Nexst 5 | 2024

4G Deployment in Berlin and London underground

The Berlin U-Bahn now has a comprehensive 4G mobile network, ensuring high-speed internet access across all nine lines and 175 stations. This project, a collaboration between O2 Telefonica, Vodafone, and Deutsche Telekom, involved laying over 1,000 km of fibre optics and installing numerous antennas and base stations, paving the way for future 5G integration.

Similarly, London's Elizabeth Line now features high-speed 4G and 5G connectivity in its tunnels, covering the section from Royal Oak to Liverpool Street, with plans to extend further. This rollout, a collaboration between TfL and Boldyn Networks, aims to improve passenger experience and safety by the end of summer 2024.

Point Topic on broadband growth

According to a new report from Point Topic there will be 1.39 billion fixed broadband connections globally by 2030. FTTP is expected to be dominant, particularly in Asia and Europe. FTTP deployment in Africa remains in early stages, with growth driven by investments in Egypt and Algeria.

Split by technology Point Topic estimates that by 2030 there will be 1.12 billion FTTP, 149 million cable, 79 million FTTX, 16 million FWA and only 28 million DSL lines in the 29 largest broadband markets in the world.

Spanish mobile operators share spectrum

Movistar, MasOrange, and Vodafone Spain will be sharing frequencies in the 700MHz band to meet the requirements of the UNICO programme funded by the Spanish government and the European Union. This programme, part of the broader Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, focuses on enhancing digital connectivity and advancing telecommunications technologies, including 5G and 6G. The programme aims to achieve widespread access to ultra-fast broadband and promote research and innovation in next-generation mobile networks. The deal between the mobile operators, aimed at enhancing 5G and related infrastructure in underserved areas, awaits official confirmation and financial details.

Hong Kong boosts 5G Networks

Hong Kong has announced that it will allocate 1,200 MHz of spectrum in the 26 GHz and 28 GHz bands in Q3 2024 to four mobile network operators. Hutchison Telephone Company received 600 MHz, while China Mobile Hong Kong, Hong Kong Telecom, and SmarTone each received 200 MHz. This allocation, provided free of charge, aims to enhance 5G network capacity and coverage, particularly in high-traffic areas, fostering innovation and supporting the growth of Hong Kong's smart economy. This spectrum giveaway aims to improving the city's digital infrastructure, internet speeds, and reliability.

Trends in tech policy in the new EU term

A new legislative term has just started - what will tech policy look like in this new era? The legislative term will focus on implementing recently adopted digital laws such as the AI Act, Data Act, and Digital Services Act. Key challenges include avoiding inconsistencies and managing overlapping regulations. The AI Office will support companies in complying with the AI Act, which will involve numerous secondary legislations and standardization efforts. New initiatives include the Digital Networks Act, addressing telecom concerns, and a potential GDPR review due to emerging application issues. Additionally, there is growing interest in regulating virtual worlds and the metaverse.

For more details, visit the SEC Newgate page.

TIM completes sale of NetCo to KKR

TIM Group completed the sale of its fixed network business, known as NetCo, to Optics BidCo, a subsidiary of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (KKR), as of July 1, 2024. This transaction, valued at up to 22 billion euros, allows TIM to significantly reduce its debt by around 14 billion euros. The deal includes the transfer of FiberCop and the stakes in Sparkle. The closing follows several regulatory approvals, including a positive green light from the European Commission and clearance under Italy's Golden Power regulations. This strategic move is part of TIM's broader efforts to streamline operations and improve financial stability.

Prysmian Q2 2024 results

Prysmian SpA reported a strong EBITDA performance, reaching €870m, with significant growth in the second quarter compared to the previous year. An 11.1% EBITDA margin for the first half of 2024 and a robust free cash flow of nearly EUR900 million over the last 12 months were realized.

The transmission business saw a 10% organic growth and a leap in EBITDA from EUR116 million to EUR150 million in the first half of 2024, with a target to reach a 16% EBITDA margin by next year.

Prysmian also made significant progress on its sustainability goals, achieving a 36% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions and increasing recycled content in cables from 12.5% to 15%. Acquisition of Encore Wire was also successfully completed.

Table of contents