HTTP/2 200 date: Mon, 22 Dec 2025 04:43:05 GMT content-type: application/xml;charset=UTF-8 cf-ray: 9b1cf4cd792bb277-BLR cf-cache-status: HIT cache-control: max-age=0 , s-maxage=300 content-language: en last-modified: Mon, 22 Dec 2025 04:41:27 GMT server: cloudflare vary: Accept-Encoding via: 1.1 google p3p: CP="CAO DSP COR NID CURa ADMa TAIa IVAo IVDo CONo TELo OTPo OUR IND PHY ONL UNI NAV DEM" x-frame-options: SAMEORIGIN content-encoding: gzip Copyright TechTarget - All rights reserved ComputerWeekly’s best articles of the day https://cyber.law.harvard.edu/rss/rss.html Techtarget Feed Generator en Sun, 21 Dec 2025 23:41:26 GMT https://www.computerweekly.com editor@computerweekly.com <p>Cellular and wireless technologies evolve constantly. Every new version offers improved features and new use cases. Wi-Fi 6 and 5G, the most recent generations of their respective standards, are no different.</p> <p>In addition to a new name, the wireless specification Wi-Fi 6 introduces several enhancements, including higher speeds, greater capabilities, IoT features and multi-user support.&nbsp;5G cellular offers a long list of improvements as well, among them much lower latency and network speeds and data rates that greatly exceed the previous standard, 4G.</p> <p>Wi-Fi 6 and 5G are distinct technologies, but <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/feature/Its-not-Wi-Fi-6-vs-5G-its-Wi-Fi-6-and-5G">they complement each other</a> in many ways.</p> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="What is Wi-Fi 6?"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>What is Wi-Fi 6?</h2> <p>Among other capabilities, <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/Wi-Fi6">Wi-Fi 6</a>, also known as 802.11ax, offers significantly improved performance and more efficient coverage compared to previous standards. It supports features such as orthogonal frequency-division multiple access and <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/multi-user-MIMO">multi-user multiple input, multiple output</a>. These enhancements enable Wi-Fi 6 to support a significantly larger number of users than previous generations, while also improving capacity and reliability.</p> <p>Wi-Fi 6 is also the first generation to be identified by a numerical sequence rather than the formal 802.11x designation the IEEE previously used to define wireless standards. To that end, <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/tip/Whats-the-difference-between-80211ax-vs-80211ac/">previous standards</a> -- 802.11n and 802.11ac -- are now known as Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5, respectively.</p> <p>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wi-fi.org/" rel="noopener">Wi-Fi Alliance</a> introduced the new naming system in 2018.</p> </section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="What is 5G?"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>What is 5G?</h2> <p>Fifth-generation cellular is <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/5G">the newest generation</a> of cellular technology. It eclipses 4G LTE by offering increased network speeds and reliability. 5G uses higher frequencies than 4G LTE to transmit its signals, which means it can transfer data at faster rates and better support real-time communication.</p> <p>5G and Wi-Fi 6 both offer increased bandwidth, higher speeds and lower latency. Both were engineered with features and capabilities -- among them enhanced UX -- that greatly surpass previous standards. Organizations can use both standards to connect users to services and resources, but it's important to recognize the differences between them.</p> <figure class="main-article-image full-col" data-img-fullsize="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineImages/networking-5g_vs_wifi6-f.png"> <img data-src="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineImages/networking-5g_vs_wifi6-f_mobile.png" class="lazy" data-srcset="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineImages/networking-5g_vs_wifi6-f_mobile.png 960w,https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineImages/networking-5g_vs_wifi6-f.png 1280w" alt="An image showing the differences between Wi-Fi 6 and 5G. " height="366" width="560"> <figcaption> <i class="icon pictures" data-icon="z"></i>Although Wi-Fi 6 and 5G complement each other, they have distinct differences as well. </figcaption> <div class="main-article-image-enlarge"> <i class="icon" data-icon="w"></i> </div> </figure> </section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Differences between Wi-Fi 6 and 5G"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>Differences between Wi-Fi 6 and 5G</h2> <p>The key differences between Wi-Fi 6 and 5G include the following:</p> <ul type="disc" class="default-list"> <li>Technology type.</li> <li>Licensing.</li> <li>Frequency.</li> <li>Authentication.</li> <li>Network security.</li> <li>Cost.</li> <li>Use cases.</li> </ul> <h3>Technology type</h3> <p>Wi-Fi is a wireless LAN technology that uses routers, access points and radio signals to connect devices within a limited range.</p> <p>5G is a cellular technology that uses base stations, small cells and radio signals to transfer data and provide connectivity to end-user devices. 5G signals can travel for miles and typically cover a large geographic area. Licensing</p> <p>4G LTE and previous cellular standards dictated that carriers transmit signals using licensed spectrum bands, designed to prevent interference between connected devices. In contrast, Wi-Fi operates in unlicensed bands that don't require permission to use.</p> <p>5G, however, operates in both <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/answer/Whats-the-difference-between-licensed-and-unlicensed-wireless">licensed and unlicensed bands</a>. This could create co-channel interference in areas where 5G and Wi-Fi 6 signals overlap. Each standard has built-in safeguards to prevent interference, but organizations must still plan their wireless deployments carefully.</p> <h3>Frequency</h3> <p>Wi-Fi 6 operates in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. Wi-Fi 6E, an extension of Wi-Fi 6, operates at 6 GHz.</p> <p>5G operators use different frequency bands for their mobile networks, including 600 MHz, 800 MHz and millimeter wave, which operates between 30 GHz and 300 GHz.</p> <h3>Authentication</h3> <p>While Wi-Fi technology's unlicensed bands don't require permission to use, access to the Wi-Fi network itself does. To access a Wi-Fi network, users typically require a service set identifier -- or network name -- and password. In addition, Wi-Fi 6 introduces a new authentication type called <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/WPA3">Simultaneous Authentication of Equals</a> for added protection against bad actors.</p> <p>Cellular networks don't have the same authentication requirements as Wi-Fi networks, so it's easy for connected devices to gain access. However, 5G also <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/tip/Use-these-6-user-authentication-types-to-secure-networks">uses several authentication types</a>, including 5G Authentication and Key Agreement, Extensible Authentication Protocol-AKA and EAP-Transport Layer Security to bolster 5G network security.</p> <h3>Network security</h3> <p>Wi-Fi network device security is historically easier to guarantee than cellular networks, but Wi-Fi 6 offers new protections, such as Wi-Fi Protected Access 3. <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/feature/Wireless-encryption-basics-Understanding-WEP-WPA-and-WPA2">WPA3 bolsters authentication security and encryption</a> and eliminates shortcomings of WPA2.</p> <p>5G offers a more comprehensive suite of security capabilities than previous standards, but organizations still must guard against threats. New features encompass several concepts, among them security anchor functions, subscription permanent identifiers and subscription concealed identifiers. These enable seamless and secure device reauthentication as a connected device travels between networks, which former cellular generations couldn't guarantee.</p> <h3>Cost</h3> <p>Wi-Fi is typically cheaper to build and use. Unlicensed spectrum doesn't require fees to use, and Wi-Fi devices are typically more affordable than other networking equipment. 5G offers high-speed connectivity but at a higher cost. Most operators had to build their 5G infrastructure from scratch, which requires large investments in equipment and components. They must also purchase the spectrum to use in their mobile networks.</p> <h3>Use cases</h3> <p>The deployment of cellular and Wi-Fi technology, as well as the differences in how organizations use them, are key distinctions between Wi-Fi 6 and 5G. Traditionally, Wi-Fi is better suited for indoor wireless coverage. However, its scope has evolved as the standard has changed. Today, the technology is also used to provide high-density wireless connectivity in locations such as stadiums and sports venues; however, its main focus remains inside office buildings and dwellings.</p> <p>5G is tailored to outdoor use, such as autonomous vehicle support. It's also engineered for use in mobile backhaul, fixed wireless access, satellite pairing, and edge computing. Organizations that use 4G LTE for backhaul can transition to 5G to enhance connectivity, as well as integrate cellular technology into the fixed wireless space.</p> </section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Wi-Fi 6, 5G as complements rather than competitors"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>Wi-Fi 6, 5G as complements rather than competitors</h2> <p>Despite the differences between Wi-Fi 6 and 5G, the two technologies complement each other well. Rather than ponder which one is better, businesses can use both standards together. More importantly, users are likely to care less about the technology they use if their connection is reliable.</p> <p>Interoperability between Wi-Fi 6 and 5G networks enables seamless connectivity for users as they transition between networks, thanks in part to the increasing number of devices that support both technologies.</p> <p>Together, Wi-Fi 6 and 5G underpin innovations in IoT, edge computing and other key enterprise operations. Combined, they offer workforces -- both remote and in the office -- higher speeds, better reliability and the flexibility needed to do their jobs effectively.</p> <p><b>Editor's note: </b><i>This article was updated by editors to reflect industry changes and improve the reader experience.</i></p> </section> Wi-Fi 6 and 5G both boost speed and performance, but differ in cost, coverage and use cases. Together, they provide flexible connectivity for modern enterprises. https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/German/article/wifi-travel-mobile-adobe.jpg https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/feature/A-deep-dive-into-the-differences-between-5G-and-Wi-Fi-6 Fri, 19 Dec 2025 11:45:00 GMT <p>After decades of research and experimentation, quantum is shifting from discovery to deployment, and the coming year will be critical for stepping up delivery on a world‑class quantum network by 2035, according to a research note by BT.</p> <p>Furthermore, said <a href="vhttps://www.bt.com/about/bt/research-and-development/tech-and-innovation-hub/quantum-ready-nation">Gabriela Styf Sjoman</a>, the firm’s managing director of research and network strategy, the UK’s next phase of quantum progress hinges on building quantum-ready and quantum-secure networks.</p> <p>The mission to build a world‑class quantum network by 2035 would provide the secure infrastructure needed to connect quantum technologies and enable real‑world applications.</p> <p>As BT was publishing the paper, <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366623561/UKRI-must-do-more-to-drive-innovation-agenda-and-avoid-fraud">UK Research and Innovation</a> was mapping out its £38.6bn budget of which £1bn has been committed to quantum over the 2026–30 time period.</p> <p>BT says global momentum for quantum technologies is building fast. Quantum computers are emerging, investment is rising, and early applications are said to be showing real value. Quantum is no longer a distant frontier, it stated: it is becoming one of the defining technologies of the next decade – and the UK has a pivotal opportunity to lead.</p> <p>BT believes progress across quantum missions in 2026 will be essential to achieving the UK’s ambition to secure 15% of the global quantum technologies market and 15% of global private equity investment by 2033.</p> <p>However, the company added that such technologies will require top infrastructure to function effectively. “As exciting and extraordinary as <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634683/IBM-Cisco-light-up-quantum-networking-collaboration">quantum computers, sensors and devices</a> are – on their own, they are isolated,” said Styf Sjoman. “Their true value is unlocked only when they are connected – to each other, to users, to data, and to the wider digital ecosystem. Just as AI required cloud infrastructure and <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366624216/Google-gets-in-gear-with-Volvo-to-drive-connected-vehicle-AI">electric vehicles needed charging networks</a>, quantum technologies need networks that are both quantum-secure and quantum-ready. This is the foundation of the UK’s future quantum economy.”</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about quantum networks</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634683/IBM-Cisco-light-up-quantum-networking-collaboration">IBM and Cisco light up quantum networking collaboration</a>: Firms collaborate to design a connected network of large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers, laying the groundwork for a quantum computing internet.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366632022/Cisco-unveils-software-to-accelerate-quantum-networks">Cisco unveils software to accelerate quantum networks</a>: IT and networking giant claims first of its kind network-aware distributed quantum compiler capable of running quantum algorithms across multiple processors while handling error correction across a network.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634549/UAE-to-launch-first-space-to-ground-quantum-communication-network">UAE to launch first space-to-ground quantum communication network</a>: Space42 unveil a collaboration at the Dubai Airshow to deliver the UAE’s first space-enabled quantum communication network, strengthening national cyber resilience.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366621104/Nokia-Numana-Honeywell-Aerospace-team-to-advance-quantum-safe-networks">Nokia, Numana, Honeywell Aerospace team to advance quantum-safe networks</a>: Collaboration designed to drive innovation and enable a global post-quantum security economy for enterprises.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <p>BT sees its role as delivering quantum-secure and quantum-ready networks, and believes that in its role as the UK’s leading network provider, it was uniquely placed to build this infrastructure.</p> <p>The paper revealed that BT was developing quantum‑secure networks using technologies such as PQC, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and entanglement‑based security, ensuring data is protected today and resilient against future threats.</p> <p>Quantum‑ready networks will connect quantum computers, sensors and devices, and are designed to enable the quantum internet and unlock applications yet to exist.</p> <p>To this end, in 2025, BT began building with the University of Suffolk a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.uos.ac.uk/about/news/space-project-set-for-lift-off/" rel="noopener">research facility</a> designed for optical space‑to‑ground communications which it says is essential for future satellite‑enabled quantum networks. It has also developed IP in quantum sensing and trialled a quantum radio receiver.</p> <p>UKRI has selected BT to lead <a href="https://lasp.colorado.edu/information/k-12-educators/project-spectra/">Project Spectra</a>, looking to advance quantum‑enabled RF sensing and strengthen the UK’s sovereign capability with global impact.</p> <p>“Making quantum technologies is as critical as enabling, adopting and implementing them – and essential for UK leadership,” said Styf Sjoman. “The UK enters 2026 from a position of strength, with thriving startups, strong industrial players and world-class research.</p> <p>“Now we need to accelerate adoption, and build deeper, more resilient supply chains. Government has a key role to play: stimulating demand, convening industry and users, and helping to turn breakthrough science into deployable solutions.”</p> UK’s leading network provider reflects on the country’s quantum progress to date, and proposes what needs to happen next as funding and focus shift towards delivery https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/LeMagIT/hero_article/quantum-quantique-AdobeStock_429545226-hero.jpeg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636697/BT-UKs-next-phase-of-quantum-progress-hinges-on-network-build Fri, 19 Dec 2025 10:30:00 GMT <p>Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered autonomous vehicle technology provider <a target="_blank" href="https://kodiak.ai/" rel="noopener">Kodiak AI</a> has turned to Verizon Business to bring connectivity and internet of things (IoT) data capabilities to its driverless trucking services.</p> <p>Founded in 2018, Kodiak AI offers AI-powered autonomous vehicle technology designed to help address the problem of safely transporting goods in the face of unprecedented supply chain challenges and tackle some of the toughest driving jobs.</p> <p>The company serves customers in long-haul trucking, industrial trucking and defence industries, and its stated vision is to become the trusted world leader in autonomous ground transportation. Kodiak AI says it’s committed to a safer and more efficient future for all through the commercialisation of driverless trucking at scale. In 2024, it believes it achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first company to deploy customer-owned and operated driverless trucks in commercial service.</p> <p>To that end, Kodiak has developed the Kodiak Driver, a virtual driver that combines advanced AI-powered software with modular and vehicle-agnostic hardware to further address customers’ needs.</p> <p>Kodiak Driver incorporates technology that allows a human to provide remote assistance to a vehicle in certain low-speed and clearly defined scenarios that benefit from human involvement. Verizon connectivity allows Kodiak’s driverless vehicles to communicate with Assisted Autonomy drivers and send mission-critical communication between vehicles and command centres, with low latency over long distances in remote environments.</p> <p>The collaboration uses <a href="https://www.verizon.com/business/">Verizon’s 5G and LTE networks</a>, IoT telematics and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.verizon.com/business/en-gb/products/internet-of-things/thingspace-platform-iot/" rel="noopener">ThingSpace&nbsp;management platform</a> to help fill Kodiak’s need for advanced data capabilities. Use cases include over-the-air software updates, remote fleet management, and skilled remote assistance for Kodiak’s long-haul trucking and industrial operations.</p> <p>Verizon provides custom 5G and LTE data plans for the intense data demands of autonomous vehicle operations. The network delivers high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity for the required over-the-air software updates, and near-real-time communication between operations centres and trucks throughout the US.</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about connected vehicles</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366624216/Google-gets-in-gear-with-Volvo-to-drive-connected-vehicle-AI">Google gets in gear with Volvo to drive connected vehicle AI</a>: Swedish car giant and IT behemoth expand partnership with integration of Gemini artificial intelligence to accelerate automotive innovation.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366624934/Sweden-claims-worlds-first-6G-edge-connected-vehicle-test-facility">Sweden claims world’s first 6G, edge-connected vehicle test facility</a>: Independent test environment unveils first 6G, edge-computing facility to test the limits of traffic and vehicle communications with near-perfect connected vehicle system reliability.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366623947/5GAA-claims-first-ever-satellite-5G-V2X-direct-vehicle-connectivity">5GAA claims first-ever satellite, 5G-V2X direct vehicle connectivity</a>: Leading car manufacturers demonstrate what is said to be a world-first for emergency messaging and hazard warnings showing the ability for vehicles to connect over non-terrestrial networks.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366603138/Wialon-fits-out-four-million-IoT-connected-vehicles">Wialon fits out four million IoT-connected vehicles</a>: Global fleet management and IoT software platform racks up record number of vehicles connected on GPS tracking and internet of things software platform.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <p>The connectivity is critical for Kodiak’s Assisted Autonomy capability. Enabled by Verizon partner and automotive-grade remote driving technology provider Vay Technology, this allows remote operators to quickly review camera feeds and sensor data, and guide autonomous trucks through defined scenarios. This human oversight is intended to enhance safety and helps make daily operations more efficient.</p> <p>The ThingSpace centralised IoT platform allows Kodiak’s IT team to easily monitor, manage and troubleshoot connectivity across the fleet. The platform tracks data usage and provides cost transparency, enabling efficient scaling of operations.</p> <p>“Our autonomous driver as a service business model requires highly reliable, low-latency communications for a number of different data transport and management needs,” said Don Burnette, founder and CEO of Kodiak AI. “This is physical AI at work to enable up to 24/7 driverless operations, and Verizon’s cellular and IoT capabilities provide the backbone that helps Kodiak safely scale its business and deliver for our customers.”</p> <p>With the network foundation, Verizon says Kodiak can deliver next-generation driverless services to its customers, including day-and-night hauling for industrial clients and long-haul freight with trucking partners.</p> <p>“Kodiak’s cutting-edge approach to logistics showcases the vast potential of the future of transportation powered by AI and connectivity,” added Daniel Lawson, senior vice-president of global solutions at Verizon Business.</p> <p>“Our IoT solutions, 5G network and data platforms are now underpinning connected-vehicle operations of every size and scale. And now with AI catalysing new enthusiasm for autonomous mobility, reliable connectivity and data services have never been more important.”</p> 5G telematics and ThingSpace IoT management services enable autonomous vehicle technology operating model and manage massive amounts of data generated from its driverless trucks https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/AI-artificial-intelligence-machine-brain-adobe.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636683/Kodiak-AI-looks-to-transform-trucking-with-autonomous-tech-IoT-connectivity Fri, 19 Dec 2025 10:00:00 GMT <p>Mobile connectivity across the UK is becoming faster and more responsive on average; a marked gap still persists between the quality of experience in urban and rural areas; and the gap between the best and worst-performing local authorities remains significant, according to research from Ookla.</p> <p>The analyst’s <a href="https://www.ookla.com/research/reports/uk-local-authorities-2025"><em>Speedtest Intelligence</em></a> report for 2025 takes an overview of mobile network performance across the UK, focusing on outcomes at local authority level and how those outcomes have changed over time.</p> <p>The study was based on millions of samples from mobile devices connected to a cellular network, comparing results from Q1–Q3 2025 with the same period in 2024. For each local authority, the report considered not only typical speeds, but also the experience of slower connections, and the relationship between population density and mobile outcomes. At UK and country (nation) level, it drew on national aggregate metrics (2025 to date) for the UK, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.</p> <p>Fundamentally, the research found that population density correlates strongly with better outcomes, and that practically, the findings illuminate the urban-rural digital divide, showing that where you live in the UK largely dictates your mobile experience.</p> <p>Analysis of local authority outcomes revealed what Ookla called the “stark” extent of regional variation in and across nations in the UK. Despite the general upward shift in the overall local authority distribution over the past year across key mobile performance indicators, the range remains large and many rural local authority areas are still stuck with not-spots despite the progress of the government’s <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366628346/North-Yorkshire-sees-4G-coverage-boost-through-SRN">shared rural network (SRN) scheme</a>. Areas that were strong performers in 2024 generally remained strong, and many of the weakest authorities in 2024 still sit near the bottom of the distribution in 2025.</p> <p>On a country level, UK mobile performance improved notably between 2024 and 2025, with the national median download speed rising from approximately 55.02Mbps to 63.03Mbps. This represented a year-on-year increase of around 15%. Median upload speeds inched up from 7.80Mbps to 8.21Mbps, while median latency improved marginally from 52ms to 50ms.</p> <p>England and Northern Ireland saw the strongest gains, while Wales remained the slowest nation and Scotland’s median slipped from 49.13 to 46.05Mbps despite improvements in several local authorities. Overall, though, the UK rates badly compared with European peers such as Germany and the Republic of Ireland.</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about UK mobile</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634733/Fibre-flies-as-improved-5G-sees-record-UK-mobile-data-consumption">Fibre flies as improved 5G sees record UK mobile data consumption</a>: Research from comms regulator finds UK mobile data use climbs to over 1.2 billion gigabytes each month, as networks deliver 5G SA to 83% of the UK to meet rising demand.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366628996/600-VodafoneThree-UK-sites-now-offer-integrated-coverage">600 VodafoneThree UK sites now offer integrated coverage</a>: Newly formed operator releases details on key element of merger, claiming hundreds of sites now offer ‘seamless’ integration with aim of unlocking greater capacity, eliminating 4G notspots and expanding 5G coverage across the UK.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366627718/UK-mobile-broadband-outpace-delivery-targets">UK mobile, broadband outpace delivery targets</a>: Second year of government department said to be driving the UK’s leading position in science and technology, and makes clear the success of current broadband roll-out plans.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366627678/Potential-230bn-boost-from-improved-UK-mobile-coverage">Potential £230bn boost from improved UK mobile coverage</a>: Economic study calls for UK government to support acceleration in investment in mobile networks through reforming planning laws and significantly increasing the availability of spectrum for operators to reap huge rewards.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <p>Drilling deeper, the study showed that the gap between local authorities remained stark. In Q1–Q3 2025, median speeds ranged from just over 10Mbps in the Shetland Islands to just over 100Mbps in Leicester. Around 28% of local authorities had fewer than 60% of test samples meeting a 25Mbps download threshold, indicating persistently poor connectivity for many in the UK.</p> <p>Including the aforementioned Leicester, top performers included Nottingham, Derby, Bridge of Don, Thurrock and Stoke-on-Trent. These areas typically combine median download speeds in the mid-80s to 100Mbps, roughly three-quarters or more of samples reaching 25Mbps, and relatively strong results even in the slowest 10th percentile (generally around 8–11Mbps).</p> <p>In addition to the Shetland Islands, the country’s weakest performers included the Isle of Anglesey, Fermanagh and Omagh, Denbighshire, Pembrokeshire, Orkney, and Cornwall. These areas have median download speeds mostly in the mid-teens to low-20s – excluding the Shetland Islands – with less than half of samples reaching 25Mbps and 10th-percentile speeds typically in the 1.5–3Mbps range, highlighting large not-spots for a significant share of users there.</p> <p>Looking at the companies driving the industry, the study noted that heavy capital spending by the UK’s operators was driving improved outcomes. It added that the UK remains one of only a handful of countries in Europe and globally where at least three operators have “aggressively” <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366631320/VMO2-5G-Standalone-network-reaches-500-UK-locations">deployed 5G standalone</a> across a significant footprint.</p> <p>Virgin Media O2 has already reported 70% population coverage and BT/EE boasts a similar level. VodafoneThree has committed to invest £11bn in its UK network over the next decade, including £1.3bn of capex in year one.</p> Mobile network analyst finds UK-wide median mobile download speed rose 15% year-on-year to 63.03Mbps in 2025, while upload speeds improved from 7.80 to 8.21Mbps https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/Three-UK-5G-mast-hero.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636757/UK-mobile-improves-but-digital-divides-persist Fri, 19 Dec 2025 06:30:00 GMT <p>Mobile telecom carriers are far enough along in migrating to 5G that the technology can be considered almost ubiquitous compared with the 4G landscape of just a few years ago. This evolution provides opportunities and benefits to businesses as they plan their future network strategies.</p> <p>But real-world constraints mean 5G still isn't a slam dunk that always lives up to the hype. In theory, 5G technology should reliably deliver lower latency and higher speed and bandwidth than 4G. 5G proponents frequently tout its support for real-time applications and data-rich mobile apps, but getting those benefits depends on factors like location and local spectrum availability.</p> <p>Despite 5G being widespread enough to qualify as the mobile data option of choice and a viable option for business use, enterprises should be aware of the caveats. Here are some of the more prevalent 5G limitations enterprise network teams might encounter.</p> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="1. Distance from towers generally dictates performance"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>1. Distance from towers generally dictates performance</h2> <p>Cellular carriers are busy reworking the mobile network landscape with upgrades and additional sites to support 5G. As with almost any wireless technology, the closer the client device is to the network node, the better the connection and performance will be, thanks to signal strength and quality -- barring <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10144169/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">external factors like interference</a>.</p> <p>5G also has a fundamental, physics-level characteristic to overcome. At its best, 5G uses millimeter wavelengths, which don't travel as far with the same power levels as the longer wavelengths of earlier 3G and 4G technologies.</p> <p>5G cellular coverage is typically smaller in area, but as a network protocol, 5G can carry more data. To combat the cell footprint limitation, carriers are deploying more and larger antenna arrays where needed to optimize coverage. Signal enhancers, such as <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/beamforming">beamforming</a>, also help the 5G system overcome obstacles by enabling data packets to traverse multiple paths so they can reach individual client devices as they move around the coverage area.</p> <p>All this said, users who are close to a major 5G network might still be disappointed with performance if the network uses lower-performing spectrum or legacy hardware upstream from the antennas.</p> </section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="2. Spectrum and bandwidth limitations"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>2. Spectrum and bandwidth limitations</h2> <p>5G's spectrum picture can be hard to understand since there's no clear definition of where frequencies start and end. <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/feature/The-3-different-types-of-5G-technology-for-enterprises">Three bands are in play</a>, each with its own characteristics. At any given time, one or all of the bands could be in use in a cell, and performance can range from impressively fast to as slow as 3G.</p> <p>Service providers that want to deliver the best 5G experiences share more of their allotted radio frequencies between 4G and 5G and prioritize the latter. And the previously mentioned <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/millimeter-wave-MM-wave">millimeter wave</a> deployments, while far more range-limited, offer the highest available speeds and lowest latencies for wireless clients that are capable of taking advantage of them.</p> <p>Spectrum is a key consideration in choosing carriers and client devices when shopping for 5G services. Much 5G deployment is still done on legacy 3G and 4G spectrum, which enables backward compatibility with older devices, but performance might suffer until components in the path get modernized. It can be frustratingly difficult to get a clear read on the spectrum each carrier's version of 5G can deliver in specific locations.</p> <p>One way 5G overcomes bandwidth limitations is through <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/network-slicing">network slicing</a>, which takes a page from the virtualization trend that has enabled greater density, capacity and capability in data centers by dividing up resources to share more idle resources and increase overall usage. With network slicing, 5G carriers achieve more efficient use of their networks, thereby handling higher user counts and transferring more data simultaneously.</p> <div class="youtube-iframe-container"> <iframe id="ytplayer-0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Boa8srjKzCI?autoplay=0&amp;modestbranding=1&amp;rel=0&amp;widget_referrer=null&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.computerweekly.com" type="text/html" height="360" width="640" frameborder="0"></iframe> </div> </section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="3. Rural and remote locations might lack 5G coverage"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>3. Rural and remote locations might lack 5G coverage</h2> <p>There is a simple reason 5G coverage maps look fragmented: Rural areas with low populations aren't as profitable for any technology industry. Rural and remote locations have not been the highest priorities as 5G rollouts have progressed, with carriers primarily focused on revenue-generating urban areas. Thankfully, penetration into rural markets is slowly happening, and 5G has a growing presence on carriers' coverage maps. Nevertheless, for the foreseeable future, 5G distribution will be hit or miss.</p> <p>While mobile applications abound in rural-centric industries like agriculture and mining, carriers still might not find it cost effective to deploy 5G in some remote locations. Do applications in those areas even need 5G? That depends on the situation. Remote rollouts can happen if large customers are willing to help cover the costs or if cabled backhaul already exists. <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/private-5G">Private 5G</a> might be an option in some cases.</p> <p>Another factor in the rural 5G equation is the lifecycle issues of older 3G and 4G systems, which can be hard to support as they age. Economically, the 5G sweet spot for carriers is when they can take 3G and 4G systems offline once 5G is deployed. However, 5G isn't a one-for-one swap with older cell sites because it tends to have a smaller per-site footprint.</p> </section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="4. Security issues"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>4. Security issues</h2> <p>Security is a ubiquitous concern these days, whether you're a network provider or consumer. 5G uses a different security model than 3G and 4G because it has new security capabilities, but it is safe to assume that <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/tip/5G-security-Everything-you-should-know-for-a-secure-network">5G largely delivers better security</a> than its predecessors. The good news for businesses is that carriers handle most of the work of implementing security.</p> <p>When it lives up to its promise, 5G can serve as both an access option and a backhaul option. Organizations that build network services on top of 5G networks must understand the 5G security model to ensure the services work as intended, with the right level of security for each level of the 5G architecture.</p> </section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="5. Energy consumption"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>5. Energy consumption</h2> <p>There is no free lunch when it comes to better cellular technology. Radio components, network equipment and power supplies all need reliable electricity to function. They also need cooling, which also requires energy. Combine these realities with the fact that 5G needs more cells to cover the same area as 3G and 4G, and it becomes obvious that the power requirements of carriers offering 5G increase significantly as new towers and associated facilities are added to the cellular landscape. Network designers aren't just looking for high ground from which to project good cell coverage. They must also factor in how to get power to sites or generate their own.</p> </section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="6. 5G cost and ROI"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>6. 5G cost and ROI</h2> <p>Whether 5G is part of a lifecycle refresh of client devices or a new network option, it comes with a price tag. In some cases, organizations might just replace phones or cellular routers when older ones reach end of life. In other situations, businesses might consider new subscriptions, and possibly private 5G, if the need is justified. 5G can add line items and subscription-related changes to the budget. If businesses aren't financially prepared, they might have to delay migrating to 5G.</p> <p>5G ROI varies considerably across different scenarios. For example, if using 5G lets an organization eliminate other network costs, positive ROI comes quicker. As 5G becomes more ubiquitous, it could enable organizations to eliminate everything from VoIP headsets to leased "dark fiber" circuits. In comparison, the ROI picture is uncertain for adding 5G and waiting for some hard-to-define point when it might pay for itself.</p> </section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="How can businesses address 5G challenges?"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>How can businesses address 5G challenges?</h2> <p>Marketing departments would have us believe 5G is a must-have for both consumer and business applications. But what 5G is and isn't varies so much right now that it's important to approach the topic with eyes wide open.</p> <p>When addressing the challenges of 5G, businesses should consider doing the following:</p> <ul type="disc" class="default-list"> <li>Define your requirements before spending any money. What can 5G deliver specifically in the places you hope to use it? Are you looking for faster access, a backhaul solution or some <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/feature/5G-driving-IoT-innovation-Key-use-cases-and-applications">5G-connected IoT application</a>? If you can't quantify why 5G is of interest, the salespeople will run right over you.</li> <li>Knowing that <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/feature/Cut-through-5G-hype-with-the-latest-insights">5G hype often outweighs reality</a>, make the provider's account executives prove their performance claims in the scenarios where you intend to use the service before you write the check. If multiple sites are involved, verify the expected 5G coverage and performance at each site. But remember that 5G is an evolving technology and the performance picture could change.</li> <li>Clearly understand how 5G might affect your IT spend both upfront and in the future. Look for ways to use 5G to eliminate other costs.</li> <li>If you're considering private 5G, do a legitimate proof of concept with clear objectives before committing to it.</li> </ul> <p>As with many wireless technologies, 5G's true performance capabilities vary wildly and can be hard to define beyond that they're better than what came before.</p> <p>Nevertheless, 5G really will be better than 4G, and the <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/tip/What-are-the-features-and-benefits-of-5G-technology-for-businesses">long-term advantages of 5G</a> should begin to outweigh the current disadvantages as the technology matures and becomes commonplace. For users, 5G should enable better client access in a growing number of locations while introducing new opportunities for businesses to become more agile with innovative networking options.</p> <p><i>Lee Badman is a network architect specializing in wireless and cloud technologies for a large private university. He's also an author and frequent presenter at industry events.</i></p> </section> 5G continues to expand to more areas, but reliance on older infrastructure, a new security model and variations in cost and performance mean businesses should choose carefully. https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/rms/onlineimages/mobile_g871133984.jpg https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/tip/Top-5G-limitations-for-businesses-include-lack-of-range-devices Thu, 18 Dec 2025 09:00:00 GMT <p>Two recently disclosed vulnerabilities discovered in Fortinet’s product portfolio have prompted a pre-holiday warning for defenders after being added to the <a href="https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Known Exploited Vulnerabilities</a> (KEV) catalogue run by the US’ national cyber agency this week.</p> <p>The two flaws, tracked as CVE-2025-59718 and CVE-2025-59719, enable a threat actor to bypass FortiCloud single sign-on (SSO) authentication via a maliciously crafted security assertion markup language (SAML) message. <a href="https://fortiguard.fortinet.com/psirt/FG-IR-25-647" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to Fortinet</a>, they are present in multiple versions of FortiOS, FortiWeb, FortiProxy and FortiSwitchManager.</p> <p>It should be noted that while the vulnerable feature is not enabled by default in factory settings, it does activate automatically if and when a device is registered to the FortiCare tech service via the GUI unless the customer admin has explicitly opted out of this.</p> <p>In a statement, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said: “This type of vulnerability is a frequent attack vector for malicious cyber actors and poses significant risks to the federal enterprise.”</p> <p>Initially reported by Fortinet on 9 December, multiple third parties are now reporting exploitation activity in progress against CVE-2025-59718 and CVE-2025-59719.</p> <p><a href="https://www.rapid7.com/blog/post/etr-critical-vulnerabilities-in-fortinet-cve-2025-59718-cve-2025-59719-exploited-in-the-wild/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to Rapid7 analysts</a> – who have been trapping multiple exploit attempts against its honeypots after a proof-of-concept exploit was posted to GitHub, many of the observed attacks have seen attackers authenticate as the admin user and immediately download the target’s system configuration file – these can often hold hashed credentials.</p> <p>“As a result, any organisation with indicators of compromise [IOCs] must assume credential exposure and respond accordingly. A vendor patch is available, and organisations can also take immediate defensive action by disabling FortiCloud SSO administrative login while remediation efforts are underway,” said the Rapid7 team.</p> <p><a href="https://arcticwolf.com/resources/blog/arctic-wolf-observes-malicious-sso-logins-following-disclosure-cve-2025-59718-cve-2025-59719/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arctic Wolf researchers said</a> that besides applying the available updates from Fortinet, organisations finding that they are affected should reset their firewall credentials as a precaution, on the basis that they may have been compromised and exfiltrated, and limit access to firewall and virtual private network (VPN) appliances to trusted internal users.</p> <p>As its products are deeply embedded in many networks Fortinet is frequently targeted by threat actors as an initial access point to their victims’ wider IT environments, so further attempts against the latest pair of flaws are considered highly likely.</p> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Christmas presents"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>Christmas presents</h2> <p>Besides the Fortinet authentication bypass issues, CISA has added a few more high-profile flaws to the KEV catalogue in the run-up to the festive break.</p> <p>These include CVE-2025-69374, an embedded malicious code vulnerability that has arisen in ASUS Live Update after unauthorised modifications were made in a supply chain cyber attack.</p> <p>Multiple Cisco products, including AsyncOS software, Cisco Secure Email Gateway and Secure Email, and Web Manager appliances are at risk from an input validation vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-20393, via which a threat actor may be able to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges.</p> <p>Finally, SonicWall users should address CVE-2025-40602, a missing authorisation flaw enabling privilege escalation on the appliance management console of SMA1000 series secure access gateways.</p> <p>At the time of writing, none of the above-listed vulnerabilities have been observed being used in ransomware attacks.</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about patch management</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li>Timely patch management should be crucial in any organisation, but too often it goes by the wayside. Automating the process may offer a path forward <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Automated-patch-management-A-proactive-way-to-stay-ahead-of-threats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">for hard-pressed cyber defenders</a>.</li> <li>The final Patch Tuesday update of 2025 brings 56 new CVEs, bringing the year-end total <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636275/Microsoft-patched-over-1100-CVEs-in-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to more than 1,100</a>.</li> <li>Microsoft this year added WSUS to its deprecation list. Now that the battle-tested patch management tool's days are numbered, <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchwindowsserver/tip/The-Microsoft-patch-management-guide-for-admins" target="_blank" rel="noopener">what are the alternatives from the company? </a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> Analysts track exploitation of two vulnerabilities disclosed last week by Fortinet https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/German/article/update-keyboard-adobe.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636678/Fortinet-vulns-prompt-pre-holiday-warnings Thu, 18 Dec 2025 08:42:00 GMT <p>Following other local authorities in the belief that better digital infrastructure mean stronger local economies, more resilient communities and a region that that thrives, Surrey County Council has enhanced connectivity in its county town of Guildford, in an effort to support the wider network and to provide an improved experience on mobile devices.&nbsp;</p> <p>Under an open access agreement with <a href="https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/">Surrey County Council</a>, neutral host provider <u><a title="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/2ePECXD7MEUq14Xl6i6f3FWAFxc?domain=urldefense.com" href="https://freshwavegroup.com/">Freshwave</a></u> is deploying 13 new 4G/5G outdoor <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366628816/O2-deploys-small-cells-to-boost-mobile-in-Cornwall">small cells</a> for mobile operator O2 in Guildford city centre. Open access agreements allow local authorities to retain control of their street assets while working with different mobile network operators (MNOs) and neutral hosts such as Freshwave.</p> <p>The outdoor small cells comprise compact mobile units, which are roughly the size of a shoebox and are designed to improve coverage in areas with high footfall. Their small size allows them to be discretely installed on existing street furniture such as lamp posts, making them appropriate for urban environments. By processing mobile traffic at street level, small cells can help reduce pressure on the wider network. This is said to allow more people to call, text and access data simultaneously, improving the overall mobile experience.</p> <p>The new deployment sees small cells strategically placed in high-demand areas including the high street, as well as around Guildford Castle and near Guildford Station, delivering enhanced mobile connectivity for customers of <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366633921/IONX-Virgin-Media-O2-claim-UK-5G-standalone-first">O2</a> while, added Freshwave, maintaining the city centre’s historic charm. Nine are already live and O2 said that they are already enhancing connectivity in busy public areas, benefiting residents, businesses and visitors.</p> <p>Commenting on the deployment, Matt Furniss, cabinet member for highways, transport and economic growth, at Surrey County Council, said: “We’re proud to be working with O2 and Freshwave to enhance mobile connectivity in Guildford, supporting our digital strategy and helping bring our high streets into the modern age. Better digital infrastructure means stronger local economies, more resilient communities and a Surrey that thrives both today and tomorrow.”</p> <p>Robert Joyce, director of mobile access engineering at O2, added: “This small cell deployment in Guildford is a great example of our <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366620541/Virgin-Media-O2-looks-to-supercharge-mobile-network-reliability">£700m Mobile Transformation Plan</a> in action. We’re bringing faster, more reliable connectivity to busy public spaces to meet record network demand, with targeted deployments delivering real benefits for communities.”</p> <p>Neil Barnes, mobile network operator account director at Freshwave, said: “We’re making it easier for the network operators to deliver mobile coverage where it matters most. In Guildford, our open access agreement with Surrey County Council, together with our partnership with O2, means faster roll out, less street clutter and stronger connectivity for the community. It’s a smart, efficient way to support local needs while keeping the city’s character intact.”</p> <p>Freshwave said that the new deployment means that it has deployed more than 800 outdoor small cells across the UK on behalf of the MNOs who want to boost community connectivity for their customers. In August 2025, the company partnered with O2 to <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366628816/O2-deploys-small-cells-to-boost-mobile-in-Cornwall">deliver small cells in the county of Cornwall</a>, specifically in St Ives and Newquay.</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about small cells</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366630249/EE-boosts-City-of-London-mobile-coverage-with-added-outdoor-small-cells">EE boosts City of London mobile coverage with added outdoor small cells</a>: Deployment of nearly 50 outdoor small cell sites go live for leading mobile network operator in UK’s financial hub,&nbsp;expanding&nbsp;coverage, and improving 4G and 5G connectivity.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636263/Harrow-Council-votes-on-Cellnex-to-advance-borough-connectivity">Harrow Council votes on Cellnex to advance borough connectivity</a>: North London council announces a partnership with telecoms infrastructure operator to deploy small cell technology and target connectivity blackspots around high streets and transport hubs.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366621216/Virgin-Media-O2-deploys-small-cells-to-improve-city-mobile-connectivity">Virgin Media O2 deploys small cells to improve city mobile connectivity</a>: Mobile customers in Plymouth set to benefit from enhanced mobile connectivity as six high-capacity small cells go live across port city in southwest of England.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634171/10-World-Trade-office-tower-boosts-connectivity-with-indoor-5G-solution">10 World Trade office tower boosts connectivity with indoor 5G solution</a>: Investors, real estate firm and tech provider deliver small-cell based neutral host network at premier commercial building to provide high-capacity, multi-operator indoor coverage with scalable, sustainable.</li> </ul> </div> </div> Neutral host provider teams with leading UK comms operator and Surrey County Council to deliver 13 4G/5G outdoor small cells to country’s largest conurbation, with nine already live https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/network-abstract-1-adobe.jpeg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636714/Freshwave-O2-enhance-mobile-connectivity-for-Guildford Thu, 18 Dec 2025 08:20:00 GMT <p>Following several years using a dedicated network, including support for a command system that drives remotely controlled machinery, the <a href="https://www.portoftyne.co.uk/about-us">Port of Tyne</a> is reporting strong operational gains after adopting <a href="https://cradlepoint.com/products/ericsson-private-5g/">private 5G</a> using Ericsson technology running on a BT network.</p> <p>Based near Newcastle on the River Tyne in North East England, and comprising an area of 620 acres, the Port of Tyne is one of the UK’s major deep-sea ports, handling cargoes across five continents.</p> <p>The port operates across both sides of the River Tyne, and depends on connected vehicles, machinery and video-driven processes to realise its efficiency gains. However, as it assessed its connectivity options, the port authorities found that traditional wireless technologies were not able to offer the reliability or scale needed for this environment, where cabling is costly and operational layouts change several times per year.</p> <p>With&nbsp;its private 5G system in place, Ericsson says the port has been able to run mobility-led and safety-focused applications with greater confidence in performance. Across the site,&nbsp;the private network&nbsp;underpins real-time video analytics, sensor-driven processes and connected machinery.</p> <p>The&nbsp;private&nbsp;network, which uses BT spectrum and Ericsson’s on-site core and radio infrastructure, has supported daily operations by providing consistent connectivity for real-time applications across&nbsp;a complex site that spans 620 acres&nbsp;and supports operations across more than 3km of berths&nbsp;including dock space for mooring vessels.</p> <p>Over the past year, the network has supported a broad set of uses and has introduced new safety and efficiency tools, including live container scanning, personal protective equipment monitoring, restricted-area detection, road-condition analysis, emission monitoring, and high-security access control using video and sensors. Vehicle-mounted cameras, connected to an artificial intelligence engine, help teams identify road defects before they grow. Drones are used for stock control and infrastructure inspection.</p> <p>The port is also working with <a href="https://www.caterpillar.com/">Caterpillar</a> to enable&nbsp;CatCommand&nbsp;remote-controlled shovels to minimise worker risk by reducing the need for workers to enter hazardous ship holds.</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about private networks</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366632402/Airbus-climbs-in-industrial-digitisation-with-private-5G-deployment">Airbus climbs in industrial digitisation with private 5G deployment</a>: Global aircraft manufacturer advances factory digitisation with private 5G connectivity at production sites supporting critical initiatives such as 3D simulation, augmented reality, improved traceability and predictive maintenance.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366632141/Celanese-looks-to-Private-5G-to-transform-manufacturing-at-the-edge">Celanese looks to private 5G to transform manufacturing at the edge</a>: Fully managed private 5G network designed to deliver what is claimed to be resilient connectivity to accelerate Industry 4.0 innovation.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366632398/OPCSA-terminal-gains-sharper-edge-with-private-5G-connectivity">OPCSA terminal gains sharper edge with private 5G connectivity</a>: Neutral host provider to design, deploy and operate a private 5G network at the Canary Islands’ largest container terminal, reducing costs associated with inefficiencies in the maintenance and monitoring of refrigerated containers.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366629184/Private-5G-market-nears-mainstream-with-5bn-surge">Private 5G market ‘nears mainstream’ with $5bn surge</a>: Study finds private cellular networks based on 3GPP-defined 5G specifications are just on the cusp of becoming a mainstream technology, with a market potential exceeding that of established private LTE.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <p>Leaders across the port organisation say the progress to date highlights how reliable connectivity transforms complex industrial operations and accelerates digital innovation. Going forward, the Port of Tyne will continue to expand its use of digital tools supported by high-performance wireless connectivity. The private network is helping the organisation strengthen safety, improve operational awareness and plan for future innovation.&nbsp;</p> <p>“After a full year of operating on private 5G, we’ve seen firsthand how reliable wireless connectivity strengthens our day-to-day operations,” said Tamsin Warren, head of technology and transformation at the Port of Tyne. “From safety-critical activities to logistical environments, the network has given us consistent, real-time visibility across our whole site. It’s helping our teams to work more safely and make better decisions with the live data to move us forward to becoming one of the UK’s smartest and greenest ports.”</p> <p>Brian Jackson, director of surveillance and smart solutions at BT, added: “Over the past year, Ericsson’s private 5G network has delivered the performance Port of Tyne needs in an environment that changes constantly. By combining BT spectrum with Ericsson’s dual 4G and 5G infrastructure, the port has a dependable platform for the technologies it relies on today, as well as those it plans to adopt in the future.”</p> <p>“Port of Tyne is demonstrating how private 5G can support complex industrial operations that depend on mobility, safety and real-time visibility,” said Manish Tiwari, head of enterprise 5G at Ericsson.</p> <p>“The results from the first year demonstrate what a wireless network with predictable low latency, strong security and support for high mobility can unlock – laying the groundwork for continued digital development across the port.”</p> One of the UK’s most dynamic and key deep-sea gateways reports strong operational gains after several years using private 5G across its 620-acre estate using sensor-driven processes https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/rms/computerweekly/Port-of-Tyne-hero.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636384/Port-of-Tyne-charts-successful-course-with-private-5G Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:15:00 GMT <p>Zoom Communications has unveiled the next evolution of its agentic AI solution, Zoom AI Companion 3.0, with work surface technology to use work conversations to help save time and boost productivity.</p> <p>AI Companion has the stated aim of helping people start their day with clarity and alignment, even when dealing with numerous post-meeting tasks and follow-ups. <a href="https://www.zoom.com/en/products/ai-assistant/">Features of the system</a> include a beta version of AI-first capabilities for personal workflows, agentic AI features for Zoom Docs, and a <u><a title="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ai.zoom.us/__;!!BfIZgRvxoUc!hVvQuMrOZKC9cSQXVd27flE-WLDlvg0L3thEch8xVOBJP9BrvYE-JkxEbpy8R4QtRt79jkVBkzu4mgN2icIcIOoNEc_BYJI$" href="https://www.zoom.com/en/blog/zoom-workplace-simplicity-ui-updates/">web interface</a></u> with expanded context to help users uncover insights, optimise their day and improve their work.</p> <p>AI Companion 3.0 uses Zoom’s federated AI approach that combines <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366633587/Zoom-looks-to-launch-next-era-of-custom-enterprise-AI">its own large and small language models</a> (LLMs/ SLMs) with third-party LLMs from OpenAI and Anthropic. Zoom users can also use open source models such as <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366613948/Nvidia-deepens-investment-in-Indias-AI-ecosystem">Nvidia Nemotron</a>, which enables reasoning and retrieval-augmented generation within Zoom’s federated AI stack, creating a personalised work environment.</p> <p>As AI Companion’s capabilities expand across new surfaces, Zoom stressed that it encrypts customer data in transit and does not use communications-like customer content to train its own or third-party models.</p> <p>Zoom claimed that this federated approach, combined with AI Companion’s ability to deliver <u><a title="https://www.zoom.com/en/resources/ai-quality-report-2025/" href="https://www.zoom.com/en/resources/ai-quality-report-2025/">better-quality results</a></u> through more accurate transcription, closed captions and translated captions, provides users with more relevant information retrieval and task completion.&nbsp;</p> <p>AI Companion’s new conversational work surface is connected to work interactions, and is attributed with transforming scattered meeting conversations and assets into insights, progress tracking, polished documents and content without requiring users to upload meeting transcripts or additional documents or craft detailed prompts.</p> <p>“The launch of AI Companion 3.0 is a turning point for Zoom, continuing our transformation from a meeting company into a pioneer of AI-first intelligent work orchestration. By empowering our users with new AI Companion capabilities, we’re helping them get even more done so they can focus on connection,” said Velchamy Sankarlingam, president of product and engineering at Zoom.</p> <p>“Offering AI Companion’s newest capabilities both as a standalone option and within paid Zoom plans reflects our core belief of democratising access to AI and providing users with intuitive solutions that can seamlessly understand their work context and help move conversations to completion.”</p> <p>Early customers and developers have also been positive about the new product. “AI Companion is changing the way teams at Oracle work, helping us turn conversations into clear next steps and actionable insights,” said Christine Sarros, senior vice-president of enterprise engineering at Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. “We look forward to the upcoming AI Companion 3.0 release and the new capabilities it offers to further enhance collaboration and productivity.”</p> <p>AI Companion functionality can now be accessed from a desktop web browser at&nbsp;<a title="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ai.zoom.us/__;!!BfIZgRvxoUc!hVvQuMrOZKC9cSQXVd27flE-WLDlvg0L3thEch8xVOBJP9BrvYE-JkxEbpy8R4QtRt79jkVBkzu4mgN2icIcIOoNEc_BYJI$" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/ai.zoom.us/__;!!BfIZgRvxoUc!hVvQuMrOZKC9cSQXVd27flE-WLDlvg0L3thEch8xVOBJP9BrvYE-JkxEbpy8R4QtRt79jkVBkzu4mgN2icIcIOoNEc_BYJI$">ai.zoom.us</a>. Select AI Companion capabilities are also available for Zoom Workplace Basic users. Customers can also purchase AI Companion for $10 per month as a standalone, which does not require a paid Zoom Workplace licence.</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about the new world of work</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366633587/Zoom-looks-to-launch-next-era-of-custom-enterprise-AI">Zoom looks to launch next era of custom enterprise AI</a>: AI-first work platform provider deploys AI leader’s technology to adapt to users’ personal work habits through model customisation and retrieval-augmented generation, with federated AI stack.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366625707/Cisco-Live-2025-The-digital-workplace-gets-closer-to-distance-zero">The digital workplace gets closer to ‘distance zero’</a>: Research reveals disconnect between employer expectations and employee preferences around return-to-office policies in the new world of hybrid working, but also finds acceptance and uptake of cutting-edge collaboration tools.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Spatial-computing-redraws-the-world-of-work">Spatial computing redraws the world of work</a>: Immersive technologies such as augmented, mixed and virtual reality are nothing new but next-generation capabilities are coalescing into a spatial computing ecosystem that is set to create a new immersive world of work.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366620682/Sky-Business-finds-louder-voice-for-collaboration">Sky Business finds louder voice for collaboration</a>: Business-to-business division of media and entertainment company announces communications platform to help UK firms boost productivity and collaboration by integrating advanced features like video conferencing.</li> </ul> </div> </div> AI-first work platform provider unveils next evolution of its agentic AI product, including beta version of AI-first capabilities for personal workflows, agentic AI features for Docs product and new web interface with expanded context https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/HeroImages/Zoom-AI-Companion-Oct-2024-PR-hero.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636310/Zoom-launches-AI-Companion-30-with-agentic-workflows Tue, 16 Dec 2025 07:27:00 GMT <p>The rush by airlines to boost in-flight connectivity as part of their overall customer experience proposition continues, with leading Latin American air transportation company <a href="https://abragroup.net/">Abra Group</a> launching what it says will be fast and reliable multi-orbit inflight connectivity on more than 100 of its aircraft.</p> <p>Abra Group comprises a pan-Latin American network of brands that aims to offer the lowest unit cost on the market. Brands include Gol and <a href="https://www.avianca.com/en/">Avianca</a> under a single leadership, and the group has a strategic investment in Wamos Air along with a minority stake investment in Sky Airline Chile.</p> <p>Overall, the group consolidates a team of around 30,000 personnel and a fleet of more than 300 aircraft, with scheduled flights serving over 25 countries and more than 140 destinations. Gol is one of Brazil’s leading airlines, operating a fleet of 143 Boeing 737 aircraft and employing 13,900.</p> <p>Avianca, the second-oldest airline in the world, operates more than 140 A320 and B787 passenger aircraft, as well as six cargo aircraft, and has more than 14,000 employees. Wamos Air is claimed to be Europe’s leader in wide-body ACMI operations, operating 13 A330 passenger aircraft.</p> <p>The connectivity has been delivered by <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366582875/SES-agrees-to-acquire-Intelsat">SES</a> in a move that positions it as a leading provider of satellite-powered broadband inflight service in the Americas.</p> <p>With 10 <a href="https://www.airbus.com/en/products-services/commercial-aircraft/passenger-aircraft/a320-family">Airbus A320s</a> now operational, Avianca is among the first in Latin America to offer Wi-Fi service using SES’s electronically steered array&nbsp;antenna, which is less than seven centimetres high and is claimed to deliver “unmatched reliability”, connecting to both SES’s family of geostationary satellites and partner constellation of low Earth orbit satellites.</p> <p>With progressive installation planned, more than 100 Airbus and Boeing aircraft in the Abra Group fleet are set to offer the SES service in the coming years.</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about in-flight connectivity</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634184/IAG-aircraft-to-take-off-with-Wi-Fi-Starlink-connectivity">IAG aircraft to take off with Wi-Fi Starlink connectivity</a>: Leading airline group announces strategic investment in satellite-based Wi-Fi connectivity for its aircraft starting from early 2026, with speeds claimed to enable fast downloads, smooth streaming and cloud-based work.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634509/Qatar-Airways-claims-Starlink-in-flight-connectivity-benchmark">Qatar Airways claims Starlink in-flight connectivity benchmark</a>: MENA airline accelerates programme to equip widebody aircraft with Starlink-based connectivity and now operates up to 200 daily such connected flights to key destinations.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366586674/Condor-spreads-wings-with-Intelsat-in-flight-connectivity">Condor spreads wings with Intelsat in-flight connectivity</a>: Germany’s leading leisure airline inks deal with integrated satellite and terrestrial network operator to extend Wi-Fi product to short- and medium-haul routes using Airbus A32xneo aircraft.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366586400/Japan-Airlines-takes-off-with-Intelsat-for-enhanced-inflight-connectivity">Japan Airlines takes off with Intelsat for enhanced in-flight connectivity</a>: Leading aircraft manufacturer to complete satellite communications company’s electronically steered array factory installation on latest generations of 737 aircraft boasting wide coverage and low latency.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <p>Commenting on the deployment, Francisco Raddatz, chief procurement officer of Abra Group, said: “At Abra Group, we continue to bring next-generation solutions onboard to make connectivity more accessible and offer more options to our passengers.”</p> <p>Enrique Villasenor, SES vice-president of global airline partnerships, said: “Abra Group’s commitment to passenger experience will now include consistent reliable, multi-orbit satellite connectivity on its Airbus and Boeing fleet that provides the same fast and dependable internet access passengers enjoy at home no matter where or when they fly.</p> <p>“SES’s partnerships with growing Abra Group airlines like Avianca, GOL and Wamos Air highlight how carriers throughout the Americas are leading the way when it comes to advanced connectivity,” he added. “SES is the engine that powers inflight connectivity, a trusted partner that makes airline operations easier.”</p> <p>SES has been in the aviation connectivity business for nearly 10 years, working with partners Panasonic Avionics Corporation and Collins Aviation to provide in-flight communications with a global footprint to and from the SES-14 and SES-15 <a href="https://www.ses.com/our-coverage/geo-hts">high-throughput satellites</a>.</p> <p>The HTS assets provide global coverage and enable Ku-band connectivity services using flexible spot-beam technology. Combined with its O3b MEO constellation, SES says its GEO HTS satellites deliver the industry’s only multi-orbit, multi-band offering that provides “unprecedented” network resiliency and intelligent, application-aware load balancing.</p> Latin American airline strikes deal to be leading provider of satellite-powered broadband inflight service in region https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/aircraft-landing-plane-travel-adobe.jpeg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636351/Abra-launches-in-flight-connectivity-through-SES-multi-orbit-craft Tue, 16 Dec 2025 07:00:00 GMT <p>In contrast to the so-called “tepid” pace of spending in the much larger but relatively stagnant public mobile network market, there have been nearly 1,300 new private cellular network engagements over the past 12 months, with 5G-based infrastructure deployments overtaking those based on LTE networks across many vertical industries, according to research by SNS Telecom &amp; IT.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.snstelecom.com/private-lte"><em>Private LTE &amp; 5G network ecosystem: 2025-2030 – opportunities, challenges, strategies, industry verticals</em></a> report calculates that global spending on private 5G and LTE network infrastructure for vertical industries will grow at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 22% between 2025 and 2028, eventually exceeding $7.2bn by the end of 2028.</p> <p>In addition, more than 70% of these investments – an estimated $5.1bn – will likely be directed towards the buildout of <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636303/US-nears-universal-adoption-as-North-America-leads-5G">standalone private 5G networks</a>, which the analyst said are well-positioned to become the predominant wireless connectivity medium for <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366621674/Nokia-launches-DAC-Marketplace-to-empower-industrial-enterprises">Industry 4.0</a> applications in manufacturing and process industries, as well as critical communications over mission-critical broadband networks for sectors such as public safety, defence, utilities and transportation.</p> <p>SNS Telecom &amp; IT sees this growth continuing where standalone 5G core investments are growing, but noted that radio access network (RAN) sales remain flat following a sharp decline in 2024. It added that against this backdrop, the real-world impact of private networks – spanning both facility/campus-based and wide-area deployments – was clearly visible across a diverse range of customers, from manufacturers, port operators and airlines, to sports clubs and public sector organisations.</p> <p>What the analyst calls this “unprecedented” level of growth is regarded as being likely to transform the private RAN, mobile core and transport network segments into an almost parallel equipment ecosystem to public mobile operator infrastructure in terms of market size by the late 2020s. By 2030, private networks could account for as much as a quarter of all mobile network infrastructure spending.</p> <p>As for the practical and quantifiable benefits of private LTE and 5G networks, the report highlighted how end-user organisations have credited private cellular network installations with productivity and efficiency gains for specific manufacturing, quality control and intralogistics processes in the range of 20% to 90%, cost savings as high as 60%, and an uplift of up to 80% in worker safety and accident reduction.</p> <p>While it says such practical and tangible benefits of private 5G are already compelling, SNS Telecom &amp; IT observed that another sign of the market’s positive momentum is how customers are increasingly incorporating private 5G networks as a key component of new facilities.</p> <p>The study also noted a number of key examples of standalone 5G private network deployment. These included Tesla, LG Electronics and Hyundai, which have eliminated connection-related <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634204/Abu-Dhabi-hits-accelerator-on-autonomous-mobility-commercialisation">automated guided vehicle</a> stoppages at their production facilities.</p> <p>In addition, <a href="https://www.peelports.com/">Peel Ports Group</a> is said to have experienced a tenfold increase in network performance at the Port of Liverpool’s metal-heavy environment, which previously hindered Wi-Fi connectivity, and Lufthansa was cited as improving operational process speed by 75% at its LAX cargo facility.</p> <p>Other noteworthy applications included partially sighted fans being able to experience football matches in exceptional detail using private 5G-connected headsets at Crystal Palace Football Club’s Selhurst Park stadium, and police forces in Ontario’s Peel-Halton Region having uninterrupted in-vehicle data access since adopting their independent public safety broadband network, which has recently undergone a 5G core upgrade. This was seen especially during outages affecting public mobile operator services.</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about private networks</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366632402/Airbus-climbs-in-industrial-digitisation-with-private-5G-deployment">Airbus climbs in industrial digitisation with private 5G deployment</a>: Global aircraft manufacturer advances factory digitisation with private 5G connectivity at production sites supporting critical initiatives such as 3D simulation, augmented reality, improved traceability and predictive maintenance.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366632141/Celanese-looks-to-Private-5G-to-transform-manufacturing-at-the-edge">Celanese looks to private 5G to transform manufacturing at the edge</a>: Fully managed private 5G network designed to deliver what is claimed to be resilient connectivity to accelerate Industry 4.0 innovation.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366632398/OPCSA-terminal-gains-sharper-edge-with-private-5G-connectivity">OPCSA terminal gains sharper edge with private 5G connectivity</a>: Neutral host provider to design, deploy and operate a private 5G network at the Canary Islands’ largest container terminal, reducing costs associated with inefficiencies in the maintenance and monitoring of refrigerated containers.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366629184/Private-5G-market-nears-mainstream-with-5bn-surge">Private 5G market ‘nears mainstream’ with $5bn surge</a>: Study finds private cellular networks based on 3GPP-defined 5G specifications are just on the cusp of becoming a mainstream technology, with a market potential exceeding that of established private LTE.</li> </ul> </div> </div> Research finds standalone private 5G networks well-positioned to become predominant wireless connectivity medium for Industry 4.0 applications in manufacturing and process industries, as well as critical communications https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/HeroImages/BICS-port-private-networks-PR-hero.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636440/2025-a-transformative-year-for-private-connectivity Tue, 16 Dec 2025 06:19:00 GMT <p>Keysight Technologies and KT SAT have revealed a live multi-orbit proof-of-concept demonstration, showcasing session continuity from a geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) to an emulated low Earth orbit (LEO) link, thereby validating a core advanced communications capability.</p> <p>Explaining the rationale for their move, the companies said that as the <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366633732/NVIDIA-Nokia-pioneer-AI-platform-for-6G-comms">industry moves towards 6G</a>, integrating satellite and terrestrial networks is essential to deliver continuous coverage and resilient service in remote or disaster-affected areas. Yet multi-orbit mobility has always been one of the toughest engineering hurdles to surmount in satellite communications due to long delays, Doppler effects and unstable satellite links.</p> <p>The collaboration is said to create a dependable way to study real non-terrestrial network (NTN) behaviour before large satellite constellations are deployed.</p> <p>By incorporating Ku‑band operation into this multi-orbit mobility scenario, Keysight and KT SAT believe they have validated NTN behaviours in a frequency range now central to emerging global standards and operator deployment strategies. And by moving beyond earlier demonstrations focused on single-orbit GEO connectivity, the organisations said they have shown how operators can evolve from point-to-point satellite links to continuous multi-orbit mobility, while also establishing an important technical milestone in advancing <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366633580/Requtech-retrofit-programme-sees-creation-of-SATCOM-hub">Ku-band NTN</a> mobility.</p> <p>In practical terms, <a href="https://www.keysight.com/us/en/home.html">Keysight</a> said it has demonstrated an NTN handover using the KOREASAT-6A satellite at <a href="https://www.ktsat.com/mainPage.do">KT SAT’s</a> Kumsan satellite network operation centre in Korea.</p> <p>In a controlled lab environment, the companies said they have established the industry’s first NR-NTN multi-orbit handover between a commercial GEO satellite and an emulated LEO link. The demonstration was performed over a live Ku‑band GEO connection – downlink around 12.3GHz and uplink around 14.4GHz – marking, said the two companies, a major milestone towards testing the newly standardised 3GPP Rel‑19 Ku‑band NTN spectrum.</p> <p>Using&nbsp;<a title="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/23PjC73nA5IQq91LQhWh9Fo340S?domain=urldefense.com" href="https://www.keysight.com/us/en/products/wireless-network-emulators.html">Keysight’s Network Emulator Solutions</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;UeSIM RAN Testing Toolset, the teams emulated the base station and user equipment, established a two-way link through KOREASAT-6A, and maintained service continuity during a handover from GEO to an emulated LEO connection.</p> <p>Operating the GEO link in Ku‑band is said to ensure that these mobility insights directly map to the Rel‑19 NTN frequency bands now entering commercial planning, giving operators and device suppliers earlier visibility into real‑world propagation, timing and interoperability behaviours. As a result, KT SAT said it can now explore and validate advanced NTN mobility scenarios in the lab, before satellites or user devices are widely deployed, accelerating its roadmap and reducing the time and cost of bringing new multi-orbit services to market.&nbsp;</p> <p>In addition, the firms claimed that their collaboration shows how operators can extend coverage and resilience, while device and chipset suppliers gain a lab-based path to validate NTN mobility without relying solely on expensive field trials. Insights from this work are also intended to inform standards discussions and operator evaluations, helping the ecosystem shorten time-to-trial and de-risk commercialisation.</p> <p>“As the only satellite communications service provider in Korea, KT SAT is progressively validating the applicability of NTN gNB and UE using our five operational GEO satellites,” said KT SAT CEO Seo Young-soo.</p> <p>“Building on the results of this trial, we will actively explore strengthening the competitiveness of our next-generation GEO satellite for the global market and delivering integrated multi-orbit communication services based on NTN systems, including traffic handover across our own GEO and future LEO/MEO constellations.”</p> <p>Peng Cao, vice-president and general manager of Keysight’s wireless test group, added: “This demonstration shows how emulation can bring future multi-orbit networks into the lab today. By combining a live GEO connection with emulated LEO conditions using NR-NTN parameters in Ku-band, Keysight gives operators and vendors a practical way to study NTN handover behaviour, optimise mobility strategies, and reduce the cost and risk of early deployments.”</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about satellite communications</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636245/ESA-promises-smarter-flights-for-ITA-Airways-through-sat-comms">ESA promises smarter flights for ITA Airways through sat comms</a>: Italian airline deploys comms system designed to enable digital, real-time connectivity and offload current ground systems for air traffic management, showing how satellites can complement terrestrial infrastructure.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634184/IAG-aircraft-to-take-off-with-Wi-Fi-Starlink-connectivity">IAG aircraft to take off with Wi-Fi Starlink connectivity</a>: Leading airline group announces strategic investment in satellite-based Wi-Fi connectivity for its aircraft starting from early 2026, with speeds claimed to enable fast downloads, smooth streaming and cloud-based work.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366635437/Spacecoin-claims-pivotal-moment-with-decentralised-satellite">Spacecoin claims pivotal moment with decentralised satellite</a>: Decentralised physical infrastructure network provider goes live with mission to deliver three satellites aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9,&nbsp;claiming major step in goal of reaching 2.6 billion people globally without affordable connectivity.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366635094/Proximus-Global-Starlink-expand-European-direct-to-cell-satellite-connectivity">Proximus Global, Starlink expand European direct-to-cell satellite connectivity</a>: Collaboration enables satellite leader to expand its footprint in connecting more European operators with IPX network.</li> </ul> </div> </div> Keysight Technologies and KT SAT complete successful handover from a live GEO connection to an emulated LEO link, creating a dependable way to study real NTN behaviour before constellations are deployed https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/HeroImages/satellite-orbit-earth-dimazel-adobe.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636414/Keysight-and-KT-SAT-claim-satellite-first-with-GEO-to-LEO-link Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:50:00 GMT <p>In what is claimed to represent a significant step forward in strengthening the UK and Europe’s next-generation positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) capabilities, technology business group GMV has been awarded a contract to develop Beacon, an advanced beamforming antenna and receiver system designed to improve the resilience of C-band radio navigation signals from low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.</p> <p>The contract was won by <a href="https://www.gmv.com/en-es">GMV</a>&nbsp;through its subsidiaries in the UK and Portugal, in partnership with Loughborough University, working under the <a href="https://navisp.esa.int/project/details/395/show">European Space Agency’s NAVISP programme</a>.</p> <p>Combining beamforming, null-steering and angle-of-arrival estimation, Beacon is designed to enhance signal integrity and provide stronger protection against interference and spoofing. These techniques are seen as essential for ensuring reliable navigation performance in dense, obstructed and interference-heavy environments, where conventional antennas often struggle. By delivering these capabilities for C-band, GMV is confident that Beacon adds a critical component to the emerging end-to-end LEO-based PNT chain.</p> <p>PNT is the bedrock for virtually all modern-day activities, from finance to transport, that depend on access to reliable and accurate information. Examples include <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634185/Vodafone-IoT-teams-with-Iridium-for-NTN-NB-IoT-connectivity">satellite navigation services</a> and timing signals, without which mobile phones and even stock markets could not function properly. A recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/report-the-economic-impact-on-the-uk-of-a-disruption-to-gnss">UK government study showed</a> that just a 24-hour outage of satellite navigation services could cost the UK economy £1.4bn. It also noted the threats posed by the jamming or spoofing of PNT services by hostile actors, and PNT can even be impacted by natural events like solar flares from the sun.</p> <p>The new 18-month €800,000 programme, launching in December 2025, will take the system from design and integration through calibration and validation under real-world conditions, including interference trials and demanding urban environments. The project will also support the growing commercial need for dependable navigation in sectors such as autonomous transport, logistics and unmanned systems.</p> <p>In practice, the Beacon project will design and showcase a controlled radiation pattern antenna tailored for C-band, a frequency pivotal to the future of LEO navigation and increasingly prominent in <a href="https://www.esa.int/Applications/Satellite_navigation/Join_ESA_FutureNAV_Industry_Day_2025">ESA’s FutureNAV programme</a> and Celeste mission, as well as emerging commercial systems.</p> <p>Also building on GMV’s insights from ESA’s LEO PNT Legion initiative, Beacon will also look to demonstrate the strength of a fully integrated solution comprising GMV’s XRC software-defined receiver combined with a compact antenna array engineered by <a href="https://www.lboro.ac.uk/">Loughborough University</a>. This aims to deliver precise beam steering and robust protection against interference and spoofing. GMV’s team in Portugal will provide support to the UK team, primarily on the use and adaptation of the XRC software receiver and the enhancement of its beamforming functionality.</p> <p>Beyond its technical objectives, GMV noted that Beacon reinforces Europe’s commitment to securing autonomous, resilient PNT services at a time when reliable navigation underpins critical national infrastructure, transport and defence. The project will also support the growing commercial need for dependable navigation in sectors such as autonomous transport, logistics and unmanned systems.</p> <p>“Our goal at GMV is simple: to make navigation you can trust, wherever you are. By integrating agile beamforming antenna technology with advanced signal processing, Beacon will deliver a PNT capability that remains reliable even under demanding interference conditions,” said William Roberts, NAV manager at GMV UK.</p> <p>The GMV contract comes just after the UK government announced that it would <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634568/UK-government-unveils-essential-signals-safeguarding-scheme">spend £155m to boost the UK’s resilience and global leadership in PNT services</a>. Explaining its move, it remarked that in what it called “an uncertain world” where the threats to PNT are growing, fully secure and smoothly running PNT services were vital for the growth of the UK’s economy, particularly in high-growth sectors such as AI and data, and for the delivery of public services. It stressed that the UK cannot be complacent, and added that strengthening the UK’s PNT capabilities will give direction to the growing PNT industry, supporting the wider economy and national renewal.</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about PNT</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634185/Vodafone-IoT-teams-with-Iridium-for-NTN-NB-IoT-connectivity">Vodafone IoT teams with Iridium for NTN NB-IoT connectivity</a>: Global voice, data and PNT satellite services firm forges a partnership with comms operator’s IoT division to deliver narrow band internet of things connectivity to devices even in the most remote locations.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366627201/UK-and-France-forge-closer-cyber-tech-research-ties">UK and France forge closer cyber, tech research ties</a>: The navigation and timing systems used by power suppliers and emergency services to run their operations will fall in scope of an Anglo-French research pact that will also foster development in AI and supercomputing.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/365534206/Parliamentary-committee-maintains-criticism-of-UK-space-comms-strategy">Parliamentary committee maintains criticism of UK space comms strategy</a>: Even as satellite broadband industry rockets, report from Commons Science and Technology Committee criticises continued failures in key technical areas.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366544449/UK-aviation-regulators-cleared-on-Virgin-Orbit-satellite-failure">UK aviation regulators cleared on Virgin Orbit satellite failure</a>: UK government committee clears regulation as contributing factor to UK satellite launch failure, but slams UK government for lack of action on vital component of space programme.</li> </ul> </div> </div> UK technology business group looks to advance resilient satellite navigation with new beamforming capability and resilient C-band navigation capabilities, improving performance in challenging and interference-prone environments https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/OneWeb-satellite-hero.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636397/GMV-advances-satellite-navigation-to-boost-autonomous-transport-logistics Mon, 15 Dec 2025 08:34:00 GMT <p>Nobody would be surprised to learn that 2025 saw a continued increase in communications traffic, but the sixth version of the <em><a href="https://radar.cloudflare.com/">Cloudflare radar year in review</a></em> has revealed the massive extent of this uptake and its changing nature, with satellite communications displaying particular strong growth.</p> <p>The report was based on views of Cloudflare’s global network, which has a presence in 330 cities in over 125 countries and regions, handling over 81 million HTTP requests per second on average, with more than 129 million HTTP requests per second at peak on behalf of millions of customer web properties, in addition to responding to approximately 67 million DNS queries per second.</p> <p>Cloudflare Radar also uses the data generated by these web and DNS services, combined with other data sets, to provide near-real-time insights into traffic, bots, security, connectivity, and DNS patterns and trends observed across the internet.</p> <p>Among its headline findings, the study found that global internet traffic grew 19% in 2025, with significant growth starting in August. The top 10 most popular internet services saw a few year-over-year shifts, while a number of new entrants landed on category lists.</p> <p>Drilling deeper into the traffic stats, Cloudflare said growth in 2025 appeared to occur in several phases. Traffic was, on average, somewhat flat through mid-April, generally within a couple of percent of the baseline value. However, the study revealed that it then saw growth through May to approximately 5% above baseline, staying in the +4–7% range through mid-August. It was at that time that growth accelerated, climbing steadily through September, October and November, peaking at 19% growth for the year.</p> <p>Aided by a late-November increase, 2025’s rate of growth was about 10% higher than the 17% growth observed in 2024. Cloudflare noted that in past years, it had also observed traffic growth accelerating in the back-half of the year, although in 2022–2024, that acceleration started in July. The analyst conceded that it was still not clear why this year’s growth was seemingly delayed by several weeks.</p> <p><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634184/IAG-aircraft-to-take-off-with-Wi-Fi-Starlink-connectivity">Starlink connectivity</a> doubled in 2025, including traffic from over 20 new countries and regions. The study analysed aggregate request traffic volumes associated with Starlink’s primary autonomous system (AS14593) to track the growth in usage of the service throughout 2025. The request volume shown in the study found traffic from Starlink continued to see consistent growth throughout 2025, with total request volume up 2.3x across the year. Cloudflare said it tended to see rapid traffic growth when Starlink service becomes available in a country or region, and that trend continued in 2025.</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about network usage</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Ryder-Cup-takes-its-best-network-shot">Ryder Cup takes its best network shot</a>: Golf’s most prestigious tournament sets sporting and organisational bar higher than ever, depending on ‘an AI-driven connected intelligence platform’ to gain required real-time insights and intelligence.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634422/Nokia-strengthens-AI-datacentre-network-performance">Nokia strengthens AI datacentre network performance</a>: Supplier enhances portfolio, claiming ‘breakthrough’ network performance for new datacentre switches, doubling throughput and interface performance with added flexibility for range of deployment scenarios.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636303/US-nears-universal-adoption-as-North-America-leads-5G">US nears universal adoption as North America leads 5G</a>: Study finds over 99% 5G penetration in US, almost three times more than global average, with global 5G connections reaching 2.8 billion and global cellular IoT subscriptions surpassing four billion.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636245/ESA-promises-smarter-flights-for-ITA-Airways-through-sat-comms">ESA promises smarter flights for ITA Airways through sat comms</a>: Italian airline deploys comms system designed to enable digital, real-time connectivity and offload current ground systems for air traffic management, showing how satellites can complement terrestrial infrastructure.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <p>Turning its attention to connectivity, the study showed almost half of the 174 major internet outages observed around the world in 2025 were due to government-directed regional and national shutdowns of internet connectivity. Cloudflare said internet outages continued to be an ever-present threat, and the potential impact of these outages continues to grow, as they can lead to economic losses, disrupted educational and government services, and limited communications.</p> <p>During 2025, the study said it had covered significant internet disruptions. Cable cuts, affecting both submarine and domestic fibre optic infrastructure, were also a leading cause of internet disruptions in 2025.</p> <p>Commenting on the data and trends revealed, Cloudflare CEO and co-founder Matthew Prince said: “The internet isn’t just changing, it’s being fundamentally rewired. From AI [artificial intelligence], to more creative and sophisticated threat actors, every day is different. While we celebrated several internet milestones this year, we also blocked attacks that redefined what ‘scale’ means and witnessed the traditional business model of online content creation face stark challenges.”</p> Research from leading connectivity cloud company finds several internet milestones throughout the year https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/HeroImages/openreach-ethernet-OSA-19July2023-PR-hero.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636362/Starlink-broadband-skyrockets-as-Internet-gets-fundamentally-rewired Mon, 15 Dec 2025 07:45:00 GMT <p>In what the UK government believes is a crucial step in its stated drive for national renewal by overcoming roll-out challenges in hard-to-access properties to get more people fast and reliable broadband, UK flat owners have now been given rights to obtain faster, more reliable broadband.</p> <p>Currently, leasehold flat owners don’t have a formal right to request a gigabit-capable broadband connection, leaving them hamstrung by slower speeds, and many face extra challenges as they are not able to coordinate or agree to a roll-out to the buildings they live in.</p> <p>Under <a href="https://dsit-newsroom.prgloo.com/resources/m52ht-3gwid-trbzq-60w1i-wnyjd">proposals set out in its new consultation</a>, the UK government is looking at proposed rights for flat-owning leaseholders to request a gigabit-capable broadband connection from their freeholder that cannot be unreasonably refused.</p> <p>It adds that the measures being proposed will remove barriers that slow down gigabit broadband upgrades for blocks of flats across England and Wales, making it easier for people to access the high-speed connectivity they need for work, streaming and staying connected in general.</p> <p>The measures would apply specifically to leaseholders. Leaseholder landlords would be able to apply the right on the renter’s behalf. The consultation seeks more information on whether renters are impacted by the challenges seen in connecting leasehold properties.</p> <p>The consultation is also part of the government’s plan to drive national renewal, and <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366632068/UK-gigabit-broadband-coverage-hits-89-of-population">deliver 99% gigabit broadband coverage by 2032</a>, ensuring everyone can enjoy fast, reliable and future-proofed connections, including those living in leasehold flats. The consultation is running until 16 February 2026, and outcomes of the process will be published following consultation. This will inform any potential future legislation addressing gigabit-capable broadband roll-out into flats.</p> <p>“Measures like these are about fairness and improving the playing field for consumers, giving them better broadband connectivity,” said Parliamentary under-secretary of state in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology UK minister for telecoms Liz Lloyd. “Whether you’re in a block of flats, a house or a rural property, we want everyone to have access to the fast, reliable broadband needed for modern life. These proposed measures would help deliver better connectivity for properties that face additional challenges to gigabit broadband roll-out and will ensure all UK families can benefit from the digital age.”</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about UK broadband</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366635454/UK-full-fibre-overtakes-FTTC-for-first-time">UK full-fibre overtakes FTTC for first time:</a> Study finds FTTP connectivity in the UK now mainstream with competition intensifying, but with pricing and operational models facing increasing pressure, raising questions about business sustainability.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636114/UK-altnet-market-entering-its-most-dangerous-phase-yet">UK altnet market ‘entering its most dangerous phase yet’:</a> Research predicts shakeout for UK’s independent broadband sector, with likely survivors being those companies that build infrastructure where it matters, invest where returns can be realised and collaborate where value can be unlocked.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634755/First-fibre-laid-under-Project-Reach-UK-digital-backbone">First fibre laid under Project Reach UK digital backbone</a>: High-count fibre laid along Great Western Main Line in four weeks, marking the first milestone in strengthening the UK’s connectivity infrastructure.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366629392/UK-fibre-broadband-continues-progress">UK fibre broadband continues progress</a>: Study reveals continued pace of development of UK broadband market, with the number of fibre-to-the-premises locations rising 15.3% on an annual basis and the country’s leading provider passing fibre tipping point.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <p>The rights for flat owners come just less than a week after the UK government launched a Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund to help digital skills projects across the UK in an effort to reduce the digital divide.</p> <p>The £11.7m fund, which is one of the pillars in the government’s <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366619507/Government-launches-Digital-Inclusion-Action-Plan">Digital Inclusion Action Plan</a>, will be shared between 80 local projects aiming to give people better access to devices and teach them skills to get online.</p> <p>According to the UK government, figures show that 1.6 million people in the UK are currently living offline, either due to a lack of devices, connection or skills to get online, and that one in four struggle to use online services.</p> <p>“Being online is something many of us take for granted, but for millions it could mean a new job opportunity, quicker access to healthcare or a lifeline to the local community,” added Lloyd.</p> Proposals designed to enable UK flats to gain access to gigabit-capable broadband access empower leasehold owners with right to request a connection https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/Openreach-jobs-creation-hero.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636342/UK-flat-owners-to-get-rights-to-faster-more-reliable-broadband Mon, 15 Dec 2025 07:00:00 GMT <p>Artificial intelligence’s (AI’s) effect on digital twins will be substantial, transforming many industrial operations for good in the process. AI is a powerful enabler for digital twins to improve and accelerate the use of existing applications. In addition, AI will allow novel applications in the future that might not even be on the radar of developers today.</p> <p>The use of AI has manifold advantages when replicating worlds as complicated as functioning cities with millions of moving pieces. Digital twins serve as three-dimensional blueprints that allow instant changes to correct design or operational mistakes and incorporate emerging requirements when considering networks of and approaches to urban activities. Accuracy of representation, speed of creation and adjustments, and users’ intuitive understanding of often hidden issues render these twins paradigm-changing tools.</p> <p>In recent times, we have looked at how <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/AI-XR-digital-twins-set-to-transform-robotics">the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in robotics</a>, extended reality (XR) and more generally <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/The-emerging-network-of-mutualistic-technologies">as part of an emerging network of mutualistic technologies</a> has increased noticeably. And now, the use of AI to enhance digital twins is an especially powerful marriage, as following applications illustrate.&nbsp;</p> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Improving and accelerating design"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>Improving and accelerating design</h2> <p>AI-enabled digital twins allow users to incorporate a large amount of data easily, compare design elements and provide recommendations for alterations according to changing or conflicting design and utility requirements. For example, AI-enabled digital twins can improve designs by focusing on environmental issues such as reducing the carbon footprint or efficiency by considering operational aspects of infrastructure systems.</p> <p>The combination of AI and digital twins can <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366619549/Apple-Dassault-Systemes-join-forces-for-digital-twin-Vision">play a major role at the heart of the design process</a>. Owners and operators can have difficulties communicating all aspects of the functional requirements to engineering firms, in part because many construction considerations require expertise and knowledge of available materials and approaches. Engineering firms, in turn, can struggle to highlight challenges or represent tradeoffs between design options to their clients.</p> <p>Digital twins can visualise changes and issues to the entire team in intuitive ways. AI can incorporate changes and new information on the fly, and it can provide an understanding of how the infrastructure elements will fit into existing networks and how changes to these networks will affect urban dynamics over time.</p> <p>Nicholas Cumins, CEO of Bentley Systems, is confident of the benefits of digital twins, noting the technology can save substantial time and effort in tasks such <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/91221582/how-the-infrastructure-industry-is-leveraging-ai-and-digital-twins">as design review</a>: “There is so much data generated in infrastructure, especially during the design phase – consider all the models and iterations created, of which only one will ultimately be selected from thousands.” He also points to AI as the crucial element to take the next step in infrastructure planning and design.</p> <p>Such design virtualisation can then readily find use in maintenance tasks. The combination of a variety of technologies will enable completely new approaches and strategies to infrastructure maintenance, <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Spinning-the-web-of-mutualistic-technologies">such as mutualistic technologies</a>. For example, drone robots can frequently capture a wide range of data via sensors from infrastructure elements that can be difficult to assess manually. AI can then identify corrosion or cracks in infrastructure, for instance, faster, more reliably and at less cost than current approaches allow for.</p> <p>Other safety issues – such as those that have played major roles in fires in the state of California in past years – include tree branches and vegetation encroaching on power lines. AI can take sensor and visual data and transform them into safety-relevant information that can then feed into digital twins to create a real-time dashboard of infrastructure conditions for operators.</p> </section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Supporting reporting and documentation"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>Supporting reporting and documentation</h2> <p>Such twins also enable engineers and technicians to focus on higher-value work. Infrastructure maintenance comes with substantial reporting tasks.</p> <p>Cumins adds: “AI can handle documentation and annotation of drawings, freeing engineers from these routine duties and allowing them to concentrate on more critical aspects of their work.”</p> <p>Pietro Borghesani, associate professor of engineering at the University of New South Wales, underscores the importance of documentation for mechanical devices: “A digital twin doesn't just simulate, it lives with the machine. You can use the digital history of your machine to control how the asset degradation is evolving and then <a href="https://techxplore.com/news/2025-08-reimagining-infrastructure-digital-twin.html">use that knowledge to streamline your operations</a>. Instead of being reactive to what happens to the asset, it allows us to plan with better accuracy.”</p> <p>He observes how this approach can find use across asset types of infrastructure elements and beyond: “The same principles apply [across use cases]. Feed in patient-specific data, update the model continuously and simulate future outcomes. The only thing that changes is the physics. For a machine, we use dynamics and vibration analysis. For a human heart, it’s about biology and medicine.”</p> <p>Not only can AI-enabled digital twins document wear, tear and behaviour of infrastructure elements over time, AI allows exploring “what if” scenarios that guide operations in the future. What if a sluice gate had been locked earlier on? What if evacuation had occurred on different routes? Such documentation can serve as sand boxes for city managers and emergency crews to learn from every event and develop best practices over time.</p> <p>Digital twins thereby not only store historical data of infrastructure elements and networks but also preserve organisational knowledge. When operators and engineers leave their job, successors can make use of their experience and expertise by leveraging these digital twins.</p> <p>“A well-designed digital twin acts as both a performance monitor and a training tool for the next generation of engineers,” says Borghesani.</p> </section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Benefiting a wide range of applications"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>Benefiting a wide range of applications</h2> <p>Digital twins also find applications across use cases in versatile ways, highlighting the commercial reach of such virtualisations. AI will not only improve existing applications but also create a plethora of additional uses that currently are too expensive or technologically difficult to pursue.</p> <p>Bentley Systems is <a href="https://www.engineering.com/3-infrastructure-leaders-using-digital-twins-throughout-asset-lifecycles/%5d">using digital twins to manage lifecycles of assets such as California’s New Bullards Bar Dam</a>, which the Yuba River Development project operates. The damn lies in a remote, earthquake-prone area, making data collection difficult but crucial to ensure safety. Dam engineers capture image data via drones, and Bentley’s iTwin Capture processes the data. Yuba River Development also wanted to make the data accessible and find a way to process them into useful information. The digital twin provides the platform for the model of the dam that can be populated with sensor data of monitoring devices in real time.</p> <p>Bentley Systems also supported Sacramento Regional County Sanitation to <a href="https://www.bentley.com/wp-content/uploads/cs-echowater-ltr-en-lr.pdf%5d">upgrade the Sacramento Regional Waste Treatment Plant to alleviate drought in the region</a>. The digital twin provided situational awareness by matching changes made to the physical construction site with the digital representation to facilitate decision making. The twin supported the management of 22 related projects simultaneously.</p> <p>When the Colorado Department of Transportation needed virtual support to update highway I-70, which had reached limitations of its capacity, the department turned to digital twins. The stretch of the highway in question runs through a mountainous region with waterways, requiring tight turns in parts. Bentley Systems’ software solutions were used to create a digital twin that facilitated the challenging effort.</p> <p>Bentley Systems’ chief technology officer Julien Moutte highlights a particular benefit of using digital twins to find agreement across involved groups when starting substantial infrastructure projects: “The community is often a key stakeholder group. <a href="https://www.engineering.com/3-infrastructure-leaders-using-digital-twins-throughout-asset-lifecycles/%5d">By showing realistic 3D models, stakeholders can easily visualise the designs</a>, which reduce the overall risk of the project.”</p> <p>Researchers at the University Twente’s International Institute of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation point to <a href="https://www.gim-international.com/content/article/the-role-of-digital-twins-in-mitigating-urban-heat-islands">another use case of digital twins</a>: the role of digital twins in mitigating urban heat islands. Urban heat islands (UHIs) represent areas in cities that are significantly hotter than their surrounding areas and regions. Not only do these UHIs lower liveability in cities, but they also gain relevance with ongoing climate change that is driving up temperatures across regions. UHIs increasingly represent public health concerns.</p> <p>In addition, urbanisation of global populations is continuing unabated. Digital twins provide ways to consider various design features, layouts, materials and placements of greeneries to analyse and understand temperature signatures over the course of a day and improve air flows in street canyons, for example. The university worked with the city of Enschede in the Netherlands to mitigate such UHIs.</p> </section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Reducing costs and boosting ROI"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>Reducing costs and boosting ROI</h2> <p>The safety contributions and commercial impact of digital twins can be substantial and financially rewarding. Analysts at McKinsey &amp; Company’s public sector practice note digital twins’ <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-sector/our-insights/digital-twins-boosting-roi-of-government-infrastructure-investments">ability to increase return on investment (ROI) for government infrastructure investments</a>. Digital twins can provide a means of coordination for the many stakeholders involved in urban and regional infrastructure projects.</p> <p>Due to the size of many of these projects and their impact on many other city networks, unintended and unanticipated side effects can affect the ROI in the long term; digital twins allow engineers to consider a wide range of scenarios and potential issues to mitigate negative effects of new projects.</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about digital twins</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/AI-XR-digital-twins-set-to-transform-robotics">AI, XR, digital twins set to transform robotics</a>: The availability of advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, digital twins, XR and robotics has changed technology-driven markets. We look at how the intersection of these technologies will create commercial opportunities.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366622951/Critical-Manufacturing-Twinzo-unveil-smart-factory-digital-twin-visualisation">Critical Manufacturing and Twinzo unveil smart factory digital twin visualisation</a>: New connector designed to unlock ‘seamless’ manufacturing execution systems-to-3D twin integration, empowering manufacturers with dynamic operational visibility and strategic insights.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/AI-and-digital-twins-to-serve-increasingly-complex-robot-management">AI and digital twins to serve increasingly complex robot management</a>: Proliferating fleets of robots, diffusion of humanoids, and the emerging robot class of androids will increase complexities of robot management in the future. AI and digital twins will become increasingly important.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366623100/Digital-twins-critical-for-digital-transformation-to-fly-in-aerospace">Digital twins critical for digital transformation to fly in aerospace</a>: Technology consortium publishes whitepaper to address the challenges of digital twin adoption in the aerospace and defence industries highlighting requirements for successfully deploying digital twin-enabling technologies.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <p><em>Martin Schwirn is the author of “</em>Small data, big disruptions: How to spot signals of change and manage uncertainty<em>” (ISBN 9781632651921). He is also senior advisor for strategic foresight at Business Finland, helping startups and incumbents to find their position in tomorrow’s marketplace.</em></p> </section> Digital twin virtualisations are increasingly being used to design and reconsider urban environments, with city planning, management and operations set to benefit tremendously from AI capabilities https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/rms/German/digital-twin-IIoT-2-adobe.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/AI-and-digital-twins-a-powerful-partnership-for-urban-management Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT <p>The global wireless industry has continued its rapid expansion in the third quarter of 2025, with global 5G connections have reached 2.8 billion worldwide. And, six years after the mobile communications technology first arrived in the region, North America stands at the vanguard of the market, according to a study from 5G Americas.</p> <p>The survey comprised a list of LTE and 5G deployments by operator and region, using deployment data from <a href="https://www.5gamericas.org/">the industry trade organisation made up of telecommunications service providers and manufacturers</a>, and with subscriber and forecast data provided by analyst <a title="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/ulWYCn5YzpcK53Gr5ijtxFJUdlR?domain=5gamericas.us8.list-manage.com" target="_blank" href="https://omdia.tech.informa.com/" rel="noopener">Omdia</a>.</p> <p>In all, the analysis found that as of 15 November 2025, there were 379 commercial <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366632682/Fastweb-Vodafone-claims-5G-network-milestone-for-Italy">5G networks</a> deployed worldwide, including 17 in North America, alongside 707 <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366611452/Evergy-crosses-OneLayer-Bridge-for-private-LTE-network">LTE networks</a> globally. 5G Americas said this infrastructure expansion was key to supporting skyrocketing demand for ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity.</p> <p>The study revealed that North America remains one of the world’s most technologically advanced 5G markets, achieving what the study said was “exceptionally high” adoption levels driven by strong consumer uptake and strong technological leadership, including enhanced 5G features that improve performance, efficiency and real-world network intelligence for consumers and enterprises alike.</p> <p>In terms of 5G penetration, the US accounted for 341 million 5G connections against a population of 344 million – one of the highest 5G penetration rates globally. As a region, North America leads the world in 5G penetration, reaching 363 million 5G connections in Q3 2025, representing nearly 95% of the region’s population.</p> <p>While Asia was market leader in absolute 5G volume – with 2 billion 5G connections currently – North America was top dog in per capita 5G adoption, significantly outperforming the global average of 36%. Globally, 4G LTE and 5G fixed wireless access accounted for 78.14 million connections at the end of Q3 2025, with a year-over-year (YoY) growth rate of 27%.</p> <p>North America also continued to show strength in the <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634185/Vodafone-IoT-teams-with-Iridium-for-NTN-NB-IoT-connectivity">internet of things (IoT)</a>, with 278 million connected cellular devices today. This figure is projected to rise to 459 million by 2030, a 65% increase that reflects growing adoption across manufacturing, logistics, utilities and consumer electronics.</p> <p>Looking ahead, 5G Americas noted that non-terrestrial networks including satellite connectivity were emerging as a complementary layer to terrestrial 5G, extending coverage to remote areas, supporting resiliency during emergencies and enabling seamless service continuity across land, sea and air.</p> <p>Globally, cellular IoT subscriptions are expected to reach five billion by 2030, signalling expanding enterprise and industrial uses. Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a key enabler in this growth, said 5G Americas, helping operators and enterprises to automate network operations, optimise traffic in real time and unlock smarter IoT applications at scale.</p> <p>North America’s 5G connections are forecast to grow to 867 million by 2030, more than doubling from current levels. This growth is said to reflect a shift toward multi-device 5G environments, supporting advanced mobility, fixed wireless access and a broad array of connected platforms.</p> <p>Additionally, <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634216/Broadband-Forum-5G-FWA-offers-broadband-fix-for-multi-dwelling-units">fixed wireless access</a> (FWA) has emerged as a growing driver of multi-device adoption, expanding high-speed broadband choice for households and small businesses, particularly in markets where fibre deployment is limited or still underway.</p> <p>“The US and North America continue to demonstrate leadership in the global 5G ecosystem. High user adoption, broad device availability and sustained investment in next-generation networks position the region at the forefront of innovation as we move to early 5G-Advanced capabilities,” said Viet Nguyen, president of 5G Americas.</p> <p>“Over the next few quarters, we expect to see improved uplink performance, advanced MIMO and integrated sensing and positioning that will further expand what 5G can deliver across industry, public services and immersive experiences, while accelerating progress on the <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366631268/Verizon-launches-6G-innovation-forum">path to 6G</a>.”</p> <p>Kristin Paulin, principal analyst at Omdia, added: “North American operators continue to invest in capabilities that will support enterprise transformation and next-generation services. These efforts are creating a robust foundation for future innovation and sustained subscriber growth.”</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about 5G</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634853/EE-claims-5G-standalone-coverage-leadership">EE claims 5G standalone coverage leadership</a>: UK’s leading mobile provider reveals latest phase of its 5G standalone roll-out, confirming more than half a million customers have now been upgraded to what it markets as 5G+ at no extra cost.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634739/VMO2-upgrades-4G-5G-coverage-on-UK-motorways-A-roads">VMO2&nbsp;upgrades 4G, 5G coverage on UK motorways, A-roads</a>: Leading UK operator announces mobile coverage upgrades on more than 40 main highways to provide the connectivity it says is critical for future electric vehicle infrastructure and adoption.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634793/5G-Standalone-growth-spurs-differentiated-connectivity-services">5G Standalone growth spurs differentiated connectivity services</a>: Mobility Report shows 33 CSPs currently offer differentiated connectivity services based on network slicing, with a combined total of 65 offerings with around 1.4 billion people expected to be served by FWA.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634955/AI-5G-bring-UK-sports-fans-closer-to-the-action">AI, 5G bring UK sports fans closer to the action</a>: UK technology consortium built on academia, industry and UK regions claims mobile connectivity technology will be a ‘game changer’ for stadiums integrating existing stadium infrastructure with 5G, cloud-based private telecom network.</li> </ul> </div> </div> Study finds over 99% 5G penetration in US, almost three times more than global average, with global 5G connections reaching 2.8 billion and global cellular IoT subscriptions surpassing four billion https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/HeroImages/T-Mobile-5G-Advanced-mast-PR-hero.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636303/US-nears-universal-adoption-as-North-America-leads-5G Fri, 12 Dec 2025 10:35:00 GMT <p>Looking to orbital communications in a bid to allow passengers to fly smarter, greener and with fewer delays, Italian airline ITA Airways has deployed Iris technology from the European Space Agency (ESA) and satellite operator Viasat.</p> <p>Co-owned by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (59%) and by Deutsche Lufthansa AG (41%), <a href="https://www.ita-airways.com/">ITA Airways</a> describes itself as Italy’s reference airline, operating both passenger and cargo air transport services. The company claims to use integrated mobility and advanced process digitisation to ensure optimum experience and customisation.</p> <p>ITA’s fleet comprises 99 aircraft (22 wide body and 77 narrow body), more than 60% of which are said to be next-generation aircraft, optimising the efficiency and quality of the company’s portfolio with leading edge technologies and onboard Wi-Fi. The airline aims to upgrade 90% of its fleet to next-generation aircraft, with the target of becoming the youngest airline in Europe and reducing fuel consumption by 20 to 25%, with a resulting drop in CO₂ emissions.</p> <p>Currently, pilots mostly communicate to air traffic controllers by voice or using ground systems with limited data-sending capacity. This not only makes flight operations inefficient, but these systems have become congested due to increased flights. The Iris system uses satellite communication to send highly secure, high-bandwidth data between aircraft and ground traffic controllers.</p> <p>Existing air traffic management communications imply that planes have to be kept further apart from one another and follow suboptimal paths instead of taking the most direct route. Iris technology is designed to enable digital, real-time communications, and thereby offloads current ground systems for air traffic management, demonstrating how satellites can complement terrestrial infrastructure.</p> <p>Having been already implemented in one of the four ITA Airways Airbus A320neo aircraft flying primarily between Milan and Rome, the Iris system helps pilots to identify the shortest routes at the optimum altitudes. Flying more efficiently enables pilots to save time and fuel, while cutting CO₂&nbsp;emissions.</p> <figure class="main-article-image full-col" data-img-fullsize="https://www.computerweekly.com/rms/computerweekly/ESA-ITA 2025-PR-960px.jpg"> <img data-src="https://www.computerweekly.com/rms/computerweekly/ESA-ITA 2025-PR-960px_mobile.jpg" class="lazy" data-srcset="https://www.computerweekly.com/rms/computerweekly/ESA-ITA 2025-PR-960px_mobile.jpg 960w,https://www.computerweekly.com/rms/computerweekly/ESA-ITA 2025-PR-960px.jpg 1280w" alt="Digital rendering of satellites communicating with airplanes and an air traffic control tower." data-credit="ITA Airways" height="419" width="559"> <figcaption> <i class="icon pictures" data-icon="z"></i>ITA Airways is utilising technology from the European Space Agency and satellite operator Viasat to better manage and communicate with its fleets </figcaption> <div class="main-article-image-enlarge"> <i class="icon" data-icon="w"></i> </div> </figure> <p>Developed in partnership with UK-based satellite communication company Inmarsat, acquired by <a href="https://www.viasat.com/">Viasat</a> in 2023, Iris is part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-modes/air/single-european-sky_en">European Commission’s Single European Sky</a> initiative, which aims to improve air traffic management in Europe by improving safety, capacity and cost-efficiency, along with reducing environmental impact.</p> <p>“With the addition of ITA Airways to the Iris service, another milestone has been achieved in supporting the European Commission’s Single European Sky vision for an efficient and environmentally friendly European airspace,” said Laurent Jaffart, director of connectivity and secure communications at ESA.</p> <p>“The adoption of Iris is a key milestone for space-based solutions, supporting European air traffic management, which will – in turn – pave the way for global use. By supporting Iris through an ESA public-private partnership, we are delighted to combine our expertise with those of leading aviation actors across the continent and beyond it.”&nbsp;</p> <p>Joerg Eberhart, CEO and general manager of ITA Airways, added: “The introduction of Iris technology on our aircraft represents a significant step forward in enhancing operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. At ITA Airways, we are deeply committed to supporting the modernisation of European airspace as part of the roadmap toward the <a href="https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-modes/air/single-european-sky/sesar-project_en">Single European Sky</a>, and to playing an active role in the advancement of air traffic management. Through this partnership with Viasat, ESA, and Iris service provider ESSP, we will improve flight punctuality, optimise fuel consumption and further reduce emissions.”</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about satellite communications</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634184/IAG-aircraft-to-take-off-with-Wi-Fi-Starlink-connectivity">IAG aircraft to take off with Wi-Fi Starlink connectivity</a>: Leading airline group announces strategic investment in satellite-based Wi-Fi connectivity for its aircraft starting from early 2026, with speeds claimed to enable fast downloads, smooth streaming and cloud-based work.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366635437/Spacecoin-claims-pivotal-moment-with-decentralised-satellite">Spacecoin claims pivotal moment with decentralised satellite</a>: Decentralised physical infrastructure network provider goes live with mission to deliver three satellites aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9,&nbsp;claiming major step in goal of reaching 2.6 billion people globally without affordable connectivity.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366635094/Proximus-Global-Starlink-expand-European-direct-to-cell-satellite-connectivity">Proximus Global, Starlink expand European direct-to-cell satellite connectivity</a>: Collaboration enables satellite leader to expand its footprint in connecting more European operators with IPX network.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634716/Orange-claims-Euro-first-with-satellite-direct-to-device-SMS-service">Orange claims Euro first with satellite direct-to-device SMS service</a>: Telco’s customers in France, England and 35 other countries will be able to use core mobile network to send messages even if they have no mobile or Wi-Fi coverage using direct-to-device satellite technology.</li> </ul> </div> </div> Italian airline deploys comms system designed to enable digital, real-time connectivity and offload current ground systems for air traffic management, showing how satellites can complement terrestrial infrastructure https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/aircraft-landing-plane-travel-adobe.jpeg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636245/ESA-promises-smarter-flights-for-ITA-Airways-through-sat-comms Fri, 12 Dec 2025 10:00:00 GMT <p>The Wireless Broadband Alliance’s (WBA’s) latest research indicates that Wi-Fi is regarded as critical infrastructure for enterprise operations, public services and digital transformation initiatives.</p> <p>Calling it a “pivotal moment” for the global wireless ecosystem, WBA’s report shows strong confidence in Wi-Fi’s future and accelerated momentum behind next-generation technologies.</p> <p>Among its chief findings is that 62% of respondents have grown more confident to invest in Wi-Fi over the past 12 months, with 18% as confident as the previous year. Wi-Fi 7 is the technology most likely to be deployed in 2026, with 38% of respondents planning deployments. Closely behind that is the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), with 32% planning to deploy AI/cognitive networks, which can transform Wi-Fi networking by improving the performance and reliability of networks.</p> <p>In its <a href="https://wballiance.com/resource/wba-industry-report-2026/"><em>WBA Industry report 2026</em></a> study, the global industry body took the opinion of 185 global participants in diverse job roles across a wide range of sectors, ranging from the C-suite and business strategy to those in research and development (R&amp;D) and product management.</p> <p>Fundamentally, the 2026 survey highlighted a positive outlook for Wi-Fi, with the WBA underlining the importance of core focus areas including OpenRoaming, Wi-Fi 7, AI-enabled Wi-Fi, QoS/QoE, security and Wi-Fi/5G convergence.</p> <p>It showed strong momentum behind <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366633622/Extreme-lands-enterprise-Wi-Fi-7-wins">Wi-Fi 7</a> and for the use of the <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366624494/European-Wi-Fi-firms-make-their-call-for-6GHz-spectrum">6 GHz spectrum band</a>, and growing confidence in OpenRoaming as a foundation for secure connectivity across public, private and carrier networks. The survey also detailed where respondents expect to see overall network and traffic growth. Smart Home IoT led the top three with 36%, followed by AI (33%) and industrial/manufacturing applications and IoT (24%). As to the verticals with the greatest level of traffic growth, stadiums/event venues was identified as highest with 41%.</p> <p>When asked about the role of Wi-Fi in converged networks with both <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366621094/Nokia-enhances-Wi-Fi-7-enabled-FWA-gateway-portfolio">5G and private enterprise implementations</a>, responses showed the view that the technologies are complementary and together benefit organisations. Three in five (60%) said combining them would give their organisation greater enterprise flexibility. The same proportion expect Wi-Fi and 5G to co-exist, rather than be a binary choice for enterprise networks.</p> <p>Respondents gave their views on what they expected to be the most important aspects of Wi-Fi in the future, with network security and privacy winning out (76%). Tied second position for the current most important aspect of Wi-Fi, both with 70% of responses, were end user experiences (quality of experience and quality of service), and seamless authentication to Wi-Fi.</p> <p>Asked about the most important new or improved feature of Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, respondents rated multi-link operation (MLO) as the single most important at 46%, highlighting a sharp focus on latency, resilience and spectrum efficiency in dense environments. This was followed in joint second place by OFDMA uplink and downlink, and mandatory WPA3 compliance (both 33%). Multi-user MIMO uplink took third position at 32%.</p> <p>The industry survey also showed <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252502620/WBA-promises-new-monetisation-opportunities-with-OpenRoaming-Release-2">the OpenRoaming standard</a> transitioning into a period of mainstream planning, with the need for seamless onboarding and roaming between Wi-Fi and cellular networks now seen as central business drivers. Some 38% of respondents said they had already deployed a OpenRoaming and/or Passpoint-compliant network, with a further 32% wishing to deploy in 2026, and 18% in 2027.</p> <p>When asked what is driving investment in OpenRoaming/Passpoint, the top three reasons given were enablement of frictionless Wi-Fi (63%), seamless access between Wi-Fi and 5G/LTE (60%) and seamless access across different networks (40%).</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about Wi-Fi</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366634184/IAG-aircraft-to-take-off-with-Wi-Fi-Starlink-connectivity">IAG aircraft to take off with Wi-Fi Starlink connectivity</a>: Leading airline group announces strategic investment in satellite-based Wi-Fi connectivity for its aircraft starting from early 2026, with speeds claimed to enable fast downloads, smooth streaming and cloud-based work.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366633622/Extreme-lands-enterprise-Wi-Fi-7-wins">Extreme lands enterprise Wi-Fi 7 wins</a>: AI-powered networking automation firm reveals number of significant deployments of services based on latest wireless comms standard.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366632600/WBA-enhances-emergency-services-Wi-Fi-comms-in-challenging-environments">WBA enhances emergency services Wi-Fi comms in challenging environments</a>: Report outlines framework for how Wi-Fi and wireless standard can be used to deliver reliable emergency calling and priority communications between the public, first responders, public safety organisations and emergency services.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366631432/Federated-Wireless-Cisco-validate-commercial-standard-power-for-Wi-Fi-6E-7">Federated Wireless, Cisco validate commercial standard power for Wi-Fi 6E, 7</a>: Networking and IT giant throws weight behind creating path to emerging wireless standard.</li> </ul> </div> </div> Research finds 60% of businesses see converged Wi-Fi and 5G as key to enterprise flexibility, with 38% planning to roll out Wi-Fi 7 in 2025/2026, while 65% say 6 GHz availability is important to their Wi-Fi business https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/Wi-Fi-network-hardware-escapejaja-adobe.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636333/Three-in-five-businesses-more-confident-in-Wi-Fi-investment Fri, 12 Dec 2025 06:50:00 GMT <p>Smartphone trade-in programmes for US consumers are consistently surging as buyers are increasingly and rapidly embracing devices with more personalised artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, leading to three consecutive record-breaking quarters for revenues, says Assurant’s <em>Mobile trade-in and upgrade industry trends report</em> for the third quarter of 2025.</p> <p>In all, <a href="https://www.assurant.com/news-insights/infographics/q3-trade-in-upgrade-data-trends">the study calculates</a> that US consumers received a record $1.59bn in value through mobile device trade-ins, representing a 46% year-on-year increase. This comes after a first quarter of 2025 that saw tech consumers receive $1.24bn from mobile trade-in and upgrade programmes, a 40% increase from the same quarter a year earlier, and $1.34bn in Q2 2025, <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366630434/Q2-2025-strongest-second-quarter-on-record-for-smartphone-trade-ins">the strongest second quarter on record for smartphone trade-ins</a>.</p> <p>Year-to-date, trade-in programmes have returned a total of $4.17bn in value to consumers, representing a 54% increase compared with the same period in 2024, and are on track to surpass last year’s record total of $4.5bn.&nbsp;</p> <p>Assessing the trends revealed in the study, the global protection company observed that the record growth in value and the decline in average device age <a href="https://www.assurant.com/news-insights/news_releases/mobile-trade-in-program-trends-Q2-2025">supports its earlier forecasts</a> that consumers would accelerate adoption of newly released smartphones with personalised, functional AI capabilities. It added that with major carriers reporting increased global shipments of flagship devices in the third quarter, newer, high-value devices are entering the trade-in ecosystem, advancing growth in the secondary market.</p> <p>“This year is shaping up to break records for total value returned to consumers through trade-in programmes,” said Biju Nair, executive vice-president and president of global connected living at Assurant.</p> <p>“Consumers are trading-in later-generation devices earlier to access AI-enabled features, and their embrace of more personalised experiences that newer devices deliver is powering a rapidly growing secondary market.</p> <p>“This has created a ripple effect for affordability and sustainability as an influx of higher-value devices are re-entering the ecosystem and beginning to drive some additional emerging trends which we hope to report on in the next quarter.”</p> <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about smartphones</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366632925/Viasat-unveils-smartphone-connectivity-via-satellite-first-in-Mexico">Viasat unveils smartphone connectivity via satellite first in Mexico</a>: Satellite operator demonstrates the potential of D2D networks to bridge the connectivity gap in areas where traditional wireless comms services are unreliable or non-existent.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/blog/CW-Developer-Network/Software-engineers-brace-for-foldable-smartphone-development">Software engineers brace for foldable smartphone development</a>: There was a time when we defined developers as developers. Then, over the years, they became mobile-first developers, cloud-native developers, API-first orchestration-aware developers.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366630434/Q2-2025-strongest-second-quarter-on-record-for-smartphone-trade-ins">Q2 2025 strongest second quarter on record for smartphone trade-ins</a>: Quarterly investigation of US phone trade-in market shows record value.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366618231/How-smartphones-are-transforming-global-health">How smartphones are transforming global health</a>: Shyam Gollakota, winner of the 2024 Infosys Prize in Engineering and Computer Science, is bringing medical care to underserved communities through with smartphone-based diagnostic tools.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <p>Drilling deeper into the technology drivers, the study found that 5G devices dominated trade-ins. For the fifth straight quarter, <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252506741/Apple-unveils-iPhone-13-product-line">Apple’s iPhone 13</a> and <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchmobilecomputing/news/252513221/Samsung-ditches-Note-brings-S-Pen-to-flagship-S-series">Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G</a> were the most frequently turned-in from trade-in and upgrade programmes.</p> <p>For the first time, all top-five models were 5G-enabled devices. There was an evident circular economy impact to this. As more advanced 5G devices with better processors, cameras and batteries enter the secondary market, higher-value inventory is fuelling growth of the circular device ecosystem.</p> <p>There was also a shift towards newer models.&nbsp;All top-five trade-ins came from the iPhone 13 and 14 generations for the first time, replacing older models like the iPhone 11 and 12, which had ranked in the top five since 2021 and 2022, respectively.</p> <p>After reaching a record-high average age of 3.88 years in Q2, the average age of devices turned-in during Q3 dipped slightly to 3.8 years. Assurant said this suggested consumers are upgrading sooner, likely driven by the appeal of AI-enabled features and enhanced performance in newer models.</p> <p>Looking forward, Assurant predicted that as consumers continued to embrace AI-powered smartphones, trade-in and upgrade programmes are playing a critical role in making these innovations more accessible. With Q4 underway, it stressed that the industry is poised to close out 2025 with another record-breaking year, benefiting consumers, mobile providers and the circular economy alike.</p> Quarterly study of US mobile trade-in arena finds 46% growth year-on-year driven by accelerated adoption of AI-enabled devices and expansion of the secondary market, with the third consecutive record-breaking quarter for revenues https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/smartphone-mobile-devices-adobe.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366636183/Consumers-trade-up-smartphones-for-AI Fri, 12 Dec 2025 06:45:00 GMT 60 editor@computerweekly.com