Telecom Italia (TIM) celebrates the successful sale of its fixed-line grid to the Optics BidCo consortium, led by investment firm KKR. This strategic move aims to reduce TIM’s significant net financial debt and marks a first in major European telecom history.
Verizon strongly opposes the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance’s proposal to allocate the 4.9 GHz band to FirstNet, operated by AT&T. Verizon argues this would disrupt competitive balance and unfairly benefit AT&T. This debate within the FCC could significantly affect public safety communications and commercial wireless use, making it a critical issue for the voip industry.
Vodafone UK and Virgin Media O2 have announced a pivotal agreement to extend and enhance their mobile network sharing for over a decade. This transformative partnership, contingent on regulatory approval, promises significant improvements in network quality and coverage, benefiting millions of customers and boosting the competitive landscape of UK mobile markets.
IBM has completed its acquisition of StreamSets and webMethods from Software AG for €2.13 billion. This acquisition significantly boosts IBM’s WatsonX AI and data platform by adding robust data ingestion and integration platform-as-a-service (iPaaS) functionalities. The move sets IBM to offer a cutting-edge application and data integration platform, focusing on hybrid cloud environments.
ClearlyIP, a leading provider of communication solutions, has acquired XCastLabs, a renowned hosted VoIP services leader. This strategic move aims to enhance ClearlyIP’s product offerings and communication solutions. XCastLabs’ clients will benefit greatly, gaining access to ClearlyIP’s advanced VoIP systems and comprehensive support, ensuring seamless and improved services.
Singtel has announced a strategic partnership with Hitachi Digital to accelerate industrial AI solutions using Singtel’s Paragon platform. This collaboration focuses on integrating Hitachi’s AI applications with Singtel’s 5G, edge computing, and cloud services. The initiative aims to boost quality assurance, workplace safety, and pre-emptive maintenance, enhancing enterprise connectivity and productivity significantly.
The Netherlands’ telecommunications regulator has announced that KPN, Odido, and VodafoneZiggo each secured 100 MHz of spectrum in the 3.5GHz band, marking a significant step for 5G development in the country. This auction, raising €174.4 million, ensures advanced 5G services with enhanced network capacity and higher throughput, promising innovations for businesses and consumers alike.
STC Group recently deployed Nokia’s AI-powered self-organizing network (SON) during the Hajj season, enhancing VoIP performance amidst a 40% traffic surge. Utilizing MantaRay SON, the collaboration optimized network settings every 15 minutes, resulting in a 30% improvement in loaded cell utilization and a 10% increase in user throughput, showcasing the transformative potential of AI in VoIP optimization.
Xavier Niel’s Atlas Investissement has proposed a $4.1 billion buyout of Millicom, a key telecom player in Latin America under the Tigo brand. Despite a rejected offer, Atlas aims to enhance Millicom’s network and distribution. Leveraging expertise from its 29% stake, Atlas seeks to drive growth and expand 4G services in rural regions.
LiveOak Fiber, a regional broadband service provider, has secured USD 250 million in financing to expand its fiber network in underserved Southeast U.S. communities. Since June 2022, LiveOak has rapidly grown, investing over USD 200 million and deploying 1,000 miles of fiber. This funding will enhance connectivity and bridge the digital divide.
