UK internet service providers briefly blocked the popular image-sharing website Imgur after allegations that it was hosting child sexual abuse material. Some Virgin Media customers trying to access Imgur encountered the following notice: “Access has been denied by your internet access provider because this page may contain indecent images of children as identified by the … Read more

By Beijing correspondent Dr. Lin Sun In a recent interview, Yang Hua, Secretary General of the TD‑SCDMA Alliance, urged China Mobile to launch a “pre‑commercial” LTE service in 2012—China’s term for offering service to a limited group of customers before opening it to the general public. Despite this call, many in the industry fear those … Read more

(c)iStock.com/TCmake_photo Can traditional telecommunications companies keep pace with rapidly changing technologies? A new KPMG study suggests the answer is mixed: telcos are making progress, but significant challenges remain. The research surveyed 580 senior executives across 16 countries and found that among telcos that have proactively adopted new technologies, 58% reported a positive impact on business … Read more

Ofcom has announced plans to reallocate spectrum in the 700MHz frequency band — currently used by Freeview television services — to support the continued expansion of 4G mobile networks. Most viewers are unlikely to experience major disruption; in many cases they will simply need to retune their equipment to receive broadcasts in the adjacent 600MHz … Read more

Ofcom has opened an investigation into BT following a nationwide failure that disrupted access to emergency services on 25 June. On that day, many people across the UK were unable to reach emergency responders by dialling 999. Police, fire and ambulance services advised callers to use alternative numbers such as the non-emergency 101 line. Under … Read more

Three major Chinese telecommunications companies are shifting their financial strategy, moving away from heavy capital spending and toward higher dividend payouts for shareholders. According to reporting by Nikkei Asia, this change follows increased government attention on stock market performance and directives for state-owned enterprises to prioritize shareholder returns. The drive reflects broader policy guidance encouraging … Read more

Microsoft has reinforced the case for online social networking as a practical business tool by acquiring enterprise collaboration company Yammer for an estimated $1.2 billion. Often described as the “Facebook of business,” Yammer positions itself as a platform that brings the familiar benefits of social networking into the workplace. It enables employees to communicate and … Read more

The United Nations agency International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has partnered with Vodafone to launch a major initiative aimed at connecting 3.4 billion people to the internet. Access to the internet is increasingly essential for participation in modern life. While faster connections multiply opportunities, even basic connectivity can unlock education, jobs, financial services and access to … Read more

Huawei has overtaken Ericsson to become the world’s largest telecommunications equipment vendor, even as it faces scrutiny and restrictions from several governments. The Chinese technology company has encountered resistance in certain markets, notably the United States and Australia, where officials and policymakers have cited security concerns related to the founder’s previous association with the Chinese … Read more

Net neutrality is under threat — a concern we’ve addressed many times at TelecomsTech. Most people agree the internet should remain fair and open, providing equal opportunities to innovators and users alike. However, some internet service providers (ISPs) want to create “fast lanes” that prioritize certain services for quicker delivery, typically for companies that can … Read more