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Top IT News of the Week (05/2022)

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IT news #1: BT launches open RAN trial to boost mobile broadband.

Topic: Connectivity, unified communications

Mobile operator EE (BT) has announced a collaboration with existing network supplier Nokia to run one of their first UK trials of an open RAN in Hull to boost the local mobile broadband experience. Currently, vendors aiming to buy a new network kit can mostly choose from major suppliers (Nokia and Ericsson). With launching this initiative, the O-RAN seeks to standardise the design and functionality of the kit and software and, as a result, help companies to be able to supply them via vendor-neutral hardware and software-defined technology (the RAN side covers infrastructure, masts and antennae). UK major mobile operators are now looking at O-RAN solutions for the future and agreed to a “joint ambition” with the UK government. This will see 35% of the country’s mobile network traffic being carried over O-RAN by 2030. However, Vodafone is the only operator committed to a solid large-scale commercial build.

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IT news #2: Vodafone sets deadline to switch off UK 3G coverage.

Topic: Mobile connection, telecommunications

Hundreds of thousands of people living in rural areas will have to upgrade their mobile phones as Vodafone has announced plans to switch off the UK 3G network by the end of 2023 with a promise of not leaving anyone behind. The company with over 18 million UK customers is turning off the almost two-decade-old network as usage decreases in order to focus on using the freed to spectrum to expand its 4G and 5G networks. Vodafone has admitted that the move leaves customers stuck with their 3G-only phones, including older people who have not joined the smartphone revolution. However, parts of Cornwall, rural Scotland and north Norfolk are among the areas with only 3G coverage, which is about 2.2% of the UK. Vodafone is launching an awareness campaign to ensure no customers are left behind when the 3G signal is switched off next year.

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IT news #3: New laws propose strengthened UK cyber posture.

Topic: Cybersecurity, cyber regulation

The UK government is consulting on new measures to boost cybersecurity for UK businesses after an increase in high-profile cyberattacks. It has announced new laws are needed to drive up security standards in outsourced IT services used by almost all UK businesses. The published proposals also include suggestions to improve how companies report cybersecurity incidents to be more flexible and be able to react to the speed of technological change. The UK Cyber Security Council, which regulates the cyber security profession, also needs powers to raise the bar and create a set of agreed qualifications and certifications to make those working in cyber security be able to prove they are adequately equipped to protect businesses online. The plans follow recent high-profile incidents like the attack on SolarWinds and Microsoft Exchange Servers, which showed vulnerabilities in the third-party products and services used by businesses could be exploited. Julia Lopez, Minister of State for Media, Data and Digital Infrastructure, said: “Cyberattacks are often made possible because criminals and hostile states cynically exploit vulnerabilities in businesses’ digital supply chains and outsourced IT services that could be fixed or patched. Every UK organisation must take their cyber resilience seriously as we strive to grow, innovate and protect people online. It is not an optional extra.”

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IT news #4: Microsoft to increase prices by up to 25% from March 2022.

Topic: Microsoft, Office 365

Microsoft has announced its first significant pricing update since Office 365 was launched over a decade ago. This update reflects the increased value the company has delivered to its clients over the past ten years in three main areas – communications and collaboration, security and compliance, and AI and automation. During the years, Microsoft has grown to over 300 million commercial paid sets, with the company continuously reacting to meet the changing needs of its customers. It has introduced Microsoft 365 to bring together the best of Office, Windows and Enterprise Mobility and Security (EMS). In recent years, 24 apps were also added to the suites, including Microsoft Teams, Power Apps, Power BI, Power Automate, Stream, Planner, Visio, OneDrive, Yammer and Whiteboard. The price update will come into effect on the 1st of March 2022 and will affect the following products: Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Office 365 E1, Office 365 E3, Office 365 E5 and Microsoft 365 E3. The price increases will apply globally with local market adjustments for certain regions.

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