In an audacious move against China’s tech supremacy, the U.S. has issued an executive order curbing American investment in several Chinese industries. Citing national security fears linked to the development of military, surveillance, and cyber technology in China, the U.S. declared a national emergency facilitating swift action. This could significantly impact sectors such as semiconductors and quantum computing, and might also influence global investment trend.

Airtel Africa recently made it public that its subsidiary Airtel Uganda is gearing up to be listed on the Ugandan Securities Exchange (USE). M&A

In a significant move, Airtel Africa has announced plans for its Uganda branch to list on the Ugandan Securities Exchange (USE). Some 20% of the company’s shares, amounting to roughly 8 billion, will be offered publicly. This strategy, aimed at boosting local ownership, coincides with a government directive and is expected to underscore the growth of capital markets. However, the final say lies with the Ugandan Capital Markets Authority…

In the face of the bleak atmosphere surrounding reduced telco capex, private cellular networking presents a glimmer of hope. Broadband

Amid declining telco capital expenditures impacting vendor profits, private cellular networking shines as a beacon of hope. Recent research reveals a significant 60% YoY increase in Q2 revenues for private cellular networking equipment, offering new revenue streams for industry giants like Ericsson and Nokia. However, with greater benefits come complex challenges that, if overcome, could potentially catapult the market worth to a substantial $7.7 billion by 2027.

Telefónica has recently partnered with Starlink via its global division Telefónica Global Solutions (TGS) for connectivity services. Broadband

Delving into satellite technology, Telefónica forms a strategic alliance with Starlink to enhance global connectivity, specifically targeting rural and hard-to-reach regions. With initial implementation in Mexico, this high-speed internet service is set to expand to five more markets, indicating a promising shift in accessible global digital inclusion. But is this the harbinger of a new connectivity era or just a companion to existing solutions?

NEC Corporation has obtained O-RAN Certification from Japan OTIC for its MB5450 5G base station radio unit (RU). Broadband

NEC Corporation has obtained O-RAN Certification from Japan OTIC (Open Testing & Integration Centres) for its MB5450 5G base station radio unit (RU), certifying that the RU conforms with the O-RAN Fronthaul Interface Specifications established by the Open Radio Access Network Alliance (O-RAN ALLIANCE). This RU has been delivered to Rakuten Symphony and is being deployed globally. 

An all-stock merger agreement between Dish Network and EchoStar has been unveiled, generating a stronger entity in network connectivity. M&A

The intriguing merger between Dish Network and EchoStar creates a powerful entity in wireless connectivity, poised to lead in both terrestrial and non-terrestrial realms. Fusing Dish’s comprehensive services with EchoStar’s satellite solutions promises robust connectivity options, utilizing a vast array of technology and expertise. Yet, beyond the marriage of technology, the merger is primarily a tale of economic survival and growth. The incorporation of EchoStar’s financial stability into Dish’s uncertainty may just be the lifeline

TDS, the parent company of UScellular, might be exploring different strategic directions for the mobile operator. Telco Buzz

TDS, UScellular’s parent company, is reportedly reviewing strategic paths for the mobile operator, with market whispers around a possible sale or welcoming new investors, guided by Citi advisor. Currently the fifth-largest mobile service provider in the U.S., UScellular’s assets, including investment in 5G and numerous mobile towers, make it an attractive prospect for big-name telecoms like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. However, its segmented presence may pose challenges.

The Open RAN sector has experienced an unexpected loss as Tareq Amin, the CEO of Rakuten Symphony, unanticipatedly departed from the company. Telco Buzz

As Rakuten Symphony’s CEO, Tareq Amin, unexpectedly departs, it heightens the mystery around the company’s subdued performance this year. Despite a promising start and securing a deal with Germany’s greenfield mobile operator 1&1, Symphony’s momentum appears to have plateaued. Yet a recent MoU with Veon to explore Open RAN solutions offers a beacon of hope. Amidst tricky market conditions and scarce major RAN deals, all eyes are now on acting president Sharad Sriwastawa to breathe new life into Symphony.

According to Akama, there’s been a notable shift in hackers' tactics as abusive use of software vulnerabilities has taken center stage. Telco Buzz

Cybersecurity landscape has been rapidly changing, as hackers abandon phishing for exploiting software vulnerabilities, a trend illuminated in a study by Akamai. The study revealed a dramatic 143% increase in victims during Q1, predominantly due to surging incidents of zero-day and one-day vulnerabilities. Surprisingly, smaller organizations, particularly those within manufacturing, business services, retail, construction, and education sectors are often targeted.