This blog is now closed. For the latest updates on how Covid-19 is impacting the telecoms sector, please click here
17 April – Hunter Communications supports US emergency response
Oregon-Based Hunter Communications has unveiled a four-point plan to support local communities during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
A statement read: “Recognising the vital role that broadband providers play in ensuring communities remain connected during the coronavirus crisis, Hunter has donated its services over the last few weeks to support crucial community needs.”
In addition to supporting medical call centres for the city of Veneta, and the regional 911 system in Jackson County, the Company has:
Upgraded services at Assante and Providence Health, two leading health systems in southern Oregon, to increase network capacity
Connected service in less than 24 hours to set up a new emergency health clinic in Medford
Upgraded links for StarTech to ensure continued uninterrupted service to remote areas of Northern California
13 April – British telcos agree to boost NHS staff connectivity
As many as 14 internet and telco companies have entered into an agreement with the UK’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to provide additional connectivity and service support to NHS staff.
The firms include: BT/EE, Openreach, Sky, talktalk, Virgin Media, O2, Three, Vodafone, Cityfibre, Gigaclear, Tesco Moble, giffgaff, Hyperoptice and KCom.
The DCMS four-part plan to support NHS staff will see each firm commit to:
offer identified NHS frontline staff who are existing customers mobile data access, voice calls and text at no extra cost on personal mobiles used for work;
prioritise broadband upgrades for NHS clinicians working from home;
improve connectivity in care homes where possible;
provide “generous data allowances” for vulnerable customers who depend on mobile connections, so they can have remote conversations without a fixed broadband connection.
Although there is no official deadline in place, DCMS has put a timeline of “several weeks” on the project.
Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “These welcome commitments will mean frontline NHS staff can use personal phones for work purposes without limits or extra charges, allow GPs to carry out consultations and transfer large files from home, and help vulnerable people who depend most on the NHS for care.”
13 April – Proximus halts 5G deployments following town’s health fears
Proximus is to hold a town hall with residents of a Belgian town who have raised objections to the installation of its 5G technology.
According to local reports, Proximus installed 5G light technology in the university town of Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve without “prior consultation” with local authorities.
Given the conspiracy-fuelled resistance to 5G technology that has been seen worldwide, the municipality deemed the rollout as “bad timing”.
With a population of just over 30,000, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve was selected as a smart city “live lab pilot project” by Proximus in 2018. The firm engaged with municipal authorities, the police, the inhabitants’ association, ORES, Letsgocity and Be-Mobile for the project.
Since 1 April, the Proximus 5G light network has been live in 30 Belgian municipalities but not Brussels.
A statement posted by the City of Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve on 14 April, read: “The City of Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve has just obtained from Proximus the answer to the question it has been asking since March 31: the deployment of 5G via the antennas present on its territory has been stopped.
The municipal college is delighted to have been heard!
“The operator has also promised to participate in a public information session, during which he will explain his project to citizens. It was also a requirement of the City.”
10 April – Indian mobile operators could lose US$1.97 million in revenues
India’s three largest mobile operators could see US$1.97 million wiped off their combined 2020 revenues as the country’s lockdown – to date the biggest in the world – prevents people from topping up prepaid accounts.
Reliance Jio (NSE: RELIANCE), Vodafone Idea (NSE: IDEA) and Bharti Airtel (NSE: BHARTIARTL) are likely to be worst hit, as more than 90% of customers in India with pre-paid accounts are prevented from visiting stores where they can top up.
However stock performance has yet to be hit. Reliance Jio saw its stock rise 14% following the news last month that Facebook was looking at a minority stake in the company.
Shares in Vodafone Idea were up 3.53% on Thursday 16 April, despite recent financial problems. But the strongest performer was Bharti Airtel, which has surged 17% year to date to become the fifth most valuable listed company in terms of market capitalisation.
10 April – TIM and Google Cloud roll out business continuity tool for Italian companies
TIM and Google Cloud are to work together on initiatives to help accelerate the adoption of digital transformation technology for Italian businesses of all sizes.
Their strategic partnership will see TIM make gains in cloud and edge markets and develop a “unique offer of public, private and hybrid cloud”.
TIM CEO Luigi Gubitosi stated: “Thanks to the partnership with Google, a world leader in innovation, TIM confirms its focal role in promoting the technological progress in Italy. In the next years, cloud and edge computing will represent two of the key markets that will mostly benefit of the new products and services enabled by 5G technology”.
Thomas Kurian, CEO, Google Cloud said: “We look forward to working together with TIM to boost our support for Italian enterprises in their digital transformation journeys.”
April 9, 11:00 – UK’s 5G arson spate investigated by counter-terrorism authorities
Police and counter-terrorism authorities are investigating acts of arson against mobile phone masts in the UK, following persistent conspiracy theories linking 5G to Covid-19.
In the wake of the development, GSMA condemned the “acts of violence designed to weaken our communications networks in a time of crisis”.
The association wrote: “This disinformation campaign is inciting fear, aggression, and vandalism against the critical infrastructure and essential maintenance workers who are keeping our public services connected, as well as our economy running.”
Earlier in the week, BT CEO Marc Allera took to social media to reiterate that such claims are “baseless”.
His Tweet read: “Phone masts keep us all connected at this extraordinary time. And yet we're seeing reports of masts vandalised because of a conspiracy theory linking 5G tech to the spread of Covid-19. This claim is baseless.”
Meanwhile, England’s National Medical Director Stephen Powis has been quoted as saying: “The 5G story is complete and utter rubbish, it’s nonsense, it’s the worst kind of fake news.”
As Capacity reported last week, such incidents are leading to growing concerns around engineer and staff safety on site and in the field.
April 8, 10:46 – Vodafone Foundation Australia partners with Imperial College London Covid-19 crowdsourcing app
Vodafone Foundation Australia has partnered with scientists from Imperial College London to deploy the DreamLab app, a tool that crowdsources data that can be used in the global fight against the spread of Covid-19.
Using the processing power of smartphones it helps to analyse complex data while the device owner sleeps. The
The app was originally designed to support cancer research, but now the data collected will help Imperial College London scientists identify existing drugs and food-based molecules with anti-viral properties that could be used to combat Covid-19. Ultimately, DreamLab is hoped to enable tailored treatments for patients with coronavirus and speed up research.
“We are pleased to offer our DreamLab technology to assist researchers at Imperial College in their work to fight coronavirus,” said Joakim Reiter, Vodafone Foundation trustee and external affairs director, Vodafone Group. “Vodafone Foundation’s award winning DreamLab app has already supported discoveries through cancer research thanks to our customers’ participation, and we want to do our part now as society battles against COVID-19.”
April 7, 11:36 – BT, Verizon and Virgin Media increase frontline worker pay
BT is to give frontline workers, including engineers and call centre workers, a 1.5% pay rise this summer following the increased workload from Covid-19. However, the telecoms firm will maintain its earlier pay freeze for managerial staff. It's a move that has been echoed across the industry, with Virgin Media and Verizon reported to be doing the same. Verizon's chief executive told the FT that engineers and retail staff who continued to work through the pandemic will receive "significantly enhanced" compensation. Meanwhile, Virgin Media increased salaries by an average 2.2% this month, hiring an additional 500 call centre staff and 700 engineers.
April 6 – British regulator outlines consumer support measures for industry
British regulator Ofcom has outlined how it will keep vulnerable customers connected during the Covid-19 pandemic, thanking broadband and mobile companies who have “committed to helping their customers deal with issues they might face”.
Support includes measures for those struggling to meet bills, removing data caps on broadband services; and offering new mobile and landline packages – including free calls – to help people stay in touch with each other. Ofcom has issued compliance advice with “specific details on automatic compensation and the Broadband Speeds Code of Practice”.
Melanie Dawes, CEO of Ofcom said: “We recognise providers are dealing with unprecedented challenges at the moment. So we welcome them stepping up to protect vulnerable customers, at a time when keeping in touch with our friends and families has never been more important. We’ll continue to work with Government and industry to help make sure people stay connected.”
April 3, 14:30 – Elon Musk’s SpaceX bans Zoom over security concerns
SpaceX, Elon Musk’s satellite company, has reportedly banned its employees from using video conferencing app Zoom.
According to Reuters, a memo was sent to all SpaceX employees citing “significant privacy and security concerns” as the reason for the ban.
This was then followed by an email to employees saying:
“We understand that many of us were using this tool for conferences and meeting support. Please use email, text or phone as alternate means of communication.”
Natalie Bannerman has more here.
April 3, 14:18 – Veon coordinates Covid-19 operational response
Veon has outlined the steps its taking to ensure operations during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Its offices in Amsterdam, London and Luxembourg have been closed since the 13 March with employees now working from home. With work-from-home arrangements now in place for the majority of its office-based employees including key network, technology and call centre staff.
The company is also supporting its customers with additional data and minutes, enabling free access to our content services and waiving late fees.
It is also extending its B2B customer support to provide assistance in cloud, critical process management, IoT support and its full security suite.
Additionally, across its markets calls to COVID-19 health helplines and access to COVID-19 related public service websites have been zero-rated. And it is operating SMS information services carrying the latest health recommendations and details of local health hotlines, and our self-care apps are being repurposed for COVID-19 to help customers access health advice websites, hotlines and other related media.
April 3, 13:14 – Internet co-creator Vint Cerf catches Covid-19
Vint Cerf, the 76-year-old American computer scientist cited as co-creating the internet been diagnosed with COVID-19.
In a Tweet on Monday 30th March, he said:
I tested positive for COVID-19 and am recovering. Listen to what John Oliver has to say about our national response so far: https://t.co/Adgiy3Z9NA — vinton g cerf (@vgcerf) March 30, 2020
In the same Tweet, Cerf also included a video of comedian John Oliver, in which the "Last Week Tonight" host criticised Donald Trump's handling of the coronavirus crisis.
Cerf has worked for Google since 2005 and currently serves as its chief internet evangelist
April 2, 17:10 – Eko offers businesses free employee software app during outbreak
Employee software firm Eko is offering its platform for free, to help businesses enhance productivity and engagement with their workforces during the peak of Covid-19.
“It’s always been part of our core mission to provide the right working tools to make the workplace engaging and efficient for employees working remotely or in multiple locations. Everyone deserves to stay connected and to feel safe and informed,” said Korawad Chearavanont, CEO at Eko.
“The virus outbreak has been a big concern for businesses that are frantically preparing contingency plans. If our platform can give peace of mind to businesses and help to keep employees informed and feeling calmer during this unprecedented time, it just seems like the right thing to do.”
The virtual workspace is accessible on both mobile and desktop, using an intuitive and familiar tool that helps recreate the inclusive, engaging, community atmosphere of a physical office even when workers are physically separated.
It features such capabilities as Broadcast, Banner, Cards which enables real-time project management and a chat feature.
April 2, 17:00 – Kaleyra SMS supports the work of the Italian Red Cross
Global cloud communication platform Kaleyra is launching a new text message service for the Italian Red Cross (Croce Rossa Italiana, CRI), to help relieve the high traffic volumes on the organization call systems related to Covid-19.
both Kaleyra and CRI teams worked together to create a free SMS service to allow the Italian population to receive services from CRI.
“Through the toll-free number, citizens can send requests via SMS to the Red Cross using a single keyword in the message,” said Dario Calogero, chief executive officer at Kaleyra.
“The text message is processed by us, and we send the request to the Red Cross. The CRI then contacts the user.”
The app is the brainchild of Bocconi University alumnus Dario Calogero and developed with his son Pietro Calogero and key project contributors from the Kaleyra team.
“The first was created to request services such as the temporary home presence of a volunteer or for the delivery of groceries or medicines. The other two services are still being implemented,” said Pietro.
“The second service will work as an auto-responder to requests for collaboration addressed to doctors and nurses, and the third will be an emergency communication platform between the CRI and its 110,000 volunteers in the area.”
April 2, 16:42 – Orange launches €8m euro crisis fund in EMEAA
Orange has allocated an additional €3 million to the Orange Foundation to be used to support a number of healthcare and preventive initiatives, as well as to provide essential supplies in all countries where the Group is present.
The funding adds to existing donations of €5 million made by Orange Foundations in Europe and the Africa and Middle East region (EMEAA).
In Africa, selected countries will receive protective equipment as well as a specific allocation for sourcing medical equipment to support NGOs and local health authorities. In total, €2.5 million will be made available for the Africa-Middle East region, in addition to the €3 million already pledged by the countries.
In France, the Orange Group will make a donation of €500,000 to the Fondation Hôpitaux de France. In addition to the previously announced €150,000 donation that was split equally between the AP-HP, the Red Cross and the Fondation Hôpitaux de France.
In Europe, a €200,000 donation will be used to support various crisis initiatives via the Orange Foundations adding to the €1 million that have already been committed by these Foundations.
April 2, 16:25 – TOMIA offers free roaming services to operators
TOMIA is offering a number of free roaming services to existing customers during the COVID-19 outbreak.
One of the features being made available is operators is being able to instantly broadcast messages to their customers abroad, many of which are being held in quarantine.
Operators will also be able to easily engage with visiting roamers on their network, through TOMIA’s Mega Event capability.
This functionality can provide those stuck overseas with valuable information about the country they are in, including emergency numbers, locations of health centres, etc.
April 1, 11:15 – Opmantek announces AUD$20 million “software relief fund”
Opmantek Software is to provide a “software relief fund” for Australian healthcare, government and essential service providers, valued at AUD$20 million.
The firm will provide its entire suite of commercial products free to Australian healthcare organisations and “all levels of government that have historically provided grants or assistance to Opmantek since foundation”, including Gold Coast City Council, The Queensland Government, and all departments of the Commonwealth Government.
In addition, Opmantek will provide software at cost to international organisations supporting the global recovery from COVID-19.
“The relief programme responds to network infrastructure changes driven by increased home workers for essential government services and increased stress and expansion of resources within the Healthcare sector,” the firm said.
Full relief will be offered to Australian organisations and partial relief to international organisations.
April 1 – Vodafone usage continues to soar
Vodafone reported more usage spikes as the UK continued its lockdown this week.
Across the UK, mobile voice traffic has increased by 56% in the last two weeks. Regionally, Vodafone reported a 24% increase in mobile calls made and received in Glasgow, 14% increase in Bristol, 12% in Birmingham, 8% in Manchester and more than 2% in London. VoIP calls were up 28% at the start of the week.
Meanwhile, broadband traffic is up 15% during the day due to home working and remote schooling, with average daytime use now mirroring a “typical Sunday” – traditionally the busiest day of the day.
However, music streaming traffic reduced by around 16% at the start of the week as users accessed music through their home broadband networks rather than mobile.
In a statement the company said: “We keep constant watch on traffic over our networks and are adding extra capacity every day to ensure our customers keep connected. This follows an investment of around £4.5 billion in our network over the past five years – the largest in our 35-year history.”
March 31, 11:00 – Altice Europe skips dividend payments – again
Telecoms and cable group Altice Europe ATCA.PA, will not pay a dividend to its shareholders duet to the “exceptional times”.
In its March 2020 earnings release, the company said: “Given the industry in which Altice Europe operates, the Group expects its cashflows to remain resilient throughout the crisis. Examples of the impacts observed within the Group so far include store closures, resulting in reduced sales and reduced churn, and reduced marketing expense. The Group continues to maintain fibre-roll out where possible.”
With the exception of a special distribution made by Altice USA in 2018, the firm has not paid any dividends to shareholders since its incorporation.
Reuters reported that Altice continued to lock horns with unions, with some criticising the firm for potentially tapping state support for its workforce in France.
Comreg to release more spectrum
Ireland’s Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) has released extra radio spectrum to provide additional capacity for mobile phone and broadband provision due to the steep increase in the use of mobile networks.
The extra radio spectrum is in the 700 MHz and the 2.6 GHz bands to allow mobile network operators to cater for the increase in voice and data traffic over their networks, as well as “liberalising the use of the currently licensed 2.1 GHz band so that it can be used for 4G and other technologies, rather than just for 3G”.
ComReg highlighted that all measures are temporary and a consultation paper has been issued which sets out the conditions for use of the new spectrum.
March 30, 12:09 – COVID-19 pushes satellite firm OneWeb into bankruptcy
London-based satellite company OneWeb has filed for bankruptcy in the US citing the Coronavirus as the cause.
In a statement on Friday 27, the company confirmed that it had filed for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
The company confirmed that it intends to find a buyer through the proceedings claiming that the COVID-19 outbreak has caused turbulence in the financial market and prevents it from securing funding for its commercial launch, this includes from its largest investor SoftBank.
Natalie Bannerman has more here.
March 28 – ATU issues continent-wide Covid-19 guidelines for telecoms industry
The African Telecommunications Union (ATU) has issued a set of guidelines for member states to “consider” in their strategies to tackle Covid-19.
According to a statement, ATU Secretary-General, John Omo, is “urging the Ministries of ICT, through the telecommunications regulators and operators in the member states, to consider implementing the … recommendations/guidelines to fight COVID-19 pandemic”
They include: activation of the Common Alerting Protocol to help deliver essential information to those who need it; the reservation and provision of additional capacity for authorities fighting the outbreak; the zero-rating of emergency numbers and implementation of new numbers for dedicated services; and removing any regulatory barriers to service provision.
Further, “Governments should make the necessary spectrum available on a national basis to allow for multiple types of applications and services, from narrowband voice services up to broadband-intensive applications. A combination of spectrum bands should be available free of charge for emergency communications, allowing both terrestrial and satellite systems to be quickly deployed with limited interference.”
March 27, 10:31 – Slovakia green-lights Coronavirus tracking using telco data
Slovakia has approved a law which allows the government to monitor the movements of those infected by the Coronavirus.
According to the FT, passed on Wednesday 25 March, the amendment will give Slovakia’s Public Health Office access to location data from the mobile phones of those quarantined, in order to try and contain the spread of the virus.
The new rules follow that of Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, where it has similarly implemented invasive tracking measures but has also successfully slowed the spread of the virus.
Natalie Bannerman has more here.
March 26, 15:47 – VEON introduces measures to help customers
VEON – the operator of Beeline, Kyivstar, Jazz, Banglalink and Djeezy – has just released what the company is doing to keep customers connected during the pandemic.
The company is offering free hotlines, flexible payment schemes, government alerts to keep clients up to date with the latest official information, home screen information, connecting clients to healthcare professionals, offering free data and minutes for doctors and nurses, free money transfers, free-roaming, free entertainment and free access to educational platforms in Ukraine and Uzbekistan.
Sergi Herrero and Kaan Terzigolu, the Co-CEOs of VEON said: “Across our ten markets, we are seeing firsthand how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting individuals, families, businesses and industries. We know that it’s in moments like these that we must ensure that communities stay connected, supporting those in need and working together to overcome this global challenge.
"As a provider of vital infrastructure we understand that connectivity is crucial. Across our 10 operating countries, all emergency health care and foreign affairs hot lines and websites have been zero-rated and as the situation develops our colleagues in different countries are doing whatever they can to help customers and spread helpful information about government guidance."
March 26, 12:24 – Ofcom launches broadband campaign as COVID-19 stresses networks
UK telecoms regulator Ofcom has launched Stay Connected, a nationwide campaign advising the public on ways reduce pressure on networks during the coronavirus lockdown.
Supported by the country biggest telcos including BT, Sky, O2, Vodafone and Virgin Media, the campaign offers seven top tips to avoid network outages and will run across digital and social media as well as through direct communications to those signed up with the aforementioned service providers.
“Families across the country are going online together this week, often juggling work and keeping children busy at the same time,” said Melanie Dawes, chief executive at Ofcom.
Natalie Bannerman has more here.
March 26, 11:07 – WhatsApp sees 40% spike in usage
WhatsApp is experiencing a 40% surge in global usage as a result of social distancing and increased digital communications due to the Coronavirus.
According to global research firm Kantar WhatsApp saw 27% increase in the usage in the early stages of the pandemic and 41% in mid-phase.
But WhatsApp is not the only one, Facebook and Instagram have all experienced over 40% increase in usage from under 35-year olds.
Specifically, Spain saw a 76% increase in WhatsApp usage, while Facebook usage increased by 37%. China experienced a 58% increase in usage of local social media apps including Wechat and Weibo.
March 25, 13:19 – FCC’s Pai launches Keep Americans Connected initiative
Federal Communications Commission chairman Ajit Pai has launched the Keep Americans Connected Initiative in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The initiative asks broadband and telephone service providers, and trade associations, to take the following Pledge:
not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic;
waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and
open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.
So far, more than 550 companies and associations have signed the chairman's pledge and he has gone even further asking companies with low-income broadband programs to expand them and those without them to adopt such programs.
Additionally, he’s asking broadband providers to relax their data usage limits in certain circumstances and take steps to promote remote learning and telehealth.
March 24 – Ribbon launches Work@Home
Ribbon has launced Work@Home, a free of charge collaboration solution providing screensharing, HD video whiteboard, group chat, conferencing and more on both desktop and mobile clients.
“In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, companies must be empowered to shift their operations to alternate locations quickly and efficiently,” said Sacha Gera, Senior Vice President, Cloud Products. “Our Kandy Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS)-based solutions enable companies to rapidly meet this need seamlessly and cost-effectively.”
Fully functional licenses are available from select partners free of charge until June 30, 2020.
March 23, 15:44 – O2 to close all retail shops until further notice
Amid growing concerns the UK is failing to stay at home, many businesses have come forward and taking action on their own.
The latest to do so is Telefonica's O2, which has announced the closure of all its shops across the nation from 5pm tonight.
An O2 Spokesperson said: “We have taken the decision to close our high street stores, effective at the end of business this evening, in order to protect our colleagues and customers.
“Our people are the core of our business and their hard work to keep customers connected to their loved ones has been invaluable in this uncertain time – we want to keep them safe and thank them for their incredible dedication.
“Our website o2.co.uk remains open and if customers have any queries they can visit MyO2 or contact us directly. We will continue to monitor the situation in the UK before taking any decision to reopen our stores.”
March 20, 13:20 – The UK reportedly testing Coronavirus surveillance tool
According the New York Times, the UK government is building an app that would alert the people who have come in contact with someone known to have the coronavirus.
The project will build upon a surveillance tool rolled out in China to try and curb the outbreak. Unlike Chinese version of the app, the UK version will rely on voluntary participation and sharing of information.
Researchers at the University of Oxford, which is working in the app, has reassured the public about deleting the data and adding that would not make people’s movements public.
In the US, the White House has begun discussions with its technology companies about using anonymous, aggregated location data to conduct general public health surveillance.
March 20, 13:20 – Netflix and YouTube downgrade due to COVID-19
Netflix and YouTube have agreed to downgrade their video streaming quality in order to ease pressures on European network capacity.
Netflix issued a statement saying: "Netflix has decided to begin reducing bit rates across all our streams in Europe for 30 days.”
While YouTube said: "We are making a commitment to temporarily switch all traffic in the EU to standard definition by default."
Natalie Bannerman has more here.
March 19, 13:20 – EU pressures Netflix to lower bandwidth during outbreak
Thierry Breton, the European Union’s Internal Market and Services Commissioner has called on streaming services to take steps to prevent an internet gridlock in the wake of the Coronavirus.
Speaking directly to content providers such as Netflix and YouTube, Breton expressed his concern that such streaming service would have on communications networks given the increase in people working from home due to the virus.
Natalie Bannerman has more here.
March 19, 11:30 – TIM Foundation donates €1m to Italian hospitals in support of the Coronavirus
TIM Foundation has decided to donate €500,000 and to launch a volunteering programme among TIM employees, committing to raise another €500,000.
TIM Foundation has identified four Italian hospitals throughout the country awarding €250,00 each:
San Raffaele Hospital of Milan
CORIS Consortium for Health Research of Veneto region
Spallanzani Hospital of Rome
The IRCCS G. Pascale Foundation National Cancer Institute of Naples
“There are those who fight this war in the front line: doctors, intensive-care specialists, nurses, all hospital staff who welcome the sick affected by this virus, especially in Lombardy and Veneto, but not only,” said Salvatore Rossi, chairman of the TIM Foundation.
“In such a dramatic moment, we cannot leave these people alone. It is on them that our safety, our well-being, the fate of the most unfortunate of us, who have contracted this virus, depend.”
March 18, 12:20 – Chairman Pai commends broadcasters’ Coronavirus response and calls for further action
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai held a conference call yesterday with television and radio broadcasters and broadcaster trade associations to thank broadcasters for their efforts to educate the American people about the coronavirus pandemic and discuss additional ways that broadcasters can help Americans stay safe and informed during the coronavirus outbreak.
“I’m grateful for the steps that broadcasters are taking to inform the American people about this pandemic and to educate them about the steps they can take to protect themselves and slow the spread of the virus,” said Chairman Pai.
“Going forward, I urged them to air public service announcements featuring prominent entertainment and sports personalities, and local news anchors asking Americans to practice the social distancing that is needed to combat this pandemic. We need this vital message to be delivered by Americans who are familiar to different segments of our society, and broadcasters are ideally situated to the task.”
March 18, 14:20 – Liquid Telecom responses to COVID-19
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic saying that it is committed to ensuring its customers have access to a reliable network and digital solutions.
The company says it has been implementing plans to ensure network and system continuity as the situation continues to evolve.
Additionally, it’s says that it has remote working capability in place for all key processes and systems for our key personnel, as well as the fact that all its staff are able to work remotely at short notice should they need to.
“Our thoughts go out to the many people who have been affected by this unprecedented event. We are planning for all eventualities to ensure we do everything possible to support our employees, customers, partners and public,” said Nic Rudnick, Group CEO, Liquid Telecom.
“To ensure business continuity, most of our personnel can work and collaborate from remote sites utilising Microsoft Teams and other tools. Where possible, we are also helping our customers to maintain operations as close as is possible to normal using similar applications.”
March 18, 11:14 – UK's Virgin Mobile network feels Covid-19 pressure
Customers in the UK are currently reporting they are unable to make or receive calls. Internet services seem to be also getting affected, according to users. According to DownDetector map, London and Manchester are the two main affected areas.
Virgin Media has commented on the issue: "“There are no widespread broadband issues on our network. We’re aware of an intermittent issue affecting voice services for some of our mobile customers but this has no relation to our other services. We’re working to get this fixed as quickly as possible and apologise for any inconvenience.”
Virgin Mobile, powered by EE which is not reporting any network hurdles, had this morning announced that customers of Virgin Mobile UK, especially pay monthly clients, will be given unlimited minutes to landlines and other numbers. The operator also announced it would give a 10GB data boost for a month to its customers.
March 17, 22:21 – Telecoms businesses on the day markets fought back after governments around the world pour more than $1.5tr into economies
Here’s how the markets reacted to today’s news through the eyes of public traded data centre companies:
Telefonica (TEF): 4.34 EUR +0.66 (+17.80%)
BT Group (BT.A): 121.20 GBX +8.26 (+7.31%)
Vodafone (VOD): 105.90 GBX +7.88 (+8.04%)
Verizon Communications (VZ): 54.31 USD +3.35 (+6.57%)
AT&T (T): 33.74 USD +1.93 (+6.07%)
Sprint Corp (S): 7.91 USD +0.19 (+2.46%)
Centurylink (CTL): 10.86 USD +1.09 (+11.16%)
Bharti Airtel (BHARTIARTL): 458.00 INR −6.80 (-1.46%)
China Mobile (0941): 51.70 HKD −0.30 (-0.58%)
Comcast Corporation (CMCSA): 38.22 USD +2.18 (+6.05%)
China Telecom (0728): 2.31 HKD −0.050 (-2.12%)
America Movil (AMXL): 15.19 MXN +0.49 (+3.33%)
Reliance Communications (RCOM): 0.75 INR −0.050 (-6.25%)
Orange SA (ORA): 10.46 EUR +1.06 (+11.25%)
China Unicom (Hong Kong) (0762): 4.62 HKD −0.18 (-3.75%)
Deutsche Telekom (DTE): 11.44 EUR +0.50 (+4.57%)
Cincinnati Bell (CBB): 13.86 USD −0.12 (-0.86%)
SK Telecom Co (017670): 187,500 KRW −5,500 (-2.85%)
Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri (TCELL): 12.56 TRY +0.61 (+5.15%)
Tata Communications (TATACOMM): 257.75 INR +4.00 (+1.58%)
Altice USA (ATUS): 17.50 USD +0.30 (+1.74%)
VEON (VEON): 1.47 USD −0.0100 (-0.68%)
March 17, 16:04– Apple to shut US stores
The iPhone maker has announced it will shut down all its retail stores across the US. The company has not provided a date of went it will reopen the stores and simply said the closures will last until further notice.
The company said in a statement: "We are committed to providing exceptional service to our customers. For purchases with fast and free delivery, shop here on apple.com or the Apple Store app. For service and support, go to support.apple.com or call 800-275-2273 [in the US]. We look forward to seeing your soon.”
The company had previously announc
