Telefónica, a leading telecommunications operator, has sealed a fresh agreement with tech giant Google Cloud aimed at turbocharging Telefónica’s journey into cloud adoption and AI-driven innovation. The deal, which extends the strategic collaboration between the two entities for another three years, is poised to usher in a wave of advancements across various fronts.
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.
Xavier Neil, the French telecom magnate, is seeking financing to acquire the remaining 80% of Latin American telecom group Millicom through his investment vehicle, Atlas. The move was disclosed after media reports surfaced, prompting an official statement from Atlas Investissement. The statement confirmed that Atlas is exploring a cash tender offer for Millicom, aiming for a purchase price of $24 per share.
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.
GoTo’s new AI-powered scam detection feature aims to protect users from rising remote support scams. Freedom Fibre secures funding for rural fibre rollout, Openreach extends network, but low uptake rates pose challenges.
Anritsu’s MasterClaw Service Assurance is now validated on Red Hat OpenShift, enhancing its cloud-native benefits. Aryaka expands its network with a new PoP in Madrid. DRFortress and Megaport have partnered to launch a new public cloud on-ramp solution.
SIPPIO, the global leader in voice enablement, and Clerk Chat, the leading conversational messaging platform, have today announced the launch of ‘SIPPIO Text Messaging by Clerk Chat’. Available immediately, the new service seamlessly integrates SMS/MMS and WhatsApp Business directly into Microsoft Teams, with Apple Messages for Business coming soon.
French telecommunications giant Orange has announced a strategic partnership with Nokia, aiming to broaden the reach of its network APIs. This collaboration will leverage Nokia’s Network as Code platform, incorporating a developer portal to invigorate the 5G market and stimulate revenue growth.
Sparkle, Italy’s leading international service provider, has successfully landed its BlueMed submarine cable in Chania, Crete. The announcement was made during a press conference at the Italian Ambassador’s Residence in Athens, attended by key figures including Paolo Cuculi, the Italian Ambassador, and Dimitris Papastergiou, Greece’s Minister of Digital Governance.
Australia’s Communications and Media Authority has initiated legal proceedings against Optus, the nation’s second-largest telecommunications provider, following a significant data breach in 2022. The ACMA has taken the matter to the Federal Court, accusing Optus of failing to secure its customers’ personal data, thereby breaching the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act of 1979.
