Dell invests €2 million in Ireland’s Open Telecom Ecosystem Lab, aiming to collaborate with EMEA telecom firms on 5G and 6G innovations, boosting smart manufacturing and digital cities while promoting opportunities in network infrastructure.
Centene has partnered with AT&T, Connected Nation, Dell Technologies and Intel to help reduce the digital gap among youngsters by providing foster agencies in Florida and Missouri better access to the Internet. Centene and the other organizations donated over 1,000 computers and 2,200 hotspots under the K-12 Digital Divide Program. The Digital Divide refers to the economic, educational and social disparities that exist between those who have access to the Internet and those who do not. The program, which is hoped will have a positive influence on the general welfare of the youth, was necessary during the pandemic since computers and internet connectivity were essential for routine activities, such as attending school or visiting the doctor. Mylayna Albright, AVP, Corporate Social Responsibility, AT&T, commented: “This program brings together major players in the health and technology industries to ensure foster youth can access important digital resources that address physical,…
Amid growing inflation and swelling telecom budgets, the advent of 6G brings in costly implications tied to Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment. As these financial implications loom, The Next Generation Mobile Network (NGMN) Alliance proposes a different approach to 6G implementation that may spare existing 5G infrastructure from unnecessary renewal. They advocate an operator-driven decision process in refreshing the 5G RAN, maintaining that 6G upgrade should not compromise 5G user experience and should be software-upgradable on existing network elements. As 5G capex reaches its peak in markets like the U.S., NGMN’s stance could potentially redefine traditional strategies in introducing new generations of mobile technology.
Nokia intensifies focus on AI and machine learning enhancements with the advent of their new Open Innovation Lab in Dubai. This facility is set to target telecommunications operations in Middle East and Africa, potentially bolstering business for Dell and Hewlett Packard Enterprise. The lab’s agenda encompasses three key areas: cloud RAN collaboration, promotion of private wireless and industrial networks, and acceleration of AI-driven network automation. The lab’s existence could pave the way for increased productivity, overall network efficiency and novel revenue opportunities in the region.
The UK Competition and Markets Authority is charting the course for fair AI practices, guided by seven strategic principles. Their balanced approach, drawn from a diverse pool of inputs, aims to ensure competitive integrity and consumer welfare in the AI-driven market. The spotlight is on accountability, ensuring AI creators shoulder responsibility for their solutions’ implications. Additionally, advocating for consumer freedom in choice and flexibility, they aim to deter anti-competitive practices. However, who exactly should uphold the principle of transparency remains unclear.
Telecom equipment expenditure in North America experienced an unexpected downturn in the first half of this year. Despite global telecom hardware revenues remaining steady, North America’s marked decline significantly impacted the total number. In contrast, other markets, particularly Asia-Pacific, showed robust growth. The reasons behind North America’s decline extend to slowing 5G expenditure and reduced spending on broadband access equipment. Looking ahead, no major global alterations are anticipated, though the volatility of the telecom industry hints at potential changes.
Kcell, Kazakhstan’s leading operator, is set to revolutionize the nation’s telecommunications landscape by launching a colossal seven-year 5G rollout plan with Ericsson at the helm. The mission includes a considerable shift towards a united Radio Access Network strategy merging 5G with existing networks, which proves to offer optimize utilization and smoother transition to advanced technology. Furthermore, this project incorporates Fixed Wireless Access, providing internet solutions in challenging terrains.
Amazon’s Project Kuiper and Vodafone join forces to bolster 4G and 5G availability in Europe and Africa using cost-effective low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This partnership aims to connect distant cellular antennas to core networks, enabling telecom services without relying on intricate fibre-based systems. With a larger goal of bridging the digital divide, the collaboration also plans to offer backup services for disruptions and connect distant infrastructure.
Deutsche Telekom, in collaboration with AirHop, Juniper Networks, VIAVI Solutions, and VMware, has been testing the waters to leverage telecom technology bound by Open RAN specifications. Treading an intriguing path of innovation, they trialed Non-RT RIC technology by performing a RAN closed-loop optimization proof, embraced by ONAP and Open RAN standards. The journey unfolded two pivotal use case scenarios revolving around PCI optimization and energy-saving dynamics powered by AI and machine learning.
Notable declines in Open RAN and vRAN revenues for Q2 2023 have been reported by Dell’Oro, suggesting a potential year-on-year reduction if trends continue. While shrinkage was notable across the Americas and the Asia Pacific region, Europe continues to enjoy growth. Nevertheless, the overall RAN market lacks significant growth, making future predictions challenging about these emerging technologies’ share when 6G becomes widespread.
