Eurobites: Ofcom scrutinizes mid-contract price rises

Telefónica is conducting a 5G standalone "network slicing" trial at the Hotel Meliá Madrid Serrano to explore the potential of the technology in the hospitality sector. According to the Spanish operator, several 5G virtual mobile networks – or "slices" – have been configured to suit different connectivity needs, such as simultaneous translation or video streaming. Ericsson is providing the network slicing technology. This application will be showcased by Telefónica at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona later this month.

Swisscom saw full-year EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) fall 1.6% year-over-year, to 4.40 billion Swiss francs (US$4.79 billion), on revenue that slipped 0.6%, to CHF11.11 billion ($12.11 billion). Sales of telecom services decreased overall by 0.9%, whereas revenue from Swisscom's IT solutions business rose 6.3%, to CHF70 million ($76 million). Looking ahead, Swisscom expects net revenue of CHF11.1 to CHF11.2 billion ($12.1-$12.2 billion), EBITDA of CHF4.6 to CHF4.7 billion ($5.0-$5.1 billion) and capital expenditure of around CHF2.3 billion ($2.5 billion) for 2023.

Nokia is to start manufacturing GPON optical line terminals at its factory in Chennai, India. According to the vendor, the move was prompted by increasing demand from local customers in India as well as international markets.

Openreach, the semi-autonomous network access arm of BT, is about to start digging a new, full-fiber broadband in Frome, a town in southwest England. Keeping it vague, Openreach says that the build will reach "the majority" of local homes and businesses over the next 12-18 months.

— Paul Rainford, Assistant Editor, Europe, Light Reading