Top tech giants, including Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft, have recently been identified by the European Commission under the new Digital Markets Act (DMA) as potential digital ‘gatekeepers’. These firms, commanding vast economic and influential prowess, now sit waiting during a 45 day review period that could officially brand them as such. Following the conclusion of the evaluation process, each company will need to navigate a six-month transition to achieve full compliance with the DMA directives. These guidelines are aimed at fostering competition and safeguarding both end-user rights and the interests of small scale businesses.
stra, the Australian telecommunications company, has announced a new partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink, a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. The collaboration aims to provide home phone and broadband services to customers in remote areas. Telstra’s satellite connectivity services will offer expanded options for businesses and consumers who previously had limited access to broadband, potentially bringing them online for the first time.
United Group’s series of acquisitions in Bulgarian telecommunications raises intrigue, drawing attention especially from vigilant industry veterans like A1 Group and PPF Group. The tacit consent of the Bulgarian Commission on Protection of Competition allowing Vivacom to absorb Networks-Bulgaria and six other telecom firms, potentially empowers Vivacom with unprecedented control over TV distribution and the ISP market.
The dialogue strengthens between E& and PPF Group, sparking talks of a strategic alliance. With E&’s evident ambition to penetrate the European markets, the narrative gets captivating. Though discussions are in infancy, market enthusiasts eagerly await major developments. Meanwhile, PPF Group, post-acquiring Telenor’s assets, strengthens its presence in Europe.
Delving into the realm of advanced AI, SK Telecom elevates its AI service ‘A.’, boasting features crafted around user preferences. The upgraded version introduces AI agents with unique personalities, promising each user a personalized experience. Working hand in hand with Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI, SKT’s AI capabilities now consist of a Large Language Model, designed to comprehend intricate conversation details for insightful dialogues.
European Commission’s concerns over the Orange-MasMovil merger in Spain may hinder the deal, potentially affecting competition within the country’s telecommunications market. Remedies, such as wholesale access to virtual players, could be proposed to address objections and prevent price increases for consumers.
Vodafone explores potential sale of its Spanish operations as the European Commission investigates Orange Spain and MasMovil merger, impacting competition in the telecom sector. The outcome could influence Vodafone’s decision, with potential investors such as Apollo Global Management and Apax Partners being considered.
Intel’s massive €30 billion European project advances with state-of-the-art factories in Magdeburg, Germany, boosting job creation and supply chain resilience amid global semiconductor demand. Will the ambitious initiative fulfill high-tech production aspirations?
The EU’s messaging around “high-risk” vendors hints at a potential ban on Huawei and ZTE, urging members to accelerate their removal from 5G networks. As the EU Commission pushes for swift implementation, the debate on security risks and dependencies intensifies.
Telekom Austria advances in spinning off its towers business, appointing Ivo Ivanovski and Lars Mosdorf as future leaders. Tasked with preparing a Vienna listing in H2, the duo will oversee 12,900 towers potentially worth billions, enhancing Telekom Austria’s asset monetization.