News
Nokia becomes BT ’ s 5G partner
Nokia has extended its long-term
strategic relationship with BT into the 5G arena , following its selection as a 5G RAN vendor for the UK operator . The selection of Nokia follows the telco ’ s decision to exclude Huawei from its 5G network following guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre .
As part of the deal , which will make Nokia BT ’ s largest equipment provider , Nokia will provide equipment and services at BT radio sites across the UK , helping to evolve BT ’ s radio access network to 5G and supporting its goal of maintaining the UK ’ s best network .
BT ’ s Nokia-powered network , which currently includes Greater London , the Midlands and rural locations , will be extended to also cover multiple other towns and cities across the UK . This enhanced Nokia footprint will support BT ’ s commitments to the UK
government around the use of High Risk Vendors ( HRVs ) in UK network infrastructure .
Nokia will supply its AirScale Single RAN ( S-RAN ) portfolio for both indoor and outdoor coverage , including 5G RAN , AirScale base stations and Nokia AirScale radio access products . These solutions will enable BT to build on its existing network leadership in the UK to
deliver connectivity and capacity benefits to consumers at ultra-low latencies as well as reducing complexity and increasing cost efficiencies . The deal will also see Nokia optimise BT ’ s 2G and 4G networks and work alongside BT on the development of the OpenRAN ecosystem .
“ Digital connectivity is critical to the UK ’ s economic future , creating jobs and underpinning sustainable growth ,” asserted Philip Jansen , CEO , BT Group . “ That ’ s why BT is making game-changing investments in full fibre and 5G . In a fast-moving and competitive market , it ’ s critical we make the right technology choices . With this next stage of our successful relationship with Nokia we will continue to lead the rollout of fixed and mobile networks to deliver stand out experiences for customers .”
“ I am delighted that BT has extended its partnership with Nokia on 5G RAN , making Nokia BT ’ s largest infrastructure partner ,” added Pekka Lundmark , president and CEO , Nokia . “ Our two companies have collaborated for over a quarter of a century in order to deliver best-in-class connectivity to people across the United Kingdom . We are proud to support BT ’ s 5G network evolution and look forward to working even more closely together in the years to come .”
Segre new Synamedia CEO
Virgin Media Ireland launches Virgin TV 360
Video software provider Synamedia has appointed Paul Segre as CEO , with immediate effect . Previously CEO of Genesys , Segre succeeds Yves Padrines , who presided over Synamedia ’ s successful first two years focused on the expansion of pay-TV with OTT distribution , and the development of innovative solutions to protect revenues from streaming piracy and developing new revenue streams from addressable advertising .
Abe Peled , Synamedia chairman , paid tribute to Padrine “ his drive , leadership and passion ” over the last two years , adding that Segre ’ s appointment signalled Synamedia ’ s readiness and enthusiasm for the next chapter in its journey . Segre will be based in London .
“ It is a rare and exciting opportunity to help shape a market leader in an industry where IP opens up new opportunities ,” commented Segre .
Virgin Media Ireland has confirmed the availability of connected entertainment platform Virgin TV 360 , which it claims delivers its most advanced and innovative TV service yet .
Underpinned by Virgin Media ’ s ultrafast broadband connectivity , the platform gives viewers an all-encompassing TV experience on all their screens , backed by new functionality including Voice Search and Control , an updated user interface , online video apps from such as Netflix , YouTube and many more , intuitive Catch Up functionality , Box Sets , movies and recordings .
Viewers can watch TV throughout their homes from one of our new 4K-ready
Virgin TV 360 , Mini box , or on the move with our dedicated Virgin TV Anywhere app that lets users stream , control and manage their TV .
“ The arrival of our new Virgin TV 360 platform is fantastic news for our customers ,” declared
Paul Higgins , vice president of commercial , Virgin Media Ireland . “ We ’ ve been working hard to ensure we bring the best entertainment offering across all our services , with the ultimate TV experience . Powered by our award-winning broadband network , Virgin TV 360 will change the way viewers enjoy all their favourite programming . From seamless viewing to personalised profiles , customers can now embrace our most advanced TV service ever . And with multi-viewing available through our mini boxes , and advanced parental control options , this is really is the perfect way to watch TV for the whole family .”
“ It ’ s so important to us to be able to combine leading technological innovation with our long standing-standing commitment to sustainability and , with this new Virgin TV 360 entertainment platform , we can deliver on both fronts ,” he added .
6 EUROMEDIA