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The FCC is likely to see discreet policy shifts in areas such as rural connectivity and interest in a few new matters as Jessica Rosenworcel takes over as acting chair of the agency. The telecom sector is likely entering a period of uncertainty and some inactivity amid high debt following…  |
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Demand for ubiquitous connectivity is exploding as networks, the number of Wi-Fi hotspots and systems sprout to meet it. Ubiquitous connectivity is essentially the market reality for most of the globe as US tech giant Cisco recently noted that devices and connections are…  |
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European telecoms giants are throwing their weight behind open radio access networks (open RAN), joining forces to accelerate deployments that could be in line for incoming COVID-19 relief. It marks the biggest push yet for an architecture that promises to significantly cut 5G deployment costs through open-source virtualisation. The MoU...  |
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The maritime sector of IoT connectivity is increasingly transitioning to analytics amid an increase in data consumption and other digitalisation trends. Partnerships and other collaborations are figuring in the sector, as maritime connectivity providers seek to…  |
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The first footsteps in the direction of largescale operations for LEO broadband connectivity are being taken amid forecasts calling for double-digit growth and significant milestones. The LEO ecosystem is expected to get a further boost from government subsidies supporting connectivity services for…  |
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Expanding 5G roaming agreements this year will be key to growing revenues that nosedived as pandemic-related travel restrictions came into effect. A wave of connectivity partnerships more generally could extend to the bundling of content, where subscription fatigue is fostering hybrid monetisation models. The number of international roaming subscribers plummeted 73% to...  |
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Creative investment approaches are emerging as a theme for connectivity in 2021 as telecoms incumbent Orange splits off its venture arm in the hope of generating capital. The pandemic is proving a constraint on investment as seed-stage and first-time financing activity has...  |
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Government support for improving connectivity to keep up with accelerating digitisation trends is building, with projects boosting rural and underserved regions likely one of the many lasting effects of COVID-19. Democrats gaining control of the Presidency, House and Senate in the US is expected to propel this trend forward. Political moves in the US could change the operational landscape for connectivity and content...  |
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Connected vehicles continue to attract investor interest even as the sector moves at a crawl amid the pandemic, sluggish economy and some consumer uncertainty. US self-driving truck company TuSimple recently secured US$350m from a diverse consortium of…  |
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Accelerating renewable energy growth will help fuel and evolve connectivity demand in 2021, after COVID-19 helped deliver a breakout year for sustainability and infrastructure. More green energy generation calls for more robust connectivity in remote areas, while increasing the need for IoT and M2M monitoring. The Paris Accord...  |
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Inflight connectivity providers are emphasising digitalisation, streamlined options and other strategies as they struggle against tepid demand for aviation in the COVID-19 era. The sector faces questions about the safety of aviation, as a recent survey of consumers found…  |
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The flat-panel antenna market is likely to intensify its focus on costs and performance amid the start of commercial operations in the sector and in LEO connectivity. The sector is honing-in on opportunities in the land mobility sector in part because it is…  |
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Satellite companies are generating hundreds of millions of dollars in financing by striking deals with special purpose acquisition companies (SPAC), helping fuel the growing alternative transaction trend. The rise of so-called blank-cheque companies is also spawning real scrutiny as well, as…  |
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Some anxiety is emerging about the revenue outlook of US mobile carriers and their position to invest in 5G amid extravagant C-band spectrum bidding. However, the FCC-led auction might prove to be a boon for certain players, such as…  |
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Key milestones and contract awards are improving the outlook for non-GEO satcoms in a post-pandemic era, prompting a fresh look at a market labelled highly speculative over the past decade. With Brexit in the rearview mirror and digital sovereignty rising to the top of the agenda, the European Commission has picked a group of terrestrial telcos and satellite companies to develop a space-based connectivity system. The feasibility study will consider a public-public-private partnership (PPP) for a network that could compete with...  |
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Connectivity providers hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis are accelerating diversification strategies through M&A. With recovering markets and global expansion coming up on the horizon, satellite broadband operator Viasat is buying secure network solutions provider RigNet in a US$222m all-stock deal. It comes after the pandemic has battered the share prices of both companies this year. The lack of travel has dented inflight connectivity revenues for Viasat, while lower oil & gas demand has hit the energy segment for RigNet. Viasat shares have...  |
