1.    Introduction While 3GPP specifies the Radio Network Layer (RNL) for LTE, the Transport Network Layer (TNL) relies on standards from outside 3GPP. The main standardization bodies that define TNL technologies include IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union — Telecommunication Standardization Sector) and MEF (Metro … Read more

The idea of machines talking to one another can sound like the start of a new machine age, but machine-to-machine communication (M2M) is already a real and practical technology—and people remain central to its value. Far from replacing humans, M2M systems are being designed to bring benefits directly to users, improving convenience, safety, and quality … Read more

British communications regulator Ofcom is asking the public for their views on whether the 5GHz frequency band should be made freely available for public use or auctioned to commercial operators. Ofcom’s responsibility is to ensure radio spectrum is used efficiently. As wireless demand grows, managing spectrum becomes increasingly important to prevent interference, particularly in bands … Read more

TelecomsTech spoke with Pat Nash, managing director at InVMA and a partner of ThingWorx, about standardisation, Google Glass and how startups can compete in an increasingly crowded M2M and IoT market. Machine-to-machine (M2M) communications and the broader Internet of Things (IoT) promise significant change, but several challenges remain before the market reaches mainstream adoption. Two … Read more

The Nordic countries are asserting themselves as Europe’s 5G leaders, setting high standards for coverage, policy, and collaborative approaches that other nations can learn from. Industry data show that timely allocation of mid-band spectrum, a strong appetite for network sharing, and supportive government policies have helped the region outpace much of Europe in making 5G … Read more

Ookla Speedtest is reporting a noticeable decline in internet speeds across the US and Europe amid the coronavirus outbreak. The slowdown has become more apparent over the past week as more countries introduce stricter lockdown measures, including the UK’s announcement yesterday. Broadband speeds In the United States, average fixed broadband speeds fell from roughly 140 … Read more

A mobile game has been launched that puts teams into a virtual treasure hunt to help develop and evaluate 5G-related networking technology. The game is part of Bristol is Open, a smart city programme run by the University of Bristol in collaboration with Bristol City Council. The initiative will test new IP networking approaches intended … Read more

EchoStar has completed its $26 billion acquisition of DISH Network, combining two of the United States’ largest providers of satellite and wireless services into one integrated telecommunications company. Under the terms of the transaction, DISH Network is now a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar. All outstanding DISH Network common shares were converted into EchoStar shares, … Read more

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has warned that China seeks to “divide Western alliances through bits and bytes” and suggested the United States could reduce intelligence and security cooperation with the UK if it allows Huawei equipment into national 5G networks. During a short visit to the UK, Pompeo urged British leaders not to … Read more

Samsung Research America (SRA) has joined Princeton University’s new NextG Corporate Affiliates program, a collaboration designed to advance research on 6G wireless networks and related technologies by bringing industry and academia together. Launched within Princeton’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, the NextG initiative aims to drive innovation across networking, sensing, and other foundational areas … Read more