Vodafone Portugal’s attempt to acquire Nowo Communications has been blocked by the country’s competition authority, citing concerns over competition and consumer harm. This prohibition underscores the competitive dynamics in Portugal’s telecommunications market, dominated by Meo, NOS, and Vodafone.
Chinese telecom operators have successfully deployed expansive 5G networks across all cities and towns, with 90% village coverage. Utilizing 3.84 million 5G base stations, they lead globally. This vast network supports diverse industries, enhancing connectivity. As 5G technology advances, with plans to incorporate 5G-Advanced (5G-A) and AI, the future of telecommunications looks promising.
Claro has achieved a milestone in Brazil by successfully testing 5G-Advanced (5G-A) in partnership with Huawei, reaching speeds over 10 Gbps. Utilizing a commercially active 5G antenna and advanced modems, the trial signifies a leap forward in mobile internet technology.
Vodafone has introduced SuperTOBi, an innovative virtual assistant powered by Generative AI and hosted on Microsoft Azure OpenAI. With a significant £120 million investment, this advanced chatbot enhances customer service across Europe.
Rogers Communications has partnered with Ericsson to test groundbreaking 5G Cloud RAN technology, marking its first deployment at a live event during a Toronto Blue Jays game. This advancement builds upon Rogers’ national 5G SA core network, enhancing technological capabilities, network reliability, and energy efficiency.
Australian telecommunications company Optus has partnered with Cisco to enhance network security for its business customers. As remote work and reliance on VoIP and Software-as-a-Service increase, this collaboration aims to address complex cyber threats.
ClearlyIP, a leading provider of communication solutions, has acquired XCastLabs, a renowned hosted VoIP services leader. This strategic move aims to enhance ClearlyIP’s product offerings and communication solutions. XCastLabs’ clients will benefit greatly, gaining access to ClearlyIP’s advanced VoIP systems and comprehensive support, ensuring seamless and improved services.
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.
Xavier Niel’s Atlas Investissement has proposed a $4.1 billion buyout of Millicom, a key telecom player in Latin America under the Tigo brand. Despite a rejected offer, Atlas aims to enhance Millicom’s network and distribution. Leveraging expertise from its 29% stake, Atlas seeks to drive growth and expand 4G services in rural regions.


