Hamish White

Long term readers will be aware that the UK telecoms market is undergoing once in a generation transformation internally as huge players are looking to join forces and customers’ demands prove ever more complex and wide-ranging. In the midst of all this upheaval, Ofcom is gearing up for a major review of the UK's wholesale broadband market, with the Telecoms Access Review (TAR) set to re-shape the regulatory landscape for 2026-2031. This comprehensive review will assess the market's effectiveness and explore potential interventions to foster competition and investment. In his latest CCS Insight blog post, my colleague Kester Mann explores the reasons for the Ofcom review including:  🔘 Building on Success: The TAR follows the successful Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review (WFTMR), which fueled significant fibre deployment in the UK. 🔘 Promoting Competition: Ofcom aims to ensure a level playing field for all players in the broadband market, including Openreach and alternative network providers (altnets). 🔘 Encouraging Investment: The review will consider measures to incentivise continued investment in fibre infrastructure and expand gigabit broadband coverage. 🔘 Balancing Stakeholder Interests: Ofcom will navigate the complex task of balancing the needs of consumers, operators, and investors to ensure a thriving broadband market. To gain deeper insights into the Ofcom TAR and its potential implications for the UK broadband market, I encourage you to read Kester’s comprehensive blog post: https://lnkd.in/eGvJujxC #Telecoms #Broadband #Fibre #Regulation #Ofcom #UK #CCSInsight

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Ofcom recently published telecoms market data for the UK. https://lnkd.in/ehJa-5Xf 🔗 It shows mobile data growth rates of only 15% over the last year. Mobile data growth rates are slowing and at a rapid rate. Interestingly, mobile revenues in the UK increased 6.6% from the same period a year earlier. ARPU increased from £12.52 in 2022 up to £13.05, bucking the trend of years of steady decline. This increase is thanks, in no small part, to inflation-linked price increases from the major operators. Historic predictions out of Ofcom in 2022 offered data growth scenarios up to 55% by now. I wonder how many MNOs considered this data when assessing the ROI of 5G implementations! The debate continues about whether 5G is actually needed by the 98% of ‘normal’ users, where 4G seems perfectly sufficient. However, one could argue that the UK is still predominantly not sufficiently 5G SA, and therefore, do 5G users experience the full benefits 5G has to offer yet? The data growth story gets skewed when looking at a global view where countries with large populations are still experiencing significant growth. Ericsson is putting numbers out like 59Gb by 2029 in Western Europe. Ofcom shows growth from Q3-Q4 2023 was only 1.5%, or 6% if annualised. So question marks arise over Ericsson’s view❓. What is apparent from Ofcom is that data growth rates in many mature markets are decreasing. What will be the new device or use case that drives growth again? Virtual reality, connected cars….? #mobile #data #telecoms

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The telecom industry is responsible for up to 2% of global carbon emissions. Network account for 90% of telco electricity consumption and RAN for 80% of this consumption. Beyond the obvious benefits of capex, opex reduction and aesthetics considerations, the neutral host networks are 38% greener and 47% more cost-effective than traditional standalone 5G deployment. Please see below the latest research from ABI Research and Boldyn Networks on the topic.

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Driving penetration is now the number one focus for the Altnets in the UK. The average consumer take-up across altnet networks is currently at 16%, half that of Openreach at 32%, despite the collective footprint of challengers now equalling that of the incumbent. We explore why this is and what needs to change to address it. I'm very happy to talk to anyone with a view on the situation and ways it can be addressed. In Part two (watch this space) we will provide valuble insights and actionable recommendations to drive penetration from some of the very best practice.

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Following on from a comment by William Webb on yesterday’s post and article about #mobile wholesale, I came up with a possible scenario for how we might get to #openaccess #5G by non-regulatory means. I wonder if maybe an adventurous private equity company, utility or fibre telco makes an acquisition of an established MNO and its spectrum assets, and then does something interesting... For instance, imagine a scenario where the UK’s CMA stopping the proposed VF/3UK merger for competition reasons. (I think that would be a bad move, but not unlikely). But then, let’s say that a player like CityFibre raises more capital and buys 3UK instead, spinning off its retail business. It could then offer both FTTP and cellar wholesale - maybe just as an MVNO operation, but perhaps something more sophisticated for its ISP customers. This is all completely hypothetical - but it could be a way to transform the industry the same way FTTP has shaken up legacy wireline/cable markets Link to previous post & article: https://lnkd.in/eCNt_s_K

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Is Fixed Wireless Broadband a game changer? Recent forecasts from Omdia provide a fascinating glimpse into the shifting landscape of fixed broadband subscriptions. Over the next five years, we can anticipate an addition of approximately 200 million new subscriptions, culminating in a global total of 1.8 billion of fixed internet subscriptions. This rapid expansion highlights the evolving technological preferences of consumers seeking home internet solutions. A critical insight from the forecast is the evident decline of ADSL and cable technologies. These once-dominant options are steadily being supplanted by fiber and fixed wireless access (FWA) technologies. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% for fiber and an impressive 13% for FWA, it’s clear that FWA is emerging as the fastest-growing method for home internet connectivity. Despite its rapid growth, FWA is expected to remain somewhat niche, capturing around 8% of the total market share, equivalent to 124 million subscriptions by 2029. Nonetheless, this represents a doubling of FWA subscriptions within five years, underscoring its significant potential. The trends in average revenue per user (ARPU) across different technologies are equally noteworthy. The overall ARPU is expected to stabilize at around $19 per month. However, there are stark differences between technologies. FWA commands a premium, with an average ARPU of approximately $27 per month, significantly higher than fiber's $14 per month. Cable, on the other hand, remains the most expensive technology at $44 per month. This high cost likely contributes to its decline, as consumers gravitate towards more cost-effective and technologically superior alternatives. The rising prominence of FWA in the home internet market is driven by several factors. Its rapid deployment capabilities, often bypassing the need for extensive infrastructure, make it an attractive option in underserved or remote areas. Additionally, advancements in technology have enhanced the reliability and speed of FWA, making it a viable competitor to traditional wired solutions.

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Our UK tenants, the operators and infrastructure companies, don’t like it when I point out the obvious truth, which is that the distortion of power from property owners to network operators resulting from the ECC 2017 harmed Britain and put it last in 5G, behind the rest of the developed world. There are now many property owners selling to us because they are tired of being mistreated. A UK individual mobile site lease has become a horrible investment and a headache for property owners. Meanwhile network operators are not very good at buying out mobile sites, because property owners have lost all trust. TIP are an obvious solution. We are funded with low-cost infrastructure money and are NOT interested in charging anything other than market rent as defined under the ECC. We are prepared to be tied down throughout our investment period. And STILL our tenants are slow to proceed with us. We are prepared to help CTIL, MBNL, Cellnex and their tenants increase 5G rollout speeds by allowing them to take full financial and operational control over the sites. If tenants don’t want to trust us then they can trust their lawyers: we are prepared to be 100% controlled. And UK property owners like our money. Thousands of them. I personally have been willing to be 100% controlled since 2009, when I founded APWireless. If tenants had taken me seriously back then they could have locked up thousands of mobile sites. I can’t remember how many times I met with CTIL, MBNL, Orange, T-Mobile (now EE), Vodafone and O2 — and none of them acted on my offer (which was made long before it was too late). After 2019 I could not control what my successors did at APWireless. Let’s not make that mistake again. Let’s tie up TIP long term and mutually benefit the UK public. There is plenty of success to be had by ALL parties: property owners get the capital they deserve, MNOs and infrastructure companies get to deliver the 5G solutions they promise while gaining 100% control over their sites, and TIP’s investors get to earn a reasonable return on infrastructure investment. Everyone wins. In the meantime, since somehow pointing out the obvious truth is unpopular with our tenants, I’ll have the Guardian do it for me. Thanks Steve!

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Today’s provisional findings from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on our proposed merger with Three UK underestimate the current realities of the UK mobile market.     The merger would address many of the issues our market faces today. By all measures, it is pro-growth, pro-customer and pro-competition.     From bringing best-in-class 5G to 99% of the UK population by 2034 and every school and hospital by 2030, to allowing around 50 million customers to benefit from significantly improved network quality, our commitment of £11 billion investment as a joint company over ten years will be catalyst for change.     Whilst we disagree with the assertion that the merger will lead to price rises for customers, we are encouraged by the recognition from the CMA that the country needs a better quality network that the £11bn investment will bring. Today’s report was an expected next step in the merger process, and we look forward to working with the CMA to secure approval, unlock huge benefits for everyone and building the world-class infrastructure the country deserves.   #TheNationsNetwork #TogetherWeCan #Vodafone #ThreeUK #CMA #5GSA 

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Well done DMSL Team getting this difficult site up and running. How many properties have gained coverage from this single mast? What is the cost per UPRN with new 4G coverage?

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How Connected Are You? Interesting study from Mobile UK that shows 80 per cent of people drastically underestimate the level of connectivity they rely on for every day tasks. With the demand for connectivity growing year-on-year, it also calls for better resourcing in planning for mobile infrastructure to help ensure connectivity for all.

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Mobile Networks Set Their Sights on SMEs In the face of a lacklustre consumer market, the UK's major mobile networks are intensifying their efforts to win over the important SME market. We have seen a number of announcements that suggest the big providers are doubling down on the sector with comprehensive offerings that go a long way beyond traditional connectivity. 🔘 Vodafone UK Business: In it’s new ad campaign, it is highlighting solutions – it is showcasing a comprehensive suite of services designed to address the specific challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises. It includes reliable and secure mobile broadband plans, collaboration tools to streamline communication and teamwork, and expert support to help businesses get the most out of the technology. By taking a holistic approach that considers both the technical needs and the strategic goals of SMEs, Vodafone Business is positioning itself as a trusted partner to offer a medium sized company a digital competitive advantage. 🔘 BT Business is launching it’s 'UK Business Climate Hub' partnership with the UK Business Climate Hub (UKBCH), it is looking to address sustainability, a challenge faced by SMEs today.  The initiative highlights BT Group's understanding of the evolving needs of small businesses. The Hub, a shared endeavour between industry and government, offers BT's expertise in connectivity alongside resources to help SMEs navigate the complexities of environmental responsibility. These resources include a new online training course titled "Seven Steps to Sustainability" offering practical tips to help SMEs reduce their carbon footprint. The Hub can also connect businesses with free carbon footprint calculators. By incorporating sustainability into their offerings, BT is looking to make a compelling case as a partner for SMEs looking to grow in a responsible and environmentally conscious way. This push makes sense – SMEs are the centrepiece of the UK economy. Networks see an opportunity to provide businesses essential connectivity along with value-added solutions that help these businesses thrive in an increasingly digital landscape. It will be fascinating to see how this plays out. This is already a hotly contested sector, hard to get uncover, keen to deal locally with partners they trust. It’s a smart move by the operators, it will take time but will be worth the effort and investment. #SMEs #MobileNetworks #Connectivity #DigitalBusiness #UK

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🚨New 10DLC tool from The Campaign Registry 🚨 Spread the word! I recently sat down with Stefan Heller of #TCR, who shares that CSPs of TCR can now switch messaging providers for FREE. No need to worry about the heavy costs of re-registration or not getting a previously approved Campaign re-approved. Migration is often the biggest challenge standing in the way of trying a new service. Now CSPs have more control over their 10DLC messaging than ever before. DM me for details on how to use and access TCR's new tool! Signed up as a Reseller of the TCR and unable to utilize this tool? Comment below and Telgorithm can get you on your way to becoming a CSP. 🙌 #10dlc #a2p10dlc #messagingprovider #SMSAPI

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Ericsson unveils a new #ConsumerLab research report that highlights a powerful trend: #5G is transforming event experiences, with a 20% higher share of 5G users reporting satisfaction with their connectivity compared to 4G users. The report also reveals that users are becoming increasingly discerning about their connections, prioritizing app quality and reliability 10 times more than speed alone. This shift in user preferences correlates with evolving traffic patterns at events, where data use now peaks dynamically with live-streaming and content sharing – levels only high-capacity 5G networks can support smoothly. As demand continues to grow, attendees are even willing to pay extra for a seamless experience, which is a good example of why high-performance programmable networks is the future. By enabling differentiated connectivity, operators can create tailored network experiences for different user needs – even in the most demanding scenarios – thereby opening up new avenues to monetize their networks’ capabilities. Explore the full report to learn more about how 5G is transforming connectivity at live events: https://lnkd.in/dqPSyqcS 🎯Follow us on Kaneshwaran Govindasamy & Global 5G Evolution 🎯Check out this week's conference #5g #monetization debate 👇🏽 🎯Click comment box subscribe our #youtube channel #5G #5G #connectivity #DifferentiatedConnectivity #MakeitMemorable #ericsson

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Connectivity is at the heart of what we do every day. Especially for me when I go online or watch my favourite shows at home. Today, as the average household has more and more devices with higher connectivity speeds, the demand for greater bandwidth will continue to rise. That's why we're excited to introduce the Singtel 5Gbps enhanced fibre broadband plan. This offers an additional option for those who don't think they need the extreme speeds of our 10Gbps symmetric service yet but want more than a basic 2Gbps. This plan supports multiple connected devices simultaneously at an affordable price, making high-speed symmetrical broadband accessible to more households.   With 5Gbps, you can enjoy lag-free 4K videos, seamless online gaming, and even live stream without any interruptions. Our 5Gbps broadband plan also includes free months of popular services such as Amazon Prime, Viu Premium, Broadband Protect, and Singtel TV Ethnic Pack.   Seamless digital experiences are now within reach for every home. Learn more about our 5Gbps fibre broadband plan at singtel.com/fibreplans.   #SingtelLife #5Gbps #ConnectivityRedefined #DigitalTransformation

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We have just updated our research on how operators can differentiate fixed connectivity in the business market - a neglected topic. Links to articles and report below.

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𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞: 𝐍𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 tonight from 11 am to 6 pm. Balance recharge, Pack subscription/query could be affected that time. However, Mobile voice, data, SMS, FTTH data and TV will remain unaffected. To be safe, you could recharge your #Ntc mobile and buy required data pack ahead. https://bit.ly/3QuWMEN 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: Also, if you are going to watch the Euro Cup Semifinal match of 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐯𝐬 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 on Mobile data, please subscribe to required data volume (~2GB) in advance. BTW who do you think is the winner?

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Kudos to Linda Hardesty for asking the thoughtful questions! - A U.K. research group predicts that in 10 years many young people will have never subscribed to fixed-line broadband - They already satisfy most of their internet needs over their phones - 6G researchers say cellular will have the speeds and capacity to handle most users' broadband needs in 10 years In the words of T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert, "Wireless is where the future lies." 🔮 Which all sorta begs the question,..how much of the $42 billion BEAD should be allocated to wireless infrastructure? 🤔 Maine Department of Economic and Community Development Maine Connectivity Authority Janet Mills Angus King U.S. Senator Susan Collins Rich Miner #genz #wireless #5G #6G #lastmile #broadband #internet #future #bead

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Why is the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme needed? 🤔 Our latest mobile coverage surveys results across Powys and Ceredigion highlight why... Funded by the Tyfu Canolbarth Cymru | Growing Mid Wales (GMW) programme - Streetwave has mapped mobile connectivity across the entire road network of both of the councils 🗺 When looking at the percentage of locations where residents will receive 'Essential Coverage' - this was how each of the operators performed: 1. EE - 54% 2. Vodafone - 49% 3. Three - 44% 4. O2 - 42% It is worth noting that this data was collected along the road network, not the remote walking paths which are likely to receive worse signal. This lack of coverage has hugely negative implications for the productivity and safety of local residents and businesses. Imagine trying to make a phone call and only having a 50/50 chance it will connect while on the move? We are delighted that this data is now being used constructively by the GMW team to work with the SRN to improve connectivity in the region. You can read more about the results here: Powys - https://lnkd.in/e4W-J3Mr Ceredigion - https://lnkd.in/ekrF8CFj #SharedRuralNetwork #MobileConnectivity #RuralDevelopment #GrowingMidWales #DigitalInfrastructure

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