The Mastering Mobile & Telecoms Accreditation starts next month and has been designed to support individuals and organisations operating in complex and fast-moving telecoms and technology.

The programme is for professionals across all roles in the sector The GSMA’s view tis hat a strong grasp of industry foundations is essential to driving innovation, compliance and long-term growth.

Core subjects

The accreditation covers core subjects including 5G, mobile privacy, and network evolution. Participants get a structured pathway to build knowledge. Content is delivered through self-paced learning modules, supported by tutorials and practical assessments, allowing learners to progress alongside their day jobs.

The programme has been developed to help organisations strengthen internal capability while supporting individual career development.

“By building a solid understanding of how connectivity is evolving, how regulation and compliance fit into the ecosystem, and why mobile security standards matter, participants are better positioned to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully within their teams”, it sats

On successful completion participants will receive a GSMA Advance Accreditation, recognising expertise and commitment to continuous professional development in the mobile and telecoms sector.

The GSMA says the accreditation is intended not only as a learning programme and an opportunity for the industry to shape the future of global connectivity by ensuring skills and knowledge keep pace with technological change.

 Enquiries can also be directed to Helen Robinson, GSMA Advance Partnerships Director

More than 15 per cent of EE’s pay-monthly customers now use 5G+ which is is claimed to offer more reliable performance in busy areas, faster download and upload speeds, and improved capacity video calling, livestreaming and social media. EE aims to reach 99 per cent population coverage by spring 2030.

Customers on eligible pay-monthly handset and SIM-only plans with compatible devices have now been given access to 5G+.

EE has also activated 5G+ in 20 new towns and cities, taking total population coverage to more than 44 million people. This is around 66 per cent of the UK.

The network says ths is five months ahead of its target. The tech now live in major urban centres including Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and London, as well as at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, which attracts around three million visitors each year.

Newly activated locations include Ballymena, Chelmsford, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Hereford, Oldham, Rochdale, Solihull, Stafford, Stevenage, Tamworth and Warwick.

EE is testingnetwork slicing capabilities on its 5G+ infrastructure, with recent trials at events including the Belfast Christmas Market, SailGP in Portsmouth and major football matches at Wembley Stadium.

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/ee-extends-5g-coverage-to-16-million-more-customers/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/analysis/article/analysis-5g-service-london-dire/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/analysis/article/analysis-5g-service-london-dire/#respond Thu, 27 Mar 2025 20:34:55 +0000 https://mncwp.tailrd.cloud/analysis-5g-service-london-dire/ London and Brussels rank among the worst major European cities for 5G coverage writes Professor Mohamed-Slim Alouini, of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) . This is surprising given their international status, especially when compared with countries such as the United States, Sweden, Portugal, the Gulf States, China, and South Korea, which are

London and Brussels rank among the worst major European cities for 5G coverage writes Professor Mohamed-Slim Alouini, of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) .

This is surprising given their international status, especially when compared with countries such as the United States, Sweden, Portugal, the Gulf States, China, and South Korea, which are already benefiting from widespread, high-speed connectivity.

So what will it take for lagging capitals like London to catch up—and how can they do so while preparing for the next evolution of connectivity?

A Digital Wake-Up Call

London’s 5G struggles are not just a local issue—they highlight deeper problems in infrastructure planning and regulatory frameworks. While some cities are preparing for B5G, London is still trying to fully realise the promise of 5G. But there is still time to shift course.

By learning from past experiences—both successful and flawed—the UK can embrace strategies that have proven effective elsewhere. Early allocation of upper mid-band spectrum, adoption of spectrum sharing, promotion of private networks, and investment in FWA can all help close the gap.

And as the future of connectivity depends on a blend of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, decisive action now will ensure the UK remains a leader in the next generation of global connectivity.

London’s Lag: Regulatory Hurdles and Infrastructure Gaps

The reasons for London’s underperformance are complex. A key factor is how wireless spectrum—the radio waves that carry data—is managed. In the UK, mobile network operators must acquire exclusive rights to spectrum through costly government auctions. These high fees, coupled with delays in allocation and a limited supply of mid-band spectrum (around 3.5 GHz, essential for 5G’s performance), have hampered rollout and reduced network efficiency.

By contrast, countries like China, Saudi Arabia, and the US released mid-band spectrum much earlier, giving them a significant advantage. This regulatory imbalance was a major talking point at MWC, where industry leaders warned that high costs and policy delays can deter investment and slow progress.

Infrastructure challenges have also played a role. In London, difficulties obtaining permits and limited access to public assets (such as lampposts for small-cell installations) have hindered the development of dense 5G networks. These small cells are critical for delivering the high-speed, low-latency performance 5G promises. Cities like Seoul, Singapore, and New York have moved faster in deploying such infrastructure, achieving greater coverage and capacity.

Towards the Upper Mid-Band: A Strategic Shift

In the early days of 5G, the millimetre-wave spectrum (24–40 GHz) was seen as the “magic band,” promising ultra-fast speeds and huge bandwidth. However, it soon became clear that its limited range and the need for dense (and costly) small-cell networks made it less practical.

Instead, mid-band spectrum emerged as the real sweet spot—balancing speed, coverage, and capacity, especially in urban and suburban areas. Looking ahead, the upper mid-band (6–7 GHz) is poised to become the “golden band” for B5G. It offers high bandwidth, lower propagation loss, and more reliable connectivity.

One clear lesson from the 5G rollout is the importance of timely spectrum allocation. To avoid the delays that hindered cities like London, early auctioning and allocation of the upper mid-band spectrum will be essential for B5G success.

Rethinking Access: Innovation and Spectrum Sharing

Looking beyond 5G, one challenge is to use the lower parts of the spectrum more efficiently. Spectrum sharing—a long-standing subject of academic research, including at KAUST—has yet to gain real traction in commercial deployments. But now is the time for regulators to embrace it.

One successful model is the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) in the United States, which enables enterprises to access 150 MHz of mid-band spectrum for private 5G networks—bypassing traditional mobile operators. As private 5G adoption grows, models like CBRS could play a crucial role in removing deployment barriers and speeding up B5G adoption.

Fixed Wireless Access: A 5G Success Story with B5G Potential

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) emerged at MWC as one of 5G’s biggest wins, offering high-speed connectivity in areas where fiber is expensive or difficult to deploy. FWA bypasses the need for costly trenching and permits, using 5G to deliver broadband directly.

Enabling Global Connectivity: The Promise of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)

At KAUST, we are exploring how non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) can work alongside terrestrial infrastructure to expand 5G reach—especially in remote or hard-to-deploy regions where fiber and towers are impractical.

By integrating satellites and stratospheric platforms into hybrid networks, we can extend coverage more efficiently. This trend is already visible in partnerships like Starlink and T-Mobile or Apple and Globalstar, which signal a shift toward a future of hybrid connectivity.

As we transition to B5G, the convergence of terrestrial and non-terrestrial infrastructure will be crucial in achieving truly global connectivity.

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/analysis/article/analysis-5g-service-london-dire/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/ee-expands-standalone-5g-50-locations-accessible-28-million-people/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/ee-expands-standalone-5g-50-locations-accessible-28-million-people/#respond Wed, 19 Mar 2025 08:45:43 +0000 https://mncwp.tailrd.cloud/ee-expands-standalone-5g-50-locations-accessible-28-million-people/ EE is expanding its 5G standalone (5G SA) network to additional towns and cities across the UK as part of a major upgrade. The operator, which launched 5G SA in September 2024, aims to cover over 28 million people in 50 locations by the end of March 2025. The latest expansion includes towns such as

]]> EE is expanding its 5G standalone (5G SA) network to additional towns and cities across the UK as part of a major upgrade.

The operator, which launched 5G SA in September 2024, aims to cover over 28 million people in 50 locations by the end of March 2025.

The latest expansion includes towns such as Altrincham, Blackburn, Doncaster, Exeter, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, and Sunderland. EE only announces 5G SA availability in areas where it has achieved at least 95 per cent outdoor coverage.

Customers with a 5G SA plan will see improved network performance, including more reliable video calls, streaming, and gaming, even in busy areas. The technology connects directly to a dedicated 5G network rather than relying on 4G, providing additional capacity in high-traffic locations such as city centres, train stations, and stadiums.

EE’s 5G SA service is available on smartphones from brands including Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola. From today, all new and upgrading customers on an EE handset plan will have access to the network.

Standalone 5G offers several advantages regular 5G, which relies on a 4G core network. Here are the key benefits. These are lower latency, higher Speeds and capacity more reliability and consistency, allows operators to create custom virtual networks for different use cases. improved battery efficiency, support for AI and IoT, and improved security.

Vodafone introduced its 5G SA network, branded as “5G Ultra,” in June 2023. Three UK has not yet launched its 5G SA network but will have it as part of the new combined Vodafone and Three company.

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Brussels and London are falling behind in 5G network performance, according to a new report from Spanish testing and benchmarking firm MedUX.

London ranks last in overall mobile experience, mirroring its poor performance in 2024. The city continues to suffer from subpar 5G availability, slow speeds, and unreliable service quality.

MedUX conducted its research through extensive drive tests during Q4 2024, covering 15 major cities across 11 European countries.

The study spanned over 5,500 kilometres and encompassed a population of more than 60 million people to assess how mobile operators are deploying and managing 5G coverage.

Brussels significantly lags behind leading cities in overall 5G Quality of Experience with lower 5G availability and slower speeds undermining its performance. The city struggles with overall reliability and streaming service quality.

By contrast, Porto and Stockholm arre leaders in Europe for overall quality of experience each scoring 4.78 out of 5.

Lisbon and Copenhagen also ranked highly, demonstrating strong 5G deployment and user satisfaction. The report highlights significant gaps in service quality across the continent, particularly in Brussels and London.

“This report underscores the importance of a holistic approach to 5G quality. While coverage and speed remain key factors, high-quality 5G connectivity and consistent performance across all services and applications are crucial for delivering a superior user experience,” said Rafael González, SVP EMEA at MedUX.

“Our findings provide valuable insights for operators looking to optimise their networks and meet the evolving needs of their customers in the 5G era.”

The report claiison average, users in major European cities remain connected to 4G for 25 per cent of the time.

Among the 75 per cent connected to 5G, 10 per cent of deployments lack mid-band spectrum, limiting the full potential of 5G technology. MedUX warns that this shortfall hinders the transformative impact of 5G and calls for urgent policy and investment shifts to support high-quality deployments.

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/europe-wide-driving-tests-reveal-london-worst-5g-quality-experience/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/ericsson-equip-62mph-racing-catamarans-5g-private-networks/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/ericsson-equip-62mph-racing-catamarans-5g-private-networks/#respond Wed, 29 Jan 2025 19:26:42 +0000 https://mncwp.tailrd.cloud/ericsson-equip-62mph-racing-catamarans-5g-private-networks/ Ericsson will provide 5G private networks to SailGP race venues, enabling real-time, high-quality live camera streaming from racing catamarans. This connectivity will also transmit crucial data on team locations, tactics, and strategy. Each high-performance F50 catamaran will be equipped with Cradlepoint edge routers installed in the wings of the craft, to process over 53 billion

Ericsson will provide 5G private networks to SailGP race venues, enabling real-time, high-quality live camera streaming from racing catamarans.

This connectivity will also transmit crucial data on team locations, tactics, and strategy. Each high-performance F50 catamaran will be equipped with Cradlepoint edge routers installed in the wings of the craft, to process over 53 billion data points per race day. These routers will handle IoT data, video feeds, and critical communications between competing boats, all connected via Ericsson Private 5G.

High-Tech Racing 

SailGP features F50 catamarans racing head-to-head at iconic venues worldwide, reaching speeds of up to 62mph. Each boat is fitted with **4K video cameras, sensors, and onboard technologies that track race position, course layout , wind direction, boat speed, sail angles . other key performance metrics

Access to this data is essential for teams to make tactical decisions, such as optimizing sailing angles, determining the best time to tack or gybe, and strategizing for mark roundings. Some of this data is also shared with fans in real time, enhancing the viewer experience.

5G Collaboration

Warren Jones, Chief Technology Officer at SailG * said:

“SailGP continues to innovate to provide the best experience for our teams and fans. This requires networking technology that can keep up with the speed and complexity of the sport. Ericsson Private 5G, combined with its Cradlepoint edge routers, not only meets the bandwidth and latency challenges of billions of data points per race but also enables rapid network deployment across global race locations. This reliable, scalable connectivity helps teams optimize performance and ensures fair competition while enriching the fan experience with real-time race analytics.”

Manish Tiwari, Head of Enterprise 5G, Enterprise Wireless Solutions at Ericsson, added:

“The fastest sailing event deserves the fastest possible connectivity. With Ericsson Private 5G and Cradlepoint edge routers, SailGP teams, onshore crews, and officials will benefit from seamless, high-speed data transmission. This collaboration highlights the power of our connectivity solutions, supporting both race-critical real-time decision-making and an immersive fan experience.”

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THe innovation lab, based in Newcastle’s Eldon Square, will help SMEs adapt to 5G and immersive technologies and facility wwill encourage SMEs to work alongside large businesses to solve business challenges.

Main Photo Jessica Driscoll Director of Immersive Technology at Digital Catapult, and David Dunn CEO of Sunderland Software City. 

Digital Catapult is encouraging businesses in the North East from traditional industries including retail, agriculture and manufacturing, to engage with the lab whichis providing enhanced 5G capabilities from Vodafone 5GSA, and access to expertise from Digital Catapult’s team. 

During the visit Chris Bryant tried out a futuristic Augmented Reality (AR) showcase, presented by local tech company Aircards, and experienced a virtual hazard-perception training exercise created by fellow North East innovator Luminous XR, which has presented to several participants on Digital Catapult’s programmes. 

“It is fantastic to see digital innovation happening in the heart of Newcastle, and commercial products being developed by companies working alongside the local authorities” he said/

Jessica Driscoll, Director of Immersive Technology at Digital Catapult, added: “Immersive technology is reshaping industries across the UK with tools and processes that come from the creative industries being used in more industrial use cases. The 5G Immersive Lab will be a hub that will give businesses hands-on opportunities to experiment, collaborate, and accelerate the practical adoption of  technologies to drive growth.” 

More info about 5G Immersive Lab here. 

The initiative has been given a £3.8 million grant from the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology It brings together a consortium including West Sussex County Council, West Sussex Growers, Brighton University, local education centres, and commercial producers.

Shared network infrastructure provider Boldyn Networks will design and build four high-bandwidth private 5G networks to be installed at two grower sites and participating colleges set to launch early next year

The project’s ultimate goal is to make West Sussex a leader in sustainable agriculture and viticulture.

The project is part of the ‘Growing Sussex 5G Innovation Region to trial automation and real-time remote monitoring to improve farming efficiency and increase adoption of 5G technology in agriculture to improve productivity, yields, and profitability.

The region’s horticulture industry generates £1 billion in annual sales and employs 10,000 full-time workers. 5G technology is expected to boost productivity.

Rachael Williams, of the West Sussex Growers’ Association said: “This technology has the potential to improve growing practices. Growers will gain better quality data, enabling improved decision-making and increased yields”

Paul Rolfe, Associate Principal at Chichester College Group, said, “Through technologies like AI, precision studies, and real-time data, we are driving a sustainable food revolution. This project ensures that future leaders are prepared to shape the future of farming in both the UK and globally.”

Steve Waight, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Digital Infrastructure, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the UK’s Food Strategy, noting, “Sussex offers a fertile environment for sustainable food and drink production. By equipping the workforce with modern digital skills, we are creating opportunities not only in agriculture but also in education, encouraging new career paths in horticulture, agriculture, and viticulture

Standalone 5G allows networks to operate independently of 4G infrastructure. The network improves performance by using machine learning to manage energy consumption and optimise network reliability. The new system also includes “Network Boost” to enhance connectivity in high-traffic areas by allocating additional capacity to users.

The service will be available on compatible handsets* in London Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hull, Birmingham, Leicester, Manchester, Liverpool, Belfast. Bristol, Bath, Cardiff, Leeds, Bradford, and Sheffield.

5G standalone and Network Boost are included as part of the new All Rounder and Full Works, two new EE plans launching today. Customers can choose from five tiers of unlimited plans, with the option of unlimited data.

Essentials, All Rounder or Full Works plans allow customers to extend this unlimited data to an existing smart watch for free. EE is also bringing back EU Roaming for these plans, with calls, text and data allowances included at no extra cost. Those on a Full Works plan will receive EE’s Roam Further Pass on top, extending their allowance to Australia, USA, Canada, Mexico and New Zealand.

Marc Allera, CEO of EE, said, “5G standalone is built to handle the growing range of AI-powered devices, from smartphones to laptops and tablets. Wi-Fi 7 for the home is another first for EE customers, giving households higher speeds and better capacity to support devices in every corner of their home.”  

Vodafone was the first to launch standalone 5G, branding it as “5G Ultra,” in select locations such as London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Cardiff. O2 followed Vodafone in deploying 5GSA, with coverage in parts of Manchester, London, Birmingham, Glasgow, and other cities. Three is also working towards standalone 5G, but it hasn’t fully launched yet.

EE has also introduced a Wi-Fi 7 Smart Hub Pro router to boost home internet speeds and capacity for bandwidth-heavy applications like cloud gaming, 4K/8K video streaming, and augmented/virtual reality. EE promises at least 100Mbps in every room for full-fibre customers.

• Apple iPhone 12 series and later Galaxy S21 series and later, Galaxy Note 20 series, Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip, Galaxy A52 5G, A53 5G, A73 5G, Google Pixel 5 and later, OnePlus 8 series and later, Xiaomi Mi 11 series and later,Oppo Find X3, X5, and X6 series, Oppo Reno 5G, Reno 6, Reno 7, and Reno 8 series, Realme GT series, Sony Xperia 1 III, Motorola Edge 20, 30 series, Moto G 5G Plus, Moto G 5G (varies by region) Fllagship phones from brands like Vivo, ZTE, and Honor also offer SA 5G support dependent on region.

In addition to a cross-license, OPPO and Ericsson will cooperate on 5G projects, including device testing, customer engagements, and marketing activities.

OPPO and Nokia in January settled months of legal disputes over 5G patents that ended up in several court cases

Christina Petersson, Chief Intellectual Property Officer at Ericsson, said: “This important royalty-bearing license agreement with OPPO allows Ericsson to further invest in fundamental communications technologies. The license confirms that the patent licensing industry works and is proof that a vast majority of license agreements are based on business negotiations.

“It also reflects the mutual respect for each other’s patent portfolio. We now look forward to growing Ericsson’s IPR revenues with additional 5G agreements and expansion into additional licensing areas, such as IoT and consumer electronics.

“This agreement is in line with global practice where companies that provide products using cellular 3GPP standards, such as 5G, need a license agreement with patent holders in order not to infringe these patents and also for patent holders to be compensated for their R&D investment.”

Feng Ying, Chief Intellectual Property Officer of OPPO, said, “We are pleased to announce that we have reached a global cooperation agreement with Ericsson. The global patent cross-license between the two companies covers cellular standard-essential patents, including 5G.

“This agreement reflects the mutual recognition and respect for each other’s intellectual property and lays a solid foundation for our collaboration. OPPO has always respected intellectual property, advocated for reasonable fees, and supported the establishment of a long-term healthy IP ecosystem. We aim to resolve IP disputes between licensors and licensees through friendly negotiation, with mutual respect for the value of patents.”

OPPO has filed over 6,200 families of global patent applications for 5G communication standards across more than 40 countries and regions.