Telecom Italia (TIM) celebrates the successful sale of its fixed-line grid to the Optics BidCo consortium, led by investment firm KKR. This strategic move aims to reduce TIM’s significant net financial debt and marks a first in major European telecom history.
Vodafone UK and Virgin Media O2 have announced a pivotal agreement to extend and enhance their mobile network sharing for over a decade. This transformative partnership, contingent on regulatory approval, promises significant improvements in network quality and coverage, benefiting millions of customers and boosting the competitive landscape of UK mobile markets.
IBM has completed its acquisition of StreamSets and webMethods from Software AG for €2.13 billion. This acquisition significantly boosts IBM’s WatsonX AI and data platform by adding robust data ingestion and integration platform-as-a-service (iPaaS) functionalities. The move sets IBM to offer a cutting-edge application and data integration platform, focusing on hybrid cloud environments.
The Netherlands’ telecommunications regulator has announced that KPN, Odido, and VodafoneZiggo each secured 100 MHz of spectrum in the 3.5GHz band, marking a significant step for 5G development in the country. This auction, raising €174.4 million, ensures advanced 5G services with enhanced network capacity and higher throughput, promising innovations for businesses and consumers alike.
STC Group recently deployed Nokia’s AI-powered self-organizing network (SON) during the Hajj season, enhancing VoIP performance amidst a 40% traffic surge. Utilizing MantaRay SON, the collaboration optimized network settings every 15 minutes, resulting in a 30% improvement in loaded cell utilization and a 10% increase in user throughput, showcasing the transformative potential of AI in VoIP optimization.
Optus is revolutionizing its 5G network by implementing Ericsson’s Interference Sensing technology, a world-first in live networks. This advanced technology dynamically detects and mitigates inter-cell interference, significantly enhancing user throughput and network capacity.
Telekom Malaysia has won a $265 million contract with the Malaysian government to implement a next-generation 999 emergency response system. TM Technology Services will oversee the project, featuring digital maps, geolocation, and AI to improve response times. This new NG999 system is set to replace the current MERS999 next year.
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store for travelers who’ve faced the wrath of exorbitant roaming charges. With Airalo, you can download and install a digital data pack from over 200 countries and regions, ensuring you’re connected the second you land.
Proximus, a leading Belgian telecommunications operator, has announced a five-year partnership with tech giant Microsoft. This collaboration aims to migrate Proximus’ key platforms to Microsoft’s Azure cloud, significantly enhancing their AI capabilities.
Amazon has inaugurated a new facility in Kirkland, Washington, dedicated to the production of satellites for its Project Kuiper. This project aims to establish a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide internet connectivity.