When it comes to digitization strategies, providing superior customer service is paramount, a concept particularly relevant in the telecom field. Saudi Telecom Company (stc), underlines this belief by revitalizing its customer experience through a strategic collaboration with Huawei. Transforming its big data platform into a Customer-Centric Platform (CCP), offers a unified view of customer data, leading to enhanced marketing segmentation and customization. Improved efficiency and data value are already showing dividends with marked reduction in customer churn and accelerated return on investment.
In the ongoing debate over Big Tech’s ‘fair share’ contribution to telecom infrastructures, new findings from the Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications call into question the validity of the argument. BIPT concludes attributing Big Tech solely for data streams might be over simplistic, citing investments made by Content Application Providers in broader infrastructures. The study raises important concerns about the potential negative impact for end-users, small local CAPs, and the principle of net neutrality.
Italian telecom provider Wind Tre faces hurdles in selling infrastructure due to complex 5G network sharing negotiations with rivals Iliad and Fastweb. CK Hutchison delays the deal closure by three months to February 12, citing challenges with Iliad and Fastweb. Meanwhile, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison’s $6 billion merger in Indonesia with Huawei’s support achieves significant growth. France’s Orange introduces satellite broadband, while Norway’s Telenor sells its satellite operations. FCC’s new broadband rules target discrimination, raising concerns of unintended consequences. Mavenir and Nokia achieve remarkable Open RAN interoperability, overcoming past criticisms and showcasing commitment to multi-supplier systems.
Vodafone aims to bolster its shared operations with Accenture’s expertise, creating a strategic alliance that places emphasis on growth, customer service, and efficiency. Key investments into Vodafone’s in-house IT and networking unit “Vodafone Intelligent Solutions” (VOIS) will leverage Accenture’s proficiency in digital solutions and artificial intelligence. The partnership remains dependent on forthcoming definitive agreements, with hopes of conclusion by Spring next year.
After a challenging negotiation period, TPG Telecom’s endeavour to sell a range of assets to Vocus has reached an impasse. The stumbling block largely revolves around the valuation of the diverse telecom assets. TPG, however, intimates interest in reviving talks at a smaller scale, bearing interest from strategic investors in mind.
Taking the spotlight in the telecom industry is the revolutionary digital operations framework, a strategic game-changer, that aligns and simplifies Quality and Maintenance aspects of IOH via a cutting-edge converged data platform. This invention notably allows those with minimal coding exposure to develop essential digital resources, paving the way to an automated potential. Besides bolstering operative efficiency and competitive edge, it also gives the industry the tools needed to navigate the digital age challenges effectively.
BT, in collaboration with NHS and Soprano, is experimenting with ‘Patient Concierge’, an AI-aided patient messaging system aimed at enhancing communication and reducing appointment conflicts. With a strong UK government backing and promising outlook from NHS staff, AI integration is on the rise for optimizing healthcare.
TELUS International and Five9 launch an advanced AI-powered Contact Center as a Service platform. Phonism integrates with Cisco’s Webex, providing cost-effective device management and streamlining collaboration. Viking Electronics endorses Ooma AirDial as a reliable POTS replacement, emphasizing wireless turnkey solutions. Cresta unveils AI enhancements for contact centers, driven by Large Language Models, promising unprecedented performance and productivity.
The Global Coalition on Telecommunications (GCOT), launched by the UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, and the US, intends to revolutionize telecommunications through joint R&D, funding alignments, and standard development. Offering insights into the initiative’s broad scope, TMT partner Julian Cunningham-Day highlights the coalition’s focus on supply chain diversification and market competition through Open RAN. Despite the promising advantages, potential vulnerabilities may arise from industry-wide open standards. Additonally, GCOT’s emphasis on yet to be realized 6G technology signals its proactive stance towards future complexities.
A recent survey found that 85% of broadband and mobile consumers find annual price hikes unjust, adding the frustration that 87% believe they should be able to switch providers without penalty if such increases occur mid-contract. However, the reality presented by providers paints a different picture. These unexpected cost changes and fear of penalties for ending contracts prematurely have driven 62% of surveyed participants to consider switching providers immediately after unexpected price increases. This trend prompted a response from Ofcom for clearer pricing transparency, a call further championed by Uswitch and Which?. This has led to new guidelines by the UK’s Committees of Advertising Practice, aiming to ensure providers fully disclose potential cost changes to customers.


