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Vodafone has introduced multi-operator core network (MOCN) technology at the UK's London Gatwick Airport to allow Three's customers to make calls and transmit data through Vodafone's mast. Vodafone UK merged with Three UK in May of last year, effectively creating Britain's biggest mobile operator, VodafoneThree. Customers of VOXI, Talkmobile and Smarty – all sub-brands of VodafoneThree – will also benefit from the coverage upgrade.
Vodafone has also switched on 5G standalone service at the airport's North and South terminals, offering, among other things, access to Vodafone's take on network slicing, Supermobile.
Ericsson's confusing Q3
Ericsson saw third-quarter reported sales increase 7% year-over-year in organic terms, to 59.5 billion Swedish kronor (US$5.9 billion), thanks largely, says the company, to higher sales at its Networks division. However, viewed through the prism of EBITA (earnings before interest, tax and amortization), things look less rosy, with numbers down 36% year-over-year to SEK10.12 billion ($1 billion). It's the familiar story of a balance sheet horribly complicated by acquisitions, divestments and the effects of foreign currency fluctuations. CEO Per Navinger seemed happy enough though, saying: "We delivered strong third-quarter results, supported by focused execution, the strength of our portfolio, and the trust customers place in Ericsson."
Colt combines with Equinix
Colt has integrated its last-mile connectivity services with the Equinix Fabric Marketplace, claiming to be the first European-based company to do so. Fabric Marketplace is intended to offer enterprises a single destination to find out about and connect with service providers that can improve their distributed networking deployments for multicloud and AI workloads. The collaboration with Colt enables businesses to establish secure connectivity from third-party locations directly into Equinix facilities.
European SMEs put their faith in AI
Sixty-three percent of Europe's SMEs already use or plan to use AI and algorithmic management (AM), while 75% believe AI and AM will improve job quality, according to a new Eurobarometer survey that will surprise nobody. On the other "omigod we've created a monster!" hand, 49% of companies do not trust AI for decisions related to workforce or staff matters.
Rugged broadband for when coverage is ragged
UK Connect Defence has launched its first UK-manufactured deployable connectivity product, the Rapid Broadband Kit (RBK), combining enterprise-grade 5G with low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity in a single "ruggedized" unit. Supporting up to 100 users, the RBK provides access to broadband services where existing infrastructure is unavailable or unreliable. Built-in battery power provides operation for up to 45 hours in 5G mode, while various charging options allow for continued use in environments where power is limited or unavailable.
Austrian operators collab on APIs
Austrian operators A1, Magenta and Drei have put their differences aside to launch CAMARA-based security services in a joint initiative involving the GSMA. The collaboration, say its backers, will set a new standard for API security in Austria, offering businesses and consumers greater protection against online fraud.
Free tweaks its mVPN
French operator Free has added three new features to its mobile VPN offering, namely the filtering of malicious websites and pornographic content, the choice between eight connection countries, and easier access via the Free app. Free claims it was the first operator in the world to offer its subscribers a consumer VPN service integrated into its mobile core network when it launched the service a year ago.
About the Author
Assistant Editor, Europe, Light Reading
Paul is based on the Isle of Wight, a rocky outcrop off the English coast that is home only to a colony of technology journalists and several thousand puffins.
He has worked as a writer and copy editor since the age of William Caxton, covering the design industry, D-list celebs, tourism and much, much more.
During the noughties Paul took time out from his page proofs and marker pens to run a small hotel with his other half in the wilds of Exmoor. There he developed a range of skills including carrying cooked breakfasts, lying to unwanted guests and stopping leaks with old towels.
Now back, slightly befuddled, in the world of online journalism, Paul is thoroughly engaged with the modern world, regularly firing up his VHS video recorder and accidentally sending text messages to strangers using a chipped Nokia feature phone.