NTT hits 455 Tbps using multicore fibre

Japan's NTT claims to have made a breakthrough that could herald a new era in high-capacity backbone networking.

Using multicore fibre cables and massive MIMO signal processing, it has achieved stable signal transmission at rates of up to 455 Tbps in a field test that simulated environmental effects such as wind, rain and civil works – all of which can affect signal propagation.

Vodafone puts its mouth where its money is with SpaceMobile deal

One of SpaceMobile's bigger financial backers Vodafone has agreed a 10-year deal to use its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.

The commercial agreement establishes a framework for Voda to provide space-based cellular broadband connectivity direct to devices throughout its operating footprint, as well as to other operators via its Partner Markets programme.

SpaceX completes 1st Starlink direct-to-cell constellation with launch from California

SpaceX notched a big milestone with a launch of its Starlink internet satellites on Wednesday night (Dec. 4).

A Falcon 9 rocket launched 20 Starlink spacecraft from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base on Wednesday at 10:05 p.m. EST (7:05 p.m. local California time; 0305 GMT on Dec. 5) and deployed them in low Earth orbit (LEO) about 61 minutes later as planned.

Thirteen of the newly launched satellites are capable of beaming service directly to satellites, rounding out the first shell of this specialized network.

Funding Landscape Insights Report: Non-Terrestrial Networks

The UK’s telecoms market is thriving, but understanding how the ecosystem is innovating can be difficult, especially considering the rapid advancements in academia. UKTIN is creating reports as part of our Market Research Insight series to delve into the telecom subsectors. The third report has just been published, focused on non-terrestrial networks in telecoms.

Telia trials hydrogen power for mobile sites

Nordic operator Telia and the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority have launched a pilot which involves using hydrogen to help keep mobile sites operating in power outages.

In the event of a major power outage mobile sites can usually keep operating for another four hours, we’re told, however the hydrogen pilot is supposed to extend this to 110 days.

Linux Foundation Networking: the Relevance of Open Source Projects in Telecoms

What is Linux Foundation Networking (LNF)?

Telecoms functionality is increasingly now implemented purely in software, yet the development life cycles and commercial models for software functionality are quite different to hardware functionality on which traditional standards processes have been based. As a result, we’re seeing significant activity around open source projects in both telecoms standards bodies and bodies that host open source projects, like Linux Foundation.

EIB finances with €30 million Sateliot’s satellite network

  • Sateliot is a Spanish startup building a network of over 100 small satellites with global reach that will connect devices in remote, previously unserved areas.
  • This is the EIB’s first venture debt operation with a Spanish space company and in the segment of satellite communications.
  • The financing is part of the support the EIB is providing to European startups to help them develop cutting-edge space technologies and solutions.
  • The operation is backed by the InvestEU programme to mobilise public and priva

New projects signed under CEF Digital to enhance and strengthen submarine cable infrastructure across and to the EU

The Commission has signed 21 grant agreements for €142 million with backbone cable projects, bringing total funding to €420 million under the first CEF Digital Work Programme, reinforcing the EU's commitment to a connected and secure digital future.

69% of UK homes now have access to full-fibre - Ofcom

According to Ofcom’s latest annual report on the nation’s broadband and mobile networks, 20.7 million UK homes can now access full-fibre broadband.

That figure is up from 57%, or17.1 million homes, in September 2023. Northern Ireland tops the charts with 93% of homes able to access full fibre.

Taking full-fibre and cable networks together, 83%, or 25 million homes now have access to a gigabit-capable broadband connection, which Ofcom says suggests the Government’s target of 85% coverage by 2025 is likely to be reached.