Italian government shuffles share holdings as TIM edges closer to bagging Postepay’s infrastructure to consolidate Italy’s domestic communications network
The Board of Directors of Poste Italiane, which is a controlled by Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), has approved the acquisition of a 9.81% share in Telecom Italia (TIM). It is acquiring the stake from Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), the state-backed bank, which owns 35% of the share capital of Poste Italiane. CDP is also controlled by the MEF.
Poste Italiane’s board of directors also decided to sell its entire shareholding in Nexi, which equates to about 3.78% of Nexi’s share capital, to CDP.
The proceeds from the shares in TIM will be in part be paid from the transfer from the sale of shares in Nexi to CDP and the rest in cash.
Rationale
The acquisition [translated from Italian] “enables the evolution of commercial relations between TIM and Poste Italiane” noting that “the negotiation for the provision of access services for Postepay – a wholly owned subsidiary of Poste Italiane – to TIM’s mobile network infrastructure is at an advanced stage”.
“The transaction represents, as a whole, for Poste Italiane an investment of a strategic nature, with the aim of creating synergies between companies and favouring, with all the actors concerned, the consolidation of the telecommunications market in Italy.”
Poste Italiane is Italy’s largest distribution network. It activities include delivery of letters and parcels, financial and insurance services, payment systems and telephony intended for families, companies and public administrations.
Beyon’s rebranding of Batelco to diversify into offers like finance now sees a converged fixed mobile bundle hit the market
Bahrain’s Batelco by Beyon announced the launch of “One Plan” a first of its kind product plan that is designed to integrate customers’ mobile and home connectivity needs all in one single plan. The mobile market leader has seen intensified fixed-line competition following its structural separation and the formation of the wholesale BNET. Now, STC and Zain have been chipping away at the operator’s dominance and acting as a dampener on broadband ARPU.
The new One Plan service will provide extra stickiness for customer retention and potential upsell opportunities – provided the bundle is seen as competitive. The telco said that for the first time in Bahrain, customers can combine up to five postpaid mobile lines and one fibre internet line into a single plan, under one unified bill. New and existing Fiber lines can shift to One Plan, One Plan Plus, One Plan Max irrespective of existing speed or contract status.
One Plan is tailored to club together services dedicated to small, medium and large families, as well as customers with multiple lines. The telco said the service comes with a range of new benefits, and with its unified approach is a simpler way to stay connected. The plan includes three distinct tiers, with prices starting at BHD 33 (about €83.46) , and is available on Batelco’s mobile app and all of Batelco’s retail shops.
The telco said the tiers within One Plan include a wide range of benefits such as unlimited data, social media, and call minutes. Customers can also enjoy roaming minutes and data allowances and are also eligible to access platinum numbers, and a complimentary subscription to an entertainment platform of their choice.
The One Plan Plus is BHD 55/month and the One Plan Max is BHD 77/month. This two offer unlimited worldwide roaming data [although throttled after the user’s data allowance is consumed]. The basic plan offers mobile broadband plus 3 mobile lines while the Plus and Max offer 100Mbps/200Mbps respectively. Batelco is also offering a free device with every contract renewal.
On the One Plan Plus, customers receive a device discount of BHD 300, while the One Plan Max offers a device discount of BHD 400. If the selected device exceeds the allocated discount, customers have the option to pay the remaining balance to complete their purchase.
Retail presence
One Plan was highlighted during the launch of Batelco’s revamped retail shop at City Center during an exclusive event held this weekend. The new look retail shop, includes advanced self-service digital kiosks alongside a smart vending machine, enabling customers to complete all their transactions. This includes subscribing to a new line and purchasing a new device. Additionally, an expanded lineup of mobile accessories is displayed and available.
“We are thrilled with the introduction One Plan alongside the opening of our new City Center retail shop,” said Batelco general manager consumer division Aseel Mattar. “Our latest offering and our new store are both designed to reflect our commitment to being customer-focused and elevating user experiences.”
“With One Plan, we aim to accommodate the diverse needs of families and individuals, while providing a more convenient and simpler way to manage and monitor multiple services and bills,” she added. “We look forward to delivering an elevated and more convenient shopping experience, in an inspired setting.”
Partner content: A look into why this release is so important and some of the big-ticket items you need to know about
5G Standalone (5GSA) reaches maturity with 3GPP’s Release 18, unlocking new business model opportunities and transforming connectivity with enhanced features and robust security. The epic journey of mobile communication has been a relentless pursuit of connecting people and devices with ever-increasing speed, reliability, and intelligence. From the rudimentary voice calls of 1G to the multimedia experiences of 4G, each generation has transformed how we engage with the world.
The advent of 5G promises not merely an incremental improvement but a paradigm shift – a platform for innovation that could redefine industries and everyday life. As we approach the pivotal 5G Release 18, we witness the culmination of years of development and the maturation of 5GSA networks.
This release is not just another step in the evolution of mobile networks; it is the point at which 5GSA reaches the maturity promised at its inception. It gives CSPs a suite of capabilities to make compelling offers for their subscribers and business customers.
Timeline for 3GPP Release 18 Adoption
Given the standard delays in commercialising 3GPP releases, Release 18 (5G Advanced) will follow a typical adoption curve, transitioning from early adopters to mainstream deployment and ultimately reaching market saturation.
The Journey to 5GSA Maturity
When 5G was first introduced, it came in two flavours: Non-Standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA). The NSA deployment allowed operators to leverage existing 4G infrastructure, providing a quicker rollout but limiting the full capabilities of 5G. 5GSA, on the other hand, promised a complete overhaul—a new core network designed to support the advanced features and services envisioned for the 5G era.
According to the GSMA Mobility report, we are experiencing slow yet steady growth in new 5GSA networks, which have risen from approximately 50 at the end of 2023 to 63 in October 2024. This growth signifies the increasing adoption and maturation of 5GSA technology within the telecommunications industry.
Early deployments of 5GSA encountered significant challenges due to the revolutionary nature of the new technology. The industry demonstrated resilience in adapting to cloud-native architectures in its operations. These challenges included the Service-based Architecture (SBA) and the associated new Service-based Interfaces (SBI) that replaced traditional peer-to-peer interfaces, all while network functions were still being defined. Orchestration and network dynamicity were promised but proved difficult to implement.
Additionally, devices compatible with 5GSA were limited. However, over successive 3GPP releases, these hurdles were systematically addressed. Release 15 laid the groundwork, while Releases 16 and 17 built upon it, introducing enhancements and new functionalities. Release 18, however, signifies the advent of 5GSA.
Improved Offerings: Bridging Vision and Reality
Release 18 matures many features that can enable business opportunities for Communication Service Providers (CSPs) by bringing tangible benefits for end users and devices. However, some of the applications of this technology have not yet materialised or been monetised. Still, operators will be looking for the ROI on these significant improvements.
Here is a list of the enhanced capabilities upon which the improved offerings rely:
IoT at Scale with RedCap Phase 2
Enhanced support for massive machine-type communications (mMTC) enables the deployment of extensive networks of IoT devices, driving smart cities, agriculture, and industry 4.0 initiatives. RedCap Phase 2 promises a new generation of low-cost industrial devices that maximise their utilisation of the 5GSA network while minimising implementation costs.
For Subscribers – Smarter cities, efficient traffic systems, precision farming, and improved industrial automation contribute to a more interconnected world.
For Businesses and CSPs – Lower-cost IoT deployments reduce CAPEX and OPEX, making massive IoT networks viable and creating new monetisation opportunities for CSPs.
CSP Value Proposition – CSPs can turn RedCap into a revenue stream by offering industrial IoT connectivity-as-a-service, enabling enterprises to scale IoT deployments cost-effectively.
Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC)
URLLC is not confined to industrial settings. It can be utilised anywhere communication demands extremely low latency. The Release 18 URLLC enhancements benefit essential applications such as autonomous vehicles and industrial automation, offering the reliability and responsiveness these services necessitate.
Reference:3GPP TS 22.104 – URLLC Requirements
Why This Matters:
For Subscribers – Enhanced safety in autonomous vehicles and more accurate factory automation minimise errors and risks.
For Businesses & CSPs – Enterprise 5G adoption accelerates, allowing CSPs to offer premium SLAs for mission-critical applications, driving high-margin revenue streams.
CSP Value Proposition – CSPs can create premium 5G network slices with URLLC guarantees, unlocking new revenue from industries with high network demands.
Real-Time Interactive Experiences
By enhancing URLLC capabilities, 5GSA networks will provide unparalleled fluidity in real-time AR/VR applications for immersive gaming, virtual meetings, and remote assistance.
Reference:3GPP TR 26.928 – XR in 5G
Why This Matters:
For Subscribers – More immersive gaming on the go, realistic VR meetings, and real-time assistance for improved digital experiences.
For Businesses and CSPs – CSPs can monetise real-time experiences by offering network slicing for gaming and XR applications, opening new revenue streams from premium services.
CSP Value Proposition – Unlock new revenue with ultra-low-latency 5G. CSPs can monetise immersive gaming, virtual collaboration, and AR/VR services through premium network slicing and guaranteed QoS. Offer differentiated 5G tiers for consumers and enterprises.
Seamless Connectivity
The architecture has been enhanced with new capabilities for integration with households, facilitating seamless transitions between wireline and wireless networks, as well as networks employing CSP capabilities but connected via wireline. With the integration of non-terrestrial networks (NTN), users can enjoy uninterrupted connectivity even in remote or underserved areas, effectively bridging the digital divide.
Reference:3GPP TR 38.821 – Solutions for NR to Support NTN
Why This Matters:
For Subscribers – No more dropped connections between Wi-Fi and mobile networks; rural and remote areas finally get reliable 5G access.
For Businesses and CSPs – 5G services expand beyond urban areas, unlocking new revenue in rural connectivity and enterprise satellite services.
CSP Value Proposition – Monetise fixed-wireless bundles, remote connectivity solutions, and IoT applications, bringing 5G even to the hardest-to-reach areas.
Mature Private Networks
Annex I of the primary 5G architecture document is now dedicated to definitions of private networks, encompassing both standalone private networks (SNPN) and those integrated with the public network (PNI-NPN). Details on security integration and capabilities are now outlined and ready for implementation.
For Subscribers – Enterprises benefit from secure, high-performance private 5G networks, ensuring faster, more reliable connectivity in industrial and enterprise settings.
For Businesses and CSPs – CSPs and system integrators can monetise private 5G solutions catering to manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and government applications, all looking for enhanced and secure networks.
CSP Value Proposition – Offer Private 5G-as-a-Service (P5GaaS) to manufacturers, hospitals, and logistics hubs, ensuring low-latency, ultra-reliable, and SLA-backed performance for mission-critical operations.
Improved Network Functions: The Backbone of Maturity
At the core of 5GSA’s evolution and maturity in Release 18 lies the enhanced Network Functions (NFs) that redefine network capabilities:
Multi-Edge Cloud (MEC), Network Exposure Function (NEF) Expansion and Application Function (AF) Enhancements
The AF integrates more comprehensively with network services, enabling third-party applications to interact seamlessly with the 5G core. This creates opportunities for services that require real-time network data, such as dynamic QoS adjustments based on application demands. Multi-Edge Cloud Services, managed as an AF within the network, can engage with the core via the NEF, providing a distributed computing environment that positions computing resources closer to the end-user.
The capabilities of the NEF are expanded to provide more detailed access to network functionalities and information. This enables service developers to create applications that more effectively harness powerful network features such as edge computing and network slicing.
This has the potential to deliver applications and services to consumers and industry that can harness the full capabilities of a 5GSA network, enabling the performance peaks they have been anticipating. It can also stimulate new business models for CSPs and content providers, such as a cloud gaming platform, which can utilise these new capabilities as a fundamental business enabler and differentiator, igniting excitement and anticipation for the future of 5GSA.
Reference:3GPP TS 29.522 – NEF API Specification and 3GPP TS 23.501 – System Architecture for the 5G System
Why This Matters:
The enhancements in Release 18 for MEC, NEF, and AF unlock potential new CSP revenue models, enabling operators to offer enterprises on-demand network performance, edge computing, and real-time insights. By exposing network intelligence through APIs, CSPs can extend their capabilities beyond mere connectivity, evolving into platform providers that drive higher-margin services in gaming, enterprise IT, and AI automation.
Operators must strategically position MEC/NEF as enterprise automation solutions, rather than merely as connectivity features, to fully utilise these enhanced capabilities while learning from the past. They should bundle MECaaS with Private Networks to offer comprehensive managed services. Furthermore, they need to concentrate on the industry verticals that require low-latency edge computing the most, such as manufacturing and logistics.
AI in the Core Network: Policy Control Function (PCF) Evolution and Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) Advancements
The PCF now supports more sophisticated policy decisions, incorporating AI and machine learning algorithms to dynamically optimise resource allocation. This guarantees that network resources are utilised efficiently while offering end-users the best possible experience.
NWDAF enhancements facilitate real-time analytics throughout the network, offering insights that can stimulate automation and proactive maintenance. This will minimise downtime and enhance overall service reliability.
Incorporating the capabilities of both the Model Training Logical Function (MTLF) and the Analytical Logical Function (AnLF) to execute trained models creates a formidable combination for an NWDAF that can continuously learn from network behaviour and enhance it over time.
Reference:3GPP TS 23.288 – NWDAF Services and 3GPP TS 23.503 – Policy and Charging Control Framework
Why This Matters:
The journey to autonomy begins now. These enhancements build on the previous foundational work and relatively unsuccessful attempts to integrate AI/ML into the network. The change lies in the scope and capabilities, with each NF now capable of operating dynamically and in real-time with AI/ML, as opposed to the predefined, non-real-time AI-based optimisations of the past. The critical aspect, then, is not only how the network can become more autonomous but also how the delivery of services can be managed more autonomously, including addressing any remediation or drops in SLA for any offering.
Improved Security
Security is non-negotiable in today’s world, marked by geopolitical instability. Release 18 introduces enhanced capabilities to meet the demand for robust security. It features improved authentication methods and encryption protocols to safeguard data integrity and privacy. Additionally, it provides secure access for wireline integrated networks with Release 18 capabilities, non-3GPP networks through the N3IWF, Non-5G-Capable over WLAN devices (N5CW), and Authenticable Non-3GPP devices (AUN3).
With the addition of OAuth and CAPIF support, 3GPP has also enhanced the security of the AF. This is a highly significant topic for Multi-Edge Cloud deployments, as it could pose a security threat to the core network. Additionally, there is a substantial enhancement to the security of private networks, including both SNPN and PNI-NPN.
Last but not least, encryption schemes that allow the implementation of quantum-resistant security have also been introduced.
Reference:3GPP TS 33.501 – Security Architecture and Procedures, C1 and Annex I
Why this matters:
In an era of increasing cyber threats, including nation-state threats, regulatory pressures, and enterprise security demands, Release 18 bolsters 5G security with improved authentication, encryption, and quantum-resistant protocols. For subscribers, this translates to enhanced data protection and secure connectivity, particularly in sensitive industries like finance and healthcare. For CSPs, these advancements enable more robust private network security, stronger SLA-backed enterprise services, and compliance with evolving cybersecurity regulations. With OAuth, CAPIF, and advanced encryption, CSPs can provide trusted, high-assurance connectivity, rendering 5G SA networks more viable for high-security applications, including government and enterprise deployments.
The goal of providing a robust architecture for a converged communication framework continues. In Release 18, we observe the inclusion of the new 5G-RG (Residential Gateway), FN-RG (Fixed Network Residential Gateway), and the previously mentioned Authenticable Non-3GPP devices (AUN3).
These new architectural components and device classes enable improved home services and better integration with the associated security layers, potentially introducing new categories of devices and services to the consumer market.
Reference:3GPP TS 33.501 – Security for wireline access to the 5G core network (Section 7B)
Why this matters:
The demand for seamless, always-on connectivity is increasing, and Release 18’s 5WWC advancements bridge the gap between wired and wireless networks. For subscribers, this translates to a unified, uninterrupted experience—whether on fibre, Wi-Fi, or 5G, their services remain consistent. This convergence creates new revenue opportunities for CSPs, enabling them to offer fully integrated broadband and mobile packages, reduce churn, and provide enterprise-grade, SLA-backed connectivity. With enhanced security and seamless network authentication, CSPs can enhance customer experience while optimising infrastructure investments, making 5G a universal access technology.
Service Assurance – The Foundation for Autonomous Networks & Monetisation
As the industry progresses towards Release 18, the network will become increasingly autonomous and adaptive, incorporating the added complexity of new offerings, cloud solutions, and dynamic elements. Service Assurance must be integrated from the outset rather than treated as an afterthought. The vision for self-optimising, AI-driven 5G and beyond relies on real-time visibility, automated fault detection, and continuous performance validation. Without this foundation, network automation cannot inspire trust, SLAs cannot be upheld, and monetisation opportunities will be overlooked.
Operators investing in network slicing, private 5G, and dynamic QoS services must recognise that what cannot be monitored cannot be monetised. The ability to guarantee service performance, optimise in real-time, and proactively resolve issues will distinguish the leaders from the laggards in the race for next-generation connectivity.
Anritsu understands that Service Assurance is not a luxury—it is a necessity. The networks of tomorrow will not only deliver connectivity; they will ensure quality, reliability, and value from the moment they are conceived. Are you contemplating how you will assure your network by 2030?
Embracing the Future with 3GPP Release 18
The continuing story of 5GSA is one of ambition, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. With Release 18, we witness the culmination of this particular journey—the moment at which the original promises of 5G can become a reality. By addressing previous shortcomings, networks become more intelligent, responsive, and capable.
For industries, this maturity signifies unlocking new business models, enhancing efficiency, and remaining competitive in a swiftly evolving market. For consumers, it translates into experiences that enrich daily life, rendering the extraordinary commonplace.
According to GSMA’s data, 5GSA has struggled to become the mainstream technology deployment for CSPs, with only 63 documented commercial implementations. However, nearly 200 CSPs are actively studying or investing in 5GSA, suggesting that many are waiting for a breakthrough application or business model to establish 5GSA as a winner.
At the very least, we can regard a 5GSA network update as a reliable stepping stone towards 6G, which, although not yet fully defined, represents an evolutionary advance of today’s 5GSA technology. 5G Advanced embodies the ideal bridge, merging maturity, business potential, and the technology necessary to ensure future resilience.
Operators must recognise that 5GSA cannot be overlooked. The challenges associated with transferring to the new architecture have been addressed, and the intricate issues have been resolved. Therefore, the question for operators is not whether they should transition to 5GSA/5G Advanced, but when.
With 5GSA maturing, CSPs must shift their focus from deploying infrastructure to effectively monetising it. Release 18 provides the tools, but operators must act strategically to convert them into revenue. The maturation of 5GSA is not an endpoint but a foundation—a platform upon which the next generation of innovations will be built. Together, we advance into a future where the limits of technology are again redefined, and the way we connect and communicate is transformed. For more articles/blogs from Anritsu Service Assurance see here: https://service-assurance.anritsu.eu/blog
About the author
Marco Gatti is the Head of 5G Product, Solutions, and Strategy at Anritsu and is responsible for the strategy and evolution of the Anritsu Service Assurance portfolio for 5G.
Marco has 20+ years of experience in the telecommunications industry, working for Compaq, HP, Ericsson, and Anritsu and delivering projects and presales worldwide for Tier 1 Service Providers. He began his career as a developer and solution architect and moved to enterprise architecture and business consultancy for OSS and BSS.
His recent focus has included CEM, Orchestration, Network slicing, Cloudification, and, of course, Service Assurance with related integrations using industry-standard guidelines. Marco enjoys leveraging IT and automation tooling to make operations easier while focusing on the business’s value.
Marco holds a B.Sc. in Economics and Management and an M.Sc. in Trade Marketing and Commercial Strategies from the Università degli Studi di Parma, Italy. He started his developer journey on a Philips MSX in 1989.
Given Digi’s last 9-month net profit soared to €397.1m, hopes are high for the operator to post solid full-year results later this month
According to Spain’s National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC), of the new fixed broadband lines added last November, more than 75% were attributed to Digi. The operator’s market share also surpassed 10%, reaching 10.35%. In November, Spain’s competitive broadband sector added 72,814 new lines, bringing the total to 18,449,270, which equates to 38 lines per 100 inhabitants, up from 36 the previous year. Fibre optic lines (FTTH) grew by 97,580, reaching 16.4 million, representing 89% of the total. Movistar, Vodafone, and MasOrange held 84.5% of the total fixed broadband lines, which makes Digi’s gains even more interesting.
In December Digi extended its TV offering, extending the service to all Spanish provinces and offering more than 100 channels with the likes of Disney, Warner, AMC, Sony, NBCUniversal and Paramount at a pretty low cost of €7 per month. Despite its attractive offers in Spain, the operator said last results that the country was still generating the highest ARPU of its operations.
Digi is just getting started in Portugal after taking over Cabonitel from telecommunications group Lorca for €150m. That deal also included the acquisition of the target’s subsidiary Nowo Communications, Portugal’s fourth biggest mobile and fixed services operator.
Meanwhile, in Belgium, Digital signed a five-year national roaming agreement with Proximus to launch with 4G while it builds out a 5G network. The operator wants to achieve 30% 5G population coverage by the end of 2025 and establish a network of 4,500 sites by the end of this decade. The Belgium launch followed the typical low cost entry – the operator launched with a cut-price mobile tariff priced at €5 per month for 15 GB of data, alongside a fixed broadband offering at €10 per month for a 500 Mbps full-fibre connection.
According to Ookla, Digi has introduced ‘DIGI Fiber’, bringing its signature aggressive pricing to the FTTH market. Launching with a limited footprint in select Brussels suburbs, DIGI Fiber offers download speeds of up to 10 Gbps for as little as €20 per month. It plans to scale this fibre footprint rapidly, as it has done in Spain, targeting 2 million households within two years.
The RAN in Spain
Digi has also made gains in mobile according to the CNMC data. The number of mobile lines reached 61.2 million, marking a 2.8% year-on-year increase. Movistar, MasOrange, and Vodafone accounted for 87.8% of the total. A total of 518,506 mobile numbers were ported, a 0.3% decrease year-on-year. Collectively, MVNOs, Movistar, and Digi experienced positive net gains, while Vodafone and MasOrange lost lines.
Vodafone includes data from Ono and MasOrange includes data from Orange and Grupo Masmovil as of April 2024. Overall, there were 53.91 million mobile broadband voice lines, a 3.7% year-on-year increase. Machine-to-Machine (M2M) lines increased by 12.2% compared to the previous year, totalling 12.82 million.
Telecom Italia’s international infrastructure and services arm was excluded from the deal in which US fund KKR bought the domestic network, split off from the services business
Telecom Italia (TIM) has agreed to sell Sparkle, its international infrastructure and services unit, to Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and Retelit, a subsidiary of the Spanish infrastructure fund Asterion. The deal values Sparkle at €700 million and it is thought the deal will be closed in the first quarter of 2026.
The deal is valid until 27 January next year, but given the Italian telco’s track record for convoluted, long-winded negotiations between multiple parties, almost anything could happen.
Sparkle was excluded from the protracted wrangle of selling TIM’s domestic infrastructure to US asset investment firm KKR for about €22 billion, although Sparkle’s sale to KKR as a separate package was on the table for a considerable time. Clearly the parties could not agree terms.
The deal that has been accepted now was first put forward as a non-binding offer at the end of last year. The price is considerably lower than the €1 billion and even €1.5 billion price tags that were bandied about at various stages in the complex talks that also involved splitting TIM into a NetCo and ServCo.
The collaboration is to “assess the impact of large-scale, massive use of AI on telecommunications networks worldwide” and includes joint R&D
Orange announced it is joining forces with Mistral AI to “assess the impact of large-scale, massive use of AI on telecommunications networks worldwide”. The two intend to “define technological roadmaps to build the networks of tomorrow and address challenges related to connectivity and GPU availability. The goal is to ensure all customers have smooth and efficient access to advanced AI solutions,” the press statement says.
The telco group’s CTO office apparently thought long and hard in 2024 about the changes needed to its network architectures to accommodate applications driven by AI. It seems the conclusion is working closely with Mistral AI.
Omnimodal AI
The statement explains, “2025 marks the advent of omnimodal AI – an AI that integrates and analyses diverse data (voice, data, images, etc) to enrich user interaction. In this context, Orange’s infrastructures will evolve to guarantee remarkable network quality and minimal latency, close to real time. This paves the way for agentic AI, enabling instant interactions and decisions.”
In addition to jointly undertaking R&D, Orange plans to integrate Mistral AI’s technologies into its infrastructure: for example, Orange will optimise intelligent traffic management in its networks, along with predictive maintenance solutions and repairs. The addition of Mistral AI is expected to “generate unprecedented gains in efficiency and competitiveness.”
Orange Business, the enterprise services unit, will also integrate Mistral AI applications into the services it offers, such as AI assistant Le Chat Pro (see logo above) and GenAI model Codestral.
Orange Group’s CEO, Christel Heydemann, outlined the ambitious scope of the operator’s tie-up with Mistal AI: “By joining forces with Mistral AI, we are taking a major step towards establishing Europe as a global leader in AI. This collaboration is unprecedented as it fully incorporates the research dimension. It will promote the massive adoption of AI and enable its full potential through high-quality networks, tailored for real-time conversations.
“Together, we firmly believe that generative AI can positively transform businesses when technology and trust come together.”
Significant milestones?
Arthur Mensch, CEO of Mistral AI, added, “This strategic collaboration aims to integrate AI into Orange’s operations, services and R&D initiatives. This marks a significant milestone in the deployment of AI and in preparing for the growing adoption of this transformative technology.”
Earlier this week Mistral AI announced it would collaborate with Iliad, the French CSP that competes against Orange in several markets, including France. Iliad’s French opco, which trades under the Free brand, is to bundle Le Chat Pro into all its mobile service offers, free for a year.
Mistral AI has also signed a partnership deal with Cisco to develop an AI agent for enterprises, having agreed to collaborate with the French AI firm last summer. Liz Centoni, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Experience Officer at Cisco, said. “Mistral AI is a critical partner for Cisco Customer Experience (CX) as we build towards an Agentic-AI-Led future”.
Point Topic’s latest report reveals that unlike most other goods, the average residential 5G tariff in Europe was $50.11, down from $52.22 recorded in Q3 2024
5G tariffs continue to offer better value for money than 4G in Europe, both in terms of cost per GB of data and cost per Mbps (bandwidth), according to the latest Mobile Broadband Tariffs dataset from Point Topic. The analysis, based on more than 1,000 tariffs from all major mobile broadband providers from the EU-28, Norway and Switzerland found that in Q4 2024, the average residential 5G tariff in Europe was $50.11 purchasing price parity (PPP), down from $52.22 PPP recorded in Q3 2024. It varied from $87.89 PPP in Malta to $8.29 PPP in Romania.
The average residential 4G tariff in Europe was $37.87 PPP, up slightly quarter-on-quarter from $37.74. It varied from $76.37 PPP in Norway to $6.58 PPP in Romania. It’s a big disparity but in Norway the average data cap was 63GB and the average downstream bandwidth was 292Mbps, while in Romania the average data cap was 27GB, with the average bandwidth at 142Mbps.
Meanwhile, the average 5G data cap in Europe was 535GB, down from 550GB in Q3 2024. It varied from 1,000GB / unlimited data in Romania, Finland and Malta to 113GB in Belgium. The average 4G data cap was 396GB, up from 371GB in Q3 2024. It varied from unlimited data (1,000GB) in Finland, Switzerland, Spain and Greece[1] to 25GB in Estonia.
As a result, the average European cost per GB was lower on 5G plans ($0.12 PPP) compared to 4G tariffs ($0.27 PPP) (residential tariffs). This indicator stayed the same on 5G while on 4G it has gone up from $0.20 PPP that we recorded in Q3 2024. The European average 4G business tariff was $38.58 PPP, having dropped from $40.61 PPP in Q3 2024. For 5G the average business tariff was $54.46 PPP and stayed exactly the same as in the previous quarter.
5G premium?
In all countries except Norway, Bulgaria and Italy Point Topic found the average 5G tariffs were higher than 4G tariffs, as one would expect given typically higher bandwidth and data caps, and lower latency on 5G networks. It is more difficult to work out the advantage for operators rolling out 5G in those three countries however. In 18 out of the 30 countries, the average 5G data allowance was lower than the European average of 535GB. The average itself dropped from 550GB that Point Topic recorded in Q3 2024.
In some countries, high average data allowance came with a relatively low average monthly subscription, or vice versa. This resulted in varying average cost per GB across Europe. This resulted in varying average cost per GB across Europe. In the case of 5G, the average cost per GB varied from $0.01 PPP in Romania to $0.33 PPP in Belgium. The differences were more pronounced for 4G tariffs – the average cost per GB on these plans ranged from $0.02 PPP in Spain to $1.50 PPP in Estonia, where the average 4G data cap was only 25GB.
UK laggard
Where the data is available, the average downstream speed on residential 5G plans ranged from 1,500Mbps in Malta to 61Mbps in the UK. The average downstream bandwidth on residential 4G tariffs varied between 533Mbps in Sweden and 2Mbps in Switzerland. The average European 5G speed was 428Mbps (down from 458Mbps in Q3 2024), compared to 146Mbps (up from 145Mbps in Q3) on 4G tariffs.
Business rates
For 5G the average business tariff in Europe was $54.46 PPP, with 11 countries exceeding it. Interestingly, the average European 5G business tariff stayed exactly the same as in the previous quarter, while the 4G average dropped from $40.61 PPP to $38.58 PPP. Switzerland and Greece led in terms of the average 4G data included in the tariffs, with unlimited data on offer. Point Topic highlighted that, in both countries, this was higher than the average 5G data allowance. Germany was at the bottom with 24GB average data cap on 4G.
Latvia and Ireland offered businesses the highest average 5G data (unlimited / 1,000GB), while Belgium was at the bottom of the ranking with 201GB average data cap. The average 5G data cap in the 30 European countries was 524GB (down from 557GB in Q3), compared to 384GB (up from 372GB) on 4G tariffs.
The Joint Open Infrastructure for Networks Research (JOINER) platform is led by the University of Bristol’s Smart Internet Lab whose future networks mission includes 6G
Digital Catapult, a public-private deep tech innovation organisation, has become one of the first sites to connect to the UK’s Joint Open Infrastructure for Networks Research (JOINER) platform. The JOINER platform is led by the University of Bristol’s Smart Internet Lab. Its mission is to accelerate the adoption of future communication and networking technologies, including 6G, nationwide.
So far, the JOINER platform has brought together 11 universities and research organisations to create environments for large-scale 6G research and experimentation. Digital Catapult will integrate its Autonomous Network Service Management and Orchestration System into JOINER to help create 6G networks that can adapt to the changing demands from UK industry.
Digital Catapult’s network of independent, vendor-neutral testbeds provide access to resources that help organisations apply deep tech innovations to solve complex challenges. In collaboration with the University of Bristol, Digital Catapult has demonstrated advanced inter-domain service orchestration as part of the REASON open networks project, designed to accelerate the practical application of deep tech innovation.
“Interdomain orchestration enables seamless coordination across diverse networks, supporting advanced applications such as holographic video calls, and advancing innovation in the immersive space,” according to Digital Catapult. “This innovation reduces latency, enhances reliability, and dynamically allocates resources, ensuring optimal performance for immersive and bandwidth-heavy experiences, benefiting sectors such as the UK’s creative industries.
The JOINER platform supports early commercialisation and proof-of-concept testing for next-generation networks, convening capabilities from around the UK, and enabling deep tech companies to scale faster. The platform allows industry and academia to gather experimental evidence, translate research, and validate innovative services under real-world conditions, which are pivotal to advancing the development and use of data-driven and open future networks.
This milestone is the latest highlight for Digital Catapult, in its role at the forefront of advancing 5G, 6G, and Open RAN technologies. Its Open RAN Interoperability testing facilities provide a world-class environment for validating and optimising solutions, and these initiatives will accelerate the deployment of efficient, flexible, and interoperable mobile networks, keeping the UK at the forefront of connectivity innovation.
Dritan Kaleshi, Director of 5G Technology at Digital Catapult, said: “We are thrilled to be among the first sites connected to the JOINER platform, a significant step forward in the evolution of future communications and networks research and innovation capabilities in the UK. This collaboration with University of Bristol, and the interconnection with all the other JOINER nodes, highlights our role as a key enabler in telecoms innovation, bringing academia, industry, our leading technical expertise and independent facilities together to drive tangible technical progress and deliver benefits for the UK’s economy and society.”
Professor Dimitra Simeonidou, Director of Smart Internet Lab, University of Bristol, said: “The JOINER platform is going to revolutionise the way we undertake telecoms R&D and innovation in the UK. By creating a national experimentation platform and having leading organisations such as Digital Catapult connected to it, we’ll be able to accelerate the rate at which we can collaborate and innovate, ultimately driving UK growth and global advancements in future telecoms.”
According to a new report from Oxford Economics, the University of Bristol contributed £1.13 billion to the West of England economy and £1.78 billion to the national economy in the 2022/23 academic year.
Picture is of University of Bristol, Wills Building
The Google-backed firms says its new co-pilot for predictive modelling can be trained and applied by non-technical staff, making it usable by businesses of all sizes
Google-backed Pecan AI has unveiled its new co-pilot for predictive modelling, designed to enable organisations to harness predictive analytics without data scientists. The platform allows business intelligence (BI) analysts to train machine learning models and gain predictive insights. According to Pecan’s publicity, this marks “a significant step in democratizing AI for businesses of all sizes”.
Pecan’s predictive co-pilot promises to simplify complex datasets by providing users with tools to extract meaningful trends and insights on which to base decisions. The platform apparently “uses intuitive, conversational AI to help users without data science backgrounds refine data, explore trends, and train predictive models”.
Boon for operators?
This could be a boon for operators which struggle to train, recruit and retain data scientists with the right skills sets.
“With our predictive modeling co-pilot, we address key challenges such as simplifying complex workflows and enabling seamless adoption of predictive analytics – a first of its kind,” said Zohar Bronfman, CEO and Co-Founder of Pecan. “This enables every BI team to independently predict outcomes like customer churn, conversion, demand forecasting, and lead scoring, enabling organizations to see tangible returns on their data investments.”
Board additions
Pecan has announced two veteran industry leaders have joined its board to coincide with its official launch. They are Trevor Healy as the Executive Chair and Andy Walter as an advisory board member.
Healy is an entrepreneur and investor with a track record of 14 successful exits who also has expertise in technology and AI. He has held leadership roles at PayPal, Verisign and Telefonica. He said, “Pecan’s Co-Pilot is a game-changer, and I’m thrilled to support the team in making predictive analytics accessible and impactful for businesses worldwide.”
Walter is a former CIO and Global Shared Services executive at Procter & Gamble with experience in analytics, IT strategy, and operational excellence. “Simplifying predictive analytics is the key to scaling its impact. Pecan’s co-pilot allows organizations to turn complexity into clarity and act on their data with confidence,” he said. “I look forward to helping scale Pecan’s transformative solutions to businesses around the world.”
The Japanese operator joins 12 other carrier groups in the initiative launched by Ericsson, while Sinch lines up alongside platform providers Vonage and Google Cloud
Aduna, the joint venture between Ericsson and some of the world’s largest operator groups announced Japan’s KDDI has joined as an equity partner. “KDDI will further strengthen Aduna’s vision of accelerating the adoption and innovation of common network…APIs…by developers on a global scale,” according to the press statement.
Aduna was launched in September 2024 to simplify global access to network APIs. The transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. Ericsson plans to own 50% of the venture with the other 50% split between the operator groups.
Aduna’s other operator partners so far are América Móvil, AT&T, Bharti Airtel, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Reliance Jio, Singtel, Telefonica, Telstra, T-Mobile, Verizon, Vodafone.
KDDI will share expertise and resources, both technical and marketing, to boost Aduna’s scope and impact to help the JV achieve its goal of creating open, non-discriminatory access to advanced network capabilities.
Kazuyuki Yoshimura, CTO at KDDI, says, “As a pioneer in telecommunications, KDDI is proud to take part in opening the network to exciting new possibilities…Each new network integrated into this unified platform helps create an ecosystem where advanced applications can flourish, bringing seamless connectivity and enhanced services to more businesses and consumers than ever before.”
Anthony Bartolo, CEO, Aduna, added, “The addition of KDDI underscores Aduna’s commitment to reshaping the telecom industry through the power of network APIs.…With the new and more advanced applications that can be built with network APIs, Aduna will unlock new revenue opportunities, transform business operations, and enhance customer experiences with innovative solutions that are truly differentiating.”
It’s a Sinch
Earlier this week Sinch announced a strategic partnership with Aduna. Sinch says that along with other the venture’s other developer platform partners, like Vonage (owned by Ericsson) and Google Cloud, its collaboration with Aduna will drive innovation, scale and operational efficiency for enterprises.
Sinch’s network APIs enables businesses to embed critical functions like two-factor authentication (2FA), identify verification and fraud prevention into their offers. As part of this partnership, Sinch will expand its Number Verification API offers and streamline developer integration through standardised interfaces like TM Forum’s Operate APIs.
Sinch describes itself as “a key contributor to the CAMARA initiative” and with its expertise in API integration, security, and developer onboarding to accelerate industry adoption. Sinch says it “is poised to expand its network API portfolio and broaden its global reach in 2025, enabling businesses to innovate confidently and securely at scale”.
“The collaboration with Sinch as a partner will be a crucial step for the success of Aduna. We are removing significant barriers for developers eager to harness the full potential of mobile networks,” said Anthony Bartolo, CEO of Aduna.
“The planned integration of Sinch’s expertise and reach will enable developers across leading platforms to access advanced network capabilities globally via common APIs. Aduna’s mission is to accelerate digital transformation across businesses and society, and we are excited to partner with Sinch as we expand the network API ecosystem.”
