VMO2 brings 5G standalone to Northern Ireland

UK converged operator Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) has issued an update on its 5G standalone rollout, saying it has extended its network to parts of Northern Ireland. It covers around 800,000 of its residents out of a total population of roughly 2 million. In geographical terms, the standalone network, or 5G+ as VMO2 calls it, extends to five cities including Belfast and Derry, as well as 22 larger towns and 382 smaller population centers.

VMO2 blocks 1.4 billion scam messages and battles ‘SMS blasters’

VMO2 has also today detailed its efforts to block fraudulent text messages, saying it has blocked 1.4 billion of them to date. It notes that since 2024, fraudsters have stepped up their efforts to bypass network protections with what it calls “SMS blasters.” In what seems like a tacit admission that it can’t block all fraudulent messages – which will likely come as no surprise to anyone with a phone – it recommends constant vigilance to the general public.

VodafoneThree launches TV and entertainment hub

Another UK operator, VodafoneThree, has introduced what it calls a new entertainment hub, VodafoneTV, which brings together music, streaming and gaming. It offers access to streaming platforms, over 150 live TV channels and more than 300 games and apps, among other features. At home, customers will access that deluge with an Android-enabled set top box, with a mobile app available to continue streaming on a smartphone.

The operator also used the news to note customers can now splurge extra for better network performance, should they so choose, with today’s launch of Vodafone SuperMobile. The offering promises speed guarantees and traffic prioritization thanks standalone 5G and network slicing. (See also: VodafoneThree declares 5G network slicing war on BT)

Orange buys private 5G core technology Dome

Orange Business has acquired Dome technology from French company Obvios as it seeks to boost its private 5G offering for critical infrastructure operators. The technology is described as a “secure” and “deployable private 5G core,” as well as a “cloud-native software platform.” It will be integrated into the operator’s portfolio to serve customers in areas including defense, civil security, energy, transportation, and emergency services. Expected use cases include drone and autonomous system operations; military base connectivity; deployable tactical networks in remote or contested areas; surveillance systems at ports and airports; and real-time monitoring of critical infrastructure. (See also: Orange Business recognizes limits of Europe’s tech sovereignty and Orange Business’s drone detection service takes off)

BeeHealthy replaces verification texts with Nokia APIs

Nokia has found another customer for its network API offering, which it dubs Network as a Code, in digital healthcare software provider BeeHealthy. Together they will banish the pesky nuisance of one-time passcodes sent via text message and instead use an API to verify if a login is genuine through the mobile network. This way, customers will have a smoother journey in their effort to, erm, be healthy.

Telefónica says goodbye to its one-time Madrid HQ, sort of

Spanish incumbent Telefónica has completed the sale of Gran Vía 28, its rather spectacular looking one-time headquarters in Madrid, to General de Galerías Comerciales. The building, which once hosted the operator’s first automatic telephone exchange, took 21 years to build and was the tallest building in Europe upon its completion in 1931. It will continue to house some of the operator’s premises under the new management. The sale is part of Telefónica’s real estate portfolio pruning as set out in its latest strategic plan.