Amazon’s sizable investment in one AI provider shakes up AWS’ traditional neutral stance on supporting multiple AI models—a game-changer with implications for large tech players and telecommunication operators. The recent announcement to commit up to $4 billion to Anthropic, a competitive stakeholder in AI, could alter customer experiences and sway preferences towards their Claude AI model. The telecoms industry’s reaction remains crucial as operators navigate the expanding AI revolution.
The UK Competition and Markets Authority is charting the course for fair AI practices, guided by seven strategic principles. Their balanced approach, drawn from a diverse pool of inputs, aims to ensure competitive integrity and consumer welfare in the AI-driven market. The spotlight is on accountability, ensuring AI creators shoulder responsibility for their solutions’ implications. Additionally, advocating for consumer freedom in choice and flexibility, they aim to deter anti-competitive practices. However, who exactly should uphold the principle of transparency remains unclear.
OneWeb’s constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites will enhance network coverage for Softbank, particularly in challenging regions. The move aligns with Softbank’s ‘Ubiquitous Network’ strategy, which unifies diverse non-terrestrial network (NTN) solutions to expand digital services. Besides its surprise partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink, Softbank continues to boost its stake in OneWeb, supporting its Japanese launch and integration into the Ubiquitous Network.
Google Chrome’s desktop version is set for a Material You design update. Apple hints at traditional smart glasses development through a recent patent, complementing their Vision Pro headset. Verizon introduces a versatile Mobile Onsite Network-as-a-Service for enterprises, offering private networks, edge compute, SD-Wan, and satellite connectivity. Meanwhile, Google unveils its Pixel 8 series and teases the Pixel Watch 2 ahead of an October 4th launch event.
In the wake of the European Union’s decision to compel Microsoft to cease bundling Teams with Office applications across Europe, Zoom’s CEO, Eric Yuan, has proposed that the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) consider similar actions within its borders.
Norway’s Telenor pushes forward with a dramatic leadership change aimed at augmenting its growth trajectory in line with its 2025 vision. Notable moves include former Head of Telenor Asia, Jørgen C. Arentz Rostrup, stepping in as Head of Telenor Nordics, while his predecessor Petter-Børre Furberg takes over his former position. Google Cloud’s ex-head of telecoms, Amol Phadke, also joins the team as EVP and group CTO, with a focus on technology transformation.
Ooma, Inc., the innovative communications platform for both consumers and businesses, has unveiled a suite of dynamic enhancements to its Ooma Office business communications service. The new additions, encompassing online bookings, streamlined messaging, and enhanced team collaboration, aim to amplify business efficiency and client interactions.
Deutsche Telekom and Google venture into tablet manufacturing, pinning their hopes on the affordable “T Tablet”. Designed for digital learning, this device blends advanced hardware, potent software, and network capabilities. Aiming at a wider 5G access, it also targets narrowing the digital divide. The tablet’s debut could spark new conversations about digitization in the education sector and beyond.
Transferring 5G workloads to the public cloud is proving slower than expected, leading financial firm Dell’Oro to adjust its growth predictions for 5G standalone (SA) solutions down. Despite this, a growth rate of 65% over five years is still anticipated. However, the slow adoption of 5G SA by mobile network operators and enterprises has led to a cautious approach. Hyperscale cloud providers look set to hold just 6% of total market revenue in the next five years, underscoring the remaining untapped potential in the 5G SA market.
The Q2 global market growth for cloud infrastructure services showed a flourishing trend, although at a slightly reduced rate from Q1. The noteworthy strides are largely linked to evolving spending habits, with AI expected to power considerable growth soon. Amazon and Microsoft demonstrate this shift, announcing AI-focused programs in response to the rising demand. Nevertheless, mastering AI implementation comes via strategic partnerships, open to those willing to forward AI applications.
