According to the Financial Times, Openreach, the semi autonomous network access department of BT, an existing British operator, is stepping on the brake for the expansion of its optical network to cope with the rising costs (applicable to the payment wall). In a letter read by the newspaper, BT told the supplier that it intended to build its optical broadband network “narrower and deeper” and restricted itself from using more “timely” methods. Moreover, what worries the suppliers more is that BT acknowledged in the letter that the change of this strategy “necessarily includes canceling or suspending the work you have received and/or verified”. Earlier this month, Philip Jansen, chief executive officer of BT, revealed that he planned to reduce the cost by 500 million pounds (565 million dollars) by the end of 2025, while he had previously designated savings of 2.5 billion pounds (2.8 billion dollars). According to data released by BT in September, only 27% of households within its all fiber network coverage have signed up for the service.

The cost of ensuring uninterrupted service during “load shedding” (power outage) is partly responsible for the decline in profitability of Telkom SA in South Africa. The company’s half year results showed that the group’s EBITDA (profit before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) fell 17.3% year on year to R4.9 billion (US $284 million), while revenue fell 0.7% to R22.1 billion (US $1.23 billion). In its consumer segment, the number of mobile customers increased by 10.9% to 18 million.
The UK Competition and Market Authority (CMA) has conducted a survey of the mobile browser market, particularly in relation to cloud games. CMA said that the response to the consultation it launched in June showed “a lot of support” for the way Apple and Google dominate the market and how Apple restricts cloud games through its app store. For example, web developers complain that Apple’s monopoly on the market has led them to increase costs and unnecessary troubles in their work.
Colt Technology Services, headquartered in the UK, has launched the so-called “joint laboratory environment” with IBM to explore ways to bring secure edge cloud services to manufacturers. According to Colt, the lab will provide practical experience for enterprises as they are looking for monetization methods of 5G and edge functions, such as visual inspection, supply chain remote monitoring, IT/OT security, remote management and threat monitoring.
Telecom Italia has reached a settlement with the trade union on teleworking, which will allow its employees to work at home (or anywhere other than the office) for three days a week instead of just two days as before. In fact, TIM’s office will now close on Friday. In a statement, Paolo Chiriotti, the HR boss of TIM, said that, among other safeguards, employees should be able to enjoy the “right to disconnect”.
Sky, a UK based pay TV and more service provider, will launch a new advertising free “linear” TV channel, Sky Children. Families with young children obviously tell Sky that on-demand children’s programs are good, but if there is a linear TV that can let their little babies have entertainment and occupation during the day, then the life of adults will be much easier.
The British mobile operator EE said that it had added 150 new locations for its 5G network. The public relations staff of EE were keen to point out that this move would bring benefits to those who want to publish photos of themselves chewing leather Frankfurt bread at the Christmas market.