Global smartphone market recovery slows as consumer demand remains weak, with IDC revising downward its shipment projections. Despite exciting innovation in foldable phones, longer replacement cycles and high inventory levels signal a cautious outlook.
China sanctions US chipmaker Micron citing national security concerns, escalating tensions between the two nations. With implications for the IT and telecom sectors, alternatives may emerge from market leaders, fueling ongoing retaliation. How will this play out in the tech industry?
As home wifi performance lags behind ethernet, the UK is significantly impacted, with the need to adopt newer wifi technology standards emphasized. Despite advancements, older wifi generations still dominate globally and high prices hinder wifi 7 router adoption. ISPs must focus on improving the customer experience through increased wifi 6/6E routers and mesh networking products.
Windstream Enterprise migrates VoIP platform to Microsoft Azure for Operators Windstream Enterprise has switched its VoIP technology to Microsoft’s Azure for Operators clustered Call Feature Server. This enables increased dependability, access to additional communications, and integrated data and voice capabilities for Dynamic IP and Unified Communications clients. Windstream Enterprise is making investments to improve its cloud-based communications services, including this update. The cooperation with Microsoft broadens the company’s Dynamic IP solution, a VoIP platform that supports numerous call pathways and enables clients to exploit their current network infrastructure with flexible bandwidth. To help reduce unforeseen downtime, the system provides numerous layers of redundancy. Read the full article. 22 US telecoms face fines over failure to deliver rural broadband, says FCC The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States proposed fining 22 telecom companies for failing to deliver on the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), a project targeted at increasing…
Google and Apple have collaborated to develop an industry standard to prevent the use of Bluetooth devices for unwanted tracking. The idea seeks to achieve compatibility between the two leading mobile operating systems and the larger Bluetooth ecosystem. The objective is to develop unauthorized tracking detection and alarm systems for iOS and Android platforms that would recognize Bluetooth location tracking devices and flag them if it looks like someone is being monitored without their consent. The proposed standard seeks to identify and inform persons if a location tracker that has been detached from the owner’s device is traveling with them, as well as to give a method for locating and disabling the tracker. According to reports, Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, Eufy Security, and Pebblebee have shown support for the draft specification, which gives instructions for building the essential capabilities into their devices. The proposed protocol expands on the proactive features of…
AST SpaceMobile has made history by successfully connecting a direct voice call between the United States and Japan via its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, using standard smartphones. The use of standard smartphones makes this a world first, as no one has previously achieved a direct voice connection from space to unmodified cellular devices. AST SpaceMobile partnered with some of its mobile operator partners, including AT&T, Rakuten, and Vodafone, to make the connection. The test call was made using AT&T spectrum and a Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone in the Midland, Texas area, connecting to Rakuten in Japan. The successful test call validated AST SpaceMobile’s network architecture and systems, including its BW3 satellite, which it describes as the largest commercial communications array in low-earth orbit. The call also paves the way for space-based cellular broadband. AST SpaceMobile’s goal is to provide coverage to close to 50% of the world’s population…
BT partners with Kyndryl for cloud migration of legacy mainframe apps BT has collaborated with Kyndryl to migrate its mainframe applications that underpin its legacy copper business and broadband cloud offerings. BT Digital, the division in charge of the company’s digital transformation, estimates that by 2026, the transfer will have reduced mainframe operational costs and energy usage by 70%. This will result in estimated annual savings of $23 million. The company’s cloud move will allow it to serve a smaller number of clients who still utilize their copper network and will enable BT to extract more value from the data housed in its older applications. Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/5t48r8hj Orange and Telenet wholesale deal gives hope of VOO acquisition approval Orange had planned to buy a 75% share in the Belgian operator VOO in 2021, but the company struggled to persuade authorities that the transaction would not hurt competition. A…
Deutsche Telekom named the most valuable brand in Europe The Brand Finance Global 500 has rated Deutsche Telekom (DT) the most valuable brand in Europe, bringing it up six places to 11th overall. The company ranks second amongst worldwide telecoms, trailing only Verizon and ahead of AT&T. Only Samsung, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and TikTok break the US company’s dominance of the top 10 most valuable brands in the world. Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/57u59bbw e& increases stake in Vodafone to 12% In recent years, Vodafone has suffered financial setbacks and investors have pushed the corporation to make adjustments and restore its fortunes. e& (previously Etisalat), one of Vodafone’s investors, has purchased a nearly 10% share in the company for £3.3 billion and has since steadily raised its stake to 12%. The transaction will provide e& with considerable exposure to a global leader in connectivity and digital services,…
The UK government has announced a £110 million investment in research and development for next-generation wireless technology and telecoms security, with a focus on 5G and 6G. This investment is intended to enhance the UK’s position as a global leader in telecoms research and development. As part of this investment, three top UK universities – the University of York, the University of Bristol, and the University of Surrey – will each receive £28 million to collaborate with major telecoms companies such as Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung to develop and create future networks such as 6G. This follows Ericsson and Samsung’s recent announcement to establish 6G research labs in the UK. The investment will also aid in the deployment of ultrafast 5G by making it easier for new companies to enter the market. The universities will work with world-class UK academics and industry players to ensure that future network…
CMA probes ViaSat acquisition of Inmarsat The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) of the UK has said that it is starting its own investigation into ViaSat’s acquisition of Inmarsat. The two operators had initially expressed their expectations that the transaction would conclude in the middle of 2022, with input from different regulatory organizations. By October 5, the CMA is anticipated to decide if a thorough probe into this transaction is necessary. The merged corporation will initially operate a fleet of 19 satellites in various orbits and spectrum regions, with ten more in the works. Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/y8zcwwtz FCC stops subsidies for SpaceX Starlink The FCC has refused to approve the Starlink proposal, stating that it was uncertain if the technology could reach the advertised speeds in its current state. The regulator highlighted that Ookla’s most recent projections indicated a reduction in the speeds Starlink may offer in 2022. According…
