Telco Daily: 1&1/UI upgrade, Hot topics call, Telia, ASTS launch, US spectrum

Research evidence excerpt

Telco Daily: 1&1/UI upgrade, Hot topics call, Telia, ASTS launch, US spectrum

Barclays | Telco Daily

programme aimed at removing Chinese telecom equipment such as Huawei and ZTE from U.S.

networks. The programme faces a funding gap, with total estimated costs of $4.98bn versus

$1.9bn initially approved by Congress, and progress has been uneven, with only 42% of

recipients having completed replacements due to delays. The auction also reflects broader

policy efforts to boost 5G spectrum availability and reduce reliance on Chinese vendors,

following earlier mandates for carriers receiving federal support to remove such equipment.

Source: Reuters (23 June 2026)

VMO2 – Plans 2G switch off by 2029

VMO2 has announced plans to shut down its 2G network by summer 2029 as part of its Mobile

Transformation Plan, following the successful 3G switch-off completed in late 2025. The move

aligns with a government-backed industry charter and aims to enhance 4G and 5G services by

reallocating spectrum, improving reliability, increasing speeds, and reducing energy

consumption. With 2G now carrying less than 0.5% of network data and already closed for

international roaming, the transition is expected to have minimal impact on most users,

although some businesses will need to prepare in advance. The initiative also complements

VMO2’s broader network investments, including a £700m upgrade plan and the launch of its O2

Satellite service, which has expanded UK coverage to 95%. Source: Advanced Television (23

June 2026)

Telecom Plus (not covered) – Insights from FY26 results

Telecom Plus reported its FY26 results yesterday – Telecom Plus provides good insights into the

UK Telecoms market, as it sells broadband (through Openreach/TalkTalk/CityFibre), and mobile

(via MVNO on the EE network).