With BT Group’s current CEO Philip Jansen’s departure on the horizon, the telecommunications industry is abuzz as Telia’s top-notch leader Allison Kirkby is slated to step into his shoes in 2024. Equipped with a celebrated career within the telecom sector and experience as a non-executive director at BT since 2019, Kirkby’s ascension is anxiously anticipated.
DE-CIX, the world’s leading operator of Internet Exchanges (IXs), has unveiled its plans to establish PT DE-CIX Indonesia, a joint venture with PT IDMarco Digital Solusi, a subsidiary of the Salim Group. This initiative marks a significant move for DE-CIX, as it ventures into Indonesia, the largest population and fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia.
In the face of adversity, the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team has continued its unwavering commitment to providing essential support to first responders throughout 2023. Responding to 873 critical communications requests from public safety agencies, the team has proven to be an invaluable asset in challenging situations.
The UK telecom authority, Ofcom, released its quarterly findings revealing increased customer complaints related to telecom and Pay-TV services. With Pay-TV, fixed broadband, landline, and pay-monthly mobile sectors under examination, the report uncovers the underpinning issues like changing providers, billing, and service faults. Notably, TalkTalk garnered the most complaints in the landline and fixed broadband sectors, while BT Mobile led in the pay-monthly mobile domain.
Four powerhouse telecom companies have forged an alliance to harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), revolutionizing customer experiences and uncovering potential business opportunities. This alliance, brought to life in Seoul, South Korea, promises to co-develop a Telco AI Platform, pioneering new AI services, like digital assistants and super apps. The initiative has been seen as a forward-thinking response to the escalating global interest in AI within the telecommunications industry. Imminent discussions at the Total Telecom Congress will shed more light on this transformational feat.
In a remarkable stride, Bharti Airtel has connected over 20 million IoT devices via its B2B branch, Airtel Business, amid India’s 5G evolution. This permits a vast assortment of IoT features offered through multiple connectivity mediums. Major deals have propelled Airtel to surpass a key milestone. Moreover, the Airtel IoT platform facilitates enterprises to manage their IoT connections via the Airtel IoT Hub.
Taking dynamic major strides in the quantum computing sector, T-Systems, Deutsche Telekom’s IT wing, is partnering with IQM Quantum Computers, offering its customers unique access to the complexities and potential of IQM’s quantum infrastructure. Leveraging the power of quantum mechanics and harnessing the elusive ‘qubits’, this promising collaboration forms a critical intersection of cloud technology and quantum computation, manoeuvring towards transformative problem-solving capabilities.
The enigmatic billionaire Patrick Drahi is reportedly considering a bold move to hit an astounding 29.9% stake in UK’s telecom titan, BT, which naturally raises eyebrows and fuels speculation. Tracing Drahi’s relationship with BT, it started just last year with a humble 12.1% stake acquisition. Despite BT’s cautious response, Altice, Drahi’s representative, remained adamant about any takeover intentions. Today, a quarter of BT already belongs to Drahi, drawing closer government scrutiny under the freshly enacted National Security & Investment Act.
ITIF urges a reevaluation of U.S. broadband programs in favor of the significant Affordable Connectivity Programme (ACP), aiming to give low-income households internet access. Predictions show funds will be depleted by 2024, necessitating a yearly investment between $5-$6 billion, potentially sourced from outdated programs. Despite appearing feasible, the report warns digital divide issues require more than funding, including digital literacy initiatives. Unveil the evolving connectivity panorama in our upcoming Connected America conference.
Liberty Global has strategically increased its shareholding in Belgium’s Telenet to 93.23%, investing an estimated €763 million. This move intensifies Liberty Global’s pursuit of full ownership, enhancing their position in a dynamically changing communication market. They are now prepped to reopen the tender offer, inviting more shareholders to participate. This could result in Liberty Global’s complete acquisition of Telenet, provided some conditions are met, illuminating growth opportunities amidst increasing competition.
