Despite Europe’s stride towards a digitally advanced future, the current uptake of 5G stands at only 2.5%. This stands in stark contrast to how tech giants like North America, China, Japan, and South Korea are faring. While European market figures on Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) appears promising, various challenges, including recent antidumping measures, have stymied progress and exacerbated the digital divide.
Telefonica triumphs in securing exclusive rights to broadcast elite Spanish football through their Movistar Plus service, committing an eye-watering €1.29 billion for this privilege till the 2026-27 season. They’ve successfully navigated past Spain’s competition regulator’s conditions, opening a window of opportunity for their substantial investment.
In 2024, the telecom industry is witnessing a transformative shift driven by evolving customer needs, technological advancements, and environmental concerns. Key trends include the rise of self-service platforms, the migration to VoIP as PSTN becomes obsolete, standalone 5G networks taking center stage, AI integration for enhanced connectivity, and a strong commitment to sustainability. These trends are reshaping how telecom carriers operate and innovate, promising new opportunities in a rapidly changing landscape.
In a surprising move, Blackpool-based Internet Service Provider (ISP) Yayzi has outpaced its larger competitors by introducing a 2.3-Gbps consumer broadband service. Leveraging CityFibre’s XGS-PON network, the service, which boasts a symmetrical throughput of up to 10 Gbps, sets a new standard in the UK ISP market.
In a strategic move to enhance the appeal of its smartphones, South Korean tech giant Samsung has joined forces with Google and Qualcomm, marking a significant collaboration in the tech industry. The focus of Samsung’s latest Galaxy S24 series launch lies in the integration of generative AI, a result of the newfound partnership with Google Cloud.
In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable data center development, fifteenfortyseven Critical Systems Realty (1547) has provided updates on its joint venture with Green Fig Land Company (GFLC) in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Recognized as a premier developer, operator, and owner of custom-designed data centers in North America and Europe, 1547 is transforming a 100-acre greenfield site into a cutting-edge hyperscale data center with a commitment to green energy and innovative financial incentives.
In a strategic move aimed at bolstering its standing in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), Swiss telecommunications giant Swisscom has entered into a partnership with Nvidia. The collaboration, unveiled at the AI House Davos during the World Economic Forum, involves the creation of generative AI full-stack supercomputers utilizing Nvidia accelerators and AI software in Switzerland and Italy.
Telefónica’s recent release of a green bond, valued at €1,750 million, experienced an impressive demand. The bond’s oversubscription tripled, indicating keen investor interest in the telecommunication giant’s ecological endeavors. The bond, which will fund projects aimed at modernizing both fixed and mobile telecom networks, is aligned with Telefónica’s goal of dedicating roughly 40% of total funding to ESG criteria by 2026, underpinning the company’s pledge to integrate environmental and financial sustainability.
Ofcom’s proposal to supply backup batteries for mobile sites to improve network resilience has brought forth divergent viewpoints. Vodafone – a prominent voice in the debate – highlights operational complexities and massive costs associated with the backup plan, stressing that mobile operators should not carry the full financial burden.
CITIC Telecom CPC and INSYS icom are joining forces to extend reach into Asian markets, providing dependable private Ethernet for Industrial Internet of Things devices. Aiding this collaboration is CITIC Telecom CPC’s SmartCLOUD™ platform, ensuring secure, local IIoT data control. With its digitalization expertise, INSYS icom aims to simplify global IIoT infrastructure deployment, overcoming complex business and regulatory challenges.
