digital capabilities throughout Morrow, ensuring seamless connectivity for residents, businesses, and crucial smart city applications.

“Ciena’s routers and multi-layer management provide the high-capacity, low-latency connectivity that’s essential for a successful smart city initiative. eCommunity™ Fiber’s backbone will give Morrow a reliable, future-ready foundation to support its diverse smart city applications,” said Kevin Sheehan, CTO of the Americas, Ciena.

The deployment of Ciena’s 5164 Routers and Navigator Network Control Suite is a significant step in Morrow’s multi-phased smart city initiative, supporting the activation of a fully integrated 4-tier private network featuring Fiber-to-the-Premise, Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN, and LTE 4G/5G technologies. This robust infrastructure is a blueprint for other municipalities aiming to leverage advanced connectivity to enhance public services and drive economic growth.

About eCommunity™ Fiber

eCommunity™ Fiber is the public-facing brand of A2D, Inc., a Georgia-based open-access network provider dedicated to closing the digital divide in underserved communities across the U.S. By investing in cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships, eCommunity™ Fiber empowers communities with the digital infrastructure needed to thrive in the 21st century.

About the City of Morrow

The City of Morrow, located in Clayton County, Georgia, is committed to fostering innovation and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Through strategic partnerships and forward-thinking initiatives, the city is building a digitally inclusive future, with developments like The District at Olde Town Morrow serving as a dynamic hub for community engagement and technological advancement.

Ciena are Bronze sponsors of the Broadband Communities Summit, taking place in Houston, TX from June 23-25th 2025. Book your ticket by visiting www.bbcmag.com/summit 

Indianapolis, IN – June 11, 2025 – Rural Tower Cooperative, a for-profit agricultural cooperative dedicated to bridging the digital divide, announces its portfolio of GIS-qualified rural parcels available for telecom companies seeking to expand broadband infrastructure. With pre-screened sites across the midwest including Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Virginia, the cooperative offers telecoms a streamlined path to deploy 5G towers and fiber networks in unserved BEAD and RDOF zones.

Rural Tower Cooperative connects motivated landowners with telecom providers at no cost to farmers, using advanced GIS analysis to identify parcels with optimal terrain, road access, and power proximity. “Our mission is to accelerate rural broadband by providing telecoms with ready-to-lease sites,” said David Christophersen, General Manager. “Our parcels are vetted to meet ISP needs, saving time and costs in site acquisition.”

Telecom companies, including ISPs and tower operators, can access these parcels through Rural Tower Cooperative’s efficient lead generation process, ensuring exclusive, high-value opportunities. The cooperative’s model supports federal initiatives like USDA ReConnect, positioning it as a key partner for broadband expansion.

For inquiries or to explore available sites, contact David Christophersen at info@ruraltowercoop.com Visit http://www.ruraltowercoop.com for more information.

About Rural Tower Cooperative
Rural Tower Cooperative is a for-profit agricultural cooperative based in Indiana facilitating rural broadband deployment by connecting landowners with telecom providers. Our database of GIS pre-screened sites combined with motivated landowners is designed to help telecom companies accelerate deployment for RDOF/BEAD projects nationwide.

Media Contact
David Christophersen
General Manager, Rural Tower Cooperative
(317) 606-1025
info@ruraltowercoop.com

The US government has announced it will replace Huawei telecoms equipment installed at 13 sites across Panama, in a move it says is aimed at countering China’s influence in the Americas.

Approximately US$8 million will be invested in the project, which will be carried out in partnership with Panama’s Ministry of Public Security. The initiative is expected to be completed within two years and will include the installation of seven new towers across four provinces – resulting in significantly improved coverage, according to the US government, and strengthening shared security between the US and Panama.

The US government also stated that the project will support Panamanian security forces in efforts to combat drug and arms trafficking, human smuggling, and other forms of organised crime.

It added that it is working to safeguard the national security of countries across the Western Hemisphere and described the Chinese Communist Party as a threat.

Zoom has expanded its Zoom Phone service to additional locations in India after receiving approval from the country’s telecom regulator – a move the US-based company says enables coverage of key business hubs.

The B2B cloud-based VoIP service is now available in the telecom circles of Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Karnataka (Bengaluru), and Andhra Pradesh & Telangana (Hyderabad). This builds on Zoom’s initial deployment in the Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu telecom circles in February 2025.

Sameer Raje, General Manager and Head of Zoom India & SAARC, said Zoom Phone is now available in “six of India’s most prominent business and technology hubs”.

Zoom Phone enables enterprises to replace legacy private branch exchange (PBX) systems and consolidate communications on a single platform – Zoom Workplace – which also features AI enhancements.

News

The solution allows riders on bus journeys to enjoy Wi-Fi connectivity via satellite

This week, satellite operator Viasat has announced that Brazilian transport operator Satélite Norte is the first to make use of its new Digital Bus solution.

Through the installation of Viasat hardware, Digital Bus combines satellite and cellular connectivity (when available) to provide onboard Wi-Fi services, even when driving in a remote location.

In tests, the solution showed provided consistent Wi-Fi performance on vehicles travelling from Goiânia, in the state of Goiás, to São Paulo, over 500 miles away.

In addition to benefits for customers, the integration of satellite connectivity also allows the transport company to better track, monitor, and manage its vehicle fleet. It will also allow for targeted and dynamic advertising, as well as a platform for gathering passenger feedback.

“Across many regions of the world buses are a key transport link – particularly in places where air travel is expensive, and rail routes are lacking,” said Andy Kessler, Vice President, Enterprise and Land Mobile at Viasat. “After launching Digital Bus earlier this month, we are proud to partner with Satélite Norte to bring our Digital Bus solution to Brazil. Together, we’re proving that reliable connectivity is transforming the passenger experience and helping operators digitize and elevate their entire operation. As premium road travel continues to grow, internet access is no longer a luxury, it’s an essential part of the journey.”

For Satélite Norte, this more reliable connectivity is viewed as a differentiator, allowing them to offer a service unavailable to competitors.

“Our partnership with Viasat aligns perfectly with our mission to offer comfort, innovation, and a differentiated experience to our passengers. We believe that high-quality onboard connectivity will become a competitive advantage and add even more value to our luxury route between Goiás and São Paulo,” said Waldir Sampaio, Executive Director of Satélite Norte.

Viasat says it is working with OEMs line-fit the solution in the near future.

Keep up to date with all the latest telecoms news with the Total Telecom newsletter

Also in the news:
SWR deploys Europe’s first ’Rail-5G’ Wi-Fi  
BT accelerates fibre rollout amid cost cuts
AT&T agrees $5.75 billion deal for Lumen’s consumer fibre asset

Vodafone Idea will launch 5G services in Bengaluru tomorrow (11 June), marking the latest step in its phased rollout across India. The operator is aiming to reach 17 cities with commercial 5G services by August.

To attract new users, Vodafone Idea is offering unlimited data on 5G plans priced at INR299 and above. The service is already live in Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Patna, and Chandigarh.

Samsung has supplied equipment for the operator’s 5G network. Vodafone Idea noted it is using “AI-powered Self-Organising Networks (SON)” to optimise performance and improve energy efficiency.

In tandem with the 5G launch, the company has upgraded its 4G infrastructure in Karnataka. It has deployed 900MHz spectrum on nearly 3,000 sites to boost indoor coverage, doubled 2,100MHz spectrum capacity at 1,800 sites, and added 2,100MHz spectrum to a further 1,000 locations.

Additionally, more than 4,100 sites were upgraded with increased 1,800MHz capacity, resulting in better coverage and improved data throughput. These upgrades have delivered a 46% increase in capacity since March 2024.

Anand Dani, Business Head for Karnataka at Vodafone Idea, said: “Encouraged by the strong response and robust performance in our launched markets, we are committed to expanding our 5G footprint in line with growing demand and 5G handset adoption.”

7.5’s focus was centered around making our easy-to-use apps even more intuitive through the addition of many quality-of-life features that aim to eliminate needless app navigation time and let you both access and use the app at the snap of your fingers.

PBXware

Single Sign-On (SSO) Authentication Implementation

The first addition coming to PBXware with 7.5 is the introduction of SSO to the platform, allowing users to use one set of credentials to log into any part of the Bicom Systems product suite that the account is eligible for, across any device.

On top of improved ease of access, the main benefit of SSO authentication is to enhance security levels, as well as making user management easier for service providers. 

Compliance With Alyssa’s Law

With the integration of the CyberData SIP Call Button with the PBX platform, PBXware has helped bring its emergency response capabilities up to snuff with those outlined in Alyssa’s Law.

This device will, when activated, trigger a pre-configured call and play a recorded message, ensuring immediate alert dissemination.

It acts as a reliable safety solution for many public facilities that require such a silent and quick-acting alert system that enables quicker response times from local law enforcement during potentially life-threatening situations.

Enabling Custom HTTP Requests Through The Event Manager

Next on our list of new additions coming with 7.5 is the Event Manager which allows PBXware admins to do the configurations needed and the system to trigger custom HTTP requests based on already defined system events.

This enables them to use parameters for dynamic data that makes it a great deal easier to monitor these events going forward.

Automatic Call Recording Transcriptions

AI technology still remains largely unexplored, but it has seen some great applications in helping improve everyday communication and business workflows.

To that end, we’ve added a new functionality that requires integration with third-party services,  with the added feature to either automatically transcribe customer call recordings in order, or to prioritize a more recent transcription, one can do so on-demand from the PBXware GUI.

They can be accessed from the GUI or by using the API.

Access to these transcriptions can greatly improve future customer and end user interactions, and should prove a great asset in further improving CX overall.

SMS Rating

7.5 also introduces SMS rating, allowing PBXware admins to rate SMS messages sent from extensions based on the Service Plan assigned to them and charged accordingly.

The feature allows them to define custom SMS and MMS rates for both national and international messages, ensuring flexible pricing that reflects real-world costs.

The system is equipped to distinguish between national and international messages automatically.

This feature also comes with the Inclusive SMS & MMS features, allowing admins to set up a number of free SMS and MMS messages that can be sent individually or through bulk messaging without charge depending on the Service Plan that the extension is assigned to, and to give users a flexible, real-world billing experience.

MOS (Mean Opinion Score)

An optional feature, but a relatively important one still is the MOS (Mean Opinion Score) one, coming with v7.5.

With the newest version, call reports will include the MOS metric by default, allowing users to more easily monitor call quality for individual calls, uncover potential issues and fix them before they escalate any further.

The gloCOM Suite

SSO

PBXware’s inclusion of the Single-Sign On Authentication feature extends to the gloCOM suite as well, enhancing security and enabling faster login processes.

Better Communication Organisation With Chat Threads

7.5 brings with itself an improvement in chat organization in the form of Chat Threads, little subsections of chat conversations that can be created for more topical discussion and accessed with ease without having to scroll through previous conversations to reach it, available to you at any time through a simple button press.

Editing Your Chat Messages

For those of you who tend to make a typo in chat every now and then and dislike having to write extra lines of text in order to remedy it, this feature is for you.

In order to help keep chats cleaner and more focused, 7.5 is introducing the ability to edit your existing chat messages, thus eliminating the need to send any extra lines of text.

 Microsoft Teams Presence

This addition helps expand gloCOM’s flexibility by streamlining its use to an even greater number of people, and allows those utilizing Teams and gloCOM in their daily workflow to sync their presence status from Teams to gloCOM.

The inclusion of MS Teams Presence will greatly increase the value of the upcoming gloCOM for Teams app.

Meeting Integration

With v7.5, gloCOM Web users can now enjoy a seamless Meeting experience directly within the app, thanks to the integration of gloCOM Meeting Web as a built-in module.

To support this, we’ve redesigned the interface for a more intuitive and streamlined experience.

All core meeting controls—like inviting participants, assigning co-organizers, and managing privacy settings—are now fully available within gloCOM Web.

From this version forward, there is no longer a separate gloCOM Meeting Web app; everything is unified under one roof.

Contact Center

Agent Auto Logout

In order to better workforce management and system efficiency, we have introduced the Agent Auto Logout feature with the release of 7.5.

As its name implies, the feature tracks a Scheduled Timer through subsequent system check intervals, ensuring that Agents are logged out at a set time with up to a 5 minute grace period if the Agent is on an active call.

This helps keep operating times punctual and makes sure that agents don’t accidentally log additional work hours because they forgot to log out, which would lead to inaccuracies in generated statistics.

Additionally, should agents forget to log off manually, the system will do the process for them during the next system check interval.

IMAP Mailbox Fields – Omnichannel

In order to facilitate better email filtering, we have implemented IMAP mailbox fields into Omnichannel which allow users to specify a custom email folder from which emails will be downloaded and, consequently, email requests will be created.

This ensures that only select emails are processed and turned into tickets, improving organisation and agent efficiency.

sipPROT

SIP INVITEs Rate Limiter

With the release of sipPROT 5.4 Standalone, sipPROT comes with a few new features of its own, with the SIP INVITEs rate limiter being one of them.

It provides administrators with the ability to better manage spam invites and offers them greater control over incoming SIP traffic.

Additionally, despite being rejected, these invites are still logged in the attack log to allow for further monitoring and action against them if needed.

IPv6 Address Detection

With v5.4, sipPROT gains the capability to detect IPv6 addresses used for malicious actions on the system.

This detection also extends to its dynamic blocking capabilities, improving your level of security against bad actors.

And More…

These are only some of the more notable changes that have been introduced with the release of 7.5.

As always, plenty of other bug fixes, quality of life changes and feature updates have also been implemented to ensure smoother workflows and less tedium during app interaction

These changes should further streamline your experience with the Bicom product suite as a whole, as well as make your work easier going forward.

We look forward to seeing your feedback on these new additions and hope that the changes in v7.5 have increased your overall enjoyment of our products. If you have any extra questions, feel free to Contact Us.