Friday Network News: August 2

Telefónica UK’s O2 has announced that it is to launch 4G services in the UK and finally break EE’s monopoly in offering the technology. O2 plans to launch the services in London, Leeds and Bradford on August 29 this year. [read more]

Vodafone New Zealand has launched 4G services in the country’s capital, Wellington. Vodafone’s 4G LTE network, thought to be 10 times faster than the existing 3G service, is up and running in Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, Wanaka, Taupo and Lake Brunner. [read more]

Southern Cross Cable Network has announced the completion of its Ciena-powered 100G expansion, which will help it support Australasian connectivity. The implementation of 100G technology is vital for Southern Cross to enhance its 30,000km submarine network to further work towards high speed broadband in New Zealand and Australia. [read more]

Orange Uganda has launched 4G LTE services in the country, according to local reports. Godfrey Kisekka, CTO at Orange Uganda, told reporters that this service will be the fastest internet in the country, with users being supported for both voice and data services. [read more]

Sri Lankan subsidiary of Malaysia’s Axiata Group, Dialog Axiata has signed a deal with the nation’s investment arm for ICT infrastructure in Sri Lanka. The $150 million agreement will see Sri Lanka’s leading mobile phone operator expand and upgrade its 3G and 4G networks. [read more]

PT. Telekomunikasi Indonesia has won international networks tender management in Myanmar as part of the country’s network modernisation. Despite not making the shortlist for a licence earlier this year, Telkom Indonesia is now expected to work alongside the country’s government to manage Myanmar’s international connectivity. [read more]

Telecom Italia has announced the roll-out of its 4G services to a number of additional cities across Italy. Cities in Tuscany, Apulia, Lombardy, Campania, Lazio, Sicily, Piedmont, Sardinia and Veneto are expected to benefit from the service. [read more]

Turkcell has successfully reached 4G speeds of 900Mbps in a recent trial, claiming to have broken a record in the country. Tests were carried out in a laboratory environment, with technical support from Huawei, and Turkcell said it is one of very few operators to have reached the speed. [read more]

Huawei is expanding its African foothold after signing a $700million agreement with Ethiopia to provide its capital, Addis Ababa, with 4G networking and a 3G service countrywide. In a move that will help the East African nation develop its mobile broadband infrastructure and services, and which will also build on Huawei’s existing presence, it is hoped that its growing economy will be boosted by, as Reuters reports, an extra 56 million subsequent subscribers. [read more]

Level 3 Communications has announced it is expanding its relationship with live video streaming company MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM). The web-based streaming firm, which hosts the Major League Baseball, will now use Level 3's data centre services to support its archival, backhaul and streaming requirements. [read more]