The 2Africa subsea cable, touted as the world’s largest, now includes a direct connection to the UK thanks to Vodafone’s involvement. This ambitious project highlights significant global collaboration, with key partners including Bayobab, Center3, China Mobile International, Meta, Orange, Telecom Egypt, and WIOCC. The inclusion of both US and Chinese interests is particularly remarkable, showcasing cooperation despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.
In developed markets, copper telecom networks are rapidly being replaced by more efficient fiber optic cables. Despite this shift, the value of copper is surging in other sectors, particularly in electric vehicles and renewable energy. The metal’s worth has soared over 50% from pre-pandemic levels due to high demand and lower mining outputs, with forecasts suggesting a further 50% increase in demand by 2040.
The ‘Global State of CX 2024’ report by CX Network highlights rising concerns about data privacy and security. Eaton’s NetDirector KVM over IP switches allow remote management of up to 32 devices with robust security, space-saving design, and compatibility. DE-CIX study shows 70% of major US Internet Exchanges are now neutral. Lanner unveils the ECA-6051, a high-performance edge AI server.
Greenerwave, a French deep-tech company specializing in electromagnetic wave control, along with its partners in the 6G Non-Terrestrial Networks (6G-NTN) project, has released a white paper titled “Vision on Non-Terrestrial Networks in 6G Systems (or IMT-2030).” This document outlines the future of connectivity within the 6G ecosystem, highlighting the anticipated development of a new generation of wireless communication technologies expected to begin deployment around 2030.
Dutch telecommunications operator KPN has announced a partnership with pension fund ABP to form a new joint venture, temporarily named TowerCo. This entity will manage and operate 3,800 mobile towers and rooftop sites. KPN will hold a 51% stake in the venture, with ABP controlling the remaining 49%.
MS3 Networks, a leading full-fibre network operator, has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 200,000 premises with its network build in the Hull and the Humber region of England. Over the past two years, the company has been rapidly expanding its network, with the additional achievement of connecting its 10,000th customer in Hull.
Swisscom has revealed that its Italian subsidiary, FastWeb, has sold its 4.5% stake in FiberCop to Optics BidCo, a subsidiary of KKR, for €439 million. FiberCop, formed in 2021 by Telecom Italia (TIM), KKR, and FastWeb, manages the ‘last mile’ fibre network, connecting homes to street cabinets.
Cisco has unveiled a $1 billion fund dedicated to investing in AI startups, marking a significant move to strengthen its presence in the AI industry. CEO Chuck Robbins made the announcement at the company’s “Cisco Live” event in Las Vegas, emphasizing that the investment, though modest by AI standards, aims to foster innovative solutions and assist businesses in navigating the AI landscape.
DZS, a leading developer of Network Edge, Connectivity, and Cloud Software solutions enabling broadband everywhere, has announced the successful completion of its acquisition of NetComm Wireless Pty Ltd. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for DZS, reinforcing its dedication to providing comprehensive connectivity solutions to communications service providers and enterprise customers.
A recent survey conducted by Ericsson sheds light on consumers’ perceptions and expectations regarding the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in their lives over the next decade. The survey, based on responses from 6,500 early adopters across 13 global cities, identifies ten key AI trends anticipated for the 2030s.
