Nexst 4 | 2024 | Prysmian

NExsT 4 2024 NEWS

Prysmian to acquire Warren & Brown, Australian leader in Network Connectivity Products

Prysmian has signed an agreement to acquire Warren & Brown Technologies, a top Australian firm in telecommunication network connectivity products. This acquisition is a strategic milestone, merging Prysmian’s digital solutions expertise with Warren & Brown’s strengths in enterprise telecom solutions. It aligns with Prysmian’s “Connect, to Lead” strategy to become a global provider facilitating energy transition and digital transformation.

Founded in 1921, Warren & Brown is headquartered in Melbourne, with three production sites: two in Melbourne and one in Manila, Philippines. The company leads the Australian market in telecom network connectivity, particularly in FTTA, FTTH, and data centre solutions, generating annual revenue of approximately 90 million AUD (€55 million). The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions.

Growing data consumption requires new European policies

The EU is striving to meet its 2025 connectivity goals, which include providing all European households with 100 Mb/s networks that can be upgraded as needed. Boosting fibre deployment is crucial to meet the growing data demand and ensure high-quality, affordable broadband. Data consumption in Europe's telecommunication networks is consistently increasing. Mobile data consumption per user is expected to grow five times, from 15 GB per month in 2022 to 75 GB per month by 2030, at an annual growth rate of 25%. Fixed data consumption per household will rise from 225 GB per month in 2022 to 900 GB per month by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 20%.

Ofcom: 62% of UK homes can access full-fibre broadband.

Ofcom's spring 2024 study of UK fixed broadband and mobile coverage reports that the coverage of fixed "superfast broadband" (30Mb/s+) remains at 97%. Now, 18.7 million homes (62%) can order FTTP service via various networks, up from 57%. "Full fibre" FTTP now reaches 62% of the UK, up from 57% in September 2023, while 80% are within reach of a gigabit-capable network, up from 78%. Additionally, 85-92% of premises can receive an outdoor 5G signal from at least one operator. This is largely unchanged.

Analysys Mason: Telefónica leading in edge computing

Telefónica has been recognized for the first time as a leading company in Analysys Mason's "Edge Strategy Case Studies: Operator's Progress Report." Private edge computing connectivity is increasingly strategic for Industry 4.0, particularly in logistics, manufacturing, and online entertainment sectors. Telefónica Tech offers key edge infrastructure to its customers through its Virtual Data Centers on the Edge (VDC-Edge) in these sectors. The proximity of data centres to end-users and devices ensures faster response times and improved performance, benefiting logistics and manufacturing operations. By processing data closer to the source, VDC-Edge enhances data security, helps meet local regulatory requirements, and minimizes latency, which is crucial for real-time applications in sectors like gaming, VR, and AR.

FCC vote on reinstating net neutrality broadband rules

On April 25, 2024, the FCC voted 3-2 to reinstate net neutrality by reclassifying broadband Internet access as a Title II telecommunications service. This decision grants the FCC greater regulatory authority to protect consumers, enhance cybersecurity and public safety, and ensure a fair, open internet. The new rules also promote broadband deployment and accessibility for all users, including those in underserved areas, and prohibit blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization of lawful content. Net neutrality regulations, or the classification and regulation of broadband as a “telecommunications service” under the FCC’s Title II authority, were first introduced under the Obama administration and FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler in 2015. They were repealed in 2018 under the Trump administration and Chairman Ajit Pai.

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Nexst 4 | 2024