Satellite communications specialist Viasat has successfully performed what it say is the first successful direct-to-handset (D2H) communication test using direct-to-device (D2D) technology in L-band in Brazil. The demonstration showcased two smartphones connecting directly via satellite using 3GPP NTN standards without the involvement of other terrestrial infrastructure. According to Viasat, his signifies the start of a […]
To mark Earth Day (April 22nd), Virgin Media O2 has announced that it has cut Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 56 per cent against its 2020 baseline. The company is publishing the performance of its sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan, in 2024, which shows it is on track to meet its […]
Global consumer media usage, including digital and traditional media channels, increased 2.4 per cent in 2024 to an average of 57.2 hours per week, following a sharp deceleration in time spent with media growth in 2023, according to a market intelligence report from media econometrics specialist PQ Media. Growth in consumer media usage, including all […]
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted AST SpaceMobile, in coordination with AT&T, the ability to test direct-to-cellular connectivity on public safety’s Band 14 spectrum via its BlueBird satellites orbiting Earth. With this approval, it is envisioned that select first responders on FirstNet, Built with AT&T will trial public-safety-grade satellite communications later in 2025. AT&T […]
German antitrust body the Bundeskartellamt has sent Vodafone Group, Vodafone GmbH and Vantage Towers AG its preliminary legal assessment relating to the shortcomings in providing antenna sites to 1&1. Previously in 2021, Vodafone’s group company Vantage Towers had contractually agreed to provide the sites. However, massive delays have occurred since then. Vodafone and Vantage Towers […]
Japanese telcos KDDI and Okinawa Cellular are providing au Starlink Direct, a direct to cell service between satellites and au smartphones, making it the first such service in Japan. The service is compatible with 50 smartphone models and is available free of charge to au users for the time being without the need to apply. […]
French media giant Vivendi has signed an agreement which will see the sale of the majority of its shares in Poste Italiane’s TIM equal to 15 per cent of the company, for €684 million. Vivendi will hold onto a small stake in TIM, of 2.51 per cent of the telco’s ordinary shares which come with […]
According to research by O2, nearly half (42 per cent) of British mobile phone users are paying for additional mobile storage, with photos, videos and unused apps being the main culprits of storage consumption. The true cost of being a digital hoarder has been revealed, as research reveals Millennials admit to paying over six times […]
Vodafone has added Disney+ Premium Plan to its portfolio of Entertainment options, which already includes Amazon Prime and YouTube Premium. Vodafone customers can now save up to £119 with Airtime Plan with inclusive entertainment by choosing Disney+ Premium (RRP £12.99 per month) as their Entertainment option, for just £8 per month versus Airtime plans without […]
SES and Intelsat have both invested in Lynk Global, a satellite operator providing Direct-to-Device communications using low Earth orbiting satellites. The announcement was made at the Satellite 2025 show in Washington DC. SES and Intelsat are in the process of combining their assets, with SES in the final stages of acquiring Intelsat. SES and Lynk […]