Unified Comms – Mobile News

Vodafone IoT lands Hyundai Group in-car connectivity deal across Gulf region.

Staff Reporter — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 11:30:32 +0000

Vodafone IoT is to provide in-car connectivity for Hyundai vehicles sold in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE.

The agreement covers group brands Hyundai, Kia and Genesis cars to comply with local regulatory requirements for connectivity in each country. Vodafone IoT will provide local network access and compliance with national data and telecoms regulations.

Vodafone IoT’s Global SIM+ technology will be used. This allows a single SIM to operate as a local SIM in each market and enables local data routing and regulatory compliance while maintaining connectivity for vehicles that move between countries.

Vodafone IoT’s Global SIM + operates as a local SIM in each market (File Pic)

Vodafone IoT’s centralised managed connectivity platform integrates with local operator networks and allows Hyundai to oversee vehicle connectivity across countries from a single system.

Connected car services in the region will include remote vehicle control, vehicle status monitoring and other app-based functions. Deployment of these in the Middle East are complicated by differing national regulations.

Vodafone IoT said the partnership is intended to simplify launches in regulated markets by combining global SIM management with local operator relationships. Hyundai Motor Group said the deployment supports its broader move towards software-defined vehicles and connected services.

The two companies plan to extend the partnership to additional countries in the Middle East and Africa.

giffgaff enters full fibre broadband market

Staff Reporter — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:02:08 +0000

Virgin Media O2’s community-led MVNO giffgaff, has entered the fixed-line broadband market with the launch of a full-fibre service.

The move combines nexfibre’s wholesale fibre coverage with Virgin Media O2’s national network and marks giffgaff’s biggest diversification since its creation in 2009. The mobile brand has built a reputation for customer-led simplicity and value, and its broadband launch takes it into one of the most hotly contested segments of the UK communications market.

The service is now live across North West England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the East Midlands, with North East England to follow in October. Wider rollout next year is expected to align with nexfibre’s £4.5bn full-fibre build and Virgin Media O2’s continued expansion.

Ash Schofield, CEO of giffgaff, said the brand is applying the same playbook that underpinned its mobile success:

“By harnessing the power of our members, we’re cutting through complexity with three simple full-fibre plans, flexible monthly contracts, and seamless switching through One Touch Switch. This is just the start. The long-term opportunity lies in scaling with Virgin Media O2 and nexfibre to create a true nationwide alternative to BT.”

Ash Schofield: cutting through complexity with three simple full-fibre plans

The service launches with three packages: 200Mbps (£34), 500Mbps (£36), and 900Mbps (£39). There are no installation or set-up fees. It is delivered over nexfibre’s full-fibre network, with Virgin Media O2’s broadband infrastructure set to add national reach over the next 18 months. This dual-platform strategy enables giffgaff to go to market quickly while future-proofing its rollout.

By stripping out bundles and long-term contracts, giffgaff aims to win share from BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Vodafone, whose consumer broadband propositions are often tied to multi-service lock-ins.

Early trials suggest strong market potential: around 92 percent of giffgaff’s 500 trialists said they would recommend the service.

Three Business head of channel management is new Giacom mobile director of sales

Staff Reporter — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 10:02:48 +0000

Giacom has appointed Three Business Head of channel management Lisa Chapman-Smith as Director of Sales for Mobile.

She has almost 30 years’ experience in direct and indirect sales.

Chapman-Smith will report to Giacom MD Mobile Andrew Wilford,

At Giacom, she will oversee the company’s mobile sales strategy across network-billed, wholesale, and hardware channels. She will lead the mobile sales team and work with UK partners to grow mobile services.

Her appointment comes as Giacom expands its mobile portfolio. Current developments include the planned onboarding of EE via BT Wholesale, a new IoT solution for the Fixed Wireless Access market, and a tiered wholesale mobile model for managed service providers.

CityFibre donates £40,000 to Cambridge community connectivity project

Staff Reporter — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 10:22:34 +0000

Full-fibre provider CityFibre has awarded £40,000 in grants to four charities through its new Community Fund scheme.

Among the beneficiaries is Cambridge Online, which has received £40,000 to support its digital inclusion work.

Cambridge Online: digitral inclusion work

The funding targets communities included in Project Gigabit, the government’s initiative to deliver high-speed broadband to hard-to-reach areas. The Fund offers both small and large grants and is exclusive to Project Gigabit areas, aligning with the government’s contractual obligations for delivering social value alongside broadband infrastructure.

CityFibre’s Community Fund is designed to complement infrastructure rollout by ensuring people also have the skills and support they need to get online and use digital services confidently.

According to the Cambridgeshire Digital Partnership, around one percent of residents in the region are not online. Cambridge Online, a founding member of the Partnership, has launched a new year-long programme to expand its network of community hubs across Peterborough and Cambridge. The initiative will also help recruit more volunteers to support digitally excluded residents.

Marcus Whewell, CEO of Cambridge Online, said: “Thanks to CityFibre’s support, we can now scale up our free services and reach even more people in need. We’re proud to launch over a dozen community training hubs in the coming months.”

Whewell: launching over a dozen community training hubs

Cambridge Online currently supports over 1,500 people each year with free digital literacy sessions, delivered in partnership with local community organisations.

In addition to Cambridge Online, CityFibre’s Community Fund is also supporting:

These organisations are all based in areas where CityFibre is deploying Project Gigabit infrastructure.

Gradwell Comms acquisition makes it a baker’s dozen for Onecom

Staff Reporter — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 11:22:49 +0000

Leading managed comms and cloud technology provider Onecom has acquired hosted voice, SIP, and connectivity specialists Gradwell Communications, marking Onecom’s 13th acquisition since 2020.

The deal broadens Onecom’s geographic reach and adds an established customer base.

Gradwell Communications, which reported annual revenue of £10.72 million as of October 2023, specialises in VoIP phone systems, SIP trunking, and connectivity solutions for small to medium-sized businesses. Founded in 1998, one of its main offerings is Wave, a proprietary cloud-based VoIP phone system designed specifically for smaller businesses.

Darren Ridge, CEO of Onecom Group, said: “Gradwell is highly complementary to our growth plans. Both businesses share a strong customer-first culture and a commitment to delivering outcome-driven communication solutions.

Ridge: “Gradwell is highly complementary to our growth plans”

“This acquisition enhances our service portfolio and geographic presence, enabling us to offer more comprehensive solutions through our direct sales and partner channels.”

Ward: new opportunities

Jamie Ward, CEO of Gradwell, added: “We’re proud of what we’ve built and excited to join forces with Onecom. Our aligned cultures and shared dedication to innovation and customer service create new opportunities to deliver greater value to our customers.”

Hampshire-based Onecom employs over 700 staff and offers services from Vodafone, Zoom, Gamma, and Microsoft. Established in 2002, the company serves 80,000 business customers, managing more than a million services across mobile, fixed-line, broadband, unified communications, and IT solutions.

Comms Council UK appoints Magrathea Telecoms MD Tracey Wright as new Chair

Staff Reporter — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 12:29:17 +0000

Comms Council UK (CCUK), the trade association representing telecommunications companies that provide services to business and residential customers in the UK, has elected Magrathea Telecoms Managing Director, Tracey Wright, as its new Chair.

She succeeds XConnect CEO Eli Katz, who steps down after 20 years and has been named Lifetime President by the CCUK Council.

Katz: Lifetime President

Wright has played a pivotal role within CCUK, having led its Industry Developments Working Group and co-founding the Women in Telecoms group, which now boasts 188 members. She will serve as Chair in a voluntary capacity.

“I am thrilled to be stepping into the role of Chair in an exciting year for CCUK as we celebrate our 20th anniversary. I’ve been involved with the association since its inception, and we’ve gone from strength to strength, with much more to come in 2025. Alongside celebrations and reminiscing, I will ensure that CCUK remains a leading voice in the sector as the UK transitions to all-IP communications. I will also remain laser-focused on key issues affecting our industry, including tackling fraud, addressing the Fixed Voice Telecoms Market Review, and continuing to champion women in telecoms,” Wright said.

Katz added:

“I am delighted that Tracey Wright has been appointed CCUK’s new Chair. Her multifaceted skillset stakeholder engagement, and political acumen position her perfectly to help grow the association and maintain its role as the beating heart of the UK telecoms industry.”

Comms specialist Yappl to provide MoneySuperMarket with comparison data

Staff Reporter — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 11:21:13 +0000

Normanton-based business connectivity and communications provider Yappl has partnered with price comparison website MoneySuperMarket.

This collaboration is designed to help businesses easily compare information on business mobile phones, SIMs, and tablets tailored to their specific requirements. Companies can filter options based on the number of devices needed, data allowances, and preferred network providers, simplifying the decision-making process and ensuring cost-effective solutions.

The partnership includes a dedicated platform where businesses can find the right deals.

MoneySuperMarket, a subsidiary of MONY Group, has 11.1 million active users and is a well-known name in helping consumers and businesses save money through detailed comparison services.

Sisson: significant step

James Sisson, Head of Marketing at Yappl, said: “By partnering with MoneySuperMarket, we’re able to reach even more businesses, providing them with bespoke solutions that align with their unique needs. This partnership is a significant step towards our goal of making business connectivity solutions more accessible and transparent.”

Chess ups its Microsoft game with acquisition of Microsoft Certified Partner Silversands

Staff Reporter — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 18:37:17 +0000

Chess ICT has acquired Poole-based IT consultancy and Microsoft Certified Partner Silversands, which specialises in productivity software, Microsoft 365, Azure, Power Platform, on-premises solutions, and devices.

Founded in 1987, Silversands provides Microsoft technologies and support to around 100 enterprise and public sector clients, including NHS Trusts, the London Fire Brigade, and government departments. Its 29 specialists will join Chess ICT, which currently employs 260 people and serves a customer base of over 25,000 across the UK.

A year ago, Silversands reported total assets of approximately £6.19 million, down 15 per cent from the previous year, and a workforce of 40 employees, down by five per cent.

Chess Founder and Chairman David Pollock (main pic) said: “The acquisition of Silversands enhances our capability with innovative products and services that will deliver value to our customers.”

Silversands Managing Director Susan Jones commented: v “Chess ICT is an acquirer with a strong strategic fit and a great home for Silversands. I wish them every success and hope to see the business continue to develop.”

Jones: “Strong strategic fit and a great home for Silversands”

The acquisition was facilitated by FRP Corporate Finance. Daniel Brecker, Director at FRP, said: “This is an exciting deal in the Microsoft IT consultancy space, an area where we expect continued consolidation. In Silversands, Chess ICT has acquired a complementary product set and a highly skilled team, creating strong alignment between the two businesses.”

Apart from Silversands, Chess ICT has made several other acquisitions. A year ago, it acquired telephony solutions provider Calageix. This was followed in May by the acquisition of CyberLab. In 2021, Chess ICT acquired Armadillo Sec, a penetration testing provider, and TTNC, expanding its services in unified communications, connectivity, and cybersecurity.

Redsquid buys Aberdeen-based IT Hotdesk to increase Scotland presence

Staff Reporter — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 11:46:33 +0000

IT managed services provider Redsquid has acquired Aberdeen-based *IT Hotdesk to boost service offerings in the region. IT Hotdesk’s team and operations will be integrated into Redsquid’s existing structure.

This is Redsquid’s third acquisition this year. In August Redsquid bought OptivITy, a managed service provider specialising in the film industry. In March it acquired Epoq IT a High Wycombe-based managed service provider. Last July it bought companies: Covue, a managed service provider which focuses on the education sector, and Connect2. Three years ago it took over Thame-based managed IT services business Triumph Technologies.

Redsquid was founded in 2006 by Sohin Raithatha (main pic left) and Vince Mignacca, (Main pic right) who remain the sole shareholders. It offers IT managed services, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, unified communications, and consultancy.IT Hotdesk specialises in IT support and cyber security services.It was set up in 2009 and operates from offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness

CEO Raithatha commented: “We have had a presence in the North and look forward to being closer to our customers so we can continue providing value as their local MSP.”

IT Hotdesk founder Gordon Christie added: “This partnership will enable us to deliver greater value and create a stronger and more comprehensive service portfolio. This move aligns perfectly with our vision of supporting our customers’ transition to greener technology. We look forward to being part of the region’s journey as it transitions from traditional oil and gas industries to renewable energy sectors.”

The acquisition was funded by ThinCats, a non-bank alternative lender. In 2022, ThinCats topped Experian‘s national annual table of mergers and acqusition debt providers, funding 71 transactions and surpassing traditional banks.

Lifecycle CEO Kelvin Chaffer hands over the role to chief commercial officer Liz Parry

Staff Reporter — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 10:07:43 +0000

Bllling systems provider Lifecycle Software, has appointed chief commercial officer Liz Parry as its new Chief Executive Officer.

She takles over from Kelvin Chaffer, who is leaving the company after 23 years to become CEO of group company Neural Technologies specialising in revenue assurance.

Chaffer: becomes CEO of group company Neural Technologies

Lifecycle is an online charging system, billing and business support solution provider for network operators, MVNOs, IoT providers and a wide range of partners. Its software suppports mobile telecoms and subscription-based businesses with monetisation of new services and automation of business operations and integration with existing infrastructure.

“I am thrilled to pass the leadership torch to Liz Parry Under her leadership, Lifecycle Software will continue to pioneer new advancements said Chaffer.

Parry added: “I am very grateful to Kelvin whose leadership has been key to propelling our brand. I look forward to working closely with our talented team to innovate and deliver exceptional solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients. Together, we will build on the strong foundation that has been laid over the past 29 years and lead the company to new heights.”