Skype turns 10 today, and according to reports it is developing 3D video calling technology. Microsoft’s corporate vice president for Skype, Mark Gillett, confirmed the work in an interview with the BBC. He said the technology exists in the lab and the team is evaluating device ecosystems and capabilities to determine when it could be … Read more

Cisco has announced it will acquire cloud calling and contact center solutions provider BroadSoft for $1.9 billion (net of cash). This acquisition strengthens Cisco’s unified communications portfolio and enhances its ability to support the large number of legacy TDM (time-division multiplexing) lines that are expected to migrate to IP-based and cloud-native solutions over time. By … Read more

Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) has started marketing at least 50% of its stake in Cornerstone, the UK’s largest telecommunications tower company. If VMO2 were to sell its entire holding, the transaction could generate more than £1.5 billion, based on an estimated total valuation for Cornerstone of roughly £3 billion. The company has circulated sale materials … Read more

(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/ljhimages) Earlier this month Verizon announced in a press release that it has begun laboratory testing of ADTRAN’s NG-PON2 technology, marking the first step toward commercial deployment. Verizon plans to introduce NG-PON2 initially for a range of business solutions in 2017, with residential rollout to follow as the technology matures and operational experience … Read more

(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/adventtr) Ericsson has enhanced its WiFi calling solution by adding multi-device functionality to meet growing demand from operators and consumers. The upgraded service enables customers to move calls between WiFi-enabled devices while maintaining full voice service continuity. The improved offering delivers greater value to consumers and creates new revenue opportunities for operators. Ericsson … Read more

Network operators face a pressing challenge: how to monetise heavy 5G capital expenditures while preparing for the 6G era. The traditional revenue model based on simple connectivity yields decreasing returns, pushing operators to pivot toward intelligent platforms, exposed network APIs, and value‑added edge services. In this context, NVIDIA and Marvell Technology have announced a strategic … Read more

Deutsche Telekom is furthering its support for blockchain technology by becoming a node operator for Chainlink, a leading oracle network that supplies external data to smart contracts. T-Systems, a Deutsche Telekom subsidiary focused largely on Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, will run the node. T-Systems provides integrated services ranging from secure operation of legacy systems … Read more

BT has reached an agreement with Nokia to replace Huawei equipment in EE’s 5G network as well as components in its earlier-generation networks. BT, the United Kingdom’s largest telecom operator, acquired EE for £12.5 billion in 2016. Historically, EE used Huawei equipment for 2G and 4G networks, and BT itself maintained a long-standing relationship with … Read more

Telecoms giant Orange is preparing to re-enter the South African and Nigerian markets within months to pursue significant growth opportunities in both countries. Speaking to the French financial daily Les Echos, Orange CEO Stéphane Richard said: “It could make sense to be in economies such as Nigeria and South Africa. If one considers there are … Read more

Today the European Commission adopted an ambitious “connected continent” proposal that would push telecom operators to eliminate roaming charges by 2014. If approved, the plan also sets reasonable caps for call rates and introduces rules designed to stimulate investment and protect users. Mobile operators have strongly criticized the proposal, arguing that removing roaming fees entirely … Read more