Latest Generation 5G: Towards a Connected Metz-Saarbrücken Axis for Autonomous and Secure Mobility thanks to Vantage Towers, TOTEM, Orange, O2 Telefónica and htw saar

Vantage Towers, TOTEM, Orange, O2 Telefónica and the Saarland University of Applied Sciences (htw saar), announce a pioneering collaboration to create one of Europe's first cross-border 5G highway corridors. 

This ambitious project, named "5G Autobahn to Autoroute" (5G A2A), will connect the cities of Metz in France to Saarbrücken in Germany, covering a 60-kilometer stretch. Construction will begin in early 2025 with completion scheduled for the end of 2027.

Ericsson partners with IBM to deliver the Emergency Services Network

  • Ericsson, in collaboration with IBM, is set to deliver a new network to transform frontline emergency services in Great Britain
  • The project will utilize products and solutions from Ericsson’s Core Network, and Business and Operations Support Systems portfolios, alongside its mission-critical expertise and other professional services to deliver the new network
  • The Emergency Service Network will coordinate efforts and responses from frontline staff, making the UK’s streets safer and delivering on the UK government’s Plan for Change
  • 300,000 personnel will benefit f

DSIT’s Future Networks Programme: Lessons learned (rural industries)

As the Future Network Programme concludes, UKTIN is working with DSIT to reflect on the government-funded projects, outlining the key outcomes and the lessons learned to help improve future telecoms initiatives. 

Improving digital connectivity and supporting innovation is critical for the UK’s economy. Some of our country’s most profitable industries including tourism and farming are based in hard-to-reach areas, with rural England contributing 16.2% of the country's total gross value added (GVA) in 2022. 

GSMA says Europe’s 5G adoption lags behind other regions

While 5G will become the dominant mobile technology in Europe by 2026, the mobile industry lobby group says ‘urgent policy reforms’ are needed to drive access to investment to keep the continent competitive globally.

The report clears its throat by pointing to the successes of 5G across Europe so far. 5G accounts for the majority of connections in Germany and Switzerland, while adoption rates in Denmark, Finland, Norway and the UK have exceeded 40%, we’re told.

Dell’Oro says FWA spend is surging

Analyst Dell’Oro has revised upward estimates of total FWA equipment revenue for the 2023-2027 period by 17%, and says long-term subscriber growth is expected to occur in emerging markets in Southeast Asia and MEA.

According to the report, FWA has ‘surged’ in recent years in both residential and enterprise settings, which it attributes to ‘ease of deployment’ along with the more widespread availability of 4G LTE and 5G Sub-6GHz networks.

Xiaomi closes in on Apple and Samsung in global smartphone market

  • After a couple of declines, the global smartphone market grew by 6.4% in 2024
  • Apple and Samsung are still the market leaders but their market shares dipped below 19%
  • Xiaomi made great strides, growing its annual market share to 13.6%, according to IDC
  • The influence of, and market share gains by, Chinese vendors is growing

After a couple of well documented challenging years, the global smartphone sector grew in 2024, with research firm IDC estimating (based on preliminary figures) tha

Register to tour the UK Innovation Pavilion at MWC

New for 2025, visit the UK Innovation Pavilion to see the latest R&D, innovations and opportunities available across the UK.

The organisations, government bodies and projects on the pavilion are joining forces to offer regular tours throughout the week of MWC, enabling you to get the full picture of what innovations the UK has to offer this year.

To name some of what will be on offer:

5G Innovation Region: Growing Sussex

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.