Latest news with #5GStandalone
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Why rural connectivity is vital for the future of Scotland
Bridging the digital divide in overlooked communities such as the Shetland Islands will unlock untapped potential, writes Nick Gliddon Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... My family's roots lie on islands – my Nanna was born on the Isle of May, my Mum on the Isle of Man. As lighthouse keepers, communication was essential for our family. In too many parts of rural Scotland, communication and digital connectivity is stuck in the past. And in today's world, where almost every aspect of life relies on fast, reliable connections – that's unacceptable. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Genuine connectivity in Scotland means investing directly in areas that have been overlooked for far too long – especially rural communities and notorious 'not-spots' like the Shetland Islands. That's why VodafoneThree is making rural connectivity a top priority, working hand in hand with the Scottish Government to explore laying a new subsea cable joining mainland Scotland to Shetland to greatly improve connectivity on the Islands. This effort is part of a sweeping infrastructure programme aimed at finally closing the UK's digital divide. Nick Gliddon, CEO, Vodafone Business Building on our recent merger with Three UK, Vodafone is committing £11 billion over the next eight years to create one of Europe's largest 5G Standalone (5G SA) networks. This will be the UK's most advanced network yet – what we proudly call 'The Nation's Network'. This investment brings faster speeds, lower latency, and greater reliability – not just for cities, but for rural and remote communities across the UK. By exceeding the government's Shared Rural Network target, it will help close the digital divide, improving access to vital services. And, we're not merely enhancing the network; we're redefining who gets to benefit from it. By 2028, VodafoneThree is on track to cover 90 per cent of the UK, reaching near-universal coverage by 2034. Our aim is to build a secure, sustainable, and inclusive digital infrastructure that empowers everyone – whether you live in Aberdeen, Inverness, or on a croft in Yell. Significant progress is already being made. Take Glasgow, for instance – over the next three years, thousands of residents and local businesses will gain access to dramatically improved indoor 5G coverage. These enhancements will transform education, healthcare, and logistics, positioning Glasgow as a hub of smart innovation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Yet, in rural Scotland, nearly half the population still lacks access to 5G – a stark contrast to the much better coverage in urban areas. This widening digital divide restricts essential services, limits economic growth, and encourages young people to leave in search of better opportunities elsewhere. Lerwick harbour in Shetland. The Islands are a notorious connectivity 'not spot' (Picture: Lisa Strachan/ The Shetland Islands perfectly illustrates both the challenge and the promise. Their current connectivity trails the national average, but these islands hold tremendous untapped potential – as a centre for renewable energy, a tourism hotspot, and a home to entrepreneurs, educators, and families eager for new opportunities. Improved connectivity has real-world impact: it lets people book medical appointments online without endless loading screens, gives students seamless access to digital learning, and supports small businesses that depend on tourism and remote sales. This is a vital boost for the wider economy, especially as UK SMEs lose up to £8.6 billion annually to slow 5G rollout – a trend our £11bn investment is determined to change. But our mission is about more than just installing fibre and masts. Connectivity is about strengthening communities: helping local businesses grow, empowering young people to build their futures locally, and ensuring families stay connected with the wider world. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Shetland Islands deserve the same digital opportunities as anywhere else in the UK. By delivering modern, reliable infrastructure in partnership with government and local communities, we can unlock that potential. True progress isn't only about faster data – it's about more vibrant communities, stronger economies, and a fairer, better-connected Scotland for everyone.
Stuff.tv
23-07-2025
- Stuff.tv
EE expands 5G standalone – is your phone already ready for it?
EE recently started to switch on its shiny new 5G Standalone network, which doesn't piggyback off 4G. Currently, it's only available in certain locations across the UK. But now, EE is expanding it, with 5G Standalone set to cover more than 34 million people by the end of August. That means over half the UK will be able to use it, and you probably don't need a new smartphone to use it. Read more: Everything you need to know about 5G Unlike the 5G you've had so far (which often feels just like 4G), 5G Standalone is the real deal. It doesn't lean on 4G in the background. Rather, it delivers faster uploads, smoother video calls, proper gaming responsiveness, and better indoor signal. It's also got enough capacity to handle you and everyone else livestreaming the same gig, all without descending into buffering chaos. EE's flipping the switch across the country – not just in central London or Manchester city centre. Places like Aberdeen, Ipswich, Loughborough and even Windsor are joining the list, with more than 45 new towns and cities getting turned on this summer. You can check out the full list of supported locations here. Which smartphones support EE's 5G Standalone? What really seals the deal is just how many smartphones are already good to go. That Galaxy S24 or iPhone 15 in your pocket are both ready. There's a long and growing list of compatible phones, tablets and even laptops from the likes of Apple, Samsung, Google, Honor, and more. You don't need to fork out for some handset you've never heard of, yours is probably ready to go. Here's a full list of supported smartphones: Apple iPhone 16 series (16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max & 16e) Apple iPhone 15 series (15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro & 15 Pro Max) Google Pixel 9 series (9, 9Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold) HMD Fusion Honor (Magic7 Lite, Magic 7 Pro, Magic V3, 400 Lite, 400 Pro) Moto G 35, G54 5G, G75 & G85 Motorola Edge 50 Neo Motorola RAZR (50 Ultra & 60 Ultra) Nothing 3a and 3a Pro Oppo Reno13 (Pro & FS) Samsung Galaxy A Series (A15, A16, A26, A36 & A56) Samsung Galaxy Flip (5 & 6) Samsung Galaxy Fold (5 & 6) Samsung Galaxy S25 series (S25, S25+ & S25 Ultra) Samsung Galaxy S24 series (S24, S24+ & S24 Ultra) Samsung Galaxy S23 series (S23, S23+ & S23 Ultra) Samsung Galaxy Xcover7 Pro Sony Xperia 1 VI & 10VI TCL 50R & 50 PRO nxt paper 5G If you've got the right device and a 5G Standalon-ready EE plan or SIM, you might already be on it. New and upgrading customers on any EE pay monthly handset plan get access automatically. That includes Voice over 5G too, which means faster call set-up. There's no extra charge for 5G Standalone itself if you're on one of EE's current monthly handset plans. Coverage is rolling out rapidly, with more than 45 new locations getting lit up this summer, and EE's aiming to reach over 41 million people by spring 2026.
Daily Record
22-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Improvements to Wishaw's 5G network have been confirmed
The North Lanarkshire town is one of the latest areas to join EE's 5G Standalone network - part of a major rollout that will cover over 34 million people. Improvements to Wishaw's 5G network have been confirmed. The North Lanarkshire town is one of the latest areas to join EE's 5G Standalone network - part of a major rollout that will cover over 34 million people and includes commuter towns, regional hubs, and smaller communities that are increasingly under mobile pressure due to growing populations, higher data usage, and hybrid working. 5G standalone is a new type of mobile connectivity built to unleash the true power of 5G for EE customers throughout the UK, delivering smoother livestreaming, faster loading and upload speeds, better indoor connectivity, as well as improved video calls and mobile gaming. The network has been built to deliver up to 100 times more capacity than 4G connectivity, making it significantly better at handling demands from lots of devices at once. 5G standalone customers on EE get access to a smoother, more reliable and more secure mobile connection. As well as significant improvements for customers, building a nationwide 5G standalone network will also deliver a huge boost to the UK economy, with new research showing it can help unlock up to £230 billion in benefits and productivity enhancements for the nation. 'Whether you are video calling from a crowded train station, livestreaming on social media from a sold-out concert, or simply staying in touch with your family and friends over the summer holidays, 5G standalone on EE makes your experience smoother, faster and more secure,' said Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT Group. 'Delivering a high-quality mobile experience every day for millions of people is what matters to us, it's what has driven us to build the UK's most reliable network and why we're now delivering 5G standalone to more people in more places across the UK.' The number of smartphones, tablets and laptops that are compatible with 5G standalone has grown significantly, with devices from Apple, Samsung, Google, Honor, Nothing, Lenovo, Sony, TCL and Microsoft all enabled to connect to EE's most advanced network. To access 5G standalone, customers will need to be in a location where 5G standalone is available, have a compatible device and an EE 5GSA-ready SIM card or eSIM as part of their monthly plan. To ensure more people experience the benefits of the cutting-edge technology, 5G standalone is available on EE to all new and upgrading customers taking any EE pay monthly handset plan. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AT&T Expands 5G RedCap Coverage: Will it Drive Sustainable Growth?
AT&T, Inc. T is steadily expanding its 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) network coverage nationwide. This network is a lightweight version of 5G. It is designed for devices which need lower bandwidth, low power consumption and lower costs but still offer low latency and reliable internet service. Such features make the technology ideal for large-scale IoT deployments. It is getting popular in multiple domains such as consumer devices like smartwatches, XR devices, industrial IoT devices like sensors, smart meters, healthcare, fleet and asset tracking devices. Per Market Research Intellect, 5G RedCap technology market is projected to grow at a 25% compound annual growth rate between the period of 2024 and technology is emerging as a game-changing connectivity layer for mid-tier devices. AT&T has been steadily advancing its 5G RedCap ecosystem to capitalize on this emerging market trend. The company recently announced that its 5G RedCap, built on a 5G Standalone network, now covers 200 million people across the country. Such comprehensive nationwide coverage is a major milestone, making AT&T's 5G network an essential enabler of the next generation of AI-powered IoT innovation and deployment in the United States. Franklin Wireless RG350, a mobile hotspot powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon X35 5G Modem-RF System, is the first commercially approved RedCap product to be used on AT&T's network. The company is collaborating with Samtech, Telit Cinterion and Rhino Mobility to check and certify their module as RedCap compatible and foster advancement in the IoT device ecosystem. How Are Competitors Faring? AT&T faces competition from T-Mobile US, Inc. TMUS and Verizon Communications, Inc. VZ in this market. T-Mobile is also advancing RedCap technology infrastructure nationwide in 2025. The company emphasizes that its technology efficiently reduces power consumption without compromising service quality. T-Mobile's effort to extend its 5G beyond legacy mobile services can pose a challenge to AT& is witnessing healthy 5G traction. Its 5G mobility service offers an unmatched experience that impacts industries as diverse as public safety, health care, retail and sports. The company has collaborated with Ericsson and MediaTek to conduct trials for RedCap technology. However, Verizon is playing a catch-up game with its U.S. competitors, T-Mobile and AT&T, in RedCap commercialization. T's Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates AT&T has gained 41% over the past year compared with the Wireless National industry's growth of 18.4%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Going by the price/book ratio, the company's shares currently trade at 12.58 forward earnings, lower than 12.96 of the industry but above its mean of 10.96. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have remained unchanged for the past 60 days. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research AT&T currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see tthe complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report AT&T Inc. (T) : Free Stock Analysis Report Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) : Free Stock Analysis Report T-Mobile US, Inc. (TMUS) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
Business Standard
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Bharti Airtel incorporates new subsidiary Airtel Money
Bharti Airtel has announced the incorporation of a new step-down wholly-owned subsidiary, Airtel Money Limited, as per a regulatory filing made on 09 July 2025. The entity was officially incorporated on July 8, 2025, with an initial authorised share capital of Rs 10,00,000 and a paid-up/subscribed share capital of Rs 1,00,000. The investment qualifies as a related party transaction, with shares subscribed at par and on an arms length basis, it added. The listed entity holds 100% shareholding in the acquired entity, with no additional shares acquired beyond this ownership percentage. The incorporated entity belongs to the financial services industry. Airtel Money Wallet, a digital wallet service of Airtel Payments Bank, Airtels non-bank financial entity, enables users to make seamless online and offline payments, recharge mobiles, and pay utility bills directly from their mobile phones. The new subsidiary is expected to further enhance Airtels capabilities in the fast-growing digital payments space. Meanwhile, Bharti Airtel also revealed a significant expansion of its partnership with Ericsson. The two companies have entered into a new agreement to bolster Airtels Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services in India. Bharti Airtel has expanded its collaboration with Ericsson to enhance its Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services in India. Under this partnership, Ericsson will deploy its advanced core network solutions to improve Airtels FWA capabilities, with the aim of delivering a superior customer experience. As part of the agreement, Ericsson is introducing a next-generation platform that offers higher capacity while reducing the physical footprint and improving total cost of ownership. This development builds on the previously announced dual-mode 5G Core solution, which forms the foundation for Airtels transition to a unified, future-ready 5G Standalone (SA) network infrastructure. Ericsson has been a long-standing technology partner of Bharti Airtel for over 25 years, supporting every generation of mobile communication. It was also awarded Airtels first 5G contract in India. Bharti Airtel is a global communications solutions provider with over 550 million customers in 15 countries across South Asia and Africa. The telecom major's consolidated net profit soared 432.04% to Rs 11,021.8 crore in Q4 FY25 as against Rs 2,071.6 crore reported in Q4 FY24. Revenue from operations increased 27.33% YoY to Rs 47,876.2 crore in Q4 FY25, driven by strong underlying momentum in India, a rebound in reported currency revenue growth in Africa and full quarter impact of Indus Towers consolidation. Average revenue per user (ARPU) for the quarter stood at Rs 245, up 17.78% over Rs 209 in Q4 FY24.
