Microsoft is set to discontinue Skype in May, shifting users to Microsoft Teams’ free tier. Acquired for $8.5 billion in 2011, Skype struggled to compete with Zoom and Google Meet. Microsoft now prioritizes Teams for communication.
At MWC 2025, Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) announced a major leap in satellite IoT, partnering with Skylo and Sateliot to offer 5G-compatible NB-IoT services via GEO and LEO satellites. This move enhances global IoT coverage, addressing connectivity gaps in remote areas and benefiting industries like logistics and agriculture.
Rakuten Mobile is making waves with its groundbreaking collaboration with Fujitsu to accelerate 5G network expansion in Japan. By incorporating Fujitsu’s energy-efficient 44R21 radio units, Rakuten Mobile is poised to enhance Sub6 network coverage quickly.
O2 Telefónica Germany has extended its partnership with Mavenir, signing a five-year deal to transition its 4G and 5G voice services to Mavenir’s cloud-native IMS platform. This upgrade enhances scalability, supports VoLTE and VoNR, and integrates AI-driven automation.
Meta is reportedly considering massive AI data centers, with a potential $60 billion project in Louisiana. While a spokesperson dismissed reports as speculation, Mark Zuckerberg confirmed plans to support LLAMA 4.
The introduction of the virtual phone system has resulted in a massive leap forward for business communications. For many years, the hardware telephony system, primarily the on-premise Private Branch Exchange (PBX), was the gold standard for handling phone calls. These systems, while effective in the past, come with the disadvantages of significant hardware costs, complex setups, limited capabilities, and burdensome maintenance requirements. The combination of VoIP and the virtual phone system has taken business communications by storm, and the relevance and practicality of traditional PBX hardware has come under intense scrutiny. This inflexible system is reliant on unwieldy physical infrastructure and is rapidly being replaced by agile, cloud-based solutions that offer cost savings, flexibility, scalability and increased productivity. In this article, we will explore the major advantages of virtual phone systems over legacy platforms. This comparison will clearly illustrate why so many businesses are ditching their hardware, moving to cloud…
EXA Infrastructure teams with IOEMA to enhance Northern Europe’s connectivity landscape. With a new submarine cable landing in Leiston, UK, IOEMA’s 1,600-kilometer project links key European markets like the UK, Netherlands, and Germany.
China Unicom is spearheading an ambitious 5G-Advanced (5G-A) rollout, aiming to cover 300 cities by 2025. This substantial initiative highlights their commitment to network enhancement, offering blazing 5Gbps to 10Gbps speeds.
Colt Technology Services has launched Managed LEO+, a cutting-edge solution combining LEO satellite connectivity with 4G and 5G. Now available in 65 countries, it ensures resilient digital infrastructure for businesses in remote areas.
Avaya is shifting its cloud strategy to focus solely on large enterprises, requiring a minimum of 200 agent seats for its Avaya Experience Platform (AXP). The company is also discontinuing key features and services, aligning with its broader restructuring.
