(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/rvlsoft) TelecomsTech spoke with the CEO of Tesco Mobile and the founder of mobile advertising technology company Unlockd to explain how the technology behind Tesco’s bill-reducing “Xtras” scheme works and what benefits it might offer consumers. Xtras, for those unfamiliar, is a new offering from Tesco Mobile that claims to reduce customers’ monthly … Read more
Japanese telecommunications operators have established a cooperative framework designed to accelerate the restoration of networks after large-scale disasters. The consortium, which began operations on 1 December 2024, includes six subsidiaries of the NTT Group, KDDI Corporation, SoftBank, and Rakuten Mobile. This joint effort aims to strengthen disaster response and recovery capabilities across the industry. Japan’s … Read more
Vodafone is launching a consumer-focused Internet of Things (IoT) brand designed to make connected devices simple and accessible for everyday users. Drawing on the company’s strong market position and experience delivering enterprise IoT solutions, the new range aims to simplify setup, management and billing for customers. The new brand, called “V by Vodafone,” offers a … Read more
A controversial law requiring new mobile subscribers in China to provide facial scans has now come into effect. Under the new rule, consumers signing up for a mobile plan must present their national ID card and submit a facial scan. Announced in September, Chinese authorities say the measure is intended to “protect the legitimate rights … Read more
T-Mobile has launched a 5G network slicing beta program for developers. The initial beta aims to help developers enhance video calling apps by providing optimized network conditions—consistent uplink and downlink speeds, lower latency, and improved reliability—leveraging T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G Standalone (5G SA) network. Ulf Ewaldsson, President of Technology at T-Mobile, said: “The wireless industry has … Read more
Traditional SMS has largely been replaced by mobile chat applications that use the internet to provide unlimited messaging with far fewer restrictions and no per-message charges. This shift has led to a wide variety of messaging apps entering the market. While features vary from app to app, the core idea remains the same: instant, free … Read more
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk dismissed several executives after expressing dissatisfaction with the pace of development and testing for the company’s broadband satellite program. According to Reuters, at least seven managers were removed within hours of Musk’s visit to engineers working on the Starlink project. Sources say Musk was concerned the program was not progressing quickly … Read more
Huawei is pursuing more than $1 billion from US telecommunications provider Verizon over claims involving more than 230 patents. The Chinese vendor alleges Verizon owes licensing fees tied to patented technologies. A Huawei intellectual property executive has said Verizon should settle the amount to “resolve the patent licensing issue.” The patents at the center of … Read more
Airbus and MediaTek have completed the world’s first practical trial of 5G NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) technology using Eutelsat OneWeb’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. This milestone demonstrates seamless interoperability between terrestrial and satellite networks, reduces access costs, and paves the way for satellite broadband to reach billions of 5G devices worldwide. Arlen Kassighian, Chief … Read more
UK-based low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite company OneWeb has announced a further $500 million investment from Bharti Global, marking another significant development in a busy week for the firm. Last year, OneWeb secured $1 billion in funding from the UK Government and Bharti Global. Rt. Hon Kwasi Kwarteng, MP, Secretary of State for BEIS, commented: “Today’s … Read more