Access to superfast broadband in the sky may soon become a reality for travellers after Ofcom moved forward with a regulatory process for a new technology known as Earth Stations on Mobile Platforms (ESOMPs). The broadcast regulator is reviewing whether to approve ESOMPs, which could dramatically improve in-flight connectivity and boost internet speeds not only … Read more

Vodafone is closing the gap with rival Ooredoo in rolling out 5G services across Qatar, with both operators expected to begin commercial deployments before the end of the year. Last month, TelecomsTechNews reported that Ooredoo introduced its first 5G home broadband device after launching the world’s first commercial 5G network in May. At the time, … Read more

Virgin Media, owned by Liberty Global, has announced a substantial set of free speed upgrades across its broadband packages. Current subscribers will receive these faster speeds at no extra cost. Last year the provider was recognised by uSwitch with multiple awards, including best broadband innovation, best broadband provider, best WiFi service, and fastest home broadband—accolades … Read more

Picture credit: iStockPhoto In April a trade publication reported that Ofcom planned to buy off-the-shelf handsets and use them to run a UK-wide drive and walk mobile data testing program. According to the reporter contacted by Ofcom, the proposed testing would examine “whether UK networks have achieved consistency” but would stop short of measuring “quality … Read more

(c)iStock.com/Ximagination Pop quiz: which customer acquisition channel is most effective—social media, digital advertising, or referral marketing? Many people would pick digital advertising or social media, but research shows referral marketing often outperforms those channels. Data collected in 2016 by Demand Metric highlights referral marketing as a standout performer in driving new customers. That statistic may … Read more

Nokia has retained the top position in Analysys Mason’s independent annual ranking of telecoms software and services providers. The Finnish company outperformed competitors such as Ericsson and Huawei to claim the number one spot, driven by solid growth and a product portfolio that Analysys Mason describes as leading across almost every category. Larry Goldman, Partner … Read more

SKYNET 6A, a key component of the UK’s next-generation military satellite communications programme, has passed its initial round of intensive testing at the new, government-backed National Satellite Test Facility (NSTF) in Harwell, Oxfordshire. SKYNET 6, co-sponsored by Strategic Command and UK Space Command, is being developed to provide resilient and dependable satellite communications (SATCOM) for … Read more

Alternative telecom operators have urged the European Commission to lower wholesale copper access charges, warning that unless the “copper gravy train” is stopped, broadband markets risk reverting to the monopolies of the past. The European Competitive Telecommunications Association (ECTA) accused dominant incumbents of engaging in “discriminatory conduct” by charging challengers excessive fees for using legacy … Read more

Bing is a sophisticated product from Microsoft. Often portrayed as the underdog to Google, it is far more than a simple search engine: Bing is a machine-learning platform that continually expands through systems like Satori, enabling it to better understand and respond to user queries. One visible example of this intelligence is Cortana, Microsoft’s virtual … Read more

British telecoms regulator Ofcom has postponed its planned 5G spectrum auction because of the coronavirus pandemic. The auction was originally scheduled for later this month, but with the end of January approaching, Ofcom issued a statement indicating the process would be delayed: “Throughout our planning for the auction we have been closely monitoring the coronavirus … Read more