The new infrastructure will boost 4G and non-standalone 5G coverage with faster speeds and improved reliability during peak passenger periods.

Vodafone customers with compatible devices and plans will benefit from the stronger connectivity throughout the terminals.

The network will support operational improvements for airport businesses. Potential applications include automated border control systems, enhanced retail stock management and other data-intensive services.

Andrea Donà, Chief Network Officer at VodafoneThree, said the project highlights the pace of network transformation following the merger of the two operators.

“Manchester Airport is the third busiest airport in the UK and a major contributor to both the North of England and the wider UK economy. Delivering 5G Standalone ensures customers receive the best possible network experience, while the airport benefits from world-class digital infrastructure.”

The deployment is part of the £11 billion UK investment programme unveiled by VodafoneThree in June 2025. The initiative includes a commitment to extend 5G SA coverage to 99 per cent of the UK population by 2030, rising to 99.96% by 2034.

This could generate around £2.8 billion for the UK’s transportation and storage sector. In the North West, the wider programme is projected to contribute approximately £9.9 billion in growth.

Thee investment will upgrade to thousands of mobile sites nationwide, enabling customers of both Vodafone and Three to access the strongest available signal at no additional cost.

Jennifer Byrne-Smith, Director of Customer Operations at Manchester Airport, added that the upgrade aligns with wider investment in passenger experience.

“It complements our £1.3 billion transformation of Terminal 2, which is nearing completion, as well as ongoing redevelopment work in Terminal

Broadband Genei has called for a ban on mid-contract broadband price rises saying regulatory changes have worsened outcomes for consumers.The move follows the publication of its 2026 white paper, which claims fixed, upfront price increases introduced under new rules from Ofcom could generate an additional £186 million in revenue for providers over the next 12 months.

Broadband Genie strategist Alex Tofts, said: “over the next 12 months, some of the largest internet service providers are set to profit an additional £186 million compared to the previous inflation-linked system.

“The rules have clearly not achieved their intention of making broadband deals more transparent.

“Not only are customers still unsure what will happen to their bill, but some of the most vulnerable customers will be the hardest hit. It was always clear the only way to make things transparent for customers was to ban mid-contract price rises. We believe the price customers see is the price they should pay.”

Price hikes “worse than inflation-linked model”

Ofcom’s reforms were introduced to improve bill transparency and prohibit inflation-linked increases during minimum terms, but they allow providers to apply fixed, pre-disclosed annual rises in pounds and pence.

Broadband Genie argues the shift has hit customers on lower-cost tariffs, where fixed increases translate into significantly higher percentage rises.

Analysis from the report suggests average bill increases of around 10 per cent under the new model, compared to roughly eight per cent under the previous inflation-linked approach.

In some cases, says Broadband Genie, the impact is more pronounced. A £4 increase on a typical £22 monthly broadband deal equates to a rise of around 18 per cent, according to the firm’s calculations.

Annual increases

The report highlights a range of price adjustments across major UK providers, with percentage increases varying widely depending on average monthly cost.

Operators including Virgin Media, BT Group, EE, TalkTalk, Vodafone and Sky are among those implementing fixed annual increases, typically ranging between £3 and £4 per month.

Lower-cost providers are seeing the highest proportional increases. For example, smaller tariffs below £20 per month can experience rises exceeding 20 per cent under the fixed model.

Mixed response

Operators cite inflationary pressures, network investment requirements and rising operational costs.

Vodafone said: “From 2 July 2024, Vodafone introduced a clear, fixed-rate price adjustment, no longer linked to inflation, to give customers greater certainty and transparency over their bills, in line with Ofcom’s requirements. Vodafone continues to offer strong value, with average bills lower than many competitors and some of the UK’s most affordable social tariffs. Customers on Vodafone Essentials, VOXI For Now, and those registered as financially vulnerable are exempt from any price increases.”

BT Group, EE, TalkTalk and Virgin Media declined to comment.

Pete Ames, Boradband Genie head of marketing, said the new system has enabled some providers to increase revenues beyond what would have been achieved under inflation-linked pricing. He added that the regulator’s intervention had been “ill-thought-out” and called for a complete ban on in-contract price rises.

Growing regulatory pressure

The campaign reflects increasing scrutiny of telecoms pricing practices, particularly as broadband connectivity is viewed as an essential service for households and businesses alike.

While Ofcom has signalled ongoing work to improve fairness and transparency in telecoms billing, it has not committed to prohibiting all mid-contract price increases.

Broadband Genie is now urging both consumers and industry stakeholders to support stronger regulatory intervention, including a total ban on in-contract price rises.

Channel implications

For the channel, the debate raises broader questions around customer trust, retention and long-term contract strategy.

Retailers and resellers may face increased churn risk as customers become more price-sensitive, while providers could come under pressure to differentiate through pricing stability as well as network performance.

With inflationary pressures easing but consumer expectations rising, pricing transparency is likely to remain a key battleground across the UK broadband market in 2026.

Ericsson will support most of Virgin Media O2’s network as part of the operator’s ongoing Mobile Transformation Plan. Virgin Media O2 said the upgrade will allow it to migrate more customers onto its 5G SA network, which currently reaches 87 per cent of the UK population. The agreement is also structured to support future evolution towards Cloud RAN and 5G-Advanced technologies.

The agreement significantly expands Ericsson’s footprint across Virgin Media O2’s network and forms a central part of the operator’s strategy to improve mobile performance, capacity and coverage across the UK.

Virgin Media O2 said the programme is designed to deliver faster and more reliable connectivity, as mobile data traffic on its network has more than doubled over the past five years.

Ericsson will deploy a range of its latest radio products, including multiband Massive MIMO equipment such as the AIR 3229 and Radio 4486, across both new and existing sites. The rollout will also include AI- and machine learning-based software to optimise network performance in real time.

Patrick Johansson, Head of Europe, Middle East and Africa, Ericsson, said: “Virgin Media O2 is a close and trusted customer and partner of Ericsson’s. We will work closely with the company to realize its Mobile Transformation Plan.”

Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer, Virgin Media O2, added: “ Ericsson is a long-standing partner in our network evolution and this agreement will help us accelerate the modernization of our radio network, unlocking greater capacity, improved efficiency and enhanced reliability”.

The partnership will focus on expanding the use of 5G Standalone (SA) technology, enabling Virgin Media O2 to make greater use of mid-band spectrum acquired in 2025. The operator said this will strengthen its position in 5G SA and support more advanced services.

Network programmability and slicing capabilities will also be introduced to enable differentiated services for enterprise and industry use cases.

This is the latest contract in a long-standing partnership between the two companies. Previous investment under the Mobile Transformation Plan in 2025 focused on increasing capacity through additional spectrum, network densification and small cell deployments, as well as targeted upgrades in high-traffic locations such as transport hubs and stadiums.

Coverage improvements have also been extended to rail routes, major roads and rural and coastal areas as part of the wider programme.

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/ericsson-to-power-virgin-media-o2s-5g-sa-network-under-new-five-year-deal/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/uncategorised/article/global-telecom-networks-tweaks-leadership-in-wake-of-mobile-news-awards-win/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/uncategorised/article/global-telecom-networks-tweaks-leadership-in-wake-of-mobile-news-awards-win/#respond Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:46:04 +0000 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/?p=180034 Managed service provider Global Telecom Networks (GTN) has promoted COO Kirsty Dunne as Chief Executive Officer, following its recent win of the B2B Dealer category at the Mobile News Awards.

Dunne (main pic) steps up from her previous role as Chief Operating Officer. She has been with the business for seven years and has played a key role in its operational management and strategic direction. Associate Director of Operations Vip Umaria now becomes chief operating officer.

Former CEO Owen Keenan-Lindsey has moved into a newly-created position as Chief Technology & Finance Officer, where he will focus on automation and the development of the company’s platform capabilities.

The leadership reshuffle follows what GTN describes as its strongest year to date. The business was formed through the integration of a number of specialist telecoms and managed services companies, combining expertise across connectivity, mobility and IT into a single global provider. This consolidation brought together established customer bases and capabilities under one brand, alongside continued investment in in-house platforms designed to support network-independent connectivity at scale.

According to GTN, the transition has been planned as part of its next phase of growth. The company said existing customer and partner relationships will remain unchanged, with continued focus on platform development and enhancing the customer experience.

A blend of free mobile data, donated devices and rural coverage upgrades has driven the three-year push, targeting low income households, isolated rural communities and vulnerable users.

The network has also surpassed its digital skills target, delivering training and online safety guidance to 8.5 million people which is 2.5 million more than six million commitment.
Partnerships doing the heavy liftingx

The push has been in tande, with The Good Things Foundation and their jointly-run National Databank which has now provided free O2 mobile data to more than 500,000 people,maonly though  O2 retail stores.

Other initiatives include:

• Device reuse schemes, with 32,000+ smartphones redistributed through Hubbub Community Calling

• Tablet lending programmes supporting people facing homelessness or domestic abuse

• Connectivity rollouts with youth and community groups, including full fibre builds and portable WiFi hubs

Virgin Media O2 has also pledged 12,000 more refurbished smartphones in 2026 to keep momentum going.

The milestone also supports commitments under the UK Government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan, with the operator highlighting growing alignment between public policy and industry led programmes.

Nicola Green, Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer, said the past five years had shown the impact of “targeted services and partnerships” in tackling exclusion.

The operator signalled that demand for affordable connectivity and digital skills continues to rise and that its work is far from done.

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/virgin-media-o2-hits-1m-digital-inclusion-milestone/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/genuine-solutions-signs-sudio-audio-brand-distribution-deal/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/genuine-solutions-signs-sudio-audio-brand-distribution-deal/#respond Wed, 25 Mar 2026 20:29:31 +0000 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/?p=180019 Scandinavian audio brand Sudio has tasked Genuine Solutions with expanding its UK product distribution. The accessories distributor will manage all sales channels as the brand looks to boost its UK presence.

Sudio has sold around one million units in the UK to date through retailers including Argos and HMV. Genuine Solutions will now lead a wider rollout, targeting new retail partnerships across mobile, consumer electronics, grocery and lifestyle channels.

Sudio co-founder Carl Sundqvist said the UK is a key market and that the new partnership “gives us the platform to scale in the right way with the right retail support.”  Sudio products are expected to roll out across a wider range of UK retail and online channels in the coming months.

The distributor confirmed it is in discussions with a number of high street retailers, as it looks to expand Sudio’s footprint in the independent retail sector over the next 12 to 24 months.

Paul Crossman, CEO of Revolvex Group (the holding company for Genuine Solutions and Relove Technology,) established earlier this year — said the agreement reflects a shift towards a more active distribution model.

“This is about taking an existing market presence and scaling it properly. We’re not just moving product, we’re helping brands build demand, find the right retail environments and grow sustainably.”

Sudio is aimed at the mid-market audio segment, offering wireless headphones, noise-cancelling earbuds and speakers. Genuine Solutions believes the brand can capitalise on a gap between entry-level products and premium players.

“There is a clear opportunity in the mid-range,” said Kamil Finowski head of brand partnerships and purchasing at Genuine Solutions. “Sudio offers a strong alternative for retailers looking for design-led audio products at a more accessible price point compared to brands like JBL.”

As part of the partnership, Genuine Solutions will deploy vendor-managed inventory, demand planning, merchandising and product training delivered via e-learning platforms.

The agreement also aligns with Sudio’s wider European expansion strategy and Genuine Solutions’ repositioning under the Revolvex Group as a more strategic distribution partner.

TMT First and Vodafone Business each secured double victories at last night’s ceremony at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

Likewize claimed top honours in Gadget & Phone Insurance Provider, Lifecycle Initiative, and Service & Repair Provider, underlining its strength across the full device journey. Judges praised its “repair-first, reuse-first” approach and national-scale circular economy impact .

TMT First also impressed with wins in Refurbishment Programme and Secondary Market Provider, reflecting its operational quality and strong industry partnerships.

Vodafone Business secured two major accolades in AI Enabled Network Platform (TOBi) and Network (usiness, highlighting its continued investment in enterprise services and AI-led customer experience.

The winners were selected by an independent panel of industry experts drawn from across the mobile ecosystem, including senior figures from retail, distribution, consultancy and refurbishment.

The judging process was designed to be robust and impartial, with each entry scored individually through a secure platform against clearly defined criteria. No single judge could determine the outcome, and additional reviews were used to resolve tied scores, ensuring results were fair and objective .

Across the rest of the categories, the awards showcased the breadth of innovation across the mobile channel. Anker won Accessories Manufacturer, while Global Telecom Networks took B2B Dealer. Active Digital was named Customer Service (Business) winner, with The Big Phone Store winning the Consumer equivalent.

EGE picked up Device Distributor, and SureSIM was recognised for eSIM Innovation & Deployment. Apkudo won Innovative Product, with Trustonic securing Innovative Service.

In retail and connectivity, Fonehouse won Mobile Retailer, Lebara was named MVNO, and EE took Network – Consumer. musicMagpie claimed Online Retailer, reinforcing its position in the circular economy.

Back Market won Secondary Market Facilitator, while Mazuma Mobile secured Trade-In & Resale Programme.

The awards, which attracted more than 100 entries and brought together hundreds of industry leaders, celebrate excellence across the mobile communications channel, from networks and retailers to refurbishers and service providers .

With competition described as “particularly strong” by organisers, this year’s winners reflect a market increasingly driven by sustainability, innovation and customer experience.

See Winners Book here for the full list of Finalists and Winners and Judges Commentse.

Photo Gallery

EGE has signed HONOR as a direct vendor partner, expanding its portfolio of mobile and consumer technology brands. 

The agreement gives the Stafffordshire distributor access to HONOR’s smartphones, tablets and AIoT products.

EGE head of commercial and vendor management Steve Hankey  said the partnership reflects the momentum HONOR has built in the UK market. 

Shipment data for the first three quarters of 2025 shows HONOR held a top-five position across Western Europe, including the UK. Overseas shipments rose by around 55 per cent year-on-year. HONOR says this the fastest international growth rate among the world’s top 10  smartphone brands.

“We’ve been talking to Honor for some time, but over the last 12 months or so they seem to have excelled themselves. With the the investment into AI they seemed to shift gears.

“Their products are amongst the best in the market and they seem to have a desire to innovate and create products that are more than just slight updates on what has gone before. I think this approach will serve them well in the coming years..

At MWC Honor introduced a handset with built-in micro-motors that can physically move its camera and respond to human gestures (main pic)

“We are looking forward to expand Honor into all of our channels, from discussions with customers there is certainly a demand for the products.

Nick Kyzer, Sales Director Retail at HONOR, said the two companies have been on “a similar journey” in recent years. “This partnership will allow HONOR to bring our range of products to even more UK consumers and build on the brand’s success throughout 2026.”

The agreement follows a period of accelerated growth for HONOR, with the brand sharpening its positioning around premium hardware, AI-led features and clearer product differentiation. Its MWC 2025 showcase focused on AI investment signalled a shift toward more ambitious innovation, helping it gain traction with operators, retailers and distributors

The UK is now central to HONOR’s international expansion it shifts from an entry-level player into a premium challenger according to a report by global technology research and advisory firm Omdia. 

s.

Full fibre  now critical for mobile operators needing dense backhaul for small cells, 5G capacity and future services.

Full fibre availability has surged to 78 per cent of premises (up fromsix per cent in 2018), with coverage on track to reach 29 million properties by 2027. But adoption is lagging: more than half of eligible premises still haven’t upgraded. Ofcom is pivoting from build out to take up, arguing that higher connection rates are essential to unlock productivity gains and support data intensive technologies such as AI.

Ofcom’s moves

• Extends wholesale price caps to broadband products up to 80Mbit/s.

• Tightens oversight of Openreach discounting to prevent anti competitive behaviour.

• Introduces tougher minimum service standards in less competitive areas.

• Reduces regulatory focus on copper, giving Openreach more room to migrate customers to fibre.

Ofcom says the package balances continued investment with fair competition as the market matures. Natalie Black, Group Director for Infrastructure and Connectivity, called it “a major milestone on the road to a better connected, more productive Britain”.

Around 75 per cent of premises are now served by at least two networks but Openreach still retaiins significant power. Ofcom has tightened Openreach rules to enable the push to fibre and signalled that future deregulation is possible if sustainable competition emerges.

Competitors will retain regulated access to Openreach’s ducts and poles. Ofcom will reassess the market in 2031, and may ease or tighten controls depending on the competitive cllimate.

As the fibre build nearing completion, regulatory focus is shifting to migration, service innovation and commercial layers shorter

Anyone attending a session will receive a £100 voucher redeemable on technology purchases of £150 or more through EE’s online store.

The initiative comes as research cited by EE suggests only 28 per cent of people feel confident using AI in their daily lives.

Running in small groups, the sessions will be delivered by Samsung specialists and demonstrate Galaxy AI features on Samsung’s new Galaxy S26 Ultra. The training forms part of EE’s wider strategy to use its retail stores to help customers get more value from connected technology.

Each session will last around 20 minutes and host up to eight participants, providing hands-on guidance from trained experts.

The masterclasses will show how AI can be used for everyday smartphone tasks including photography, note taking, translation and online search. Participants will also receive guidance on staying safe online while using AI-powered tools.

Asif Aziz, retail director at EE, said the programme aims to bridge the gap between early adopters and those yet to try AI features on their devices.

“AI is already being used every day by many customers, while others have yet to try it,” he said. “These masterclasses are designed to show people how to use Galaxy AI and get the most out of the Samsung S26 Ultra.”

Samsung said the partnership highlights the role of retail in helping consumers understand how AI can enhance smartphone use.

Annika Bizon, vice president of product and marketing for mobile experience at Samsung UK and Ireland, said: “AI has huge potential to enhance everyday life, but without guidance it is easy for people to miss out on its full benefits.”

The masterclasses will run at the EE Studio in Westfield White City at 11am, 1pm and 4pm Monday to Saturday, and 1pm and 4pm on Sundays. Customers can book a place through the EE website.