The 2Africa subsea cable, touted as the world’s largest, now includes a direct connection to the UK thanks to Vodafone’s involvement. This ambitious project highlights significant global collaboration, with key partners including Bayobab, Center3, China Mobile International, Meta, Orange, Telecom Egypt, and WIOCC. The inclusion of both US and Chinese interests is particularly remarkable, showcasing cooperation despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is unlikely to demand that dominant cloud service providers Microsoft and AWS break up their businesses or divest assets. However, it is considering several other market interventions to ensure fair competition.
In developed markets, copper telecom networks are rapidly being replaced by more efficient fiber optic cables. Despite this shift, the value of copper is surging in other sectors, particularly in electric vehicles and renewable energy. The metal’s worth has soared over 50% from pre-pandemic levels due to high demand and lower mining outputs, with forecasts suggesting a further 50% increase in demand by 2040.
The ‘Global State of CX 2024’ report by CX Network highlights rising concerns about data privacy and security. Eaton’s NetDirector KVM over IP switches allow remote management of up to 32 devices with robust security, space-saving design, and compatibility. DE-CIX study shows 70% of major US Internet Exchanges are now neutral. Lanner unveils the ECA-6051, a high-performance edge AI server.
Dutch telecommunications operator KPN has announced a partnership with pension fund ABP to form a new joint venture, temporarily named TowerCo. This entity will manage and operate 3,800 mobile towers and rooftop sites. KPN will hold a 51% stake in the venture, with ABP controlling the remaining 49%.
In collaboration with the i2CAT Foundation, Vodafone is advancing an automated multi-vendor management system tailored for Open RAN. This initiative aims to streamline the integration of diverse hardware and software components from multiple vendors, a key feature of Open RAN technology.
Telecom operators are increasingly embracing eSIM technology, which is expected to be featured in over half of all smartphones sold globally within the next five years, according to new research from CCS Insight. The analyst firm projects that by 2028, 56% of smartphones will support embedded SIMs, a significant rise from 27% last year.
Vodafone Spain is collaborating with Ericsson to promote the transformative capabilities of private 5G networks for enterprises. The initiative includes a series of conferences across Spain, showcasing the technology’s potential to revolutionize various industrial sectors.
MS3 Networks, a leading full-fibre network operator, has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 200,000 premises with its network build in the Hull and the Humber region of England. Over the past two years, the company has been rapidly expanding its network, with the additional achievement of connecting its 10,000th customer in Hull.
In a significant move towards bolstering AI infrastructure in Asia, Japan’s KDDI and Sharp have initiated discussions with Super Micro Computer Inc. and Datasection to establish the region’s largest AI data centre. The ambitious project will be situated at the soon-to-be-closed Sharp Sakai Plant in Osaka, marking a strategic repurposing of the unprofitable facility slated to shut down in September.
