The global enthusiasm for artificial intelligence (AI) is set to significantly boost spending in edge computing infrastructure and services, with projections from IDC indicating a jump to $232 billion this year, marking a 15.4% increase from the previous year. This surge reflects the growing demand for technologies that facilitate faster and more efficient data processing closer to the source of data generation.
Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez MP addresses the need for shared infrastructure to tackle excessive fibre network duplication. She spotlights rural areas, where public perception of full fibre deployment is significantly affected by perceived uncontrolled infrastructural rollout. This prompts a change in guidelines to involve communities in the roll-out process, helping operators extend their networks without hindering local approval.
Telecom leaders discussed the challenge of monetizing 5G. Vodafone’s ‘The Great British Telecoms Switch’ campaign offers BT customers savings and compensations to switch providers. A Pew Research Center survey found U.S. teens have a complex relationship with smartphones. Verizon’s report shows a 129% rise in mobile network traffic over 5 years. Iliad aims to become the fifth-largest mobile operator in Europe by 2024.
Internet connectivity in West Africa is in a fragile state due to substantial damage to critical undersea cables resulting in limited or non-existent service in regions including Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Benin. The impact is reportedly extreme, with ripple effects reaching as far as South Africa. Telecom giants MTN and Vodafone linked the disruptions to these cable issues.
In a significant move for Spain’s telecom sector, the Spanish government has officially sanctioned the merger between Orange and MasMovil, following the European Union’s approval last month. This decision paves the way for the creation of Spain’s largest telecom operator, marking the culmination of a deal valued at approximately €18.6 billion.
In a significant move to ensure the smooth transition of landline services to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), the UK government has announced an expansion in the roster of telecommunications companies committed to safeguarding vulnerable customers. The initiative, led by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), now includes Openreach, CityFibre, and several others, alongside initial participants like BT and Virgin Media O2.
The lapse of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) authority to auction spectrum has reached a one-year milestone, casting a shadow over the United States’ telecommunications landscape and its position on the global stage. This standstill not only reflects the pervasive partisanship and dysfunction within the US government but also threatens the country’s innovative edge and economic competitiveness.
Deutsche Telekom and the satellite company Viasat have recently enhanced in-flight internet connectivity for flights to and from Cyprus by activating three new ground stations. These stations are part of an expansion that strengthens the European Aviation Network (EAN) in the Eastern Mediterranean, bringing the total to 300 ground network antenna sites across Europe.
Mobile Experts released a report on the growth of Private LTE and 5G in sectors like offices and schools. EnGenius launches the EOC655 series for outdoor connectivity, designed for smart cities and public safety. UK Altnets have urged the government for harsh penalties against fibre infrastructure vandalism. Klika Tech won the 2024 IoT Global Awards in the “Smart Cities, Government & Utilities” category.
The 5G Open Innovation Lab (5G OI Lab) has officially introduced eleven new startups from around the world to its Spring program, marking the beginning of its fifth year in operation. The 5G OI Lab has become a beacon of innovation and technological progress in the 5G and Edge technology space, supporting a total of 129 startups since its inception. These startups have collectively raised over $2.23 billion in venture capital, thanks to the support of industry giants like AT&T, Comcast, Microsoft, and Intel, among others.
