The Federal Communications Commission said on Tuesday it has approved a license for T-Mobile and Elon Musk's SpaceX Starlink unit to provide supplemental coverage from space in a bid to extend internet access to remote areas.

The license marks the first time the FCC has authorized a satellite operator collaborating with a wireless carrier to provide supplemental telecommunications coverage from space on some flexible-use spectrum bands allocated to terrestrial service. The partnership aims to extend the reach of wireless networks to remote areas and eliminate "dead zones."

Not so long ago, the term used to describe how spectrum was divvied up was “beauty contest.” However, things have moved on since the days of pageantry. 

• ABI Research says ranking reflects comprehensive scope of Nokia network API solutions and the company’s role of enabling operator network API flexibility.
• ABI Research says Nokia follows a policy of impartiality across public cloud providers, giving operators the freedom to select their preferred hyperscaler partner.

Espoo, Finland — Nokia announced that analysts at ABI Research have ranked the company as the overall leader and top innovator in a competitive study on telco API platforms for internal exposure within network and partner ecosystems.

The UK’s fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) alternative network (altnet) providers face mounting challenges in competing with established telecom players. Despite substantial investments in infrastructure, many altnet operators struggle to achieve profitability, with limited market penetration and insufficient customer acquisition. As dominant providers strengthen their positions, market consolidation appears inevitable for these emerging challengers, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

• Europe’s first operator-native NB-NTN Direct-to-Handset messaging
• Trial powered by the Snapdragon X80 5G Modem-RF System
• The proof-of-concept was conducted at Cosmote network in Greece

Deutsche Telekom, Qualcomm and Skylo, the pioneer in Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) communications, announced the successful completion of an end-to-end trial of SMS send and receipt over GEO satellite.

4th -8th November 2024

The Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute (TSRI), part of the National Applied Research Laboratories, has purchased its first full-stack superconducting quantum computer from IQM Quantum Computers, a global leader in quantum technology.

The IQM Spark, a 5-qubit high-fidelity quantum system, will be installed at TSRI in the second quarter of 2025.

This acquisition marks a major milestone in Taiwan’s quest to advance quantum technology.

IQ Fiber, a provider of 100% fibre-optic internet, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire ThinkBig Networks, a Maryland-based fibre-optic internet provider.

The acquisition, backed by additional equity funding from SDC Capital Partners, marks a strategic milestone in IQ Fiber’s expansion plans, the company said in a release.

The 5G Innovation Region (5GIR) programme has seen 10 regions throughout the UK receive a share of £36m of funding as part of our wider programme to drive 5G adoption. Focusing on key sectors with local capability and opportunities, the projects aim to enable the UK to take full advantage of the transformative effect that advanced wireless connectivity and digital technologies can provide.

Searching for a signal, dropped calls and poor internet connections are on the way out in Chester as the city welcomes increased mobile capacity and coverage in the New Year.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has secured an agreement in principle for a network of small cells to be installed across the city centre by Ontix. The first provider to offer the increased mobile coverage in the City Centre will be Virgin Media O2. The Council is also talking with Vodafone, and their network is expected to follow.