Sinch, which powers meaningful conversations between businesses and their customers through its Customer Communications Cloud, today announced that it will deliver a digital transformation project for Beyond ONE in the growing Latin American market. The newly announced project will see Sinch optimizing Beyond ONE’s digital infrastructure to improve customer experience for its users.
A recent survey found that 85% of broadband and mobile consumers find annual price hikes unjust, adding the frustration that 87% believe they should be able to switch providers without penalty if such increases occur mid-contract. However, the reality presented by providers paints a different picture. These unexpected cost changes and fear of penalties for ending contracts prematurely have driven 62% of surveyed participants to consider switching providers immediately after unexpected price increases. This trend prompted a response from Ofcom for clearer pricing transparency, a call further championed by Uswitch and Which?. This has led to new guidelines by the UK’s Committees of Advertising Practice, aiming to ensure providers fully disclose potential cost changes to customers.
In a groundbreaking revelation, Telus, Canada’s foremost operator, announced the successful two-way communication between smartphones and IoT devices, using Echostar T1, a geostationary Earth orbit satellite. Partnering with TerreStar and Skylo, Telus accomplished this feat using a specially-designed connectivity platform, highlighting the potential for remarkable connectivity throughout Canada, even in remote areas. As this technology differs significantly from regular D2D communication, Telus’s breakthrough is set to redefine the future of connectivity in previously unreachable corners of the country.
The UK has spurred a global AI commitment, aptly named ‘The Bletchley Declaration,’ inviting international participants to coordinate efforts to transform AI into a force for societal good. This shared endeavor, decided during the UK-led AI Safety Summit, represents a crossroad for the world: fruitful scientific accomplishment or potential disaster if poorly managed. The declaration sets the stage for practical actions, yet, the exact plan of action remains uncertain. In light of global climate initiatives, questions arise on the effectiveness of this AI initiative. Will technological advancements in AI hold the answers to crucial global issues? Only time will tell.
UK’s communication authority, Ofcom, makes strategic updates to its net neutrality rules ensuring egalitarian treatment of internet traffic. Embracing increased clarity and efficient network design, these changes invite innovation. Yet, it also initiates debates on fair pricing, innovation, and ISP autonomy versus user control.
Lina Zaboras, CEO at DIDWW, discusses the principles of progressive management. She emphasizes that successful leadership is driven by understanding motivation, setting clear goals, and fostering open communication. Great leaders are open to learning, exhibit emotional intelligence, and embrace innovation, adapting to the ever-changing business landscape.
The White House’s recent call to Congress for increased funding of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has significantly stirred the telecommunications sector. Putting forth a request to extend the ACP’s operations, the Biden Administration aims to stretch free and discounted internet provision to eligible households until December 2024.
The UK’s newly-sealed Online Safety Act transforms Ofcom into a powerful Internet watchdog. However, its journey has sparked both acclaim and apprehensions concerning children’s online protection and potential privacy infringements, respectively. Crucially, the legislation’s implementation might take a couple of years.
Ofcom’s revised net neutrality rules in the UK now allow broadband providers to offer tiered services based on latency, not just throughput. Furthermore, these new regulations also permit the creation of specialized services, paving the way for network slicing and multi-access edge computing in the future. On the somewhat contentious front, zero-rating, or providing unrestricted access to specific online services, gets a green light, albeit with a few conditions.
Ingbert Liebing, VKU Chief, calls for decisive action from BNetzA to ensure Deutsche Telekom’s transparency in its fiber expansion plans. VKU argues that Telekom’s vague plans have hampered national FTTH deployment. However, Deutsche Telekom views this as fair competition. With over 300 complaints about overbuilding, Juergen Grützner, VATM MD believes clearer regulation is urgent to meet expansion goals.
