Retail

Dec 12, 2019

To Hull and Back: KCOM Creates U.K.’s First Fiber City

Fixed-line telephone markets in many European countries were originally served by a single national operator—but not the U.K. Most of the United Kingdom became a monopoly for BT, whose origins go back to 1846 and the world’s first commercial communications operator: the Electric Telegraph Company.

Nov 19, 2019

How a Slough Company Quietly Secured 5G Spectrum in Major Markets Around the World

While all eyes are on the 5G plans of the world’s largest mobile network operators, a little-known UK-based player has built up a significant stockpile of valuable 5G-suitable spectrum in a number of key markets globally.

Nov 12, 2019

Hong Kong Cellcos Hail 5G Spectrum Prices

The government of Hong Kong has completed a round of 5G spectrum auctions, having sold frequencies in the 3.3GHz, 3.5GHz, 4.9GHz, and 26GHz ranges this year. The sales raised a total of HK$1.91 billion ($244 million) in spectrum utilization fees (SUFs).

The territory is looking to be among the front-runners in the race to launch 5G networks in the Asia-Pacific region.

Oct 10, 2019

Termination Rates Continue Downward Trend

Mobile termination rates (MTRs) have been falling steadily over the past decade. That trajectory is set to continue through the next few years.

Under the Calling Party Pays (CPP) system, which applies to the bulk of mobile markets worldwide, incoming calls are free and the cost of the call is covered by the originating user. Termination rates are designed to allow cellcos at the receiving end of a call to recoup their costs in these markets.

Sep 30, 2019

The Changing Face of the U.S. MVNO Market

The United States boasts one of the largest MVNO markets in the world and has hosted hundreds of disparate virtual operators and sub-brands over the last two decades. As the broader retail telecom market evolves, so does the MVNO sector.

Today we look at the competitive environment and the players shaping the U.S. MVNO industry.

Sep 16, 2019

Jio Prepares for Round Two

The stage is set for India’s second telecom battle in the space of three years.

Aug 27, 2019

The Rise of Grupo MASMOVIL

Spanish alternative telecom operator Grupo MASMOVIL is poised to acquire a strategic stake in Portuguese cableco Nowo and sister company Onitelecom (ONI).

Today, we chart Grupo MASMOVIL’s progression from regional B2B minnow to cross-border Iberian deal-maker.

Aug 15, 2019

No Lifeline for Wireline: Fixed Voice Continues to Fall

The fixed voice telephony market continued its downward trend in 2018—and the decline shows no signs of stopping.

Jul 30, 2019

Can Red Compartida Disrupt the Mexican Mobile Market?

Mexico’s open-access mobile network provider Red Compartida is approaching the 50% coverage milestone. I can think of no better time to take a closer look at Red Compartida’s business model and track its progress to date.

Jul 16, 2019

Mislatel Ready to Shake Up Filipino Mobile Market

The Philippines has moved one step closer to breaking the cellular market duopoly of well-established operators PLDT/Smart and Globe Telecom.

Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company (Mislatel)–the new major player (NMP) that was licensed in November 2018–has formally been issued its Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). This paves the way for a planned commercial launch next year.