Eutelsat and Skynopy launch 'Global Akar' ground-station-as-a-service venture
Satellite operator Eutelsat and Paris-based spacetech start-up Skynopy have officially announced the launch of the Global Akar venture, under which the two partners will give clients access to a software-defined ground network for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services. The development follows an R&D phase that successfully demonstrated the technical feasibility of the project. This proof of concept was supported in part by the French government with funds from the 'France 2030' investment programme.
Eutelsat and Skynopy launch 'Global Akar' ground-station-as-a-service venture
Satellite operator Eutelsat and Paris-based spacetech start-up Skynopy have officially announced the launch of the Global Akar venture, under which the two partners will give clients access to a software-defined ground network for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services. The development follows an R&D phase that successfully demonstrated the technical feasibility of the project. This proof of concept was supported in part by the French government with funds from the 'France 2030' investment programme.
Switzerland proposes CHF 730 million fund for broadband expansion
The Swiss government is moving ahead with plans to set up a funding programme worth CHF 730 million to support the expansion of fibre-optic networks nationwide, in particular in sparsely populated areas. Following positive results from a public consultation last year, the Federal Council has drafted the neecessary legislation to start the public funding programme. The eight-year budget, expected to run from 2030 to 2037, is funded though fees collected for the use of mobile network frequencies from 2029.
Switzerland proposes CHF 730 million fund for broadband expansion
The Swiss government is moving ahead with plans to set up a funding programme worth CHF 730 million to support the expansion of fibre-optic networks nationwide, in particular in sparsely populated areas. Following positive results from a public consultation last year, the Federal Council has drafted the neecessary legislation to start the public funding programme. The eight-year budget, expected to run from 2030 to 2037, is funded though fees collected for the use of mobile network frequencies from 2029.
Apple increases prices on older iPhone models
Apple has taken the launch of the new iPhone as the moment to raise prices also on its older models. The new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are both priced USD 100 more than the previous generation, and Apple's existing models are also going up by USD 100 in price in the US. That increases the iPhone 17e to USD 699, iPhone 16 to a starting price of USD 799, the 17 to USD 899 and the iPhone Air to USD 1,099.
Apple increases prices on older iPhone models
Currys sees strong Services revenue growth
UK tech retailer Currys has issued a trading update for the 17 weeks to 29 August 2026, with UK & Ireland like-for-like revenue up 6 percent, and Nordics like-for-like revenue up 9 percent. Currys saw sales growth in both stores and online, with double-digit growth in B2B and new categories. It also saw strong Recurring Services revenue growth over the period, with flexpay adoption reaching 23.6 percent, and iD Mobile customers growing 16 percent year-on-year to reach over 2.7 million.
Currys sees strong Services revenue growth
Nokia tests network tomography in first live trial with Orange France
Nokia announced the successful testing of network tomography, a method of monitoring the health and performance of fibre-optic cables using algorithms and data processing capabilities from Nokia Bell Labs. The trial, described by the Finnish group as a worldwide first, aimed to provide near real-time visibility into conditions across Orange France's live optical transport network. It helped identify fibre degradation, amplifier problems, configuration errors, and similar issues that may affect performance.
Nokia tests network tomography in first live trial with Orange France
Former NXP executive Jogi named FiRa president
FiRa Consortium, the non-profit organisation responsible for promoting ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning technologies, has appointed Sunil Jogi as its new president. A veteran of the wireless and semiconductor sectors, Jogi previously sat on FiRa's board and co-chaired its Requirements Working Group, helping to define the group's strategic priorities and use-case specifications.
Former NXP executive Jogi named FiRa president
IOCO integrates Cato SASE platform into managed cybersecurity portfolio
South African ICT services provider iOCO has partnered with Cato Networks to expand its managed security portfolio through Cato's unified, cloud-native Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platform. The integration aims to support enterprises managing heightened cyber risks, accelerating AI adoption, and navigating increasingly complex hybrid and cloud environments. Building on iOCO's established zero-trust and managed cybersecurity operations, the service provides enterprise clients with end-to-end support, c
IOCO integrates Cato SASE platform into managed cybersecurity portfolio
Rogers adds exclusive Sportsnet+ content to Xfinity TV packages
Rogers Communications is adding exclusive Sportsnet+ content to Xfinity TV plans at no extra cost, including over 150 NHL games. From 29 September, three new digital channels with exclusive Sportsnet+ content will automatically be added to Rogers Xfinity TV packages with Sportsnet included. This will give customers access to NHL action, including Monday Night Hockey and more than 100 additional games. This exclusive Sportsnet+ add-on content is worth CAD 12.99 per month.
Rogers adds exclusive Sportsnet+ content to Xfinity TV packages
Bell launches new NaaS platform across Ontario, Quebec
Bell Canada has launched a digital platform called Bell On-Demand Network to provide business customers with full control, visibility and flexibility over their network connectivity services. The single-serve platform allows businesses to autonomously order, activate, manage and scale network connectivity, allowing them to quickly respond to changing business needs.
Bell launches new NaaS platform across Ontario, Quebec
Rede Aberta, Asteo set up Rurix holding to pool rural fibre assets
Spanish regional wholesale fibre operators Rede Aberta and Asteo Red Neutra have created a holding company called Rurix to coordinate their rural digital infrastructure and strategy. Asteo operates in Castilla-Leon, Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura and Madrid, while Rede Aberta is present in Galicia.
Rede Aberta, Asteo set up Rurix holding to pool rural fibre assets
Wildanet launches TiVo-powered internet TV service
Cornwall-based fibre altnet Wildanet has become the first broadband provider in the UK to launched a Powered by TiVo internet TV service. Delivered over the Wildanet full-fibre network, the new service costs from GBP 8.99 per month (with a 24-month contract) and combines live TV, catch-up and streaming for customers across Cornwall and Devon, using a single TV box and remote. The TiVo platform provides access to free live and on-demand content from PSB streaming platform Freely, and popular streaming apps.
