Also in today's EMEA regional roundup: Spanish government invests in Sateliot; MTN and Airtel begin network sharing in Uganda and Nigeria; guys, it's International Data Center Day!
Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, has put forward proposals to authorize the use of most of the mobile spectrum bands below 3GHz for satellite-based direct-to-device (D2D) services. D2D services are designed to provide satellite connectivity to mobile phones in areas not covered by terrestrial mobile networks and can only be provided by satellite operators working with the mobile network operator that is licensed to use the relevant frequencies nationally. Ofcom's preferred approach is to amend the licenses already held by mobile network operators and create an accompanying exemption for mobile handsets connecting to these services. Ofcom claims that the launch of its consultation makes the UK the first nation in Europe to move ahead with proposals for D2D services to be authorized for widespread commercial use – services that could be rolled out from as early as next year, says Ofcom. (See D2D rivals play musical chairs with rocket launches.)
In other space-comms news, the Spanish government has agreed to invest €13.8 million (US$14.8 million) in homegrown satellite firm Sateliot. The transaction moves Sateliot a step closer to closing its Series B financing round – the company has now secured €58.8 million ($63.4 million) of its €70 million ($75.5 million) target. The funds will be invested in a constellation of more than 100 low Earth orbit satellites that are used mainly for 5G-based Internet of Things connectivity.
MTN and Airtel have agreed to share network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeria, and are looking at possibly repeating the collaboration in other African markets such as Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda and Zambia.
Mobile operator EE has been forced to pull a series of TV, radio and social media ads after claims made about its WiFi 7-based broadband service were deemed over the top by the UK's Advertising Standards Authority. Vodafone, Community Fibre and 19 members of the public apparently took issue with the ads, in particular EE's claim that its new Wi-Fi 7 router "makes every device work better." The ASA upheld the complaints and ruled that the ads must not appear again. (See Eurobites: Creaky Wi-Fi holding back whole-home gigabit experience, finds Ookla study.)
Ericsson and Drei Austria have completed a field trial of W-band microwave technology, exploring its potential as a high-capacity backhaul option for its 4G and 5G sites in dense urban areas where E-band networks might face congestion. The W-band of the microwave part of the electromagnetic spectrum ranges from 75MHz to 110GHz.
Virgin Media O2 and Ontix have joined forces to deploy small cells in the English coastal city of Plymouth to improve capacity in high-demand areas. VMO2 – which claims to have deployed more small cells than any other UK operator – says it has connected most of the newly deployed small cells to its existing fiber network. (See Virgin Media O2 switches on 5G SA small cells, claiming a UK first.)
Expect fireworks and bunting a-plenty today as someone somewhere has decided that March 26 is officially International Data Center Day! Here at Eurobites Towers the excitement is palpable: Trestle tables laden with sausage rolls, crisps and orange squash are being laid out in the grounds as we speak, with death-metal duo Massive Ugly Shed popping in later to perform an unplugged set. Come on down!
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