Category Archives: Telecoms

Commercial Property, Commercial Property News, Technology, Telecoms

Why Commercial Property Landlords Need to Focus on Improving Mobile Connectivity

Written by Khushboo Sagar, Sales Director – Private Sector, at connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service provider Freshwave.

As hybrid working has become the new norm, commercial landlords are playing a game of musical chairs. But instead of vying for a seat when the music stops, they’re scrambling to keep their tenants in their seats – and, more importantly, in their buildings.

Prioritising mobile connectivity is key for landlords who want to win the game. Gone are the days when a desk and a decent cup of coffee were all you needed to keep the office buzzing. The shift towards hybrid working means that offices are competing with the convenience of home working, where reliable connectivity is generally guaranteed.

 

The implications of poor mobile connectivity are significant. We all know how frustrating a patchy connection can be when out and about. In commercial properties, it can seriously hamstring a business’s operations. Companies whose employees are struggling with subpar connection are unlikely to renew leases. What’s more, providing basic Wi-Fi alone is not enough; every corner of the building needs strong mobile coverage across all mobile networks.

Connectivity isn’t just about providing tenants with secure online access. It’s also key to future-proofing your property. More and more properties are integrating smart technologies— from automated lighting systems to advanced security measures. These systems benefit from mobile networks for remote management and real-time data analysis. Without reliable connectivity, the efficiency and effectiveness of these systems can be severely compromised, making high-tech features more trouble than they’re worth and diminishing a building’s overall value.

As commercial properties strive to reduce their carbon footprints, a new challenge has emerged. Modern building materials, such as energy-efficient glass and thick walls, are excellent for insulation and energy efficiency, but often inhibit mobile signals. The ironic result is frustrating dead zones, within spaces consciously designed to be cutting-edge.

 

So, what can commercial property landlords do to improve connectivity in their buildings?

 

One effective solution is the deployment of indoor small cells. They bring assured mobile connectivity indoors and guarantee the quality of service. Small cells are low-power wireless access points and the latest innovation in this space, Omni Network, delivers all four UK mobile network operators combined in one box (Vodafone, EE, Three, Virgin Media O2). This simplifies installation, reducing the amount of equipment and cabling needed, making it an ideal choice for properties looking to reduce their carbon footprint. It’s suited for sites from 6,000 sq ft upwards and can scale to buildings of 350,000 sq ft or more, all while using much less space in the comms room than earlier technologies.

For even larger properties with high concentrations of people, a distributed antenna system (DAS) is another option. A DAS uses a network of discreet antenna nodes connected to a central source to distribute strong, uniform mobile coverage across wide areas. Like small cells, a DAS connects securely into the mobile network operators’ networks, guaranteeing seamless connectivity.

 

Landlords should be wary of technologies that merely amplify outdoor signals as a permanent solution for assured connectivity. These offer little control over signal quality and are vulnerable to changes in the outdoor environment. A binding contract with your provider which guarantees connectivity from the mobile operators the building needs, whether that’s one operator or all four, will give you peace of mind for the solution you’re buying.

By embracing technologies like indoor small cells and DAS, landlords can meet clients’ expectations and enhance their properties’ value. In today’s market, connectivity isn’t just a differentiator; it’s a prerequisite for success.

Mobile Phones, News, Technology, Telecoms

juice® continues to help save wild animals with the expansion of its eco-conscious range in partnership with the Born Free Foundation

Quirky and colourful tech accessories brand juice® has expanded its eco-conscious ‘Animals’ range with the launch of three brand-new products.

Initially launched in April in partnership with international wildlife charity, the Born Free Foundation, the playful assortment of charging cables, speakers and headphones was based around two critically endangered and legally protected species – the Lazy Giant Panda and the Fierce Sumatran Tiger.

Now, juice® has not only welcomed two more animals to the pack – the Gentle Grevy’s Zebra and the Ghostly Snow Leopard – with wireless airphones available in both designs, but the Fierce Sumatran Tiger collection has grown with the introduction of a super-fast dual port mains charging plug.

 

Since 2012, juice® has maintained its mantra of “just doing the right thing”, and as such, is donating 20% of all profits from the Animals range to the Born Free Foundation to help end the exploitation and suffering of animals living both in captivity and in the wild.

Founded in 1984, Born Free has dedicated 40 years to wild animal welfare and the protection of threatened and endangered species around the world. Through its tireless work across conservation, rescue and care, policy and education, the charity seeks to enhance the survival of threatened species in the wild and safeguard their natural habitats, while respecting the welfare of individual animals. Born Free opposes the exploitation of wild animals in captivity and campaigns for a future where animals and people can coexist, for the benefit of all life on earth.

 

Jolyon Bennett, founder and CEO of juice® said: “We’ve always been an eco-conscious business and for the last couple of years, we’ve focused specifically on the materials used within our products. However, we’re now extending our efforts into other areas, and collaborating with the Born Free Foundation just made sense – we both share the same vision of trying to make the world a better place.

“Since launching a few months ago, the Animals range has received a lot of positive feedback. As the only collection we’ve designed and created specifically for the younger demographic, these products are different from anything else we offer, and we wanted to expand on this by introducing multiple new lines that are just as cute as the rest!”

 

Will Travers OBE, Executive President of the Born Free Foundation added: “Jolyon Bennett and juice® are clearly on a mission! I am not only thrilled that they have chosen Born Free’s pride as a charity partner, but that their ‘Animals’ range is designed with young, animal-friendly, eco-conscious consumers in mind. It will take our combined efforts to save the world’s threatened species and the natural habitats they (and we) rely on. By working together, juice®, Born Free, and our many loyal customers and supporters can help turn the tide, one animal, one species, one ecosystem at a time.”

 

Last spring, juice® became the first mobile phone accessories manufacturer in the UK to remove all single-use plastic from its products as a result of its ‘juice® Made Mindfully’ campaign. Since then, the Banbury based manufacturer has saved a grand total of 261 tonnes of plastic, including 109 tonnes in 2023 alone.

 

The juice® Animals range can be purchased from juice.co.uk, with the three new lines now available from TK Maxx.

 

—

About Born Free 

 Born Free was founded by Bill Travers MBE and Dame Virginia McKenna DBE, who starred in the movie classic, Born Free (1966), together with their eldest son, Will Travers OBE, who now leads the charity as its Executive President. Born Free’s mission is to ensure that all wild animals, whether living in captivity or in the wild, are treated with compassion and respect, and are able to live their lives according to their needs, as far as possible. Born Free opposes the exploitation of wild animals in captivity and campaigns to keep wildlife in the wild.

 Born Free promotes compassionate conservation which strives to enhance the survival of threatened species in the wild and protect natural habitats, while respecting the needs of and safeguarding the welfare of individual animals. Born Free seeks to have a positive impact on animals in the wild and protect their ecosystems in perpetuity, for their own intrinsic value and for the critical roles they play within the natural world. For more information, please visit: www.bornfree.org.uk

Mobile Phones, News, Technology, Telecoms

juice® continues to help save wild animals with the expansion of its eco-conscious range in partnership with the Born Free Foundation

Quirky and colourful tech accessories brand juice® has expanded its eco-conscious ‘Animals’ range with the launch of three brand-new products.

Initially launched in April in partnership with international wildlife charity, the Born Free Foundation, the playful assortment of charging cables, speakers and headphones was based around two critically endangered and legally protected species – the Lazy Giant Panda and the Fierce Sumatran Tiger.

Now, juice® has not only welcomed two more animals to the pack – the Gentle Grevy’s Zebra and the Ghostly Snow Leopard – with wireless airphones available in both designs, but the Fierce Sumatran Tiger collection has grown with the introduction of a super-fast dual port mains charging plug.

 

Since 2012, juice® has maintained its mantra of “just doing the right thing”, and as such, is donating 20% of all profits from the Animals range to the Born Free Foundation to help end the exploitation and suffering of animals living both in captivity and in the wild.

Founded in 1984, Born Free has dedicated 40 years to wild animal welfare and the protection of threatened and endangered species around the world. Through its tireless work across conservation, rescue and care, policy and education, the charity seeks to enhance the survival of threatened species in the wild and safeguard their natural habitats, while respecting the welfare of individual animals. Born Free opposes the exploitation of wild animals in captivity and campaigns for a future where animals and people can coexist, for the benefit of all life on earth.

 

Jolyon Bennett, founder and CEO of juice® said: “We’ve always been an eco-conscious business and for the last couple of years, we’ve focused specifically on the materials used within our products. However, we’re now extending our efforts into other areas, and collaborating with the Born Free Foundation just made sense – we both share the same vision of trying to make the world a better place.

“Since launching a few months ago, the Animals range has received a lot of positive feedback. As the only collection we’ve designed and created specifically for the younger demographic, these products are different from anything else we offer, and we wanted to expand on this by introducing multiple new lines that are just as cute as the rest!”

 

Will Travers OBE, Executive President of the Born Free Foundation added: “Jolyon Bennett and juice® are clearly on a mission! I am not only thrilled that they have chosen Born Free’s pride as a charity partner, but that their ‘Animals’ range is designed with young, animal-friendly, eco-conscious consumers in mind. It will take our combined efforts to save the world’s threatened species and the natural habitats they (and we) rely on. By working together, juice®, Born Free, and our many loyal customers and supporters can help turn the tide, one animal, one species, one ecosystem at a time.”

 

Last spring, juice® became the first mobile phone accessories manufacturer in the UK to remove all single-use plastic from its products as a result of its ‘juice® Made Mindfully’ campaign. Since then, the Banbury based manufacturer has saved a grand total of 261 tonnes of plastic, including 109 tonnes in 2023 alone.

 

The juice® Animals range can be purchased from juice.co.uk, with the three new lines now available from TK Maxx.

 

—

About Born Free 

 Born Free was founded by Bill Travers MBE and Dame Virginia McKenna DBE, who starred in the movie classic, Born Free (1966), together with their eldest son, Will Travers OBE, who now leads the charity as its Executive President. Born Free’s mission is to ensure that all wild animals, whether living in captivity or in the wild, are treated with compassion and respect, and are able to live their lives according to their needs, as far as possible. Born Free opposes the exploitation of wild animals in captivity and campaigns to keep wildlife in the wild.

 Born Free promotes compassionate conservation which strives to enhance the survival of threatened species in the wild and protect natural habitats, while respecting the needs of and safeguarding the welfare of individual animals. Born Free seeks to have a positive impact on animals in the wild and protect their ecosystems in perpetuity, for their own intrinsic value and for the critical roles they play within the natural world. For more information, please visit: www.bornfree.org.uk

Telecoms, Telecoms News

The Ultimate Guide to Leased Line Providers in the UK

Leased line providers play a pivotal role in the connectivity landscape, particularly in the UK, where businesses increasingly rely on robust internet infrastructure. With a staggering 85% of enterprises citing uninterrupted connectivity as critical for their operations, the choice of leased line provider becomes paramount.

In this comprehensive guide, we navigate the intricacies of selecting the ideal leased line provider in the UK.

 

Understanding Leased Lines:

Leased lines are the backbone of reliable internet connectivity for businesses, offering dedicated and symmetrical bandwidth that ensures consistent performance. Unlike traditional broadband connections, which are shared among multiple users and subject to fluctuations in speed and reliability, leased lines provide a dedicated link exclusively for your business

 

Key Considerations When Choosing a Leased Line Provider:

 

1.   Reliability and Uptime Guarantees:

  • Ensure the provider offers robust service level agreements (SLAs) guaranteeing uptime.
  • Look for redundancy measures and proactive monitoring to minimize downtime risks.

 

2.   Speed and Scalability Options:

  • Assess your current and future bandwidth requirements to choose a provider offering scalable solutions.
  • Look for flexible upgrade options to accommodate your growing needs without hassle.

 

3.   Customer Support and Service Level Agreements (SLAs):

  • Evaluate the provider’s customer support availability, responsiveness, and expertise.
  • Review SLAs for response times and resolution commitments to ensure timely support when needed.

 

4.   Pricing and Contract Terms:

  • Compare pricing structures, including installation fees, monthly leased line costs, and any hidden costs.
  • Review contract terms, including contract length, termination clauses, and potential penalties.

 

5.   Reputation and Customer Reviews:

  • Research the provider’s reputation through online reviews, testimonials, and case studies.
  • Seek recommendations from peers or industry experts to gauge overall satisfaction and reliability.

 

Choosing the right leased line provider involves careful consideration of these key factors to ensure a seamless and satisfactory experience.

 

Top Leased Line Providers in the UK:

 

1.   BT Business:

  • Renowned for its extensive network coverage and reliability.
  • Offers a range of scalable leased line solutions tailored to business needs.
  • Known for robust customer support and service level agreements.

 

2.   Virgin Media Business:

  • Boasts high-speed leased line options with symmetrical upload and download speeds.
  • Known for innovative technology and flexibility in service offerings.
  • Offers competitive pricing and attractive contract terms.

 

3.   TalkTalk Business:

  • Provides cost-effective leased line solutions suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
  • Offers a range of bandwidth options with scalable upgrade paths.
  • Known for responsive customer support and transparent pricing.

 

4.   Vodafone Business:

  • Offers a comprehensive portfolio of leased line services, including MPLS and Ethernet options.
  • Known for its nationwide coverage and reliable connectivity.
  • Provides robust SLAs and proactive monitoring for maximum uptime.

 

5.   Colt Technology Services:

  • Specializes in high-bandwidth leased line solutions for enterprise and wholesale customers.
  • Offers flexible contract terms and customizable solutions to meet specific business requirements.
  • Known for its focus on network performance and reliability.

 

These top leased line providers in the UK offer a diverse range of services tailored to meet the unique connectivity needs of businesses, ensuring reliable and high-performance internet access for enhanced productivity and growth.

 

Tips for Negotiating with Leased Line Providers:

 

  1. Know Your Needs: Before entering negotiations, have a clear understanding of your organization’s bandwidth requirements, uptime expectations, and budget constraints. This knowledge will empower you to negotiate effectively and ensure you get the most suitable solution.
  2. Ask the Right Questions: Don’t hesitate to inquire about specific details regarding service levels, network redundancy, and technical support. Clarify any uncertainties upfront to avoid surprises later on.
  3. Seek Customization: Leverage your negotiation power to request customized solutions tailored to your unique business needs. Whether it’s adjusting bandwidth levels or adding extra security features, a flexible provider will accommodate your requests.
  4. Compare Offers: Don’t settle for the first offer you receive. Take the time to shop around and compare proposals from multiple providers. Look beyond pricing alone and consider factors like reliability, customer support, and scalability.
  5. Negotiate Pricing and Terms: Negotiate pricing structures, including installation fees, monthly leased line charges, and contract lengths. Be prepared to discuss discounts, incentives, and any potential hidden costs to ensure a fair deal for your organization.
  6. Review the Contract Carefully: Once you’ve reached an agreement, thoroughly review the contract terms before signing. Pay close attention to clauses related to service guarantees, termination fees, and escalation procedures to avoid any misunderstandings down the line.

By following these tips, you can navigate negotiations with leased line providers confidently and secure a solution that meets your organization’s connectivity needs while staying within your budget.

 

Future Trends in Leased Line Technology and Providers:

 

  • Enhanced Connectivity Solutions: Leased line providers are continuously innovating to meet the evolving demands of businesses. Expect to see advancements in technology that deliver even faster speeds, greater reliability, and improved security features.

 

  • Adoption of SD-WAN: Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) is gaining traction as businesses seek more agile and cost-effective solutions for managing their network infrastructure. Leased line providers are incorporating SD-WAN capabilities into their offerings to provide greater flexibility and control over network traffic.

 

  • Emphasis on Cybersecurity: With the rise of cyber threats, leased line providers are placing greater emphasis on cybersecurity measures to protect customer data and ensure network integrity. Look for enhanced encryption protocols, intrusion detection systems, and other security features as standard offerings from providers.

 

  • Expansion of 5G Services: As 5G technology continues to roll out across the globe, leased line providers are exploring ways to leverage this high-speed wireless connectivity for business applications. Expect to see an expansion of 5G-based leased line services, particularly in areas where traditional wired connections are challenging to deploy.

 

  • Focus on Sustainability: With increasing awareness of environmental issues, leased line providers are taking steps to minimize their carbon footprint and promote sustainability. Look for providers that prioritize energy-efficient infrastructure, use of renewable energy sources, and eco-friendly business practices.

 

As technology evolves and businesses embrace digital transformation, leased line providers will play a crucial role in delivering reliable, high-performance connectivity solutions that empower organizations to thrive in the digital age.

 

Conclusion:

Armed with the insights from our guide, you’re equipped to navigate the complexities of selecting a provider that meets your needs. From understanding the fundamentals to exploring top providers and future trends, embrace the power of reliable connectivity to drive innovation, productivity, and growth. With the right leased line partner by your side, the possibilities are limitless.

Cybersecurity, News, Smartphone News and Views, Telecoms, Telecoms News

New research shows that poor PIN hygiene leads to 62% of phone theft victims in the UK facing further financial loss and data breaches

  • 45 per cent of Britons use their main phone PIN for multiple apps
  • Businesses, including banks and fintechs, are not doing enough to support customers in protecting their personal data when they lose their phones

 

22 April 2024—London, UK: Nuke From Orbit, a fintech startup headquartered in the UK, has unveiled findings from its latest research report, shedding light on a concerning trend in smartphone thefts. The report indicates that in 62% of cases of smartphone thefts in the UK, the repercussions extend far beyond the initial loss of the device.

According to the research, not only were respondents’ social media and email accounts accessed, but one in four individuals also fell victim to digital wallet theft, resulting in monetary losses. Alarmingly, the study reveals that one in five respondents experienced compromised personal bank accounts through unauthorised access via mobile banking apps.

The alarming findings come amid the evolving boom in smartphone usage and the growing identity threat that users face. Although smartphones were created to simplify life with their many functions, users do not realise that this convenience has also made them more vulnerable to risk and therefore aren’t taking the appropriate precautions.

Other key findings from the research include:

  • The further losses the respondents reported can partly be attributed to poor PIN hygiene despite repeated warnings and guidance on password and PIN best practices.
  • 78% of the respondents use their smartphones for mobile banking, 85% for accessing email, 71% for managing social media and 51% for a digital wallet, indicating that cybercriminals can easily access their personal data from a single mobile device.
  • However, nearly half (45%) are in the habit of using the same PIN to gain access to the phone and multiple apps, services, and bank cards.

James O’Sullivan, CEO and founder of Nuke From Orbit commented, “Biometrics were introduced to make smartphones more secure because the frequency with which you need to input a PIN is greatly reduced, but our research shows this has led to some complacency. Criminals are returning to old-school shoulder surfing tactics – that made ATMs a nightmare – to access the phones they then steal to commit secondary crimes.”

A legislation that will contribute to the fight against such threats is The UK Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (Product Security) Act, which will come into effect on the 29th of April. The Act will ensure that consumer technology products meet mandatory security requirements to protect against cyberattacks. Businesses will be accountable for protecting customer data as the regulation mandates them to set safety measures such as minimum default password requirements and providing information on reporting security issues.

With so much interconnectivity, and even authenticator apps and one-time passcodes utilising the same device, smartphones are at the heart of the challenge this legislation is designed to tackle.

“The Act is relevant for consumers and businesses, including banks, fintechs and online service providers. Service providers are responsible for ensuring they do everything possible to protect consumers when the worst happens. Our research suggests that currently, they are not doing enough. Nuke From Orbit is on a mission to support such service providers in protecting the digital identities of individuals and putting them back in control of their data swiftly when their smartphones are stolen.”

Nuke From Orbit offers a unique digital panic button, allowing individuals to block access to various services and accounts all at once if their smartphone is stolen. This world’s first solution adds a higher level of data protection and privacy in the mobile security market by fixing a significant vulnerability. Consumers can join the waiting list to be alerted when the service goes live in their region.

—

About Nuke From Orbit: 

Founded in 2023, Nuke From Orbit is a UK-based company developing a service that allows subscribers to block access to multiple services and accounts simultaneously, avoiding account compromise issues and monetary loss when their smartphone gets stolen. For more information and to see how the service works, visit https://nuke.app.

News, Telecoms, Telecoms News

Patrick Macdonald, Chairman of leading outsourced communications provider Moneypenny, has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE)

Patrick Macdonald, Chairman of leading outsourced communications provider Moneypenny, has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE).

The RSE is Scotland’s national academy with a Fellowship of 1,800 drawn from the sciences, arts, business, professions and the third and public sectors. Founded in 1783, the RSE plays a leading part in advising policymakers, inspiring innovators and helping tackle the most pressing issues of the day.

Patrick said “I’m honoured to join the RSE and its fantastic group of Fellows whose expertise, understanding and knowledge contribute so much to social and economic wellbeing both nationally and internationally. I look forward to playing my full part in its influential and important work.”

Joanna Swash, Group CEO of Moneypenny, comments “playing our part in our communities is really important to all of us at Moneypenny, both on a local and national level. We’re very proud that Patrick has been elected as a Fellow at the RSE. It is a tremendous honour.”

News, North Wales, Telecoms, Telecoms News, USA

Moneypenny Acquires Sunshine Communications Services to Further Strengthen It’s Position in the US Market

Moneypenny, a leading innovator in outsourced communication services has further extended its services in the US with the acquisition of Sunshine Communication Services.

Sunshine is an award-winning provider of bilingual (English and Spanish) call management solutions to businesses of all sizes ensuring they run smoothly 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Based in Florida and founded in 1975 by the Gross family, the company is dedicated to representing clients’ business in providing customised services across a variety of industries.

The Moneypenny Group is a market leader, with its US HQ in Atlanta. The company employs over 1,000 people globally and delivers virtual receptionist and phone answering services, Live Chat, switchboard, fully outsourced customer service teams and a host of AI and technology-enabled services handling over 20 million calls and chats annually for thousands of businesses, from sole traders to multi-national corporations.

The company has ambitious growth plans, and this acquisition will take the US business to almost a third of the Moneypenny Group turnover. Demand for its services is growing at a significant rate as businesses continue to look at ways to improve how they interact with their customers, by blending technology solutions with highly skilled personal assistants to maximize operational efficiencies.

 

Joanna Swash, Group CEO commented, “We are delighted to welcome Sunshine Communication Services to The Moneypenny Group. This is our fourth acquisition in the US following Alphapage in 2022. Sunshine Communication Services is a successful brand and its acquisition will further complement the services we can offer to our clients in the US. Our aim is to be the number one provider in the US for outsourced communications, supporting businesses of all sizes to deliver a great customer experience with every interaction, regardless of channel.”

 

Brothers, Andrew Gross and Peter Gross from Sunshine Communication Services added, “We are excited about the opportunities this next phase presents for our business, and more importantly, for our team and customers. From the moment we met Moneypenny, it was clear our companies have a great fit, not just with our products and services, but also more importantly, with our strong culture and ethos. Looking after our people and putting the needs of the customer front and center are at the core of both of our companies.”

Business News, News, Technology, Telecoms

UK faces continuity risk as nearly half of businesses unaware of impending PSTN switch-off

  • Only 54% of UK businesses that will be impacted by the 2025 PSTN Switch-Off are aware of the discontinuation.
  • 74% of UK businesses do not have migration plan in place ahead of 2025 PSTN Switch-Off

Today, leading technology-based provider of communications services across Europe, Gamma Communications plc (“Gamma”), in collaboration with the Centre for Economics Business Research (Cebr) launches a new report looking at the impact of the impending 2025 PSTN Switch-Off on businesses in the UK.

The report, titled ‘The Big Switch-Off: Are UK Businesses Aware and Prepared?’ highlights that nearly one third (30%) of UK businesses are in the dark about the discontinuation of BT Openreach’s Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) due to be completed by December 2025. According to the analysis, which also surveyed 400 business decision makers in the UK, only 54% of businesses that will be directly impacted by the Switch-Off, are currently aware of discontinuation. This is a cause for concern as businesses are unknowingly putting their continuity at risk.

Though the Switch-Off is already underway, three quarters (74%) of businesses are yet to complete essential migration tasks. 49% of businesses haven’t started researching alternatives to form a migration plan, to ensure a seamless transition. The report also shows that there is a significant disparity in awareness across different regions as well as industry verticals in the UK.

Businesses in Northern Ireland have the lowest rate of awareness at 44% followed by businesses (47%) in Southeast England. However, in London, three-fifths (59%) of businesses are conscious of the shift, potentially giving them a competitive edge for future proofing their business. Businesses are urged to make the transition sooner rather than later. Scrambling to adopt new digital solutions at the last-minute could overwhelm providers who are already managing numerous projects, potentially leading to inadequate support for all.

Chris Wade, Chief Marketing and Product Officer at Gamma, says: “The next 12 months are crucial for UK businesses still using PSTN. Our report highlights that there is still a significant number of businesses currently reliant on legacy services for customer communications, order taking, internal communications, security and even lift operation.

To ensure a smooth transition following the Switch-Off, businesses need to act now and explore alternative digital communications available to them. This way businesses can understand the benefits that come with switching to modern solutions, such as a positive impact on the business’ bottom line as well as increased flexibility and scalability. By doing so, businesses can make sure they don’t make a rash decision – instead, find the right solution for their business needs.”

Gamma’s report comes at topical time, following the national ‘Stop Sell’ announced by Openreach – where the ordering, change, or upgrade of analogue phone systems ceased –earlier this year (5th of September 2023). The important message here is that businesses without the awareness, regardless of size, could be left out of service and unable to effectively trade. The Switch-Off is happening and there is no safety net, but the benefits of moving to a digital alternative far outweigh any effort to migrate.

To read the ‘The Big Switch-Off: Are UK Businesses Aware and Prepared?’ in full, please visit https://www.gamma.co.uk/solutions/pstn-switch-off/

 

5G, Midlands, Midlands News, Technology, Telecoms, Telecoms News

West Midlands wins 5G Innovation Regions competition to Level Up region and accelerate growth New Emails for Today

Today the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has won £4m to accelerate the adoption of 5G technology across the two of the region’s most important clusters – manufacturing and smart communities (which includes social care & social housing) – to boost productivity, wellness and jobs.

The funding has been won with through a joint bid from WM5G (West Midlands 5G), JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) and the WMCA’s Local Authority partners into the Government’s 5G Innovation Regions competition which is making £40m available for selected regions to accelerate the transformative benefits that advanced connectivity and digital technologies can provide.

Advanced manufacturing and smart communities are two key clusters identified in the West Midlands Plan for Growth which was launched last year to help re-ignite the regional economy and recapture its pre-Covid success. Accelerating the adoption of so-called Industry 4.0 technologies, including 5G and data/AI, in these clusters has the potential create skilled jobs, boost productivity, transform wellness, and help reduce social inequalities. However, digital adoption still remains low, reflecting underlying skills and cost of living issues combined with awareness, proposition, funding, and delivery barriers.

By becoming a 5G Innovation Region, the West Midlands will overcome these barriers by scaling proven use cases through the UK’s first adoption hubs in operational manufacturing and social housing facilities and then support many other organisations to benefit through adoption programmes.

Minister of Data and Digital Infrastructure Sir John Whittingdale said:  “We’re channeling millions into local areas to unlock the potential of cutting-edge 5G wireless and digital technologies which will reshape our public services, drive economic growth and boost innovation. This new fund will give local areas from across the country the opportunity to be at the forefront of Britain’s world-leading 5G revolution.

“For instance, by using 5G for farming and creating science parks, we’re not just helping local communities, but also encouraging new ideas all over the UK. This is more than just linking smartphones. It’s about using powerful digital connections to transform various sectors in the economy and the public sector throughout the entire country.”

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, said: “5G has the power to transform public services and grow our economy – making our workplaces more productive and creating high quality new jobs.

“Accelerating digital adoption is at the heart of our regional strategy to drive prosperity as we continue to bounce back from the impact of the pandemic. We’ve already made a strong start – investing in digital skills bootcamps, launching the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator, and achieving the best 5G coverage of any Combined Authority region.

“But there’s still more we can do to quicken the pace of adoption. That’s why winning £4m in funding and becoming a leading 5G Innovation Region is so important for the West Midlands. Close collaboration with industry leaders and our local authorities will enable us to best serve communities, businesses and public services – opening up new opportunities for local people right across our region in the months and years ahead.”

Steve Prendergast, Digital Operations Director at JLR said: “5G availability in our manufacturing facilities in the Midlands is essential to JLR’s digital transformation as we enhance the performance of our industrial footprint. As we gear up to the production of our next generation electric vehicles and their new platforms, the adoption of advanced wireless technologies will improve the scalability, flexibility and resilience of our manufacturing sites.

Cllr Saima Suleman, Cabinet Member for Digital, Culture, Heritage and Tourism for Birmingham City Council, said: “Birmingham City Council is transforming the way it delivers its services using digital and smart technologies to ensure our residents receive the opportunities and services they deserve. This opportunity will build on the exciting digital transformation activities in our Housing and Adult Social Care services. We look forward to working in partnership through 5GIR to accelerate the benefits from scaled adoption of these technologies for our residents, staff and partners.”

Cllr Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council, said: “5G-powered technologies have the potential to deliver more efficient public services, new opportunities for residents and businesses, and provide a boost for economic growth. Working together as a region means that we are best placed to collectively make the most of the opportunities this represents.”

City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Cllr Stephen Simkins, said: “Wolverhampton is a Gigabit and Smart City with futureproofed digital infrastructure including full fibre broadband and 5G utilised to transform delivery of services and develop new applications to unlock its potential. We know how critical digital adoption is for our residents and organisations and we are delighted to be part of this innovative programme that will help bring further benefits to our city and region.”

Networks, News, Technology, Telecoms

Colt strengthens best-in-class optical network portfolio with new Nokia partnership

Collaboration strengthens Colt’s ecosystem of best-in-class technology partners, helping customers future proof their networks.

Colt Technology Services, the digital infrastructure company, today announces a collaboration with Nokia, the technology and innovation leader. The partnership boosts Colt’s multi-vendor offering, strengthening network capabilities and providing customers with flexibility and choice.

Enhancing the Colt IQ Network’s capability, the collaboration brings Nokia’s 1830 product family along with Wavesuite software suite into Colt’s current optical network solutions. Nokia’s 1830 Photonic Service Switch (PSS) and Wavelite products provides scalable optimised end-to-end optical transport solutions for enterprise, data centre interconnect, metro, regional and long-haul networks. Colt will also deploy the Nokia Wavesuite software suite for delivering network automation.

Colt’s Optical portfolio provides the very highest levels of network performance for backbone connections, inter-data centre connectivity and other high bandwidth requirements. All of Colt’s optical services can be provided on defined network routes and fibre paths with varied options for diversity, service redundancy and resilience.

This multi-faceted development sees Colt leverage an industry-leading combination of hardware and software innovation from Nokia to provide enriched high bandwidth and software-defined connectivity enabled by Nokia Wavesuite software across its optical solutions for customers globally.

Vivek Gaur, VP of Network Engineering at Colt said: “By partnering with Nokia, we’re expanding our ecosystem of technology partners, enabling our customers to consume our always-on optical solutions  and providing the flexibility our customers need in their digital transformation journey.”

James Watt, President of the Optical Networks Division, at Nokia said: “We’re excited to partner with Colt to broaden their range of next-generation solutions. With bandwidth demands increasing globally, Nokia’s 1830 PSS family delivers market-leading coherent transport and WDM/ROADM technologies to future-proof Colt’s optical network solutions to meet customer’s needs.”

About Colt Technology Services

Colt Technology Services (Colt) is a global digital infrastructure company which creates extraordinary connections to help businesses succeed. Powered by amazing people and like-minded partners, Colt is driven by its purpose: to put the power of the digital universe in the hands of its customers, wherever, whenever and however they choose.

Since 1992, Colt has set itself apart through its deep commitment to its customers, growing from its heritage in the City of London to more than 60 offices around the world. The powerful Colt IQ Network connects 222 cities and 32 countries with more than 1000 data centres, 51 Metropolitan Area Networks and over 31,000 buildings across Europe, Asia and North America’s largest business hubs. Privately owned, Colt is one of the most financially sound companies in the sector.

Obsessed with delivering industry-leading customer experience, Colt is guided by its dedication to customer innovation, by its values and its responsibility to its customers, partners, people and planet.

For more information, please visit www.colt.net

About Nokia

Nokia creates technology that helps the world act together.  As a B2B technology innovation leader, Nokia is pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, Nokia creates value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work to create the digital services and applications of the future. For more information, visit www.Nokia.com.