“Project Gigabit”, the UK government’s £2 billion initiative, aims to expand high-speed broadband in hard-to-reach communities. With a vision of future-proofing Britain’s connectivity, the project seeks to connect 80% of the nation by 2025. However, ensuring equal internet access brings pressing questions, such as the cost-effective efficiency of Low Earth Orbit satellites and balancing 4G and 5G network enhancements to avoid inadvertent digital inequality.
KKR’s recent acquisition of a segment of Singtel’s data centre business, marking a staggering valuation of Singtel’s Digital InfraCo at S$5.5 billion, signals enduring private equity interest in telecommunications, regardless of economic turbulence. The move intends to boost Singtel’s regional expansion, piggybacking on the booming data centre industry and skyrocketing enterprise spending on cloud infrastructure services. This symbiotic partnership, leveraging Singtel’s expertise and KKR’s track record, promises to advance InfraCo’s growth in markets like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore.
To uncover the dark secrets behind this staggering figure and delve deep into the issue of AIT fraud, we sat down with Tim Ward, the Vice President of Number Information Services at XConnect. With over three decades of experience in the telecoms industry, Tim Ward brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to the table. At XConnect, he has taken the helm of the Number Information Services division, leading initiatives in sales, marketing, and product management. Under his guidance, XConnect has launched innovative services that set new standards for access to network, service, and user information.
Discover how Belgium’s telecommunications giant Proximus has embraced 5G technology and AI-powered vision to resolve an age-old warehouse challenge – instantaneous inventory tracking. By using 5G-enabled drones, warehouse managers can have continuous oversight and control of stock levels. This advanced management system contrasts sharply with traditional methods of RFID tags and barcodes, that despite being effective, have notably limitations due to their laborious nature.
OneWeb’s constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites will enhance network coverage for Softbank, particularly in challenging regions. The move aligns with Softbank’s ‘Ubiquitous Network’ strategy, which unifies diverse non-terrestrial network (NTN) solutions to expand digital services. Besides its surprise partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink, Softbank continues to boost its stake in OneWeb, supporting its Japanese launch and integration into the Ubiquitous Network.
In a promising move towards transparency, UK’s BT and software giant SAP have joined forces to test SAP’s Sustainability Data Exchange (SDX) – a novel system that captures, tracks and shares data on obscure, indirect emissions, known as Scope 3. Given the numerous entities and different methodologies involved in disclosure, SDX utilizes carbon data interoperability standards to provide a unified portal for monitoring supply chain emissions data, thus streamlining the gathering and dissemination of precise Scope 3 information.
The Online Safety Bill emerges as a tool for platform owners to tackle illicit content. Yet, penalties attached to non-compliance may be a hefty burden. The proposed “spy clause” infamously mandates the scanning of private user content, leading to vocal debates around privacy and the technology needed to enforce this clause. Amidst strong sentiments about potential surveillance, the UK government remains unwavering, resulting in possible market exits by platforms such as WhatsApp. With the telecom industry on the brink of substantial readjustments, the importance of staying informed is evident.
Ekinops, a telecom solutions leader, has unveiled its OneOS6-LIM, a game-changing virtualization solution. This innovation optimizes hardware, integrating an efficient ONEe600 router to provide top-notch services, debunking doubts about uCPE economics. Ekinops’ partnership with EANTC AG solidified its position as a potent player in NFV, offering quick ROI for service providers.
Kcell, Kazakhstan’s leading operator, is set to revolutionize the nation’s telecommunications landscape by launching a colossal seven-year 5G rollout plan with Ericsson at the helm. The mission includes a considerable shift towards a united Radio Access Network strategy merging 5G with existing networks, which proves to offer optimize utilization and smoother transition to advanced technology. Furthermore, this project incorporates Fixed Wireless Access, providing internet solutions in challenging terrains.
Reliance Jio Infocomm is arming itself with a significant offshore loan around $2 billion to fuel its 5G ambitions, with sources pointing towards Swedish telecom giant Ericsson as a potential gear supplier. A noteworthy credit safety net from Sweden’s EKN credit agency plays a crucial role in this strategic play, while banking behemoth BNP Paribas is slated to disburse a massive chunk of the offshore funding.
