Dublin releases blueprint for urban connectivity
Dublin City Council, Ookla and the City Telecoms Association have partnered on a first-of-its-kind study that uses crowdsourced data to show how cities can improve connectivity and tackle the digital divide. The Irish capital worked with Ookla to leverage anonymised network data to identify gaps in telecoms infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas, giving Dublin valuable […]
Manchester deploys small cells following new connectivity agreement
More than 20 new small cells will be deployed across Manchester city centre to enhance mobile 4G and later 5G connectivity. Installed by the connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service provider Freshwave, small cells will boost signal reception for those on the Virgin Media O2 network in busy areas of the UK city, including outside the Arndale Shopping Centre, […]
How microtrenches are enabling faster broadband deployment
Cities that allow broadband operators to install fibre optic cables in a microtrench can attract more companies and competition and expand broadband access more quickly and equitably, says a pioneering city in the field. “Our council wanted the best connectivity and they wanted to make it as accessible as possible to our whole community,” explained […]
New 4G and 5G small poles rolled out across UK
New small smart poles have been trialled in the UK that could remove the need for tall mobile masts and aid cities in their smart city initiatives. The Virgin Media O2 smart poles were installed beside the operator’s existing fibre network cabinets. The poles–smaller than traditional mobile phone masts–do not require planning permission, can be installed in […]
London to bring 4G and 5G to all underground lines
London has partnered with G.Network and Boldyn Networks to roll out improved fibre connectivity, boost mobile coverage through the deployment of small-cell units, and bring 4G and 5G to the underground sections of the Tube and Elizabeth line (pictured above). The partnership will develop the city’s ‘Smarter London Together’ strategy enhancing connectivity, optimising city services, and fostering sustainable development […]
First IoT device certified by new security standard
GE’s industrial wireless router platform has become the first device to be certified by CTIA, the wireless communications trade association, by meeting new standards in security and reliability in critical infrastructure. The IoT Network Certified for Smart Connected Infrastructure programme allows manufacturers to validate their devices’ suitability for critical infrastructure operations. Rigorous testing was undertaken at […]
City Telecoms Association announces industry partnership to drive urban connectivity
Thirty-six cities will work with the telco sector to build new models of cooperation to realise the potential of 5G and next generation connectivity, in an agreement announced during Mobile World Congress. The partnership involves the telecommunications industry alliance, Telecom Infra Project (TIP), through its Neutral Host & Infra Sharing Project Group (NHIS PG), and […]
BT launches IoT network to support UK cities
UK telecoms provider, BT, has rolled out its new Narrow Broadband-IoT (NB-IoT) network to support the digital transformation of utilities, construction, and the public sector. NB-IoT is a low-power network that connects devices, using cellular telecommunications bands, to automate processes that currently require manual oversight or direct involvement. It operates on a licensed spectrum, which provides […]
Open Radio Access Network to be installed in 20 Romanian cities
Vodafone is rolling out new Open Radio Access Network (RAN) sites in 20 cities across Romania that will help increase vendor diversification, reduce costs and boost flexibility and scalability. An Open RAN is made possible by a set of industry-wide standards that telecom suppliers can follow when producing related equipment. It promotes interoperability between different […]
Connectivity provides the “spark” for innovation in Tampere
In 2018, Tampere was the first city in Finland to make a telephone call using 5G technology. Together with its key partner Nokia, the city had a year earlier begun to develop and explore new kinds of connectivity with 5G. “Now, we’re working with Nokia and Qualcomm to take a look at 5G+ millimetre wave […]