Prysmian buys data cable facility from Corning
Prysmian Group has entered into an agreement for the acquisition of the copper data cable operation located in Coburg, Germany from Corning Optical Communications GmbH & Co. KG. The acquired business reported sales of approximately 22M € in 2015, and consist of a plant for the production of CAT5, CAT6 and CAT7 cables.
This investment will allow the Group to further expand its presence and speed up growth strategy in the MultiMedia Solutions business segment. The acquisition will enhance the Group’s product offering for high-capacity and flexible cable for data transmission and data centre solutions.
4G network from Tele2 Croatia
A nationwide network enabling speeds of up to 150 Mb/s across the entire 4G band will cover 90% of the Croatian population with voice services and 97% with 3G data services. In 2014, Tele2 obtained an additional 15 MHz in the 1,800 MHz band to support the launch of 4G. In addition, the company conducted a major upgrade of its 3G network in 2015.
Cuba launches residential broadband pilot
To provide more homes and business with high-speed internet, Cuba’s state telecoms operator ETECSA has announced a pilot residential broadband project in two Havana neighbourhoods. To date, only 5% - 25% of the population have any type of internet service and just 1% has internet access via residential broadband. In addition, the town’s 17 Wi-Fi zones will be expanded to 30.
10Gb/s residential fibre service in Singapore
Using its 10GPON infrastructure, SingTel, a Singapore-based service provider with operations in 20 countries, will be offering 10Gb/s broadband service. This is the fastest residential fibre service in Singapore. Trials involving a limited group of customers began in May 2015 and the service is being pitched at large households or home offices with significant bandwidth needs.
Japanese Scientists test 56Gb/s Wireless Chip
Fujitsu and the Tokyo Institute of Technology have demonstrated a new low power CMOS wireless transceiver chip operating at a 56Gb/s peak data speed. Although this mobile operator could theoretically use the 56Gb/s wireless technology to replace fibre optics, the fact that the transmission distance is limited to a maximum of ten centimetres means this won’t be happening soon…
Prysmian presents hybrid cable for power-telecom networks
Prysmian Group R&D has developed a new cabling system that allows power as well as an ultra-broadband digital connection up to 1 Gb/s to be delivered by the same cable. The system consists of a cable for the transport of energy, within which fibre optics are inserted, and passive connectivity. The system can also include an active electronic switch to allow transmission of information to the power cabinet and then to the substation, and a component to ensure the ultra-broadband connection. This significantly reduces network costs and required civil works.
Prysmian S.P.A FY 2015 results
Prysmian Group Sales over 2015 amounted to €7,361 million, posting organic growth of +5.3%. Adjusted EBITDA (before net non-recurring expenses of €1 million) increased +22.6% to €623 million from €509 million in 2014, which means profit objectives have been met. Energy Projects performed especially well, with sales to third parties reaching €1,587 million, posting organic growth of +15.8%. Results also indicated a solid trend for Telecom (+9.9%) and recovery by Energy & Infrastructure (+3.0%). "Revenue growth, improved profitability and solidity of the financial structure have all characterised 2015, which has closed with better-than-expected results," said CEO Valerio Battista.
South Africa’s biggest fibre trial
More than 11,000 DSL customers across South Africa are being offered the opportunity to experience fibre technology from the country’s largest integrated communications provider, Telkom. For two months, these customers will have the opportunity to test Telkom’s 10 Mb/s and 20 Mb/s fibre products without any additional charge.
Fibre to the surgery
Researchers from the University of St Andrews and Harvard Medical School have developed a photochemical tissue bonding technique using biodegradable optical fibres that can be inserted into the body. This delivers light deeper into human tissue than previously possible and can heal wounds internally. Until recently this technique was limited to treating superficial wounds.
