Telecoms

Broadband access – recognized as a fundamental human right

Much like clean water and electricity, access to broadband has become a modern-day necessity. This is more relevant recently due to the spread of the COVID-19 crisis. The closure of schools and workplaces and the requirement for remote diagnostics have made this seem like a new phenomenon but in truth, it’s over 10 years old. […]

Batelco’s same-day home delivery service to aid social distancing

Batelco, the trading name for Bahrain Telecommunication Company BSC, has recently announced the release of same-day home delivery, doing its part in the fight against the pandemic. The Bahraini company wants to ensure the health and safety of its customers by bringing their services to their doorstep, further aiding necessary social distancing measures. Batelco has […]

Bahrain’s growth and development in the telecoms sector

The growing telecoms sector in Bahrain accounts for 4% of the Kingdom’s annual GDP. Mobile penetration is high, and the government have put necessary measures in place to ensure that infrastructure can facilitate 5G deployment. In 2017, the first 5G trial for Bahrain was conducted. As such, Bahrain is driving growth in the telecom sector […]

Software developments and innovation at the network edge

Operators have been looking at the possibility and capabilities of the network edge for years. Network edge is the point at which the enterprise-owned network connects to a third-party network. The arrival of 5G is promising to attract new business but what is the reality and where do communication service providers (CSPs) feature in this journey? Most CSPs realize […]

The unlicensed spectrum conundrum

A license for spectrum allows the holder/user to occupy a part of the radio spectrum without interference. It is usually state-owned and telecoms companies pay an upfront fee to the relative authorities. There are some cases where unlicensed users have freely occupied the airwaves, however, they often experience congestion and interference from other channels. In […]

ITU guidelines released for efficient communication in times of crisis

The ITU (The International Telecommunication Union) has launched new guidelines in telecommunication technology to try to curb present and future disasters, the loss of life or disaster escalation, through efficient and timely communication in times of crisis. By promoting coordination and synchronicity, these guidelines will allow access to telecom networks and services during the Coronavirus […]

Europe eyes smartphone location data to stem virus spread

By FRANK BAJAK and NICOLE WINFIELD Associated Press Several European nations are evaluating powerful but potentially intrusive tools for fighting the coronavirus pandemic, a move that could put public health at odds with individual privacy. The tools in question are apps that would use real-time phone-location data to track the movements of virus carriers and […]

SoftBank to buy back $41 billion in assets to trim debt

SoftBank to buy back $41 billion in assets to trim debt By ELAINE KURTENBACH AP Business Writer BANKGOK (AP) — The Japanese technology and telecoms company SoftBank said Monday it plans to buy back up to 4.5 trillion yen ($41 billion) of its assets as it seeks to trim its gigantic debt burden. The company’s […]

National broadband strategy for better connectivity and coverage

‘Work from home’ (WFH) is now being applied and insisted on in the majority of countries as they attempt to navigate their way through the economic impact of the coronavirus. However, Denmark has a national broadband strategy that looks visionary. Data analytics company, GlobalData states that the country is due to reach 100% broadband coverage […]

Live network trial breaks record

We have some much-needed good news. Infinera have announced their successful completion of a live network test. The test saw a wave transmission of up to 800 gigabits per second (800G) Single-wavelength transmission at 96 GBd (gigabauds) over 950 (km). The network was across a major long-haul link in North America. The trial was powered […]