Singtel and KKR are set to invest $1.3 billion for a minority stake in ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC), marking the latest significant investment in the data center sector. The companies will initially acquire S$1.75 billion (US$1.3 billion) in redeemable preference shares and warrants, with a plan to invest an additional S$1.24 billion once the warrants are fully exercised.
Norwegian telecom giant Telenor has deepened its collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), signaling a shift away from efforts to promote domestic cloud solutions. This move includes the implementation of AWS’s sovereign-by-design solutions in Telenor’s Skygard data centers.
Sparkle, Italy’s leading international service provider, has entered into a strategic partnership with Tunisie Telecom, Tunisia’s primary telecom operator, to enhance international IP transit services via a new route from Sicily to Milan. Tunisie Telecom, a frontrunner in Tunisia’s telecommunications sector, serves over 6 million subscribers with a comprehensive array of services, including fixed and mobile telecommunications, data centers, cloud services, IoT, and managed security solutions for both individuals and enterprises.
Virgin Media Business Wholesale, a division of Virgin Media O2, has significantly upgraded the Manchester Equinix MA5 data center with advanced high-capacity fibre routes, enhancing connectivity in Manchester and the broader north of England. This upgrade positions the Manchester MA5 as a crucial node within Virgin Media Business Wholesale’s extensive network, which includes over 160 data centers across the UK.
Verizon launches AI-driven apps to improve customer service by streamlining interactions. The European Commission designates Booking.com as a ‘gatekeeper’ and plans antitrust charges against Microsoft for bundling Teams with Office. Telstra establishes a regional network hub in Guam at GNC iX data center. GlobalData underscores US telcos’ struggle to stand out in the B2B channel.
TIA updated its Data Center Standards (ANSI/TIA-942) to improve performance and efficiency. Network APIs are gaining popularity globally, particularly in antifraud applications. Spirent and Aviz collaborate on Networking 3.0 for 5G, aiming for open, AI-powered traffic monitoring. Granite receives a US patent for edgeboot, an AI-powered managed PDU.
The demand for data centers is soaring due to edge services and generative AI. Nokia’s first-quarter results showed a 19% drop in sales but a notable 52% profit increase. Telesystem has launched new cybersecurity bundles featuring updated Employee Security Awareness Training. Utility companies are using GIS technology to address infrastructure, workforce, and demand challenges.
MATRIXX Software, Celfocus, and Qeema have launched Jawwy 2.0 to improve customer experience and reduce costs. NTT Ltd. plans to open its first data center campus in the Paris region as part of a $10 billion global expansion. Crexendo and TELCLOUD launched a POTS Replacement platform to offer cost-effective, reliable alternatives for critical services. Hero Digital revamped Calix.com, enhancing user experience and performance. Consumer advocacy groups urge the FCC for stricter regulations to protect against SIM swap and port-out scams.
Neterra, a telecommunications trailblazer for nearly three decades, recently secured the prestigious ‘Best Central & Eastern European Carrier’ award at the Global Carrier Awards 2023. In an exclusive interview with Svetoslava Bancheva, the PR and Digital Communications Manager, Neterra’s evolution from providing Bulgaria’s first internet connection to becoming a global telecom solution provider unfolds. Svetoslava highlights pivotal milestones, including running submarine cables under the Danube River and the establishment of the Sofia Data Center.
China finished building the first launchpad at its Wenchang spaceport for the Long March 8 rocket. OmniOn Power’s Intelligent Distribution Bay addresses the growing challenges in the telecom and data center industry by providing real-time monitoring. Infobip launched AI Hub, an advanced upgrade integrating analytics, AI, and gen AI features to facilitate seamless end-to-end conversational experiences. CallTower joined the International Trade Council, reinforcing its dedication to excellence in Cloud Communications. The US government granted $50 million to Dish for the Open RAN Center for Integration & Deployment (ORCID), aimed at enhancing the global Open RAN ecosystem.
