DigitalBridge has initiated a tender offer to acquire Japanese tower firm JTower, offering a 152% premium valued at JPY93 billion ($630 million). This strategic move aims to address growing pressures in the telecommunications sector from the deployment of Beyond 5G and 6G technologies. With NTT and NTT Docomo tendering their stakes, the acquisition promises enhanced infrastructure-sharing capabilities.
EE’s rapid 5G small cell deployment, with over 1,000 active installations, marks a significant advancement in the UK’s mobile infrastructure. These small cells, strategically deployed in high-demand areas like London, enhance mobile capacity and performance. Leveraging advanced network analytics and collaboration with partners like Nokia and Ericsson, EE optimizes network efficiency, ensuring top-notch connectivity.
Skylo’s cutting-edge NTN connectivity enhances the Google Pixel 9 series, ensuring reliable emergency communication where terrestrial networks fail. For the first time, Pixel users can connect to emergency services via satellite. This collaborative innovation between Skylo and Google marks a new era in mobile connectivity, delivering essential support in remote areas.
Equinix is making waves in the VoIP and digital infrastructure landscape with a $124 million investment in a new Hong Kong data center, HK6. Positioned to meet VoIP demands and enhance connectivity, this facility integrates seamlessly into Equinix’s existing network, bolstering Hong Kong’s role as a data hub in the Greater Bay Area.
Recent research by Vodafone reveals significant readiness among UK companies to invest in 5G Standalone (5G SA). 39% of businesses are prepared to invest in 5G SA now, with 14% planning to do so within a year. 93% of companies see reliable data connections as vital for success, reflecting the importance of 5G SA in business transformation.
Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST) is set to launch its first batch of satellites, challenging SpaceX’s Starlink. This launch, part of China’s G60 Starlink Plan, aims to deploy 15,000 low Earth orbit satellites by 2030, marking a significant step in China’s strategic competition with the United States.
Millicom’s Board of Directors has rejected Atlas Luxco’s revised $25.75 per share offer, stating it still undervalues the company. The board pointed to Millicom’s improved performance and standard valuation metrics, suggesting the bid is too low. Concerns over the impact on employees were also highlighted.
The National Advertising Review Board (NARB) has urged AT&T to revise its claims about its Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) following a challenge from T-Mobile US. AT&T’s advertisement implied the advanced VoIP service is operational, which is misleading. Transparent communication in the evolving VoIP and satellite communications landscape is essential.
Vodafone Germany is investing €250 million to expand its B2B unit, targeting corporate consumers and enhancing its digital offerings. Partnering with IT leaders like Microsoft and AWS, the move aims to capture more of the competitive enterprise market. This strategic investment underscores the growing importance of VoIP and digital solutions.
NATO’s HEIST initiative enhances global internet resilience by integrating subsea cables and satellites, aiming to safeguard against data traffic disruptions. GoTo harnesses generative AI to improve customer experiences, while China Unicom and Huawei launch a 5.5G network in Beijing, and Swisscom and Nokia deploy a nationwide drone network in Switzerland for safety and industrial monitoring.
