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.
The Finnish telecommunications equipment provider Nokia and Swedish operator group Telia joined forces to conduct a trial assessing the utility of the 6 GHz spectrum for massive MIMO 5G. Their outdoor trial, held at Nokia’s Research and Development center in Espoo, Finland, featured the utilization of a 128TRX antenna based on Nokia’s AirScale Habrok radio and a test terminal from MediaTek equipped with integrated antennas. While specifics on speeds and feeds remain undisclosed, the trial reportedly proceeded successfully.
A consortium comprising two Japanese banks, mobile operator NTT DOCOMO, and Space Compass Corporation has committed $100 million to HAPS developer AALTO. This substantial investment aims to support AALTO’s industrial and commercial roadmap, targeting a commercial launch of its services by 2026.
Verizon has entered into a $100 million agreement with AST SpaceMobile to extend satellite coverage across the United States. This partnership aims to achieve 100% geographical coverage by utilizing the 850 MHz spectrum, particularly in areas lacking traditional terrestrial service.
SES has announced agreements with several regional satellite network operators to create the SES Open Orbits™ Inflight Connectivity (IFC) Network, promising seamless connectivity services to airlines globally. This innovative Ka-band platform will integrate SES’s geostationary earth orbit (GEO) and medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite networks with those of NEO Space Group (NSG) from Saudi Arabia, AeroSat Link (ASL) from China, and Hughes Communications India (HCI).
Italian company Tessellis has announced plans to acquire Go Internet, aiming to bolster its presence in the business services sector. The deal, initially delayed, has now met all necessary conditions and is set to proceed with Tessellis acquiring over 30% of Go Internet following a Reserved Capital Increase scheduled for the end of the month.
French telecom giant Orange has teamed up with green technology company d.light to bring innovative solar-powered products to its prepaid customers in Africa. California-based d.light specializes in a variety of solar-powered devices such as lamps, torches, fans, and phone chargers, all designed for easy self-installation.
Telefónica, a leading telecommunications operator, has sealed a fresh agreement with tech giant Google Cloud aimed at turbocharging Telefónica’s journey into cloud adoption and AI-driven innovation. The deal, which extends the strategic collaboration between the two entities for another three years, is poised to usher in a wave of advancements across various fronts.
Xavier Neil, the French telecom magnate, is seeking financing to acquire the remaining 80% of Latin American telecom group Millicom through his investment vehicle, Atlas. The move was disclosed after media reports surfaced, prompting an official statement from Atlas Investissement. The statement confirmed that Atlas is exploring a cash tender offer for Millicom, aiming for a purchase price of $24 per share.
South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol revealed a historic $19 billion support package aimed at bolstering the nation’s semiconductor sector, underscoring the industry’s critical role in the economy. The substantial investment, facilitated by the state-run Korea Development Bank, will enhance infrastructure, research and development, and offer tax incentives.
