Vocus, a well-known fibre operator in Australia, is in high-stakes discussions for a $4.2 billion bid on crucial assets of TPG Telecom, including Vision Network, its wholesale infrastructure arm. Although the deal is far from done, Vocus’ ambitious plans to strengthen its market presence make it a possible game-changer in Australia’s rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape. The telecom industry keenly observes how this potential acquisition will shape the competitive arena.
Apple’s stance on users’ right to repair their iPhones and Macs has shifted dramatically over the years. From opposing repair rights and warning against potential security risks, the tech giant is now endorsing California’s SB 244, a significant right-to-repair bill with far-reaching implications.
Journey.ai, a trailblazing cybersecurity software company, has teamed up with Avaya, a leading contact center provider, to bolster security measures while enhancing the agent experience. The integration of Journey’s biometric authentication technology with Avaya Hybrid Cloud Services (HCS) offers a compelling solution for contact centers, replacing conventional password-based authentication with biometric verification.
In an intriguing development, T-Mobile US will undergo a noteworthy operational shift. This involves a 7% workforce reduction, essentially 5,000 jobs, largely affecting corporate and redundant roles. This maneuver, stated by CEO Mike Sievert, aims to lessen costs in customer acquisition and retention while propelling operational efficiency. Amid a previous triumphant Q2 report, this unexpected announcement leaves a nuanced taste among the telecom firm’s workforce, promising an enthralling evolution for attentive stakeholders and observers.
Safaricom announces a milestone of 5 million customers in Ethiopia, making significant strides towards their goal of 10 million by next March. However, a stiff competition lies ahead as they trail the market leader, Ethio Telecom, by a considerable margin. Safaricom breaks into the Ethiopian market as the first private player, with significant growth potential and challenges on the horizon. They are poised to disrupt Ethio Telecom’s monopoly with the introduction of M-Pesa, keenly eyeing financial inclusion. Amid anticipation of new competitors, Safaricom’s persistent efforts and ambitions could potentially shake up the Ethiopian telecom market.
The US government has recently provided clarity regarding foreign equipment purchases under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) programme. The emphasis is on minimizing exceptions to ‘buy American’ rules, particularly reflected in the fibre-optic sector. Notwithstanding, one significant provision allows sourcing glass used in fibre optics from overseas. This comes as a relief for firms worried about supply sufficiency and costs. The spotlight of foreign vendors, meanwhile, is potentially electronics, with proposed exemptions including most semiconductors.
Rogers Communications takes a gigantic leap forward, ushering in 5G services across Toronto’s subway system. While this promises enhanced network coverage and emergency call dependability, it raises concerns among competitors Bell and Telus, about potential market limitations. This unfolding drama in the Canadian telecoms industry draws the industry’s anxious gaze.
Reports indicate covert Huawei involvement in the establishment of chip plants to bypass US export controls. These allegations stem from Huawei’s shift to predominantly Chinese suppliers due to trade restrictions, despite their struggle to match the performance of manufacturers like TSMC and Samsung. Amidst ongoing US-China tensions, this move could potentially provoke a stronger stance from the US against sanction violators, reshaping the telecommunications landscape.
Delving into a recent decision by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), we uncover the reasoning behind a stop order on EE’s 5G-related adverts, which competitors said lacked clarity on EE’s claims to operate the ‘UK’s No.1 5G network’. Without fully revealing the specifics of this heated dispute, let’s dive into selected highlights of the adjudication, considering various past incidents and the industry’s ongoing dialogue surrounding telco advertising transparency.
AT&T has delicately entered the 5G fixed-wireless access (FWA) industry with its Internet Air product, targeting a specific demographic and remaining wary of impacting its mobile and fibre operations. Discussing the challenges and benefits of this strategic approach, we examine its potential against market leaders T-Mobile and Verizon. Are they being too cautious? Are they possibly missing out on the emerging FWA boom in the U.S?.
