Vodafone-Three merger edges closer following provisional CMA approval

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued provisional approval for Vodafone and Three’s planned merger, indicating that the proposed £15 billion joint venture could proceed if certain conditions to protect competition and consumers are met.

Kester Mann, director of consumer and connectivity at CCS Insight said: “Vodafone and Three can tentatively order in the champagne as their blockbuster UK joint venture appeared to take another big step forward following a positive statement from the competition watchdog this morning.”

Telecoms Trailblazers: A Day in the Life of Chris Murphy

Hi, I’m Chris Murphy, a Chief Technology Officer for the EMEA region at VIAVI Solutions, an American company that manufactures testing and monitoring systems for communication networks. I have worked in telecoms for 25 years, beginning in product development and data-driven optimisation. My current role, however, focuses on technological change and how the industry is evolving. 

Mobile internet ‘usage gap’ comprises more than 3 billion people

A new report published by trade body the GSMA says there are 3.1 billion people who don’t use mobile internet services, despite living within reach of a mobile broadband network

Closing this ‘usage gap’ could mean a $3.5tn boost to the economy between 2023 and 2030, it finds
The biggest barriers to closing the void are device costs, lack of digital skills and illiteracy
The coverage gap, where people live in areas with no mobile broadband, stands at 350 million people
The GSMA estimates investment of $418bn will be needed to achieve universal mobile internet access

Sophos to Acquire Secureworks to Accelerate Cybersecurity Services and Technology for Organizations Worldwide

  • Secureworks shareholders to receive $8.50 per share in cash
  • Sophos intends to integrate solutions from both companies into a broader and stronger security portfolio for all small, mid- and enterprise customers
  • By combining complementary AI-driven security platforms powered by automated prevention, detection and response, the two organizations can deliver advanced solutions for defeating modern, persistent adversaries even faster
  • The deal is expected to strengthen the security community by bringing together two industry leaders with shared mission-driven cultures

Quickline and Ahead Partnership announce three-year digital skills pledge for young people

Rural broadband provider, Quickline Communications, is teaming up with social value specialist, Ahead Partnership, to bring a bespoke innovative, tech-focused engagement programme to 16 secondary schools across the region.

The initiative is set to reach a diverse group of young people, introducing them to the tech and digital sectors, helping to develop essential employability skills and connecting them with industry leaders and professionals from across a range of tech disciplines.

5G Innovation Region: River Severn Partnership

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 where there is 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.

Nokia selected to lead European lighthouse project on 6G sustainability

  • SUSTAIN-6G will evaluate and explore sustainable 6G technologies, methods and use cases touching on environmental, economic and societal needs
  • The consortium will work out solutions for three specific areas of sustainable development: energy smart grids, e-health and telemedicine, and agriculture

Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced that the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) has selected Nokia to be the coordinator of the SUSTAIN-6G lighthouse project. The SNS-JU is a public-private partnership funded by the European Commission.

Open RAN market forecast to fall 83% in 2024

According to a report, the Open RAN market ‘screeched to a halt’ during this year.

Mobile Experts released the forecast for Open RAN, which it described as ‘the most bizarre market growth profile ever seen in the wireless market.’ After ‘great success’ with deployment in greenfield networks by the likes of DISH and Rakuten, the firm is predicting a significant slump this year.