(Source: Netomnia)

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has indicated an acquisition of Substantial Group by nexfibre would likely result in a substantial lessening of competition in the wholesale market, according to an interim report published today. The competition regulator opened a consultation on its findings, which will conclude on October 23. Substantial Group owns Netomnia, a wholesale fiber provider with over 3 million premises marked as ready for service. Nexfibre is, meanwhile, a joint venture by VMO2 parents Liberty Global and Telefónica, and Infravia.

In an emailed statement, Nexfibre's shareholders said, among other, that the interim report "does not reflect the commercial and competitive reality of Britain's fibre market. It fails to prioritise the fibre investment the country needs, and the creation of a scaled, sustainable challenger to Openreach." (See also: Nexfibre CEO defends £2B Netomnia deal against CityFibre attack and Blocking Netomnia deal would harm UK fiber investment – VMO2 CEO.)

CityFibre strikes back

One ardent critic of the proposed transaction is fellow UK fiber wholesaler CityFibre. It also submitted a bid for the network, according to the CMA's report, which states the altnet would have most likely been successful had nexfibre not emerged as the buyer.

In an emailed statement to media, CityFibre said: "The CMA is right that this proposed transaction would significantly reduce competition and risks the benefits being delivered for UK consumers: faster speeds, greater innovation and lower prices. After recognising that harm, it is vital that the CMA takes the next step and blocks the deal." (See also: Eurobites: CityFibre attacks Netomnia-Nexfibre deal (again).)

A1 launches network slicing for businesses

Austrian operator A1 has launched Super SIM, described as a service for businesses and organizations with significant connectivity needs like critical infrastructure operators or the authorities. It will use network slicing to prioritize selected traffic from customers, with the possibility of adding VPN and APN solutions.

SFR expands cybersecurity offering

The Altice-owned French operator SFR, which may soon be carved up by rival MNOs, is expanding its cybersecurity offer to medium-sized businesses. The SmartSOC Expert offer will be underpinned by a recently opened Security Operations Center (SOC) in Paris, and the services on offer include monitoring and protecting Microsoft 365 products and analyzing the surface area for cyberattacks.

Sateliot expands satellite constellation

Spain-headquartered Sateliot launched five satellites to boost its 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The launch brings the company's constellation to 11 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites in total. (See also: Eurobites: Telefónica, Sateliot combine on 5G IoT and Eurobites: Sateliot seeks €100M in Series C funding for space-based 5G push.)

State of digital inclusion in Belgium

The Belgian King Baudoin Foundation issued a report on digital inclusion, which found that 39% of Belgians aged 16 to 74 faced digital vulnerabilities in 2025, either because they can't access the Internet or because of insufficient digital skills. The number jumps to 81% among those in the 75 to 89 age bracket. The agency notes that the nature of digital inequality has changed in recent years, pointing to digital literacy issues like staying safe online or the ability to spot AI-generated content playing a bigger role. The organization also found that 42% of respondents used AI in the last three months, noting there are big gaps between usage based on age.