Workz Introduces New Biodegradable SIM Card

By Abraham Joseph -

23 November 2021 – SIM card provider, Workz, has introduced a new biodegradable SIM card to its product range to help mobile network operators reduce their environmental footprint. The SIM card, titled EcoSIM, completely biodegrades at the end of its usable life, either in landfill or compost conditions eliminating its plastic waste.

In 2019, 5.5 billion SIM cards were produced worldwide. The Covid-19 pandemic saw production reduce in 2020, but tens of thousands of tons of plastic are still needed every year to manufacture the SIM cards the world needs. The sector has made strides in recent years to deal with its high use of plastic. The Workz biodegradable EcoSIM is intended to further this progress.

Workz is recognised as one of the world’s top ten SIM card producers supplying SIMs to mobile network operators (MNOs) in over 70 countries worldwide. EcoSIM is the company’s latest of many sustainable initiatives. The company, which is ISO 14001 certified for Environmental Management, has reduced the average plastic consumption for each customer by half through modified designs as well as introducing virtual alternatives such as eSIM. It also uses recycled materials for packaging and has optimised its supply chain to reduce emissions, energy use, and unsustainable materials. These changes have led to a significant reduction in the impact to the planet for Workz and its customers, in some cases, leading to a reduction in emissions by over 90%.

The Workz EcoSIM is environmentally friendly and made from an oxo-biodegradable plastic that breaks down into small pieces and slowly degrades in the presence of oxygen and UV light. Whilst the card also contains a stabiliser to ensure consistent performance over the usable life of the SIM, when placed in a landfill, the degradation process takes 18-30 months. The plastic, which is approved by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), can also be safely recycled with other oil-based plastic. This offers a significant improvement when compared to the estimated hundreds of years normal plastics take to decompose.

Commenting on the new eco-friendly SIM card, Tor Malmros, Workz CEO (above) said “MNOs need planet-safe solutions to achieve their sustainability objectives, as well as to maintain consumers who are more environmentally aware than ever. With EcoSIM and eSIM, we’re delighted to be able to provide more sustainable alternatives to the traditional SIM that can make a real difference for network operators and their environmental footprint.”

Source: Workz

Cellnex UK Awarded 10-Year Contract to Build 5G Private Network in Basingstoke

15 November 2021 – Cellnex UK has been awarded a contract by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to design and build a 5G private network. The proposed network will consist of a 5G core network and a Radio Access Network, in Basing View, Basingstoke's central business district.

The council hopes to create a comprehensive 5G ecosystem focused on commercialisation, where businesses can access 5G connectivity to develop, trial, and bring new products, services, and applications to market. The project is supported by the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership and the University of Surrey 5G Innovation Centre.

The proposed 5G private network will provide indoor and outdoor connectivity in Basing View, home to over 100 companies primarily from the professional and financial services, digital tech, cybersecurity and life sciences sectors. The project will also support a 5G Living Lab, where industry partners can showcase technology expertise and foster innovation by providing a range of use cases, including smart city and Internet of Things applications, mobility and transport, and digital health. Through its strong focus on commercialisation and business engagement, the project will also support innovative start-ups and businesses, helping to develop further 5G innovation and capabilities.

"I am delighted that Cellnex UK has been given the opportunity to support Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's vision of a fully connected business community in Basing View," said David Crawford, Managing Director, Cellnex UK (above). "Cellnex UK, through its Edzcom business, has deployed over 35 private networks across Europe, including ports, airports, mines, manufacturing plants, refineries and is the ideal partner to deliver Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council plans for economic growth and digital innovation in the area."

Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Ken Rhatigan comments: “5G technology is going to transform the way we all live our lives and deliver significant benefits for our borough’s businesses and encourage more businesses to come and grow here. I am delighted that we have been able to continue our strong track record of partnership with the private sector to attract significant investment and ensure our borough remains a great place to live and cement our reputation as a top tech town. We look forward to working with Cellnex and Enterprise M3 to bring our 5G vision to reality.”

Kathy Slack, Chief Executive of Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership said: “I’m thrilled to see the 5G Living Lab come to fruition with funding from Enterprise M3 LEP, bringing a step-change in digital infrastructure to business in Basingstoke. We’ve all had experience of using innovative new digital systems during the pandemic and this new ultra-fast network will enable more businesses in Basing View to build, test, demonstrate and ultimately commercialise new, innovative products, further enhancing Basingstoke’s thriving high-tech economy.”

Source: Cellnex UK

AT&T is in the Field to Deliver a Smart Solution for the Dairy Industry

2 November 2021 – Austrian-based technology company smaXtec is using AT&T IoT expertise to operate its smart sensor, enabling dairy farmers to better understand their cows and reduce costly veterinary bills. Already active in 25 countries including the United States, Germany and the UK, the company is planning to expand its operations over the next 12 months with the goal of having more than 1M connected cows ‘in the field’.

By swallowing the smaXtec sensor, data can be provided on a cow’s inner body temperature, rumination, movement activity, and pH levels. This is extremely helpful to maintaining the health and improving insemination success within a herd.

In addition to early detection of diseases, the smaXtec solution, enabled by AT&T IoT connectivity, supports farmers with reliable calving detection and automatic heat detection. The technology informs farmers about imminent calving 36 to 6 hours prior to young being born, allowing for monitoring and potential intervention to help the safe arrival of a healthy animal.

The smart sensor provides farmers with valuable insights and actionable recommendations in near real-time on simple to use software applications. Users can access cow and herd data via the web or by using the smaXtec app.

John V. Slamecka, AT&T region president–EMEA & LATAM (above) comments: “The IoT applications which can be enabled by AT&T’s global network never ceases to amaze me. In this case the smart solution developed by smaXtec is delivering priceless data from inside the cow. Animals that had to be inspected and monitored in person can now be checked remotely, saving farmers time and money. It’s a fantastic example of what can be done when a customer harnesses the scale of AT&T’s IoT connectivity.”

Stefan Rosenkranz, CEO, smaXtec notes: “As one of the founders of our company, I have been involved in every step of the journey from concept to commercialisation of the sensor technology. The feedback we get from farmers deploying the service is fantastic: making their lives easier and their farm business more profitable while improving the welfare of their animals through the use of data.

“As we prepare for the next phase of our development as a business, it was important we worked with a company which could offer us global connectivity and in particular a strong U.S. presence as we are building our market presence there. Our aim is to have 1M connected cows and I am delighted to be working with AT&T as we move forward.”

Source: AT&T