NTT Docomo has initiated Japan’s first experimental demonstration of a self-powered hydropower cellular base station. This project, designed to showcase sustainable and low-cost connectivity solutions for rural areas, features a hydroelectric power-generation system utilizing a jet turbine developed by Professor Yukihiro Shimatani from the Prefectural University of Kumamoto.
Italian company Tessellis has announced plans to acquire Go Internet, aiming to bolster its presence in the business services sector. The deal, initially delayed, has now met all necessary conditions and is set to proceed with Tessellis acquiring over 30% of Go Internet following a Reserved Capital Increase scheduled for the end of the month.
French telecom giant Orange has teamed up with green technology company d.light to bring innovative solar-powered products to its prepaid customers in Africa. California-based d.light specializes in a variety of solar-powered devices such as lamps, torches, fans, and phone chargers, all designed for easy self-installation.
Global revenue from AI semiconductors is projected to reach $71 billion in 2024, marking a 33% increase from the previous year, according to a recent Gartner report. Gartner also anticipates that AI-equipped PCs will constitute 22% of total PC shipments in 2024. By the end of 2026, all enterprise PC purchases are expected to feature AI capabilities.
DE-CIX, the world’s leading Internet Exchange (IX) operator, and PacketFabric, a prominent Network as a Service (NaaS) provider, have announced the expansion of their strategic collaboration. PacketFabric is now the inaugural Reseller under DE-CIX’s newly launched R3 Partner Program, marking a significant step in broadening access to high-performance interconnection services.
Zoom has unveiled a series of new features across Zoom Workplace, including enhanced capabilities of its AI Companion in Zoom Meetings and Zoom Team Chat. The AI Companion, Zoom’s generative AI assistant, now offers features like drafting quick replies in Team Chat and providing customizable notices, all at no additional cost.
SLBdiensten has added the Microsoft Teams Operator Connect solution from Gamma Communications to its service portfolio, streamlining telephony integration within Microsoft Teams for educational institutions. This development aims to enhance communication and efficiency in schools, meeting the growing demand for smarter work practices and improved accessibility.
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.
