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 […]

India’s smartphone market entered 2025 on a cautious note. According to Canalys (now part of Omdia), smartphone shipments in India fell 8 per cent year on year in Q1 2025, totaling 32.4 million units, mainly due to persistent demand weakness and elevated channel inventory from late 2024. This inventory overhang disrupted product launch cycles and […]

Vodafone, A1 Group and Ericsson have established a successful 5G Standalone (5G SA) international roaming connection between two different operator groups. The connection, between Vodafone in Germany and A1 Bulgaria, aims to enhance the responsiveness and reliability of roaming services for customers, particularly businesses with operations in multiple markets. 5G SA incorporates 5G technology in […]

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 […]

Data from Ookla, a specialist in connectivity intelligence, reveals Londoners spend more time in mobile signal not-spots and experience slower 5G speeds than residents of other UK cities, resulting in poorer performance in everyday tasks like web browsing. In the first article in a new series exploring the competitiveness of mobile networks in European towns […]

According to preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, global smartphone shipments increased 1.5 per cent year-over-year (YoY) to 304.9 million units in the first quarter of 2025. The smartphone market performed in line with IDC forecasts, as manufacturers ramped up production in anticipation of the expected announcement by […]

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. […]