After more than two years of declines, the European smartphone market has started to show signs of recovery, with a 10% year-on-year increase in shipments during the first quarter of 2024, according to Counterpoint Research. However, analysts are cautious about predicting a significant long-term upswing.
Major African network operators Orange and Vodacom are reportedly negotiating an infrastructure-sharing agreement, as disclosed by Bloomberg. Sources close to the matter suggest the companies aim to collaborate in overlapping markets, such as Egypt and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This partnership would enhance their coverage and mitigate the need for extensive new infrastructure.
South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol revealed a historic $19 billion support package aimed at bolstering the nation’s semiconductor sector, underscoring the industry’s critical role in the economy. The substantial investment, facilitated by the state-run Korea Development Bank, will enhance infrastructure, research and development, and offer tax incentives.
Leading tech companies Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Salesforce have announced the formation of the “Symbiosis Coalition,” a collaborative effort aimed at reducing their carbon footprints through nature restoration projects. The coalition has pledged to secure up to 20 million tons of nature-based carbon removal credits by 2030.
Microsoft made waves in the tech world this week with the launch of their new line of Copilot+ PCs, aimed at enhancing productivity through AI integration. Among the various features boasted by these innovative devices, one in particular, known as Recall, is drawing attention for its potential privacy implications.
A recent survey among telecom and IT engineers at communications service providers (CSPs) indicates a positive outlook on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing network performance and driving revenue. Conducted by Ciena and Censuswide, the survey involved over 1,500 telecom professionals from 17 countries.
Ericsson has announced an additional $50 million investment in its USA 5G Smart Factory in Lewisville, Texas, adding to an initial $100 million invested in 2020. This expansion aims to increase local production to meet the rising demand for US-made 5G infrastructure, aligning with the Build America Buy America Act (BABAA).
Exertis Cybersecurity, a leading distributor of cybersecurity solutions, has announced its collaboration with Object First, the developer behind Ootbi (Out-of-the-Box-Immutability), a groundbreaking ransomware-proof backup storage appliance tailored for Veeam®. This partnership signifies a significant stride in Exertis Cybersecurity’s mission to furnish cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to organizations across Europe.
Telefónica Tech has entered into a collaboration with Microsoft to enhance its cybersecurity services by incorporating Microsoft’s AI tools. This partnership aims to provide customers with proactive, integrated, and automated real-time security management.
Sparkle, the subsea cable subsidiary of TIM, has announced the successful completion of its first international VPN test secured with quantum encryption. This milestone was achieved in collaboration with Arqit Quantum, a leader in quantum-safe encryption, and Telsy, TIM’s cybersecurity-focused company. The proof of concept (PoC) involved establishing a secure Internet Protocol (IPsec) tunnel between Italy and Germany using Arqit’s Symmetric Key Agreement (SKA) Platform.
