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Telecom News

SoftBank Group announces an evergreen fund for underrepresented founders

By Aiste Kryzanovske March 16, 2022

SoftBank, a Japanese corporation, has announced the creation of an expanded evergreen fund dedicated solely to supporting Black, Latinx and Native American entrepreneurs in the United States. SoftBank’s $100 million Opportunity Growth Fund for underrepresented founders was announced in June 2020, and this pledge is a continuation of that fund. Up till now, the initiative has already benefited 70 businesses. About 55% of the first portfolio firms were formed by Black people, 40% by Latino people, and 5% by Black and Latino people. Despite this, the SoftBank Opportunity portfolio favors men, with only 13% of companies in the portfolio having been started by women of color. SoftBank Group announced a pledge to invest in underrepresented creators in the face of rising racial inequality, and the SB Opportunity Fund was formed in less than 24 hours. SoftBank is now doubling down on its first investment by making this initiative…

Telecom News

SoftBank unit to invest in Line integration

By Aiste Kryzanovske March 2, 2021

The SoftBank Group’s subsidiary Z Holdings has announced that after completing a merger with the popular messaging app Line, it will invest $4.7 billion into the venture and hire 5,000 artificial intelligence engineers over the next five years. The merger of the two Japanese companies has been in the works since 2019, but was delayed by issues related to Covid-19. The main business areas of the company will be communication and social media, electronic and mobile commerce, along with online search and advertising. With the launch of their new services and collaborations with companies such as for online advertising, the joint establishment aims to generate $18.7 billion in revenue and $2 billion in operating profit in the fiscal year 2023. Softbank Corp. and Naver Corp., the South Korean IT giant and major shareholder of Line, will each contribute 50 percent of capital required for the new intermediate holding…

Telecom News

SoftBank and KDDI to invest in 5G boost

By Aiste Kryzanovske November 5, 2020

Two Japanese telecommunications providers, SoftBank and KDDI, have drawn up a plan to invest a total of $38 billion in fifth-generation wireless networks in Japan over the next 10 years. The country is seeking to close the gap between itself and its neighbors, China and South Korea, who have taken the lead in rolling out this ultra-fast technology. The 5G technology is expected to provide a large-scale boost to the country’s economy, benefiting a variety of industries, from Internet services to the automotive industry. Currently, 5G coverage across Japan remains very limited, mainly focused on Tokyo and other major population centers. Both operators plan to invest $19 billion each. For Japan’s 5G network, SoftBank plans to build 350,00 base stations nationwide, of which 50,000 are expected to be completed by March of 2022, and 200,000 more by 2025. Meanwhile, KDDI, which currently has less than 10,000 base stations,…

AI

Global AI Sovereignty – Nations Innovate for Control and Growth

By Gintare Jakonia June 17, 2026

In the evolving landscape of sovereign AI strategies, nations are eagerly harnessing VoIP technologies for enhanced communication efficiencies. As they integrate power, infrastructure, and regulatory controls, countries like France and Japan illustrate varied models of AI advancement. With VoIP’s scalability and cost-effective nature, it becomes indispensable.

5G

Ericsson’s AI RAN Strategy Redefines Telecom Performance and Efficiency

By Gintare Jakonia June 12, 2026

Ericsson is revolutionizing AI in Radio Access Networks by offering a software-based solution that bypasses the need for costly GPU hardware. This innovative approach promises a cost-effective way for service providers to enhance network performance. Ericsson’s AI in RAN increases downlink throughput, improves spectral efficiency, and doubles high-volume user support, marking significant advancements in 5G networks.

AI

Telecoms Embrace NVIDIA AI Grid to Revolutionize Connectivity

By Gintare Jakonia April 7, 2026

The telecom industry is rapidly embracing NVIDIA’s AI grid, with key players like T-Mobile US and Comcast keen on its potential for low latency in VOIP applications. By deploying GPUs at the edge, telecoms aim to enhance real-time communication, revolutionizing how voice data is processed and improving VOIP experiences significantly.

Market Trends

Japan’s Telecom Shift – Fiber Optic Innovations Drive Growth

By Gintare Jakonia March 19, 2026

Japan’s telecommunications landscape is experiencing a transformative shift, driven by expanding fiber optic networks. Despite high fiber penetration, there’s continued growth from network upgrades and premium high-speed plans. The shift away from older copper infrastructure is vital as operators push for enhanced VoIP services and ultra-fast connectivity, meeting rising user demands.

Infrastructure

Japan Leads Asia in O-RAN Technology – Innovations and Trends

By Gintare Jakonia February 25, 2026

Japan is leading the Asia-Pacific region in Open RAN (O-RAN) technology, showcasing its advanced role in integrating virtualized RAN (vRAN) solutions. Rakuten Mobile operates the world’s largest O-RAN network, influencing both domestic and global markets, with telecom giants like NTT Docomo, KDDI, and SoftBank gradually adopting these cutting-edge solutions.

Telco Buzz

Intel Retains NEX Assets Amid Strategic Pivot and Investments

By Aukse Andrijauskaite December 11, 2025

Intel’s strategic move to retain its networking and edge (NEX) assets signifies a pivotal shift in enhancing VOIP solutions. By maintaining NEX, Intel aims to foster deeper integration between silicon and software, bolstering offerings in VOIP technology, AI, data centers, and edge computing, ultimately strengthening enterprise and telecom markets.

IT

Intel’s 18A Semiconductor Advancements Boost U.S. Tech Leadership

By Aukse Andrijauskaite October 14, 2025

Intel’s Technology Tour in Arizona unveiled their groundbreaking 18A process, revolutionizing semiconductor capabilities for upcoming Core Ultra series and Xeon processors. Through advancements like RibbonFET and PowerVia, Intel enhances VoIP solutions, ensuring better efficiency and connectivity. Industry investments underscore Intel’s strategic push in the U.S. semiconductor race.