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In a bold amalgamation move, Orange and MasMovil are set to combine their Spanish telecom operations in a €19 billion deal. European regulators, however, have expressed concerns, fearing a spike in consumer costs due to a potential market monopoly. To address these apprehensions, Orange and MasMovil are shedding some assets, with Romanian telecom Digi earmarked to acquire parts of the business, paving the way for a more competitive landscape. Californian tech enthusiasts, early adopters and IT professionals are keenly observing this development, which is seen as a yardstick for regulator sentiment towards large-scale telecom consolidation in Europe.

EXA Infrastructure, the largest dedicated digital infrastructure platform connecting Europe and North America, today announced it has added a fifth transatlantic route to its network footprint with the addition of the Dunant cable, connecting the US and Europe via a southern corridor across the Atlantic. This new route complements EXA’s existing cables, connecting Paris and Bordeaux in France to the large data centre clusters of Virginia Beach, Richmond and Ashburn in the US. This new route offers excellent diversity from other transatlantic cables, as well as connecting to EXA’s extensive European backbone onwards to Madrid, Barcelona and Marseille via differentiated routes.

Phoenix Tower International’s acquisition of NOVEC’s German unit offers a lucrative entry point into a high-potential European market, despite a downturn in mergers and acquisitions within the tower sector. This pivotal move solidifies Phoenix Tower’s expansion strategy, leveraging Germany’s stature as Europe’s largest economy and a global wireless build-out hub. Intriguingly, Phoenix’s bold move contrasts with rivals like Cellnex, who have curbed spending due to financial pressures. This daring feat underscores the fluidity and continuous evolution in the telecommunications infrastructure sector.

Thierry Breton, Internal Market commissioner of the European Commission, is advocating for a unified European telecoms market, anticipating advancements in growth, innovation, and swift adaptability to emerging technologies. Arguing against the current market fragmentation, he believes regulatory easing on issues like spectrum acquisition could invite investors to support future networks. Simultaneously, telecom operators suggest cross-border consolidation as a potential path when local financial conditions improve.

As the Competition and Markets Authority gears up for an official investigation about the planned merger between Vodafone and Three, concerns such as reduced consumer choices, price hikes, and changing market dynamics are cropping up. Simultaneously, anticipation builds over potential improvements and expansive opportunities the merger might usher in for the UK’s mobile network scene.

In a pioneering collaboration, Samsung, Vodafone, and Orange have achieved a significant breakthrough by completing the first 4G calls over shared networks in rural Romania using Open RAN technology. This milestone, with the promise of integrating 2G and 5G, signifies a transformative step towards more efficient, sustainable, and innovative telecommunications.

Vodafone is expanding its devotion to Open RAN technology, joining forces with Nokia in a progressive venture in Italy. The initiative aligns with Vodafone’s Open RAN directive, largely centered in the UK, and extends influence to the Italian telecom landscape. With this first commercial 5G Open RAN pilot in Italy, they aim to prove Nokia’s Open RAN solution matches the functionality and quality of traditional RAN. With an eye on promoting automated, adaptable networks for the ever-growing demand of responsive 5G services, such innovation bolsters the EU’s digital sovereignty and global competitiveness.

Telecom giants Vodafone and Orange are breaking new ground with the first real-life 4G calls over a common shared network in an Open RAN setting. Stemming from a landmark endeavor near Bucharest, this initiative provides a glimpse into the potential strengths of an Open RAN-based network. What’s more? The progress doesn’t halt at 4G. The duo are set to soon take down another first – operating 2G and subsequently 5G, over shared Open RAN sites. Both operators see this as a model for extending mobile networks throughout rural Europe.

The European Commission is urging member states to conduct shared risk assessments in key tech realms including advanced semiconductors, AI, quantum tech, and biotech. Amidst the cloud of geopolitical tech skirmishes, EU stands poised to protect sensitive technologies and is resolved not to preemptively decide on any corrective measures. Only time will reveal the Commission’s next steps after risk assessments.