Italian telecom provider Wind Tre faces hurdles in selling infrastructure due to complex 5G network sharing negotiations with rivals Iliad and Fastweb. CK Hutchison delays the deal closure by three months to February 12, citing challenges with Iliad and Fastweb. Meanwhile, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison’s $6 billion merger in Indonesia with Huawei’s support achieves significant growth. France’s Orange introduces satellite broadband, while Norway’s Telenor sells its satellite operations. FCC’s new broadband rules target discrimination, raising concerns of unintended consequences. Mavenir and Nokia achieve remarkable Open RAN interoperability, overcoming past criticisms and showcasing commitment to multi-supplier systems.
TELUS International and Five9 launch an advanced AI-powered Contact Center as a Service platform. Phonism integrates with Cisco’s Webex, providing cost-effective device management and streamlining collaboration. Viking Electronics endorses Ooma AirDial as a reliable POTS replacement, emphasizing wireless turnkey solutions. Cresta unveils AI enhancements for contact centers, driven by Large Language Models, promising unprecedented performance and productivity.
Telecom News | Week #44: T Challenge, End of Vodafone Spain, Nokia’s Technology Strategy 2030, Samsung and O2 testing vRAN.
IBM has introduced Watsonx Code Assistant, an AI-powered tool for enterprise software development. Riga Technical University partners with IS-Wireless to advance 5G Open RAN technology. Snom’s phones are certified for NetSapiens, streamlining deployment for telecom resellers. Google Maps enhances user experience with AI-powered features, offering Immersive View, improved navigation, and EV charging information, striving to outperform competitors.
IBM and AWS are joining forces to enhance generative AI solutions. IBM Consulting will train 10,000 consultants in AWS generative AI by 2024, offering services like Contact Center Modernization with Amazon Connect. Sinch is partnering with Webex by Cisco to launch Sinch Calling with Webex, an integrated product combining messaging, meetings, and voice capabilities. Ooma is expanding its services to the Asia Pacific region to support IWG’s work solutions, providing phone and unified communications services. Connectbase is expanding data capabilities in The Connected World platform, offering detailed tenancy data for network operators expanding in the UK and Ireland.
First Orion introduces SENTRY™, combatting fraudulent calls and preserving brand integrity. CO-OP KINKI enhances customer security with Vonage’s 2FA technology for online shopping. Cloud communications market soars, set to reach $180.7 billion by 2027. T-Mobile shifts users to pricier plans, raising concerns over rate plan commitments.
Google’s Pixel 8 promises a remarkable seven years of updates, outdoing Samsung. The Pixel 8 Pro boasts advanced computational photography and an FDA-approved body temperature sensor. Microsoft introduces a faster, sleeker Teams app with AI-powered Copilot. Truecaller strengthens fraud detection with Unoideo Technologies acquisition. Snom Americas collaborates with Zoom to enhance the reseller channel with the Snom M500 DECT phone system, offering wireless mobility and crystal-clear audio.
Nvidia aims to convince telecoms to use its GPUs in 5G networks, citing NTT Docomo’s recent GPU-accelerated 5G launch in Japan. Yet, the role of Nvidia’s GPUs in telecom remains unclear. Meanwhile, the FCC breaks a two-year deadlock, reigniting net neutrality debates. Telefonica Germany partners with Skylo for global IoT connectivity, expanding options for businesses and consumers. Nokia explores rugged 5G devices for harsh environments, catering to specialized industries with challenging conditions.
IONOS and Vodia have teamed up to provide a seamless cloud communications solution. Singaporean SMBs face a surge in cyberattacks, urging them to implement basic cybersecurity measures. Microsoft is launching a significant Windows 11 update featuring AI-driven Windows Copilot and enhanced features. Evolve IP focuses on making the future of work better through cutting-edge cloud collaboration technologies and emphasizes sustainability with fully carbon-neutral EMEA offices.
Metazoa pioneers AI in Salesforce with their Intelligent Assistant, enhancing administrative capabilities. HP wows with its Spectre Fold, a versatile $5,000 three-in-one device. Japan’s blockchain AI market skyrockets, set to grow by 24.2% CAGR thanks to government support, business adoption, and venture capital investments. Lastly, Emoji 15.1 introduces fresh icons, including headshakes, a phoenix, and more.
