IT for telecoms and internet organisations
Telecoms is one of the largest business sectors, and communications providers often have large IT budgets and are early adopters of new technologies. Our news and analysis of this important industry looks at how telecommunications firms, ISPs and other internet companies are using IT, and the regulatory issues that affect the services they provide.
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News
20 Dec 2024
Top 10 data and ethics stories of 2024
Here are Computer Weekly’s top 10 data and ethics stories of 2024 Continue Reading
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News
19 Dec 2024
LockBit ransomware gang teases February 2025 return
An individual associated with the LockBit ransomware gang has broken cover to tease details of a new phase of the cyber criminal operation's activity, which they claim is set to begin in February 2025 Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jun 2019
AI storage: Machine learning, deep learning and storage needs
Artificial intelligence workloads impact storage, with NVMe flash needed for GPU processing at the highest levels of performance – and there are other choices right through the AI data lifecycle Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2019
Innovation drives Nominet to cyber security
Embracing an innovation strategy for a mature organisation led domain name registry Nominet to found a cyber security business based on its core expertise, its CEO tells London Tech Week Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2019
DCMS adds cash to 5G testbed fund and moves to ease planning laws
The government is to invest £40m in new projects under its 5G Testbeds and Trials scheme, and will explore new ways to liberalise planning laws to support quicker 5G deployment Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2019
Austrian Supreme Court green-lights GDPR case against Facebook
A potential landmark case against Facebook for violating General Data Protection Regulation rights has been given the go-ahead by the Austrian Supreme Court Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Jun 2019
Why the rise of IT managed by the business is driving creative thinking
Organisations that encourage business units to implement and run their own IT systems have an edge over competitors that rely entirely on the IT department, research from Harvey Nash and KPMG reveals Continue Reading
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News
11 Jun 2019
MP brands Huawei exec a ‘moral vacuum’ as operators demand 5G clarity
Huawei chief security officer John Suffolk faces tough questions from parliament’s Science and Technology Select Committee over the firm’s links to the Chinese government Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Jun 2019
Should tech companies capitalise R&D spending?
Technology companies frequently ask whether they should capitalise their research and development costs. There are clear benefits, increasing reported profit and hence potential valuations, but what are the risks? Continue Reading
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News
07 Jun 2019
Ofcom confirms broadband USO to be introduced in March 2020
BT and Kcom will begin to provide broadband services under the government’s USO scheme from 20 March 2020 Continue Reading
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News
07 Jun 2019
Industrial sector increasingly tempted by idea of private 5G
Industrial companies and manufacturers plan to implement 5G mobile networks swiftly once they become widely available, and many are keen on the idea of investing in private licences Continue Reading
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News
06 Jun 2019
Ofcom’s Sharon White to step down at Christmas
Chief executive will leave her role at the telecoms regulator at the end of 2019 Continue Reading
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News
06 Jun 2019
Half of CFOs frustrated by complex accounting systems
Chief financial officers need to upgrade to easier-to-use accounting systems, but are strapped for time and lack the resources to make the right choices, according to survey Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jun 2019
Big tech chiefs boycott parliamentarians investigating citizens’ privacy
An International Grand Committee on Big Data, Privacy and Democracy considers whether failure to protect citizens’ privacy constitutes grounds for anti-trust regulation against Facebook and other big tech companies Continue Reading
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News
03 Jun 2019
Consumer comms providers sign Ofcom’s new fairness pledge
The UK’s biggest communications service providers have signed up to a series of new commitments pledging to put fairness to customers at the heart of their business Continue Reading
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News
31 May 2019
Facebook loses bid to halt European court decision on EU-US data sharing
Irish Supreme Court dismisses attempt by Facebook to prevent the European Court of Justice considering the validity of US-EU data transfers, after Austrian lawyer Max Schrems argued that they put the privacy of EU citizens at risk Continue Reading
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News
31 May 2019
New-build homes to get broadband quality certification
Broadband connectivity rating firm WiredScore is offering its full-fibre certifications to residential property developers and landlords for the first time Continue Reading
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News
31 May 2019
Slowing smart meter roll-out puts 2020 deadline at risk
The smart meter installation rate is slowing, and with 18 months until the December 2020 deadline, achieving the Smart Meter Programme’s aims now looks very unlikely Continue Reading
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News
31 May 2019
GCHQ urged to abandon plans to access encrypted chats
Tech companies and security and policy experts are calling for more dialogue with GCHQ on encryption, urging it to ditch its proposal for eavesdropping on encrypted chats Continue Reading
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News
30 May 2019
EE launches consumer 5G, but experts say no rush to upgrade
EE launched the UK’s first official 5G network this week, but with limited availability and 4G networks improving all the time, industry watchers say there is no big impetus for users to upgrade yet Continue Reading
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News
30 May 2019
Red flags missed during ESN planning process, Home Office admits
The PAC’s latest evidence-gathering session for its inquiry into the delayed and over-budget Emergency Services Network has laid bare a number of crucial errors made over the past few years, and found the Home Office missed a number of warning signs Continue Reading
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News
30 May 2019
2.3 billion business and consumer data files exposed online
In the year since the GDPR compliance deadline, the number of data files exposed online without adequate protection is up more than 50% due to misconfigured security controls, report reveals Continue Reading
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News
29 May 2019
Cyber weapons readily available to criminals, researchers warn
Security researchers have discovered an attack campaign infrastructure designed to scan, brute-force and infect tens of thousands of MS-SQL and PHPMyAdmin servers Continue Reading
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News
28 May 2019
Many search engine users unaware of personal data collection
Many users of online search engines are still unaware that data is being collected about them for personalised advertising, a study has revealed Continue Reading
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News
28 May 2019
NHS Digital sets out Internet First policy
NHS Digital is soliciting input to its Internet First policy, a set of standards and guidelines to help health and social care organisations make digital services accessible over the internet Continue Reading
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News
24 May 2019
GDPR: Are we there yet?
A full year since the General Data Protection Regulation was implemented, there has not been the severe punitive action expected by many and personal data breaches continue to happen, leaving many wondering if any progress has been made Continue Reading
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News
24 May 2019
Effect of GDPR yet to be felt, says law firm Hogan Lovells
Despite the fact that the GDPR has been in full effect for a year, the true effect of the regulation is yet to be felt and organisations should ensure they keep their eye on the ball, says leading privacy law firm Continue Reading
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News
24 May 2019
Ofcom makes new proposals to liberalise access Openreach’s ducts and poles
The telecoms regulator is proposing new regulations on accessing Openreach’s infrastructure that it hopes will incentives others to roll out ultrafast networks quicker Continue Reading
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News
23 May 2019
Lapse in LinkedIn security certificate update
A lapse in the update of LinkedIn’s security certificate has once again underlined the importance of keeping track to avoid disruptions and phishing attacks, and how even big players are failing to get it right Continue Reading
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News
22 May 2019
TalkTalk admits new failings in 2015 data breach notification
TalkTalk’s failure to notify all those affected by its 2015 data breach highlights the importance of data visibility so that breach notifications are fast and accurate – a key requirement of the GDPR Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2019
Sheffield’s network-of-networks goes beyond free Wi-Fi
For the city of Sheffield, rolling out a free-to-use city Wi-Fi network has become about much more than just letting shoppers browse the internet. We find out more Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2019
US grants Huawei stay of execution
US Commerce Department temporarily restores Huawei’s ability to maintain its existing networks and smartphone user base Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2019
UC Expo 2019: Experts talk up future tech in unified communications
Automation and AI are increasingly prevalent in unified comms, but do enterprises really need it? Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2019
Planned UK age verification checks risky for internet users
Proposed controversial online age verification checks could increase the risk of identity theft and other cyber crimes, warn security experts, who advise parents to set technological boundaries and ensure their families are aware of risks Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2019
DCMS shakes up BDUK with new rural full-fibre scheme
The Rural Gigabit Connectivity programme will run for two years, trialling a new model for full-fibre broadband delivery – meanwhile, BDUK is getting a new name Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2019
ICO to support GDPR certification schemes
The UK data protection watchdog is accepting enquiries from organisations considering developing GDPR certification schemes, which the ICO says could help recipients achieve competitive advantage Continue Reading
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News
17 May 2019
École Hôtelière de Lausanne puts Amelia the robot at its core
When Switzerland-based hospitality school EHL began to automate processes, it was met with staff inertia, but that all changed after its benefits became clear Continue Reading
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News
16 May 2019
ISPs get nine months prep time for Ofcom shake-up of broadband contract renewal rules
Regulator Ofcom is giving broadband, phone and pay-TV service providers nine months to ready their systems and processes for the emergence of new rules, designed to make it easier for consumers to switch providers Continue Reading
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News
16 May 2019
Self-sovereign ID key to data privacy
Coupling self-sovereign identity with insights from research on consumer identity management may be the key to personalising products and services without putting people at risk, says industry analyst Continue Reading
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News
16 May 2019
Fujitsu sets out to restore trust in technology
Trust in technology, how to recapture it, and how to ensure AI doesn’t overstep its bounds were the big messages on the opening day of Fujitsu Forum in Tokyo Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2019
Microsoft working to support decentralised identity
Microsoft is among the big tech players aiming to help enable personalisation of products and services without putting privacy at risk Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2019
Implement multifactor authentication, urges expert panel
Multifactor authentication should be a top priority for organisations to defend users from cyber attacks, coupled with zero-trust architecture and artificial intelligence-based technologies, says expert panel Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2019
Public sector outsourcing spend plummets
Private sector outsourcing dominated spending in the UK during the first quarter of 2019 Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2019
Email firm runs millions of mailboxes with Scality object storage
Open Xchange switches from OpenStack Swift to Scality to run 13PB of storage for millions of mailboxes across two continents for telco, mobile and TV providers Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2019
Security standard for surveillance cameras set for launch
A long-overdue cyber security standard for the manufacturer of surveillance cameras is on track for an official launch in June Continue Reading
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News
10 May 2019
O2 boosts indoor network capacity to prep for 5G
O2 has been working with the Wireless Infrastructure Group to enhance mobile connectivity indoors and in public spaces Continue Reading
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News
10 May 2019
Dutch businesses not yet implementing NIS Directive
Little urgency to comply with the Network and Information Systems Security Act, which seeks to protect the Netherlands’ vital infrastructure and digital services from cyber attack Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2019
Home Office failing on Emergency Services Network, says NAO
The delayed Emergency Services Network is slipping further behind schedule and is getting more expensive all the time – and the Home Office’s management of the project is to blame, says the National Audit Office Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2019
Facebook co-founder: ‘It is time to break up Facebook’
Co-founder of Facebook, Chris Hughes, has published an op-ed in The New York Times calling for Facebook to be broken up, as it faces investigations from the US Federal Trade Commission Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2019
Confident BT Group calls on Openreach to build full-fibre faster
Openreach will ramp up the pace of its full-fibre network build over the next six years, with ambitious targets to bring ultrafast broadband within reach of 15 million homes by the middle of the 2020s Continue Reading
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News
08 May 2019
Average UK broadband speeds up a fifth in 12 months
Research from telecoms regulator Ofcom suggests efforts to encourage consumers to switch to faster broadband services are paying off Continue Reading
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Blog Post
08 May 2019
Is BT’s boss about to make his mark with new full-fibre targets?
BT’s new chief executive, Philip Jansen, is to revise Openreach’s targets for its full-fibre broadband network roll-out upwards when he reveals BT’s full-year financial results on Thursday 9 May, ... Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2019
Early adopters expect to pay 32% premium for 5G
Potential early adopters of 5G say they expect, on average, to pay more for their devices and services, but they expect measurable improvements on 4G from the get-go Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2019
Greater Manchester invites bidders for public sector broadband
£32m tender request will enable ultrafast full-fibre connectivity to more than 1,300 public sector sites in Greater Manchester Continue Reading
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News
03 May 2019
Police down two dark web markets
Europol-supported coordinated law enforcement approach across Europe and the US was key to operations’ success Continue Reading
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News
02 May 2019
Ultrafast broadband within reach of ‘most’ homes
More than half of homes in the UK can now receive a broadband service capable of delivering speeds of more than 300Mbps, Ofcom claims Continue Reading
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News
02 May 2019
Defence secretary sacked over Huawei leak
Defence secretary Gavin Williamson has been sacked after leaking confidential discussions over the use of Huawei networking equipment Continue Reading
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News
01 May 2019
Fiat Chrysler commits to Android for connected vehicles
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has signed deals with Google and Samsung to power its connected vehicle ecosystem Continue Reading
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News
01 May 2019
Scality object storage scales to 400k mailboxes for NZ provider
New Zealand-based email hosting provider SMX needed to scale up its infrastructure to be able to handle 400,000 mailboxes, and found object storage from Scality fitted the bill Continue Reading
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News
01 May 2019
Get more proactive on cyber security, says ex Europol chief
Business needs to get more proactive, collaborative, resilient and analytical to manage cyber risks posed by cyber criminals down to acceptable levels, says former Europol chief Continue Reading
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News
30 Apr 2019
Alphabet Q1 results: Revenue falls short of expectations as EU fine takes toll
The conglomerate that owns Google missed market expectations, despite positive performance in other revenues such as cloud Continue Reading
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News
30 Apr 2019
Every NHS body to get full-fibre broadband, says health secretary
Matt Hancock announces plans to give every NHS organisation and community care service access to full-fibre broadband services Continue Reading
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E-Zine
30 Apr 2019
Inside Huawei
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we visit the new campus of Chinese networking supplier Huawei to find out what the firm thinks of the controversy raging about the security of its products. Our latest buyer’s guide examines the technologies and best practices in storage optimisation. And we look at the latest opportunities for making the most of technology in schools. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
30 Apr 2019
Brighton Dome theatre gets access to city’s 5G mobile testbed
Brighton Dome & Festival is to deploy a 5G network to explore future applications for the technology in the arts Continue Reading
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News
29 Apr 2019
Privacy and data protection an opportunity, says entrepreneur
Organisations should see data protection and privacy compliance as an opportunity to build trust with customers, according to startup One.Thing.Less Continue Reading
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News
29 Apr 2019
Fix the basics first, then worry about AI, advise experts
The freedom of the internet is at risk, with the cyber arms race and the industrialisation of hacking are set to continue as attackers move up the value chain to target trust mechanisms, threat experts predict Continue Reading
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News
29 Apr 2019
Ofcom must rethink rural broadband USO, says Lords report
There are still serious concerns about whether or not the 10Mbps broadband USO is fit for purpose, and Ofcom needs to take account of them, according to The House of Lords Select Committee for the Rural Economy Continue Reading
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News
26 Apr 2019
British 5G developers to test their mettle in South Korea
DCMS launches £2.4m project to support the development of 5G applications for public transport alongside its South Korean counterpart Continue Reading
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News
26 Apr 2019
Huawei leak inquiry launched
Cabinet secretary Mark Sedwill has instituted an inquiry aimed at discovering who leaked confidential discussions about UK mobile operators’ use of Huawei in their future 5G networks to the press Continue Reading
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News
25 Apr 2019
No final decision taken on Huawei 5G ban, government claims
Culture secretary tells MPs that a final decision on use of Huawei in UK 5G networks has not been taken, and says government is taking the leak of confidential discussions at the National Security Council very seriously Continue Reading
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News
25 Apr 2019
Cabinet Office addresses 5G security issue
Cabinet Office uses NCSC conference to lay out government’s approach to the security of 5G networks, as controversy grows around using equipment from Chinese supplier Huawei Continue Reading
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News
25 Apr 2019
NCSC looks to industry to scale Active Cyber Defence
The national cyber security agency is calling on wider government organisations as well as industry to help scale automated cyber attack blocking systems country-wide Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Apr 2019
Mobile phones and health: is 5G being rolled out too fast?
European countries are rolling out 5G mobile communications at breakneck speed as they seek to gain a competitive edge over the US and Asia. But some scientists have raised questions about the effects of 5G mobile phone radiation on public health and are calling for a precautionary approach Continue Reading
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News
24 Apr 2019
PM May approves Huawei for use in 5G networks despite opposition
The UK’s National Security Council has approved the use of Huawei’s networking equipment in parts of the country’s 5G mobile networks in spite of widespread opposition Continue Reading
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News
17 Apr 2019
Apple and Qualcomm settle up as Intel quits 5G chip business
Apple and Qualcomm have set aside their ongoing litigation and struck a deal to work together on future 5G iPhones, leaving Intel in the lurch Continue Reading
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News
17 Apr 2019
Middle East CIOs optimistic as budgets increase and digital transformations expand
Cyber security and risk management will see the biggest increase in spending, but digital transformation of businesses is a major driver of investment, survey shows Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Apr 2019
Politics, privacy and porn: the challenges of age-verification technology
The age-verification requirements of the Digital Economy Act are to come into force in July this year, but registering people’s personal details for accessing age-restricted content carries significant risks and challenges Continue Reading
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News
17 Apr 2019
TfL suspends Wi-Fi service as Extinction Rebellion spreads
Transport for London has cut off its public Virgin Media Wi-Fi service to disrupt climate change protests Continue Reading
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News
16 Apr 2019
Vodafone upgrades old phone boxes to support surfers
MNO is giving old phone boxes in Cornwall a new lease of life with a 4G upgrade Continue Reading
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News
16 Apr 2019
Huawei cyber security chief John Suffolk: It’s not our culture to be aggressive
John Suffolk, global cyber security and privacy officer at China-based telecoms equipment supplier Huawei, tells Huawei Analyst Summit growth is the best answer to US criticism Continue Reading
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News
15 Apr 2019
CityFibre loses court battle over ‘fake fibre’
CityFibre has been knocked back by the courts in its dispute with the ASA over the use of the word ‘fibre’ in broadband ads Continue Reading
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News
15 Apr 2019
Broadband upgrade improves response times for cave rescue team
The South and Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team has switched on a new ultrafast broadband connection to help its members react more quickly in life-threatening emergencies Continue Reading
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News
12 Apr 2019
O2 5G network to support Millbrook CAV trials
O2 will activate 59 5G sites in June to support trials of connected and autonomous vehicles at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire Continue Reading
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News
12 Apr 2019
Bounty UK fined £400,000 for sharing personal data unlawfully
UK pregnancy and parenting club fined for “unprecedented” level of unauthorised sharing of personal data by operating as a data broking service Continue Reading
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E-Zine
11 Apr 2019
CW Middle East: Visibility and security of networks are top IT priorities
The 2019 Computer Weekly/TechTarget IT Priorities survey shows that enterprise buyers in the Middle East, like those in the UK and Europe, are looking to lock down their networks in the face of an almost constant barrage of threats and malicious actors. Also read how Facebook planned to use its Android app to track the location of its customers and to allow advertisers to send political advertising, and what further details operator O2 has revealed about how it is planning for the advent of 5G. Continue Reading
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News
08 Apr 2019
GDPR at a critical stage, says information commissioner
The ICO is calling on data protection officials to help kick off the next phase of the GDPR by embedding sound data governance at its annual conference, where another DPO was recognised for excellence Continue Reading
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News
08 Apr 2019
Openreach extends full-fibre build across Northern Ireland
Openreach has added 10 more towns and cities to its Fibre First programme in Northern Ireland, as it hits a new milestone in terms of homes passed Continue Reading
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News
05 Apr 2019
Critical infrastructure under relentless cyber attack
A lack of visibility into the attack surface, inadequate security staffing and reliance on manual processes undermine operational technology security capabilities, a study reveals Continue Reading
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News
04 Apr 2019
Social inclusion unit aims to expand diversity in IT conversation
New unit at startup hub wants to explore how technology can be applied to address the barriers many people face in participating in society Continue Reading
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News
04 Apr 2019
Third-party Facebook apps expose 540 million users’ details
Researchers have discovered another trove of Facebook users’ details, showing there is still no control over data shared with third parties, potentially exposing Facebook to more regulatory and legal action Continue Reading
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Opinion
03 Apr 2019
5G’s first five years: A look ahead
With 5G mobile networks edging closer to reality, GSMA Intelligence’s Matthew Iji looks ahead to consider how the technology will be adopted between now and 2024 Continue Reading
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News
03 Apr 2019
Business ISP Giganet plugs into Openreach’s Salisbury network
Local business ISP Giganet has started to roll out its own full-fibre broadband services in Salisbury, using Openreach’s new-build network Continue Reading
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News
03 Apr 2019
Most business decision-makers and knowledge workers happy to work alongside robots
Fears that automation will remove jobs for knowledge workers are reducing as opportunities emerge to upskill and eradicate mundane work Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Apr 2019
Goliath vs Goliath and the complexities of 5G intellectual property
Is Apple the good guy or the bad guy? It has violated patents and had its wrist slapped by the courts (bad), yet its products are still available for adoring fans to buy (good) Continue Reading
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News
02 Apr 2019
Huawei reports record numbers despite tumultuous year
Huawei has become one of the world’s largest technology companies by revenue, suggesting the accusations over its ties to the Chinese government are failing to have much impact Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2019
CLA calls for government intervention on rural 4G coverage
Country Land and Business Association urges government to consider broadband-style interventions to improve 4G mobile network coverage in rural areas Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2019
Broadband compensation rules come into force
Regulations that guarantee consumers’ rights to automatic compensation from broadband providers when things go wrong have come into force, and many suppliers have a lot of work to do Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2019
Zuckerberg calls for new internet regulation
Facebook chief calls for new internet regulation in four key areas to define clear responsibilities for people, companies and governments, including more GDPR-aligned data protection rules Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2019
Magento e-commerce sites urged to apply security update
Security experts are urging companies using the Magento e-commerce site to apply security updates without delay to avoid a disastrous hacking campaign Continue Reading
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News
28 Mar 2019
Swan lands in Scottish Highlands
Capita’s Scottish public sector network, also known as Swan, is to be extended to 150 sites in the Highland towns of Fort William, Inverness, Thurso and Wick Continue Reading
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News
28 Mar 2019
Huawei making no progress on addressing security concerns
Huawei has made no material progress on addressing the issues identified last year by the NCSC, according to the latest highly critical report from its HSCEC Oversight Board Continue Reading
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News
28 Mar 2019
Businesses losing out on early payment discounts due to outdated software
Chief financial officers need to upgrade their accounting software to benefit from discounts available for paying suppliers early Continue Reading