Significant strides are being made in Slovakia’s telecommunications sector with O2 Slovakia and Slovak Telekom finalizing an eagerly anticipated network sharing agreement. Ultimately expected to lower costs and enhance service quality, this move notably excludes Bratislava and Košice, with both operators maintaining their separate networks in these areas.
In a strategic move, 1&1 penetrates the German 5G market through a new agreement with Vodafone, leaving Telefonica potentially at a loss. Details of the agreement, such as leveraging on Vodafone’s robust 5G, 2G, and 4G networks, and potential future technologies, raise various possibilities for 1&1’s continued growth.
Vocus, the Australian fibre giant, eyes a substantial expansion via a potential A$6.3 billion acquisition of TPG Telecom’s enterprise, wholesale, and government assets, including the wholesale infrastructure sector, Vision Network. However, TPG’s Board’s decision remains pending, casting doubt around the contract’s finalisation.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) plans to invest £40m in converting local and regional authorities into ‘5G Innovation Regions.’ The funding will support regions with solid strategies to leverage 5G and wireless tech for sectors such as agriculture and transportation. One potential application is using 5G-powered drones to gather field data, enabling farmers to make efficient, informed decisions.
Cloud Group NV has emerged as a key player, reshaping the way businesses communicate and collaborate. Founded in 2014 by three visionary partners, Cloud Group has quickly risen to prominence in the Belgian market. I had the opportunity to interview Mike Mol, the Founder and Chief Sales Officer of Cloud Group NV and dive into the story behind Cloud Group, their unique value proposition, and their plans for the future.
DE-CIX, the world’s leading operator of Internet Exchanges (IXs), has unveiled its plans to establish PT DE-CIX Indonesia, a joint venture with PT IDMarco Digital Solusi, a subsidiary of the Salim Group. This initiative marks a significant move for DE-CIX, as it ventures into Indonesia, the largest population and fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia.
Spectrum Enterprise, a division of Charter Communications, Inc., has recently inked a multi-year contract with the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration. The agreement will grant state agencies, municipalities, and educational institutions access to Spectrum Enterprise’s diverse portfolio of network, internet connectivity, and cybersecurity solutions. This move aims to streamline technology services procurement, fostering connectivity among employees and citizens and ensuring seamless digital operations.
Samsung’s Unpacked event next week is set to introduce two highly anticipated foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5. These devices are expected to offer exceptional entertainment experiences, innovative camera features, but also potentially hefty price tags and the persisting issue of fragility that has been a concern for foldable phones since their inception.
Ribbon Communications Inc., a leading global provider of real-time communications technology and IP optical networking solutions, has made a significant announcement regarding its collaboration with Beanfield, a major player in the Canadian telecommunications industry. Ribbon revealed that Beanfield is leveraging its cutting-edge solution, Ribbon Connect for Operator Connect, to enhance and streamline the deployment of Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams, a move aimed at modernizing and fortifying their networks.
Spain’s government is pumping €448 million into the upgrade of over 8,000 isolated 5G base stations, an initiative set to stimulate economic and civil activity while bridging the digital divide. Interestingly, the bulk of the funds are being allocated to lesser-known entities, including wholesale and retail fibre providers Lyntia and Avatel. The rollout is part of Spain’s broader mission of delivering ultrafast broadband coverage by 2025, concurrently ramping up public access to high-speed connections. Furthermore, a €10 million fund invites proposals for innovative 5G projects in sectors such as agriculture and connected vehicles.
