Witness an intriguing experiment as three major European telecom leaders dive headfirst into field-testing the European Union’s digital ID scheme, dubbed ‘Potential’. An initiative that aims to streamline identity verification across 19 EU nations, it brings to our digital life convenience, efficiency, and the promise of enhanced security. However, it’s not without its challenges -potential data leaks, risks of stringent gatekeeping and concerns over invasive surveillance.
Emerging as a benchmark for sustainability, Vodafone negotiates a massive 410 Gwh photo-voltaic energy deal yearly with renewable firm Iberdrola, aiming at operations in Germany, Portugal, and Spain. This agreement, an expansion on their existing partnership, likely opens doors to further renewable initiatives. Vodafone’s commitment towards an eco-friendlier future radiates, from charging points for electric vehicles at their primary facilities in Spain to ensuring customers’ benefits from 100% renewable purchased electricity.
As the UK’s fibre landscape intensifies with rising competition, leading players are racing to expand gigabit-capable broadband nationwide. Noteworthy, alternative network providers, referred to as “AltNets”, are displaying proactive strategies to swiftly deploy networks. On the other hand, traditional companies are recognising opportunities in fibre rollout, as seen in Openreach’s pricing approach of their wholesale lines.
At the recent “5G Business Dialogue” during MWC Shanghai 2023, industry champions pondered on the positive impact of 5G adoption four years after its commercial introduction. Notably, it now makes up 10% of total revenue for China’s three providers. Furthermore, Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) services are noting considerable success due to swift user migration and industrial digitization. Innovation strides such as the Naked-eye 3D and 5G New Calling reflect the telecom sector’s future. However, with increasing Pan-Asian 5G uptake, the dialogue also ventured into the idea of “5.5G”, envisioned as a natural progression from its precursor. It’s intriguing to anticipate further transformative innovations within this industry.
Telefonica and Entel are poised to merge their fiber infrastructure in Peru, with KKR being the expected majority stakeholder, following Telefonica’s previous success in other Latin American markets. This move anticipates significant expansion of Peru’s high-speed connectivity by leveraging KKR’s successful fiber ventures in Chile and Colombia, amidst the industry’s race to a digitally-empowered future. Details of the deal remain discreet as it awaits regulatory approval.
Instagram’s new Threads app has garnered over 30 million sign-ups within 24 hours of its launch, along with a staggering 95 million posts and 190 million likes. While some features are missing, such as DMs and integration with ActivityPub, the impressive numbers indicate a promising start for Meta’s Twitter competitor.
Ericsson plans a €155 million investment for a smart manufacturing hub in Tallinn, Estonia. BT will reduce its workforce by 1,100 at Adastral Park while investing in modernization. Cellnex acquires full control of OnTower Poland, expanding its tower portfolio. Unicon launches an enhanced partner program for resellers in end-user computing. NEC introduces a generative AI service to drive business transformation.
GoFibre, the Scottish network provider, has recently announced its readiness to commence deployment of fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) in the North Northumberland region, a venture backed by a £7.3 million Project Gigabit contract. They expect to offer commercial services by Autumn, revolutionising the digital landscapes of connected rural communities. However, whilst the mission focuses on battling the rural digital divide, stakeholders question if the UK is meeting its ambitious gigabit rollout targets. Meanwhile, other telecom giants are making their own pioneering moves in the sector.
Cisco’s Webex, a leading unified communications and collaboration platform, has become the first of its kind to achieve adherence to the EU Cloud Code of Conduct (EU Cloud CoC) Level 3. This significant milestone was reached after undergoing an independent third-party assessment and audit, which verified the platform’s compliance with all code controls.
stra, the Australian telecommunications company, has announced a new partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink, a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. The collaboration aims to provide home phone and broadband services to customers in remote areas. Telstra’s satellite connectivity services will offer expanded options for businesses and consumers who previously had limited access to broadband, potentially bringing them online for the first time.
