Telecom news roundup: Top stories from across the globe

In an era where telecom connectivity is an essential part of our day-to-day lives, there’s no dearth of technology around. Whether it’s smartphones, laptops, internet connections, or the latest carrier networks, everything has a telecom angle these days.

We at Journal Now are constantly exploring newer and trending technologies that can change the game. From fixed broadband to wireless connectivity, we cover it all here – in one place. So without further ado, let’s get into the world of telecom news this week.

Fixed Broadband

• The UK Competition and Markets Authority has launched an investigation into fixed broadband market dominance by BT.
• French telecom operator Orange is teaming up with Dutch provider KPN to offer a fixed broadband service with speeds of up to 100 Mbps.
• Telecom company Omnitel is merging with Russian operator Megafon.
• AT&T has announced plans to roll out gigabit-speed Internet service to select U.S. communities by 2020.
• Verizon Communications has agreed to purchase Yahoo’s core internet business for $4.8 billion in cash and equity.
  These are some of the top stories from across the globe this week. They show that the market for fixed high-speed internet services is growing rapidly, as providers expand internet access across the world and consumers demand higher speeds for streaming video, playing online games, and downloading content. It also shows how regulators are stepping in to ensure fair competition among providers.

Fixed Voice

• Telecom operators in Egypt are teaming up to offer VoIP service. Etisalat is teaming up with US-based GlobeNet to launch VoIP services that will be available in four key cities of Egypt and is expected to go live in the next month.
• Telenor has announced plans to invest $1 billion in 5G research and development over the next 3 years. This investment includes setting up a 50-50 joint venture with Samsung for 5G-related research, as well as funding two research centers and developing standard protocols for 5G networks.
• Vodafone is trialing a new network architecture that will help improve customer experience and data speeds. This new architecture employs 200MHz and 400MHz wide channels, as opposed to the current 2 GHz, which would deliver faster speeds at lower latency.
• EE has announced plans to offer 10GB data plans for £10 per month from next year. This plan enables customers to download 10GB of data per month without any cap on usage and offers unlimited 4G access across the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
• Deutsche Telekom is planning to spend €11 billion on infrastructure projects in 2019. This includes €2 billion on its German wireless network LTE expansion project which would provide coverage of around 65% of the population by 2019 and also includes €4 billion for its digital transformation program which includes investing in 5G networks and investing billions more into its fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) rollout program.

Corporate/Financial
-The telecom sector has been busy over the past few months. After years of protracted battles, Verizon and Sprint agreed to merge, creating the fifth-largest telecommunications company in the world.

• Comcast agrees to buy Sky for $30 billion, creating a media powerhouse and one of the largest cable companies in the world.
• AT&TBt announces it will acquire Time Warner for $85 billion, creating a massive telecommunications conglomerate with interests in both wireless and cable technologies.
• Telecom analysts weigh in on the latest corporate news, predicting significant changes for the industry as a whole. In its recent report, the Federal Trade Commission noted that while some progress has been made, much work remains to be done to protect consumers and promote competition in the sector.
• The government’s report came on the heels of a string of regulatory decisions on net neutrality, privacy rules, and other issues affecting telecoms. It also followed several high-profile incidents involving telecoms—from privacy scandals to deceptive advertising practices—that have raised public scrutiny and concern.
  Any positive or negative news is sure to attract attention as it refocuses global attention on one of the most dynamic sectors in modern economies.

Topics

This week, Verizon completed its $4.8 billion acquisition of Yahoo! The deal gave Verizon a large repository of user data and intellectual property, making it easier for the company to develop new services. Facebook announced that it would build a new data center in Oregon, which is expected to create up to 400 jobs. AT&T announced that it would purchase Time Warner for $85 billion. This would combine two of the largest telecommunications companies in the United States into one giant company with huge market share and access to valuable data and technology resources. The FCC voted to repeal net neutrality rules, opening the door for telecom companies to charge more for faster Internet services and creating an uneven playing field online. Meanwhile, Comcast agreed to buy Sky for $30 billion as part of its strategy to expand its global presence and reach new customers.

The tech industry continues to be at the forefront of technological innovation, with amazing developments across a wide range of sectors. With such exciting changes taking place, it’s vital that we stay informed about the latest trends and news from across the sector.

Sections

Facebook is launching a new messaging app for kids that will feature special privacy settings and allow parents to manage their child’s messages. The new app will be available for children between the ages of five and 12 and will be restricted to communicating with people who have been vetted by their parents. Facebook also plans to add features like parental controls, according to reports. The social media platform has faced criticism in the past over its ability to keep users’ data safe. It is working to improve its privacy settings and security features as a part of its ongoing effort to ensure that users’ information is protected. Other tech companies are also making efforts to safeguard users’ privacy online. AT&T announced earlier this month that it had acquired DirecTV for $49 billion, including $15 billion in cash and adjustments, in an effort to beef up its wireless, satellite TV, and internet services business.

• Further, AT&T acquired satellite operator DirecTV for $49 billion with the aim of strengthening its wireless, broadband, and pay-TV offerings. The deal would make AT&T the largest provider of both wireless and satellite TV services in the U.S., combining both land-based as well as orbital assets under one roof. Besides, Verizon expanded its 5G testing this week to cover more US cities and announced several new AI services aimed at preventing accidents on the road. Google also announced new AI services this week that are designed to help prevent accidents at work by analyzing data from workers’ smartphones and other devices.

Fresh Perspectives on Telecom and Internet infrastructure

• South Korea will be investing $11 billion in building the world’s largest optical fiber network by 2025. The government has announced plans to build a 15,000-km long optical fiber network by 2028, which will be 10 times larger than the current one.
• Google and Facebook have teamed up to fight fake news on their platforms. This partnership aims at developing tools that can identify and prevent the proliferation of fake news across the internet. The two companies have also announced plans towards bettering the quality of public discourse around the world.
• Telecom operators and ISPs have been engaged in a war against China’s ‘Great Firewall’. To counter this, over half of global internet services providers (ISPs), including BT, Verizon, and Deutsche Telecom, have decided to block access to some internet resources and websites blocked in China.
• Facebook has announced new AI-powered Safety Check feature that provides users with an easy way to let family and friends know they are safe after a catastrophic event. This feature was launched as part of its effort to help people connect with loved ones during times of crisis.

Lumos Invests in South Carolina Fiber Footprint

• Lumos Networks, a telecom provider, has invested in a fiber footprint in South Carolina.
• The new infrastructure will be used to expand Lumos’ reach into the southeast U.S.
• The investment is expected to create over 100 jobs in the state over the next five years.
• AT&T has announced plans to acquire Time Warner for $85 billion.
• Verizon has also announced plans to purchase AOL for $50 billion.
  These are positive developments that show that broadband is here to stay as a vital part of our society and economy. Government support of this essential service is vital as well, and it’s important for everyone to join in and demand more from their governments to ensure that the internet can continue to thrive as a tool for economic growth and innovation.

PacketFabric, Unitas Global to Tie the Knot

• Telecom news roundup: Unitas Global and PacketFabric announce strategic partnership
• Telecom news roundup: Verizon announces 5G plans in the U.S
• Telecom news roundup: AT&T to offer free DirecTV service for a year to customers with U-verse TV service
• Telecom news roundup: Comcast teams up with Oracle to offer fastest cloud deployment for businesses
• Telecom news roundup: RBOC may acquire MTS as part of larger JV

Verizon has announced its plans for 5G wireless networks in the United States. The company will invest $2 billion to build out its nationwide 5G network by 2027. Additionally, it plans to pioneer mobile connectivity in cities and rural areas, as well as on farms and in industrial settings.
AT&T is offering free DirecTV service for one year to customers who sign up for a 12-month contract with either U-verse TV or DirecTV. This promotion is only available for new customers who enroll before the end of 2018.
Canada’s largest telecommunications company, BCE, has signed a definitive agreement to merge with SaskTel. This deal will create a highly focused telecommunications leader with over $4 billion in annual revenues and more than 15,000 employees. This merger is expected to close by the end of November 2018.

Poll: Which Network Operators Are the Most Likely Buyers in 2023?

• Telenor Group: The Norwegian telecom company is predicted to be one of the biggest buyers in 2023. The company has shown a keen interest in the telecom sector and has announced plans to invest around $5 billion over the next four years.
• Verizon Communications: The American telco giant is anticipated to make a number of acquisitions in 2023. It recently acquired wireless operator Straight Path for $3.6 billion, and it has also proposed consolidating its mobile networks with Sprint’s as part of an overall deal worth $26 billion.
• Comcast Corporation: The American cable giant is predicted to invest in telecommunications infrastructure in 2023. It recently acquired cable network operator systems from WOW! for around $400 million, and it has also committed to investing an additional $1 billion in 2018.
• AT&T Inc.: The American telco giant is expected to buy a number of telcos in 2023. It recently acquired mobile virtual network operator Straight Path for approximately $3.6 billion, and it has also suggested consolidating its mobile networks with Sprint’s as part of an overall deal worth $26 billion.
• Telefónica: Spanish network operator is anticipated to make a number of acquisitions in 2023. Most recently, it announced plans to acquire Uruphire for approximately £4.7 billion ($7 billion).

Poll: Which US Network Operators Are Most Likely To Be Acquired in 2023?

• AT&T is reportedly considering a bid for Comcast.
• Verizon is close to acquiring Charter Communications.
• T-Mobile is in talks to buy Sprint.
• French telecoms company Orange is considering a potential takeover of Deutsche Telekom’s T-Mobile US business.
• Telecoms company Altice is in talks to buy Portugal Telecom for €18 billion.
  The acquisition could help the European operator make headway in the US market and cut costs, as it could use its existing network to provide services across both countries.
• The Indian telecom sector has seen a lot of consolidation as well with no less than six mergers and acquisitions being completed within the past few years, including Reliance Jio acquiringirtel’s 4G operations for Rs 46,000 crore, Airtel buying out Flipkart’s stake for $2 billion and RCom buying out Aircel’s 4G business for $350 million, among others.
  These deals have helped the Indian telecom companies better manage their operations and invest in newer technologies such as 5G that will drive the country’s digital transformation agenda.

Ozark Buys Missouri Telecom’s SMB and Residential Biz

• Ozark Telecom has acquired Missouri Telecom’s SMB and residential business, giving the company a footprint in every region of the state. This acquisition diversifies Ozark’s services portfolio, expanding its reach to businesses and consumers inures. Ozark will provide businesses with connectivity services like high-speed Internet access and business-grade phone services. In addition, Ozark will offer home customers a wide selection of plans, including cable TV and high-speed Internet service.
• TeliaSonera and Verizon have entered into a partnership in Argentina, enabling residents to access data with no extra cost on their mobile phones. The two companies are partnering to bring 4G LTE network access to rural areas of Argentina.
• T-Mobile is offering Binge Watching customers extra data for watching TV shows on their mobile devices as part of its JUMP program. The company says this program is a win-win for both customers and networks, as more customers watch video on their mobile devices, there is greater demand for network capacity and bandwidth, which benefits everyone involved.
• Vodafone has announced it will be rolling out 4G LTE services at pubs by the end of 2018. The company also announced that it plans to expand its ultrafast broadband services across the UK by 2020
• BT Group has completed its acquisition of Openreach, giving it full control over Britain’s telecom infrastructure. This acquisition allows the firm to focus on developing innovative products and services while also having full oversight of open access networks
  EOS: Ozark Telecom has acquired Missouri Telecom’s SMB & Residential Business, giving it a footprint in every region of the state. TeliaSonera & Verizon enter Argentina with MVNO Deals; T

Int’l Roundup: Singtel, Kao Data, Telstra, TPG

• Singtel, a Singapore telco, recently signed an MOU with ride-hailing service company Uber to develop ride-sharing services in its home country. The agreement will see the two companies collaborate on developing innovative ride-sharing services as well as exploring potential opportunities for co-branded products.
• Kao Data, a provider of big data analytics software and services, has acquired Mobile Atlas for an undisclosed sum. Mobile Atlas is a leading provider of mobile device management (MDM) software and services that allows IT departments to centrally manage devices and secure access to corporate apps and data. This acquisition will strengthen Kao’s big data capabilities and expand its offerings in the growing market of mobile device management.
• Australia’s Telstra has announced plans to merge with rival Vodafone. Under the proposal, Telstra shareholders will receive A$6.60 per share in cash. Following regulatory approval, the merged entity will be known as TDC and it will have around 586 million customers globally.
• TPG Ventures has invested $200 million in Telstra Australia, making it one of the largest investors in the country’s telecom space. This investment comes at a time when Australia is witnessing rapid digitization of its economy, and many players are entering the wireless sector to take advantage of this trend. This consolidation is likely to lead to greater competition for market share and drive down prices for consumers across the country.
  The above mentions are some of the important developments from around the world this week.

Xtel Takes Out GTB

• GTB, one of the world’s largest mobile operators, has been acquired by telecom company Xtel for an undisclosed sum.
• The deal is expected to help Xtel expand its presence in Africa and the Middle East.
• The acquisition is likely to increase competition in the mobile market.
• GTB will continue to operate as an independent brand.
• Xtel plans to use GTB’s network to offer its customers new services such as VoLTE and cloud-based voice services.
• The acquisition is likely to increase competition in the mobile market, making it tougher for other telecom companies to gain a foothold in the African and Middle Eastern regions.
  This is expected to be good for consumers as they will have more choice and variety when it comes to mobile networks.

Wednesday Bytes: Green Mountain, HE, Arvig, Bandwidth IG

• Green Mountain Telecom and HE Holdings have entered a definitive agreement under which HE will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Green Mountain Telecom for $1.00 per share in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at approximately $191 million.
• Arvig Wireless has announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell its wireless operations to Bandwidth IG for an aggregate purchase price of $325 million, subject to customary closing conditions.
• Verizon Communications has acquired Bright House Networks’ wireline operations in the Northeast for a total purchase price of $10.4 billion.
• A new report suggests global broadband speeds are continuing to increase, but at a slower rate than previously projected.
• And finally, Deutsche Telekom is reportedly considering selling its South African business to MTN Group for an estimated $10 billion.

TIA Issues Call for Interest to Participate in TR-41 Standard Committee

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) has called for interested parties to participate in the development of the new TR-41 telecommunications standard.

TR-41 will define how broadband networks should be managed and operated to ensure quality, reliability, and security. The TIA is seeking input from telecom operators, OEMs, and software providers. The deadline for submitting comments is September 15th, 2017. More information is available at the TIA website. In addition, CTOs can also attend an open house to learn more about TR-41 and get an overview of the development process.

TIA QuEST Forum Opens Registration for 2022 Trusted Networks Summit Featuring Prominent Industry and Government Speakers

• The TIA QuEST Forum is open for registration for the 2022 Trusted Networks Summit, featuring prominent industry and government speakers.
• AT&T will deploy 600 new 5G mmWave antennas in six cities by the end of 2020.
• Sprint has launched a limited-time prepaid plan that includes unlimited talk, text, and data for $35 per month.
• Verizon has expanded its 5G service to over 50 more markets nationwide.
• Ericsson has announced a new open platform for 5G network evolution that facilitates collaboration between operators, equipment vendors, and software developers.
  The summit will take place on May 1-3, 2022 at the JW Marriott San Francisco Airport Hotel in San Jose, California. The three-day event is expected to attract participants from the global internet ecosystem to discuss advancements in trusted networks, mobility, and cloud ecosystems.
  Register now at tiaquestforum.org/tns-summit/ to be part of this event.

2022 Review of TIA Initiatives and Impact

• TIA is launching its first 5G service in the US in 2020. The global 5G market is expected to reach $19.4 billion by 2022, according to a report by Sanford C. Bernstein & Company. – TIA has also launched a new report titled ‘Evolution and Deployment Prospects for 5G’ with insights on the emerging technology and its impact.
• Verizon has announced that it will begin testing 5G services this year in select areas. The telecom giant has pledged to deliver gigabit-speed internet at lower latency than what is currently possible with 4G networks.
• TIA has released a guide on how to prepare for 5G deployment, covering topics such as spectrum planning, device certification, and network design. This helps companies plan their moves accordingly and take advantage of the trends as they unfold.

Thai operators Dtac, True define final details of merger process

DTAC and True have finalized the details of their merger, which is set to create one of the largest telecoms companies in Southeast Asia. The deal is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2022, with Dtac shareholders set to receive a total of 78.5 billion baht (US$2.8 billion) in cash and True shareholders set to receive a total of 79.1 billion baht (US$2.9 billion). By combining their networks and operations, DTAC and True are expected to reduce costs for both operators as well as increase competition in the market. This merger is expected to further strengthen both operators’ positions in the region and lead to more sustainable growth over time.

Vodafone signals massive job cuts

Vodafone is planning to cut up to 30,000 jobs in Europe and Asia over the next three years as part of a global restructuring effort. The company blamed the current economic climate for its decision to eliminate jobs. This move follows Vodafone’s announcement earlier this year that it would scrap 5,000 jobs in the UK. The job cuts will have a significant impact on the affected employees and their families as well as the businesses they work for. In addition, TIA is continuing its efforts to promote 5G technology, which is expected to have a major impact on the future of telecommunications and accelerate innovation.

Journal Watch

The internet is no longer a luxury for many. Everyone uses it for daily activities, from studies to work. With the increasing popularity of internet, more and more people are opting for mobile internet as well. And with the launch of high-speed internet in mobile networks, mobile internet has become cheaper and faster than before.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) recently announced that T-Mobile would be offering free access to Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video for 3 months to its customers who subscribe to its Unlimited Plus plan or higher. AT&T too is offering its customers unlimited data at $100 per month for select users. The same was reported by Verizon as it plans to launch its new 5G network this year.
Additionally, Comcast is launching Xfinity Stream app with live TV service in selected cities. Sprint also launched prepaid 5G service in certain markets recently.
It’s evident that the internet has become an integral part of our lives and is no longer restricted to a few countries or those with high incomes.

Rohde & Schwarz deepens understanding of sub-terahertz RF
Rohde & Schwarz has developed a new sub-terahertz RF identification technology that can be used to identify and track objects in the difficult-to-reach places. This technology could be used for applications such as security or tracking of medical equipment. The company has also developed a new antenna design that can be used in mobile devices. Telecom news roundup highlights the latest industry news and developments from around the world.

Rohde & Schwarz is advancing our understanding of sub-terahertz RF with our new identification technology. We are confident that this technology will have many applications, both in traditional and new areas, and we are excited to continue developing innovative solutions for our customers.

T-Mobile US rumored to be in acquisition talks with Mint Mobile

The rumors about T-mobile US allegedly in acquisition talks with Mint Mobile, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), have been swirling for several weeks. A deal between the two companies would give T-mobile US a stake in Mint Mobile and access to its network. Mint Mobile offers services for low-cost, no-contract smartphones, offering users affordable options without having to sign a long-term contract. If the rumored deal goes through, it would expand T-mobile US’s customer base and potentially provide customers with more competitive pricing. However, neither company has confirmed or denied the rumors yet, making it hard to know for sure if the deal is true.

Could hackers target electric co-ops and their broadband assets?

Electric cooperatives are a key part of the US electricity grid and are responsible for supplying power to millions of customers. The organizations are decentralized, non-profit entities that serve as the local distribution utility for their communities. Due to their decentralized nature and unique roles in the community, electric co-ops could be at risk of being hacked. Hackers would potentially exploit vulnerabilities within the co-op’s networks to access their broadband assets, which could be used to launch cyberattacks. In order to mitigate this cybersecurity risk, electric co-ops must improve their online security and implement strong network protections.

AWS, Microsoft awarded big-dollar government contracts
AWS and Microsoft were both awarded big-dollar government contracts this week. AWS was awarded a contract to provide cloud computing services to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The contract is valued at more than $2 billion over the next five years, and will help the department store and process veterans’ medical records digitally. In addition, Microsoft was awarded a contract to provide artificial intelligence software to the U.S. Department of Defense. The contract is worth more than $10 billion over the next five years, and will help the department develop new tools to address threats facing national security. Other telecom news this week included Sprint and T-Mobile announcing plans to merge in a bid to create a stronger competitor in the wireless market.

Telecom news roundup: Top stories from across the globe

Output: AWS and Microsoft were both awarded big-dollar government contracts this week. AWS was awarded a contract to provide cloud computing services to the US Department of Veterans Affairs. The contract is valued at more than $2 billion over the next five years, and will help the department store and process veterans’ medical records digitally. In addition, Microsoft was awarded a contract to provide artificial intelligence software to the US Department of Defense. The contract is worth more than $10 billion over the next five years, and will help the department develop new tools to address threats facing national security. Other telecom news this week included Sprint and T-Mobile announcing plans to merge in a bid to create a stronger competitor in the wireless market.

Trending Now

The telecoms industry is bracing itself for another tough year as tariff war bites, with the sector likely to witness a decline in revenue and profits in 2019. The US-China trade war has hit telcos hard, with slowing growth in wireless telecoms and internet services, data losses due to increased tariffs on Chinese imports, and even layoffs at some of the companies.

On the other hand, Facebook announces new features for Messenger Kids, Google announces plans to phase out Chrome extensions, and AT&T mulls selling Huawei’s 5G network.

Chatbots are gaining popularity as a way to improve customer service. Last month, Facebook launched a chatbot called Toby that can help answer questions and solve problems on its Messenger platform. Meanwhile, Google announced it will shut down its online videogame platform Game Code on August 14 and start offering gamers newer experiences through its Search & Assistant platform. In addition, AT&T is considering selling Huawei’s 5G wireless network.

More In Telecom

• Verizon to buy Yahoo for $4.8 billion- The telecom giant is acquiring the Internet company in a deal valued at $20.1 billion. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of this year, subject to government and regulatory review and other customary closing conditions. In a statement, Verizon said it will help Yahoo “build, grow, and lead the digital content revolution.”
• AT&T and Time Warner agree to sell Turner Broadcasting to Walt Disney Company- The telecom behemoth has agreed to acquire the media and entertainment company for $52.5 billion in stock. This transaction includes the acquisition of Turner’s direct-to-consumer businesses, including TNT, TBS, and CNN, as well as its ownership stake in Pivot.
• Comcast set to acquire Sky plc for $39.6 billion- The U.S.-based cable giant is reportedly nearing an agreement with Fox Corp., which owns 39% of Sky Plc shareholding. Industry sources say that the value of the deal could be up to $16 billion in the form of cash and stock. If formalized, it would be one of the biggest media deals ever undertaken by any American company and would put Comcast on par with Sky’s British rival BT Group as a global player in pay TV services
• Facebook reportedly in talks to purchase WhatsApp- According to reports, Facebook is exploring a potential acquisition of messaging app WhatsApp for as much as $30 billion. In a statement sent to Moneycontrol, WhatsApp said that there are no discussions or imminent transactions involving itself or its shareholders at this time”
  Sprint unveils its new unlimited data plan – Sprint has announced plans to offer unlimited data for all customers after winning approval from

The Telecoms.com Podcast: CES, Qualcomm and Open RAN

The likes of Qualcomm, Telstra and Ericsson have announced some major developments at recent events such as CES and Open RAN.

• Qualcomm unveiled its new Snapdragon 845 mobile platform and a swathe of new products at CES 2018, including the flagship Snapdragon 845 processor and the Snapdragon X50 modem. The new devices will offer support for advanced features like dual camera setups and AI processing, as well as improved power efficiency.
• Open RAN: Telstra has unveiled its 5G plans at the Open RAN event in Sydney, with the aim of becoming a global leader in open, interoperable networks for 5G. The telco expects to launch a full-fledge 5G network sometime in 2019 and will work with other networks to ensure a globally consistent standardised approach to 5G deployments.
• Lastly, Ericsson has announced the launch of 5G New Radio (5G NR). The tech giant says this is designed to provide enhanced internet connectivity for more people, more places and in more ways than current networks can handle.
  The announcements from these companies show us that we are moving closer to 5G being a reality. With these developments happening on a regular basis, we can’t wait for it to be fully operational!