(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/Milan Markovic) European regulators often argue that maintaining four network operators per country is essential to preserve strong competition and protect consumers from price increases. However, a recent analysis by Morningstar challenges that assumption and suggests the evidence supporting the four-operator rule is weak. That finding could undermine objections to proposed deals such … Read more

(c)iStock.com/alxpin San Marino is set to become one of the first states in Europe to introduce 5G-related technologies after its government signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Telecom Italia (TIM). The agreement outlines a phased upgrade of the microstate’s mobile network to deliver substantial improvements in capacity, coverage and service capabilities. The Republic of … Read more

WhatsApp, the leading OTT messaging service with more than 1.5 billion active users, has confirmed that an “advanced cyber actor” exploited a critical vulnerability to install spyware on some users’ devices. Because of its massive global user base, WhatsApp is a frequent target for both independent and state-sponsored attackers. In this incident, the attackers executed … Read more

Two of the commercial satellite industry’s largest operators are combining forces to strengthen their position against the rapid expansion of low-Earth orbit (LEO) broadband constellations led by SpaceX’s Starlink. In a $3.1 billion transaction announced Tuesday, Luxembourg-based SES will acquire rival Intelsat, forming a combined fleet of roughly 100 satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO). The … Read more

A new report from Pyramid Research forecasts that China will surpass the United States to become the world’s largest cellular machine-to-machine (M2M) market in the coming years. Entitled “Cellular M2M Connections: An Analysis of Growth Drivers, Market Segments and Operator Approaches,” the study estimates that China’s M2M device count was about 45 million in 2013 … Read more

Swedish technology provider Ericsson has announced plans to acquire media services company Red Bee Media for an undisclosed sum. Ericsson has long been a leading vendor of telecommunications and networking equipment, but media services have not traditionally been a core part of its business. Previously, media and consumer electronics activities were partly handled through the … Read more

Although its share is slowly increasing, Microsoft’s Windows Phone has not achieved the level of success the company likely expected by now. That’s unfortunate, because while Android — the market leader — can be seen as an extension of ideas popularized by iOS, and iOS itself is often criticized as being conservative in terms of … Read more

BT has begun replacing Huawei equipment in its networks with technology from Ericsson for its 4G and 5G core infrastructure. After a multi-year security review, the UK government decided in January to permit limited use of Huawei equipment, but imposed strict conditions on that decision. Key restrictions include a ban on Huawei equipment in any … Read more

At a time when unemployment is at record highs, Ericsson’s announcement that it expects to create new jobs in the UK is welcome news. The Swedish telecommunications vendor predicts that its 5G rollout will support the creation of around 800 additional jobs across the UK over the next couple of years. Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt … Read more

Verizon has announced it will acquire Straight Path Communications for $3.1 billion. The purchase price far exceeds the offer AT&T had made when it first expressed interest in acquiring the spectrum holder the previous month. Straight Path became the center of a competitive bidding process after AT&T revealed its intention to acquire the company on … Read more