Eurobites: UK government prescribes a massive injection of AIEurobites: UK government prescribes a massive injection of AI

Also in today's EMEA regional roundup: Telefónica suffers cyberattack; VMO2 decommissions 3G in Durham; Telia's Norwegian network gets the Rohde & Schwarz vote.

Paul Rainford, Assistant Editor, Europe

January 13, 2025

2 Min Read
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Prime Minister Keir Starmer believes AI will 'drive incredible change' in the UK.(Source: Colin Fisher/Alamy Stock Photo)

The UK government has apparently thrown caution to the wind and decided to go all-in on AI, announcing an AI Opportunities Action Plan that will see, among other things, the setting up of AI Growth Zones where it will be easier for data center companies to get planning permission for new facilities. The government is keen to contrast its new plan with that of the more cautious approach taken by the previous Conservative administration, which was more focused on the online safety aspects of the technology. In a statement, an excitable government comms apparatchik deployed a possibly inappropriate druggy metaphor to hype up the new approach: "Today's plan mainlines AI into the veins of this enterprising nation – revolutionising our public services and putting more money in people's back pockets. Because for too long we have allowed blockers to control the public discourse and get in the way of growth in this sector."

Telefónica hit by hackers

Telefónica has fallen victim to a cyberattack which has exposed the details of around 24,000 employees, according to Infosecurity magazine. It was claimed that 5,000 internal documents had been stolen by hackers, some of which could contain sensitive information relating to strategic plans and internal communications.

April 3G switch-off for VMO2 in Durham

UK converged operator Virgin Media O2 has named Durham as the first UK city to appear on its 3G switch-off hitlist. The plug will be pulled in April. Customers identified as likely to be affected by the move have already been offered a 4G-ready device free of charge, says the operator. Any customers in Durham who don't upgrade to a 4G or 5G device before 3G is switched off will still be able to use voice calls and send text messages as they do now, but they would not be able to use mobile data. (See VMO2 sunset in 2025 will mark end of 3G in UK and UK telcos prepare to turn off 3G to boost energy efficiency.)

Rohde & Schwarz rates Telia's Norwegian network

Telia has the best mobile network in Norway, according to the latest evaluation of the operator and its rivals by testing firm Rohde & Schwarz. The testing area covered more than half of Norway's population, with 11,900 voice calls and more than 183,000 data tests being carried out. In December, claims Telia, it became the first Norwegian operator to offer 5G nationwide coverage, four years after switching on its first 5G basestations. (See Eurobites: Telia plans 5G corridors for robo-trucking.)

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About the Author

Paul Rainford

Assistant Editor, Europe, Light Reading

Paul is based on the Isle of Wight, a rocky outcrop off the English coast that is home only to a colony of technology journalists and several thousand puffins.

He has worked as a writer and copy editor since the age of William Caxton, covering the design industry, D-list celebs, tourism and much, much more.

During the noughties Paul took time out from his page proofs and marker pens to run a small hotel with his other half in the wilds of Exmoor. There he developed a range of skills including carrying cooked breakfasts, lying to unwanted guests and stopping leaks with old towels.

Now back, slightly befuddled, in the world of online journalism, Paul is thoroughly engaged with the modern world, regularly firing up his VHS video recorder and accidentally sending text messages to strangers using a chipped Nokia feature phone.

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