Telecoms.com

Ofcom wants to free up more 5 GHz spectrum for UK wifi

UK telecoms regulator Ofcom has announced plans to increase the bandwidth available to wifi in the 5 GHz band in a bid to reduce 2.4 GHz congestion.

• 13 May 2016

UK broadband struggling to meet user demands – is there a solution?

There is still much frustration over speeds and availability of fast and reliable fixed broadband. Ofcom has pointed out that the level of superfast broadband connectivity in the UK is falling behind other European countries.

• 12 May 2016

Europe officially blocks Three O2 deal, Hutch considers legal challenge

The European Commission has formally announced its widely expected decision to block the proposed acquisition of O2 UK by Hutchison (Three UK).

• 11 May 2016

Europe investigates proposed Deutsche Telekom vectoring network upgrade

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation into the decision to allow Deutsche Telekom to upgrade its fixed copper network with vectoring technology.

• 10 May 2016

How Ofcom is paving the way to business innovation

More devices, the rise of cloud and greater networked applications mean that today’s businesses are hungrier than ever for connectivity. In fact, Gartner estimates that enterprises will experience a 28% growth in network traffic in the next year.

• 10 May 2016

Orange unifies European businesses as Mobistar becomes Orange Belgium

Belgian mobile operator Mobistar has been rebranded to Orange Belgium, with the telco announcing the completed integration of all European subsidiaries into the Orange brand.

• 10 May 2016

Charter’s $55 billion Time Warner Cable capture approved

The $55 billion merger of Charter and Time Warner Cable has been given the green light by the FCC, creating the second largest ISP in the US market. An additional $10 billion deal for Bright House Networks has also been approved.

• 09 May 2016

Vodafone pre-empts roaming fee scrap with new tariff

Following Europe’s decision to install more stringent roaming fee caps, Vodafone has decided to scrap roaming fees across the continent.

• 06 May 2016

Fourth telecoms license awarded in China

The Chinese government has awarded a telecommunications business license to a fourth player, China Broadcasting Network, entering the market.

• 06 May 2016

Bell Canada acquires MTS and pledges $1bn infrastructure investment

Bell Canada has announced the pending acquisition of regional player Manitoba telecom Services (MTS) for $3bn.

• 03 May 2016

The telecoms industry and the Unified Patent Court (UPC) – where are we now?

Since the New Year, the UPC Preparatory Committee (the Committee) has come to an agreement on a number of matters, the key amongst which are the Rules of the UPC on fees and recoverable costs. So after much debate and speculation the telecoms industry, alongside others, can finally begin to assess the costs of the new regime and litigating in the UPC.

• 22 Apr 2016

No more Hutchison concessions for O2 move

Hutchison won’t be making any further concessions to the EU in a bid to push through its proposed acquisition of O2 UK, according to reports.

• 21 Apr 2016

Ofcom charges Vodafone for PAYG billing malpractice

Ofcom has mobile operator Vodafone in its sights after confirming it will be charging the operator for billing malpractices.

• 21 Apr 2016

Google counters EC Android accusation by saying it benefits everyone

As teased earlier in the week the European Commission has formally accused Google of abusing its dominant position with Android, but Google doesn’t see what all the fuss is about.

• 20 Apr 2016

Europe announces glacial progress on the Digital Single Market

Less than a year after unveiling its Digital Single Market initiative the European Commission has served up its first set of concrete measures designed to boost investment in digital stuff across the region.

• 19 Apr 2016

OpenSignal research reveals UK 4G coverage failings

Consumer group Which has claimed UK consumers are unable to access 4G networks nearly half of the time.

• 19 Apr 2016

Europe ‘looking closely’ at Google Android over competition concerns

European Competition Commissioner Margarethe Vestager reminded Google that the investigation she launched into the way it behaves towards Android partners a year ago is still ongoing.

• 18 Apr 2016

UK MPs slam broadband advertising

A group of UK MPs initially formed to attack BT’s Openreach wholesale division has moved its focus to the accuracy of broadband provider speed claims.

• 18 Apr 2016

Europe expected to veto Three/O2 merger, Hutch to challenge

There is a growing consensus that European competition authorities will soon formally veto the proposed merger of MNOs Three and O2 in the UK.

• 18 Apr 2016

Vodafone, EE customer service worst while MVNOs dominate

UK independent consumer rights organisation, Which, has said TalkTalk, Vodafone and EE fail their customers by continually providing poor customer service, while MVNOs are excelling.

• 18 Apr 2016