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Reconomy has revealed which of the world’s largest businesses are bidding to be named as the most sustainable company. The company has produced an algorithm which measures the strength of a business’ ethical messaging on social media and its individual business strategy.

The waste management service has compared 157 of the world’s biggest organisations across 13 industries. Using Corporate Knights’ leaderboard and YouGov’s ranking of the most publicly perceived companies, each firm was analysed to reveal how many mentions of ‘sustainable’ related key terms were included in their business strategy and on social media. Key terms included ‘sustainability’, ‘renewables’, and ‘green energy’.

The data unveiled interesting statistics about the telecommunications sector. Vodaphone mentions sustainability the most throughout its social media and business strategy. Sustainable keywords were mentioned 238 times across Vodaphone’s public and professional platforms. Overall, it ranked fourth out of the 157 organisations analysed. They emphasise their commitment to reducing their carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2020. BT and Virgin Media followed Vodaphone in this category, with 125 and 54 mentions of sustainability respectively.

RECONOMY REVEALS THE BUSINESS WORLD'S BIGGEST SUSTAINABLE GIANTS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR LEADERS

Meanwhile, PlusNet failed to mention any sustainable key terms across its social media and business strategy. The internet service provider ranked 142nd out of the 157 organisations. AOL and Talkmobile also failed to mention any sustainable key terms across their platforms.

Harvey Laud, Divisional Director at Reconomy, said: “Organisations are looking towards sustainability to produce a reformed focus for their businesses. Whilst the research is primarily an indication of which companies are leading the way in terms of ethical management; it does prove that all industries are pointing to a future where sustainability is a priority for all operations.

“This is being achieved through ethical production, smarter waste management, and understanding the long-term effects that businesses can have on the environment. Customers are demanding sustainability, and the best businesses are listening.”

Compared to other industries, the telecommunications sector has an informative approach to sustainable pledges over a persuasive one. This is because a majority of ethical practices take place on the business end, rather than persuading the customer to complete ethical tasks. For example, where Coca-Cola ranks first in the rankings overall with 676 sustainable pledges across their platforms, their message asks customers to recycle. For telecommunications, sustainable practices must take place before the point of sale.

Laud continued: “All sectors and industries have a part to play in creating a sustainable future for both their customers and the wider public. However, for the telecommunications sector, the benefits are widespread. Substituting old copper networks for newer fibre optic connections is more efficient in terms of energy consumption and reduces failures. The removed copper is also highly recyclable. Sustainable options are not limited to benefitting the planet, they can also help businesses grow.”

For more information, visit www.reconomy.com/sustainable-giants/

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Further Reading:

• Learn more about Reconomy Sustainable Giants @ reconomy.com/sustainable-giants/
• Read More about Service Innovation @ www.fieldservicenews.com/service-innovation
• Learn more about Reconomy @ www.reconomy.com
• Follow Reconomy on Twitter @ twitter.com/ReconomyNews
• Follow Reconomy on LinkedIn @ www.linkedin.com/reconomy

ETELM, the radio communications infrastructure specialist, has entered the second phase of its work with the BroadPort consortium in developing a pan-European interoperable mobile broadband system for Public Protection & Disaster Relief (PPDR) users.

The BroadPort consortium is among three consortia awarded the prototype project based on the successful technical concept developed in Phase 1 of BroadWay, an innovative European Pre-Commercial Procurement project.

The BroadWay initiative was created by the public safety agencies from 11 European countries and is operating under the framework of Horizon 2020, a flagship EU research and innovation programme. Collectively, these agencies provide mobile communication services to around 1.4 million responders and deal with an array of crimes and disasters that are not limited to fixed geographical borders.

THE OBJECTIVE OF BROADWAY IS TO DEVELOP A UNIFIED SOLUTION TO  ALLOW FIRST RESPONDERS TO COMMUNICATE AND SHARE INFORMATION ACROSS DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

Where currently each country possesses its own separate system to handle mission-critical communications, the objective of BroadWay is to develop a unified solution that will allow European first responders to communicate, share and access information regardless of the country in which they intervene. This will provide operational mobility for public safety responders across Europe by linking national mission-critical mobile broadband networks to act as one.

By developing a pan-European broadband mobile network for PPDR, public emergency and security services across Europe can achieve seamless interoperability and operational mobility. In turn, this will enable agencies to keep populations safe by allowing them to collaboratively respond to cross-border crimes, natural disasters and public safety incidents more efficiently and with the highest possible levels of continuity and security.

Nicolas Hauswald, CEO of ETELM, said: “We are truly inspired by the ambition of this great project to connect public safety organisations across the continent and create one of the world’s most advanced and secure mission-critical communications networks.

“Our experience in delivering professional radio communications infrastructure over the last 40 years has taught us that a reliable communications system is the key to handle complex transmissions and remove any barriers that could delay a response. We’re delighted to be able to contribute this expertise as part of the BroadPort team that are working towards the removal of ‘barriers’ in pan-European mission-critical communications by leading with innovation.”

He continued: “By offering greater bandwidth and flexibility when it comes to data-rich applications and video, LTE networks enable emergency services, first responders and critical national infrastructure operators to integrate data seamlessly with their voice communications.“Our agility when responding to fast-developing emergency situations in this way can mean the difference between life and death, so this is a project of immeasurable significance. There’s a great challenge ahead, and we are looking forward to getting stuck in.”

The BroadWay solution prototypes will be tested and evaluated in Spring 2021. After which a subsequent competition will be held where two remaining consortia will be tasked with deploying final pilot systems by Spring 2022 for Phase 3 of the BroadWay project (Pilot Phase).

The full BroadPort consortium, led by Frequentis, consists of the following partners: ETELM, Crosscall, Halys, Municipality of Málaga, Nemergent Solutions SL, and Universidad de Málaga. The subcontractors are Arico Technologies, Eutelsat SA, PrioCom B.V., Telefónica I+D, T-Mobile Netherlands B.V., and Virtual Fort Knox AG.

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Further Reading:

• Learn more about ETELM  @ www.etelm.fr
• Read more about Managing the Mobile Workforce @ www.fieldservicenews.com/managing-the-mobile-workforce
• Read more about ETELM on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/etelm
• Follow ETELM on Twitter @ twitter.com/ETELM2

 

As one of the most severely affected places by COVID-19, the Government of the Piedmont Region in Italy requested that the B-LiFE (Biological Light Field Laboratory for Emergencies) service was deployed in the area since June to carry out vital COVID-19 diagnostic tests.

Using its advanced mobile laboratory, the mission of the B-LiFE department was to carry out a large number of COVID-19 tests for first responders, civil protection, health personnel, police and volunteers.

The deployment of B-LiFE is led by the Centre for Applied Molecular Technologies of UCLouvain (Catholic University of Louvain) with the support of ESA (European Space Agency), the Luxembourg Government and its Ministry of Defence. B-LiFE's partners in this humanitarian mission are Belgian companies Eonix and Nazka Mapps, Luxembourg companies’ SES and GovSat, and French company ETELM.

 

ETELM AND B-LIFE PARTNERED UP TO PROVIDE CRITICAL COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT IN ONE OF THE REGIONS WORST AFFECTED BY THE PANDEMIC

B-LiFE was developed as part of the ESA Space Solutions programme (formerly known as IAP-ARTES 20), with the participation of Belgium and Luxembourg. The integration of satellite and terrestrial telecommunications, information management, earth observation, location management and real-time epidemiological mapping allows B-LiFE to be deployed very quickly, autonomously and as close as possible to a crisis zone.

Mobile laboratories have become extremely important during the COVID-19 pandemic. B-LiFE is one of the most advanced mobile laboratories in the world and has been operational since 2014 when it was successfully deployed in Guinea during the Ebola outbreak. It is integrated and certified in the European Civil Protection Mechanism (EUCPM)

ETELM, a partner of B-LiFE, has made a critical contribution to the initiative in supplying telecommunications services. It has enabled the integration of TETRA and LTE terrestrial telecommunications capabilities into the satellite terminal provided by SES, GovSat and the Luxembourg Ministry of Defence. This work was necessary to ensure full autonomy during a crisis situation and to enable interoperability with local emergency services.

ETELM's 4GLinked Unified Mobile Platform has been successfully deployed and tested to support B-LiFE laboratory operations, including PMR TETRA and LTE base stations. ETELM's participation in the B-LiFE mission in the Piedmont Region, and the successful use of its equipment and service, ensures the company’s ongoing partnership with B-LiFE.

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Further Reading:

• Learn more about ETELM  @ www.etelm.fr
• Find out more about B-LIFE @ www.blife.it
• Read more about Digital Transformation @ www.fieldservicenews.com/digital-transformation
• Read more about Covid-19 on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/covid-19
• Follow ETELM on Twitter @ twitter.com/ETELM2

 

F-Secure’s experience working with operators is a critical asset to help telecommunications sector tackle connected home security challenges.

A rapid increase in the number of VoIP providers in the UK has given businesses around the country a wealth of extra choice – but this isn’t necessarily a good thing, according to one telecoms outfit.

Voice and data services provider Amvia says that while it is beneficial for businesses to have access to more options, the overwhelming choice can make it more challenging to identify the most suitable solution. The organisation warns that increased opportunities can mean some businesses may select a suboptimal deal, leaving them unable to fully take advantage of this top technology.

Amvia has noted a marked rise in the use of its online, real-time comparison tool for voice and data services; a change which the firm attributes directly to the growing number of VoIP providers across the UK. The tool, which aims to match customers with the most suitable local providers based on location, service availability, features and pricing, offers a unique overview of the current market. It highlights a selection of solutions all in one place, minimising the need for businesses to undertake lengthy research.

While use of the tool is rising, Amvia warns that there are still many businesses who may not be using comparison services, meaning that they are likely not getting the most compatible or cost-effective voice service for their needs as a result.

“The fact that there are now more VoIP providers than ever before shows that demand for voice services is on the rise and that UK businesses are really starting to fully utilise this essential technology,” says Amvia Managing Director Nathan Hill-Haimes. “But more VoIP providers is not always a good thing, especially for businesses that are struggling to find the best service for them.

“To put it bluntly, more choice means more opportunities to get it wrong. That’s why we believe it’s more important than ever for businesses to work to identify their own needs and really take a thorough look at the market, finding a solution that not only works for them now, but will continue to bring benefits in the future, without settling for second best.

VoIP, or voice over internet protocol, is one of the most disruptive communications technologies to have been introduced to UK businesses over the past few years. VoIP brings multiple benefits, including the cost saving advantages of IP-based telephony, as well as stronger communications through real-time conversations. It is a technology that has aided the development of successful remote and flexible working policies, facilitated better client/business relationships, and worked to streamline business processes.

Trade service businesses across the UK can now forego their landlines and save significant amounts of time, money and logistics with communication, thanks to the latest solution by job management company simPRO.

simPRO’s newest feature, VoIP phone, allows users to use an inbuilt web phone instead of traditional phone handsets or third-party phone software.

simPRO Chief Technology Officer Jonathan Eastgate said the VoIP phone integration would provide a number of benefits to businesses that were looking to take advantage of the trade service industry’s inevitable digital future.

“VoIP provides a flexible, multi-functional solution that couldn’t be simpler to use. Without the need of a traditional telephone handset taking up space on the desk, users can make a call with a push of the mouse or keyboard and connect with people without any disruption to their workflow.

“Incoming calls, re-directs and on-hold calls can all be coordinated on the screen, meaning you can continue to use your simPRO software on your computer while simultaneously speaking freely to colleagues, customers and contacts about important deals, affairs, meetings, files, documents and agendas.”

Mr Eastgate said that while streamlining business communication was a major benefit delivered by VoIP, the costs involved were also a significant variable that would overtly improve a business’ operation.

 

"Incoming calls, re-directs and on-hold calls can all be coordinated on the screen, meaning you can continue to use your simPRO software on your computer while simultaneously speaking freely to colleagues, customers and contacts..."

 

“VoIP can be much cheaper to incorporate than a traditional telephone line, which typically requires a business to be set up with a costly telecommunications deal.

“It means that businesses that use VoIP need no longer worry about the reliability of their phone connection, the changing rates of their telco deal, and the cumbersome need for dedicated hardware,” he said.

simPRO’s VoIP capability is a product first for the company and is expected to take the lead in the UK market, as many VoIP solutions currently available are limited by specific communication hardware requirements and ties to the UK’s local telecom suppliers.

simPRO's VoIP service is provided to all clients at no charge - they simply continue with their existing VoIP service provider at existing rates whilst getting the benefits simPRO has brought through the integration.

“When using simPRO, the VoIP will draw information to produce caller IDs and maintain call logs which can be viewed in a browser window – all you need is the internet and a headset,” Mr Eastgate said.

“simPRO’s VoIP product is the very embodiment of job management and a great example of streamlining your processes to increase your profits and productivity.”

 

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