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☆ Germany examining Chinese components in its 5G network, interior minister says
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BERLIN, April 16 (Reuters) - Germany's Interior Ministry is examining all Chinese components that are already installed in the country's 5G network, Minister Nancy Faeser was quoted as saying on Sunday, as Berlin re-evaluates its relationship with top trade partner China. "We have to protect our communication networks," Faeser told Bild am Sonntag newspaper, adding that the examination's three priorities were identifying risks, averting dangers and avoiding dependencies. "This is especially true for our critical infrastructure," she said. Germany has been considering banning certain components from Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE in its telecoms networks, a government source told Reuters last month, in a potentially significant move to address security concerns. Reporting by Riham Alkousaa; Editing by Cynthia OstermanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Here’s the real reason to turn on airplane mode when you fly
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-06 | by ( Doug Drury | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

And mobile phones need to be set to flight mode so they can’t cause an emergency for the airplane, right? 2.2 billion passengersWhy then, with these global standards in place, has the aviation industry continued to ban the use of mobile phones? Of course, when it comes to mobile networks, the biggest change in recent years is the move to a new standard. Current 5G wireless networks – desirable for their higher speed data transfer – have caused concern for many within the aviation industry. With new Wi-Fi technologies, passengers could theoretically use their mobile phones to make video calls with friends or clients in-flight.

☆ China's chip industry will be 'reborn' under U.S. sanctions, Huawei says, confirming breakthrough
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( Arjun Kharpal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The U.S. has placed major chip export restrictions on Huawei and Chinese firms over the past few years. China's chip industry will be "reborn" as a result of U.S. sanctions, a top boss at Huawei said Friday, as the Chinese telecommunications giant confirmed a breakthrough in semiconductor design technology. "For Huawei, we will render our support to all such self-saving, self-strengthening and self reliance efforts of the Chinese semiconductor industry." "I believe China's semiconductor industry will get reborn under such sanctions and realize a very strong and self-reliant industry," Xu said. Experts previously told CNBC that the latest round of U.S. restrictions are likely to hurt China's semiconductor industry.

☆ Huawei ban would have significant impact on German mobile network -ministry
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BERLIN, March 17 (Reuters) - A ban on certain components by Chinese companies Huawei (HWT.UL) and ZTE (000063.SZ) could have a significant impact on Germany's mobile network if they have to be replaced on a larger scale, according to a German economy ministry letter seen by Reuters. The German government is currently carrying out a review of telecom tech suppliers which it says is not directed at specific manufacturers. The precise impact on mobile operators and other economic players is not possible to assess, the ministry added, as it depends on individual decisions as well as transition periods. Critics of Huawei and ZTE say that their close links to Beijing's security services mean that embedding them in mobile networks could give Chinese spies and even saboteurs access to essential infrastructure. Huawei, ZTE and China's government reject such claims, saying they are motivated by a protectionist desire to support non-Chinese rivals.

Google , Netflix , Meta , Apple , Amazon and Microsoft generate nearly half of all internet traffic today. Big Tech firms say this would amount to an "internet tax" that could undermine net neutrality. They bemoaned spending billions on laying cables and installing antennas to cope with rising internet demand without corresponding investments from Big Tech. One suggestion is to require individual bargaining deals with the Big Tech firms, similar to Australian licensing models between news publishers and internet platforms. "The imbalance is not down to Big Tech, it's not down to streamers, and it's not down to telcos.

"But after years of dithering, the German 5G network is deeply dependent on Chinese suppliers. Huawei, ZTE and China's government reject these claims, saying that they are motivated by a protectionist desire to support non-Chinese rivals. GERMANY LAGGINGWhile several countries across Europe are still formulating telecom policies, only Britain and Sweden have so far banned Huawei and ZTE from supplying critical 5G network equipment. The German government was last month unable to answer a parliamentary request about how many Huawei components operators were using in their 5G networks, filed in part in response to the report. The deadline to remove all Huawei gear from Britain's 5G networks by the end of 2027 remains unchanged.

☆ China says it's 'puzzled' after report Germany might ban Huawei from parts of 5G mobile network
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Arjun Kharpal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Huawei is back in the spotlight in Europe after a report suggested Germany may ban some equipment from the Chinese telecommunications giant in its 5G network. On Tuesday, Reuters reported, citing a government source, that Germany is considering banning certain components from Chinese firms in its mobile networks. The embassy spokesperson claimed that any ban of Chinese equipment in telecommunications networks "violates economic laws and the principle of fair competition." A Huawei spokesperson told CNBC that the company has a "strong security record" in Germany and globally for over 20 years. Any decision to block Huawei from its 5G networks would mark a major shift from 2019 when the country said it wouldn't make such a move.

"But after years of dithering, the German 5G network is deeply dependent on Chinese suppliers. Huawei, ZTE and China's government reject these claims, saying that they are motivated by a protectionist desire to support non-Chinese rivals. The government would ban operators from using certain controlling elements from Huawei and ZTE in 5G networks. The German government was last month unable to answer a recent parliamentary request about how many Huawei components operators were using in their 5G networks. The deadline to remove all Huawei gear from Britain's 5G networks by the end of 2027 remains unchanged.

☆ US senators unveil bipartisan bill empowering Biden to ban TikTok and other services
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-07 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Washington CNN —A dozen US senators unveiled bipartisan legislation Tuesday expanding President Joe Biden’s legal authority to ban TikTok nationwide, marking the latest in a string of congressional proposals threatening the social media platform’s future in the United States. The legislation, called the Restricting the Emergence of Security Threats that Risk Information and Communications Technology (RESTRICT) Act, does not target TikTok specifically for a ban. In the case of TikTok, lawmakers have said China’s national security laws could force TikTok’s Chinese parent, ByteDance, to provide access to TikTok’s US user data. The bill specifically directs the Secretary of Commerce to “identify, deter, disrupt, prevent, prohibit, investigate, or otherwise mitigate” national security risks associated with technology linked to those countries. But those have expanded to include makers of surveillance cameras and, more recently, apps and software makers such as TikTok.

☆ Germany planning to ban Huawei, ZTE from parts of 5G networks -paper
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BERLIN, March 6 (Reuters) - Germany's government is planning on forbidding telecoms operators from using certain components from Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE in their 5G networks, German paper Zeit Online reported on Monday. The ban could include components already built into the networks, requiring operators to remove and replace them, Zeit Online wrote, citing government sources. Huawei, ZTE and the Chinese government reject these claims, saying that they are motivated by a protectionist desire to support non-Chinese rivals. Germany passed an IT security law in 2021 setting high hurdles for makers of telecommunications equipment for next-generation networks, but stopping short of banning Huawei and ZTE as some other countries have done. The government would ban operators from using certain controlling elements from Huawei and ZTE in 5G networks.

☆ Russian internet speeds drop on hardware shortage, research finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( Alexander Marrow | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The country's largest telecoms operators, including MTS (MTSS.MM) and Megafon disputed the research, saying they had noted increased speeds in February, both in Moscow and beyond. It also said a fall in mobile internet traffic in Moscow had contributed to a rise in speeds there. MTS said it had noted increased traffic and mobile internet speeds in the regions, recording no decrease. "MTS is constantly working to expand network capacity, and telecoms operators and regulators are engaged in dialogue aimed at removing administrative barriers and stimulating the industry's development," it said. Rival Megafon said the median mobile internet speed on its network in regions excluding Moscow was 14% higher in February year-on-year, and up 18.5% in the capital.

☆ Big Tech vs. Big Telco: Top EU official says there's no 'battle' over network funding
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( Ryan Browne | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

BARCELONA — A top European Union official insisted Monday that the debate around tech giants paying for their usage of telecom networks is not sparking a "battle" between Big Tech and telcos. In it, there was a questionnaire asking whether to establish a digital fund at the EU or national level, or require a direct contribution from internet giants to the telco operators. "The consultation has been described by many as the battle over fair share between Big Telco and Big Tech. However, he insisted that there is not necessarily a "battle over fair share between Big Telco and Big Tech." WATCH: European telcos want U.S. big tech to pay for the internet — but tech giants are hitting back

☆ Telecom giant Ericsson says Europe’s industry structure is ‘probably unsustainable’
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-27 | by ( Sam Meredith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Ericsson recently announced it is planning to cut 8,500 jobs as part of its cost-cutting measures. The chief executive of Swedish telecom company Ericsson on Monday warned Europe's industry structure is likely unsustainable, calling for consolidation across the region to boost competitiveness. The comments come shortly after the company, which is one of the world's biggest providers of 5G mobile networks, announced it is planning to cut 8,500 jobs as part of its cost-cutting measures. Asked how the region can address this issue, Ekholm replied, "You know my view on this, I do believe Europe needs to consolidate." Ekholm said in countries such as the U.S., China and India, consolidation had meant there were now just two or three operators nationwide.

☆ Ericsson is planning to cut 8,500 jobs globally
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-24 | by ( Olesya Dmitracova | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

London CNN —Telecom company Ericsson is planning to cut 8,500 jobs around the world in a bid to slash costs. Among other measures, the plan will “also result in a need to address headcount,” an Ericsson (ERIC) spokesperson told CNN Friday. “The way headcount reductions will be managed will differ depending on local country practice.”On Monday, Ericsson said it would cut about 1,400 jobs in Sweden. Those cuts are part of the 8,500 total, the spokesperson said Friday. Last month, Ericsson reported lower than expected fourth-quarter core earnings as 5G equipment sales slowed in markets such as the United States, Reuters reported.

☆ World-first ideas unveiled at MWC 2023 by UK telecoms innovators
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-20 | by ( Sponsor Post | Created Insider Studios With The Uk'S Department For Business | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

At the upcoming Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona, collaboration and convergence will be priorities. MWC is a 'Digital World Congress' that will see more worldwide digital innovation from the UK and across the world." Attocore, recently awarded a grant for accelerating Radio Access Network (RAN) intelligence, sits alongside mobile giants Ericsson and Samsung in advancing the security of UK mobile networks. With 5G networks, an estimated £173 billion of incremental UK GDP will be added to the UK economy by 2030. MWC and scaling UK technologyMobile World Congress is also a great opportunity for big ideas to reach an even bigger audience.

☆ Chinese smartphone giant Oppo launches foldable flip phone as it bets on high-end market
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-16 | by ( Arjun Kharpal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The Oppo Find N2 Flip is a foldable smartphone that has a screen on the outside too. Oppo is looking to boost its position in the premium smartphone market with the £849 ($1024) device. Oppo launched a foldable flip phone for international markets, as the Chinese smartphone maker looks to boost its business outside of China. The Find N2 Flip marks Oppo's push to make a dent in the premium segment of the smartphone market and in the nascent foldable phone category. The Find N2 Flip, which was launched on Wednesday, folds in the middle like a traditional flip phone and boasts two screens.

Nokia CEO Pekka Lundmark echoed that sentiment in a interview: "Our exit will be complete. "This will allow us to organise modern production of telecoms equipment in Russia," he said, without naming the operators or producers. Government programs to promote Russian equipment have helped telecoms operators become less reliant on Nokia and Ericsson over the past several years and Russian producers have increased their market share this year to 25.2% from 11.6% in 2021. Russian telecom operators stockpiled foreign-made parts in February and March ahead of sanctions, two of the industry sources said, but inventory will drop after Nokia and Ericsson pull the plug Dec. 31. Consolidation between Russian operators at the behest of the government might also allow them to share equipment and resources to make the networks last longer, industry sources added.

☆ Germany ups reliance on Huawei for 5G despite security fears -survey
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Sarah Marsh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Many European countries have banned Chinese companies from all or part of their 5G networks on security grounds, amid intense diplomatic pressure from the United States. Germany, home to operators like Deutsche Telekom (DTEGn.DE) and O2 (O2Dn.DE), passed an IT security law two years ago setting high hurdles for makers of telecommunications equipment for the "critical components" of 5G networks. The German network agency referred Reuters to regulation that shows differentiated treatment for core and RAN components. The information security office did not reply to a request for comment on whether the high share of Chinese components could pose a security threat. A strategy paper by Germany's Greens-run economy ministry has recommended increased scrutiny of components from authoritarian states in critical infrastructure.

☆ EU regulators tweak state aid rules to boost broadband rollout
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Foo Yun Chee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BRUSSELS, Dec 12 (Reuters) - EU competition regulators have revised state aid rules to make it easier for European Union countries to finance the rollout of fast-speed broadband, key to achieving the bloc's ambitious digital and green goals. The EU executive said governments will be allowed to provide state support to fixed broadband networks providing at least 1 gigabit per second and 150 megabit per second upload speeds. Aid for rolling out mobile networks, including 5G, will only be allowed to improve the quality of existing or planned mobile networks. The revised rules allow EU countries to use either a published price, regulated price or cost-based price as a benchmark to set wholesale access prices. To ensure transparency, governments will have to launch a public consultation of at least 30 days before granting state aid, with environmental and energy included among the selection criteria.

☆ Ericsson to invest in 6G network research in Britain
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

LONDON, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Network equipment maker Ericsson (ERICb.ST) will invest millions of pounds in 6G mobile research in Britain, it said on Tuesday, working with universities on hardware security, AI and cognitive networks and quantum computing. The Swedish company, which supplies 5G gear to all four British mobile networks, said the 10-year initiative would help to drive development of next-generation 6G networks, which are expected to be commercially available about 2030. Ericsson's UK and Ireland CEO Katherine Ainley said that British universities are performing world-beating research in some of the technologies that would underpin next-generation networks. The new group will complement Ericsson's 17 existing research sites in 12 countries, she said. Reporting by Paul Sandle Editing by Kylie MacLellan and David GoodmanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Telehealth is soaring. Here's how telecommunications companies are racing to help patients through 5G technology.
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-11 | by ( Nicholas Fearn | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

During the difficult months of lockdown, many healthcare professionals conducted nonemergency appointments remotely to protect their patients and prevent COVID from spreading even further. Sanjiv Gossain, the group vice president and head of EMEA at Verizon Business, said that 5G technology will help the healthcare industry solve some of its biggest challenges. 5G use is increasing in health servicesMore companies are joining the effort to make healthcare more accessible through 5G technology. Joe Drygas, the vice president of healthcare solutions at AT&T, said that 5G will allow even more people to access healthcare globally. While cost and infrastructural challenges remain, 5G technology has already begun to transform healthtech and patient care.

☆ Nokia quarterly operating profit lags expectation as margin drops
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

STOCKHOLM, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Nokia (NOKIA.HE) on Thursday reported quarterly operating profit below market expectations even as the Finnish telecom equipment maker continues to benefit from strong demand from phone companies as they roll out 5G. Third-quarter comparable operating profit rose to 658 million euros ($643.3 million) from 633 million last year, lagging the 690.6 million euro mean forecast of 10 analysts polled by Refinitiv. Net sales grew 6% in constant currency in the quarter compared to the same period a year ago to 6.24 billion euros, beating estimates of 6.06 billion. But the comparable operating margin fell year-on-year to 10.5% from 11.7% as improving profitability in Mobile Networks and Network Infrastructure was offset by timing effects of contract renewals in Nokia Technologies, the company said. ($1 = 1.0229 euros)Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Supantha Mukherjee in Stockholm and Stine Jacobsen in Copenhagen, editing by Terje SolsvikOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ UK extends deadline to remove Huawei from 5G networks after one carrier warned of outages
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-13 | by ( Ryan Browne | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

LONDON — The U.K. government extended a deadline for telecom companies to remove equipment from Chinese tech giant Huawei from their 5G mobile networks. They will still need to ban new Huawei 5G installments and completely eliminate it from their networks by the end of 2027. The order was enshrined in law last year with a piece of legislation called the Telecoms Security Act. Previously, telecoms groups like BT and Vodafone had been told to remove Huawei 5G equipment from their "core" by January 2023. Today I'm using these powers and making it a legal requirement for Huawei to be removed from 5G networks by 2027."

☆ Transportation and logistics companies are betting their business models on 5G amid cost, infrastructure, and adoption challenges
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-13 | by ( Nicholas Fearn | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Driverless car company Halo.Car and UK courier service Yodel join a growing list of companies pegging key offerings to 5G networks. 5G enables transport operators to deliver new mobile capabilities to enrich the experience of both drivers and passengers. With 5G technology, subway commuters benefit from improved download speeds and internet connectivity. Yodel claims that its software — combined with 5G connectivity — has helped drivers like Lloyd increase productivity by up to an hour each shift. Although 5G offers massive potential for transport and logistics firms, Davidson urges companies to continue testing other products, services, and solutions as 5G evolves.

Europe has nearly half a million telecom towers and most of them have battery backups that last around 30 minutes to run the mobile antennas. Swedish telecom regulator PTS is working with telecom operators and other government agencies to find solutions, it said. The telecom operators are also working with national governments to check if plans are in place to maintain critical services. Deutsche Telekom (DTEGn.DE) will use mobile emergency power systems which mainly rely on diesel in the event of prolonged power failures, it said. France has about 62,000 mobile towers, and the industry will not be able to equip all antennas with new batteries, the FFT's president Liza Bellulo said.

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