Deutsche Telekom, Telefonica and Orange test blockchain technology
Deutsche Telecom is testing a blockchain solution that can be used to generate and sign secure inter-operator roaming discount agreements. T-Mobile US, Telefonica, Orange and the GSMA are collaborating to test the software that will reduce the complexity of the current process, which usually involves drafting, signing and manually implementing the contracts. Deutsche Telecom said that this is the first time operators are able to jointly test blockchain as a solution that also incorporates a corresponding legal framework, governance model, and integration into corporate IT infrastructures.
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The world’s biggest phone show has been canceled due to coronavirus concerns
The GSM Association (GSMA) has canceled the world’s largest mobile phone show, Mobile World Congress (MWC), in Barcelona due to concerns related to the growing coronavirus pandemic. The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide uniting more than 1,200 companies across the mobile ecosystem, and MWC is an opportunity for thousands to gather for partnerships, deals, and product launches. John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA, said in a statement that the coronavirus outbreak has made it “impossible” to hold the event and added that “the GSMA and the Host City Parties will continue to be working in unison and supporting each other for MWC Barcelona 2021 and future editions.”
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Here’s everything Samsung announced at its Galaxy S20 event
Samsung unveiled its new Galaxy S phones and the foldable Galaxy Z Flip at its Unpacked event in San Francisco. The Galaxy S20 series includes three models: the 6.2-inch S20, 6.7-inch S20+ and the 6.9-inch S20 Ultra. All models feature panels that run at 120 Hz, at 1080p, as well as 3x hybrid optic zoom and software to allow a 30x zoom on the S20 and S20+ and a 100x zoom on the Ultra. Each phone will support “lightning fast 5G”. The Galaxy Z Flip has an enormous 6.7-inch screen when it’s open and is nearly square when closed. The phone features a three-stop hinge that makes it possible to hold it open at three different angles. In addition, Samsung has also improved the video chat experience by adding Google Duo video calls directly to the Samsung dialer.
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T-Mobile and Sprint win Federal Court approval for merger
The US telecom giants T-Mobile and Sprint have received approval from Federal Court in New York to proceed with their USD 26 billion merger to create the New T-Mobile. According to the companies, this merger will create a more efficient carrier with low prices and faster internet speeds enabling it to compete with top players Verizon Communications and AT&T. John Legere, the outgoing CEO of T-Mobile, said, “The New T-Mobile will be a supercharged Un-carrier that is great for consumers and great for competition. The broad and deep 5G network that only our combined companies will be able to bring to life is going to change wireless.” Incoming T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert said the deal could close as early as April 1st, 2020.
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With $800M in new capital, Vantage Data Centers acquires Etix and expands to Europe
US-based Vantage Data Centers, a provider of wholesale data centers for business and mission-critical applications, has secured more than USD 800 million in new equity capital from its current investors and new investor Digital Colony Partners. This new funding will help Vantage expand into Europe, and to accelerate this process, the company has purchased Etix Everywhere, which currently operates 12 data centers for more than 200 clients. Most of Etix’s footprint is in Europe, but it also has data centers in Latin America and Africa. Furthermore, Vantage is also planning five new European facilities in Berlin, Frankfurt, Milan, Warsaw and Zurich.
Read more at https://tinyurl.com/s483ktz
