Separately, Ericsson has introduced three new offerings aimed at the Internet of Things market. Smart Metering as a Service enables utility providers to outsource their metering operations, making for, says Ericsson, a lower total cost of ownership; User & IoT Data Analytics provides operators with a real-time analytics engine embedded in the subscriber database; and the wackily named Networks Software 17A Diversifies Cellular for Massive IoT is a set of software upgrades that introduces the wherewithal for Narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT) to existing network infrastructure.

Telefónica Deutschland GmbH has developed a new home gateway device, the O2 HomeBox 2 in Germany, with partner Quantenna Communications Inc. The device houses Quantenna's 4x4 802.11ac Wave 2 QSR1000 chipset will help boost wireless capacity in subscribers' homes. Telefónica has introduced a new technology development model, along with partners including Quantenna, that should help the operator reduce time to market for new products and services, reduce costs and improve overall process efficiency. (See Telefónica Tears Up the R&D Rule Book and Telefónica Deutschland Intros New Home Gateway .)

The Italian government has got fed up of waiting for private operators to join them in expanding high-speed broadband in remote areas so is pressing ahead without them, reports Reuters. As a result of the failure of any private partners to step forward to grab a piece of the €4 billion ($4.3 billion) action, state-owned infrastructure Intratel will now get the gig.

Deutsche Telekom AG (NYSE: DT) is in the doghouse over the way its US subsidiary, T-Mobile US Inc. , is treating its workers, reports Reuters. The Communications Workers of America (CWA), which is the main union at the operator, has accused it of flouting employees' rights, and the operator is now under pressure from investors and lawmakers to put things right. T-Mobile US, for its part, denies mistreating its workforce, and insists that it abides by all relevant legislation.

South Africa's MTN Group Ltd. has reached an agreement to acquire Nigerian operator Visafone, reports This Day Live. The value of the deal has not been disclosed. Nigeria is one of Africa's most important telecom markets, with around 150 million mobile subscribers and 97 million Internet users, according to the website.

— Paul Rainford, Assistant Editor, Europe, Light Reading