British cabinet minister Michael Gove has denounced the rumours linking 5G to coronavirus as “dangerous nonsense,” as a wave of vandalism has seen mobile masts set alight across the UK. You may have seen the claims circulating online. Scrolling social media recently reveals posts promoting the idea that 5G networks are responsible for COVID-19 — … Read more

A recent joint innovation project between Ericsson and Deutsche Telekom successfully demonstrated a millimetre-wave link capable of transmitting data at 40 Gbps. The live trial, staged at the Deutsche Telekom Service Centre in Athens, marks a clear step forward from today’s typical 10 Gbps deployments toward the eventual 100 Gbps era. The link operated over … Read more

For years there has been ongoing speculation about Apple’s potential move into the television market. The company’s interest was made most explicit by CEO Steve Jobs, who told biographer Walter Isaacson that the current TV experience was “brain dead.” “I should be able to walk into a room, ignore the remote controls, and say, ‘OK … Read more

(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/akrp) Why do over-the-top (OTT) communication apps like Skype, Viber, Line and WhatsApp exist? In my view, they arise to exploit inefficiencies in the market. If a ubiquitous, seamless, low-cost communication service that connected anyone, anywhere, across multiple media already existed, there would be no need for OTT players. In the mobile landscape, … Read more

(Image Credit: littlemoresunshine) Google’s Project Loon aims to provide internet access using high-altitude balloons that deliver a 4G-like signal down to the ground from roughly 20 kilometers up. In a significant development, Telstra, one of Australia’s largest mobile carriers, has partnered with Google to launch a test of 20 balloons over western Queensland this December. … Read more

(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/stocknshares) More than 36,000 Verizon employees are set to begin a strike tomorrow over a contract dispute. Verizon, however, says it is “fully prepared” to continue serving customers and has been making contingency preparations for such an outcome. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), which … Read more

In the past, suggesting that communication service providers (CSPs) should structure their operations like an e-commerce retailer such as Amazon would have seemed unlikely. The industries differ, yet customer expectations have converged: today’s users expect a seamless, efficient experience comparable to leading online retailers. With the arrival of 5G and the automation it enables, CSPs … Read more

India is poised for a major shift in connectivity as Orbit Connect India, a joint venture between Reliance Industries’ Jio Platforms and Luxembourg-based SES, has received the necessary approvals to operate satellites over the country. This approval marks a significant milestone toward accelerating satellite-based internet access across India’s vast and varied terrain. IN-SPACe (Indian National … Read more

A new generation of Wi‑Fi connectivity is being rolled out: Hotspot 2.0. This next-generation hotspot technology removes many of the friction points that frustrate users today, delivering a smoother, more secure connection experience. TelecomsTech (TT) spoke with Dave Wright (DW) from Ruckus Wireless after the company, together with UK-based Global Reach Technology, launched large-scale municipal … Read more

Once again attracting attention as what some critics call a bid for positive headlines, the UK government has re-announced the same broadband investment plan it unveiled twice before. The £400 million Digital Infrastructure Investment Fund was first mentioned ahead of the Autumn Statement late last year and later confirmed by Chancellor Philip Hammond. After a … Read more