Witness an intriguing experiment as three major European telecom leaders dive headfirst into field-testing the European Union’s digital ID scheme, dubbed ‘Potential’. An initiative that aims to streamline identity verification across 19 EU nations, it brings to our digital life convenience, efficiency, and the promise of enhanced security. However, it’s not without its challenges -potential data leaks, risks of stringent gatekeeping and concerns over invasive surveillance.
Emerging as a benchmark for sustainability, Vodafone negotiates a massive 410 Gwh photo-voltaic energy deal yearly with renewable firm Iberdrola, aiming at operations in Germany, Portugal, and Spain. This agreement, an expansion on their existing partnership, likely opens doors to further renewable initiatives. Vodafone’s commitment towards an eco-friendlier future radiates, from charging points for electric vehicles at their primary facilities in Spain to ensuring customers’ benefits from 100% renewable purchased electricity.
Telecom alliance Alaian is partnering with chip manufacturer Qualcomm to empower start-ups specializing in Extended Reality (XR). The alliance, comprising of seven telecom giants along with towerco Cellnex, targets initiatives involving metaverse, virtual platforms, and various services or applications from all over the globe. Despite a lukewarm response to the metaverse and the disappearance of mixed reality from the limelight, the conglomerate remains optimistic. Future XR experiences can greatly benefit from the expertise and resources provided by co-operating with Qualcomm.
Speculations are intensifying concerning a potential merge between Dish Network and EchoStar. Recent developments fuel questions about the strategic motivations behind this corporate ‘re-marriage’. Despite Dish’s financial burdens and shrinking customer base, it’s making strides in mobile network expansion, while EchoStar’s strong financial standing and plans for a global 5G network radiate growth.
In the quest for digital transformation, Huawei, at MWC Shanghai 2023, introduced groundbreaking ICT and software innovations. Bruce Xun, Huawei’s Vice President, emphasized the company’s intention to construct robust networks with global carriers while focusing on creating intelligent digital talent. Embracing the dual-E concept, Huawei is striving for a green, efficient integration looking to reduce carbon emissions and enhance user experience.
At the recent “5G Business Dialogue” during MWC Shanghai 2023, industry champions pondered on the positive impact of 5G adoption four years after its commercial introduction. Notably, it now makes up 10% of total revenue for China’s three providers. Furthermore, Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) services are noting considerable success due to swift user migration and industrial digitization. Innovation strides such as the Naked-eye 3D and 5G New Calling reflect the telecom sector’s future. However, with increasing Pan-Asian 5G uptake, the dialogue also ventured into the idea of “5.5G”, envisioned as a natural progression from its precursor. It’s intriguing to anticipate further transformative innovations within this industry.
Telefonica and Entel are poised to merge their fiber infrastructure in Peru, with KKR being the expected majority stakeholder, following Telefonica’s previous success in other Latin American markets. This move anticipates significant expansion of Peru’s high-speed connectivity by leveraging KKR’s successful fiber ventures in Chile and Colombia, amidst the industry’s race to a digitally-empowered future. Details of the deal remain discreet as it awaits regulatory approval.
Ningbo, a vibrant economic hub in China, is transforming into a smart manufacturing center, committing itself to superior digital infrastructure. The heart of this strategy encompasses a six-layered approach focused on efficient information transmission that fosters industry digitization. With established leadership in 5G industrial internet, and over 600 private networks already deployed, the city provides a gateway to the digital future. Innovation extends beyond large corporations, with solutions ranging from on-premise to lightweight 5G private networks, thus catering to businesses of all sizes. The impact is far-reaching and the future, promising, as China Mobile Ningbo aims to address industry-specific challenges with targeted 5G solutions.
Italy’s telecommunications tycoon, Retelit, ushers in a new era of growth under the leadership of newcomer CEO, Jorge Álvarez. With the recent Retelit-Irideos merger, Álvarez is set to navigate the future of this B2B market leader, backed by a solid 20-year career in the global telecom industry.
Samsung, the South Korean tech giant, has reported its lowest operating profit in 14 years for the April to June quarter. The decline is attributed to the ongoing downturn in the memory chip market. While the precise details are yet to be disclosed, analysts expect the chip division’s poor performance to be the primary cause.
