Briefing Desk
Latest Briefings
Concise reporting on the developments shaping internet governance and infrastructure. Browse each area for recent news, context and watchpoints.
Eni and Khazna develop UAE data centre hub
Eni and Khazna to build 100MW data centre in Abu Dhabi, supporting digital operations and energy-efficient infrastructure.
SES to acquire Intelsat in $3.1B deal
SES agrees to acquire Intelsat for $3.1 billion, combining satellite fleets and expanding services in key sectors.
China-backed hackers intensify cyberattacks on Taiwan chipmakers
China-backed hackers launched spear-phishing campaigns against Taiwan chipmakers and analysts from March to June 2025.
Scale AI cuts 14% of workforce after Meta investment
Scale AI reduces 14% of its workforce after Meta’s major investment and founder’s departure, while consolidating GenAI teams.
BTS rolls out Record-Fast modular data centre in Ivory Coast
What happened: Modular, edge-ready cloud hub launched in Abidjan innovation zone BTS has completed the installation of its first modular, cloud-enabled data centre at the Village des Technologies de l’Information et de la Biotechnologie (VITIB) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Delivered in just six months…
Sparkle’s New Thessaloniki Hub Bolsters Balkan Connectivity
Sparkle launches a second point of presence in Thessaloniki, boosting Balkan IP capacity and access to BlueMed submarine routes.
Vipnet delivers broadband and enterprise connectivity nationwide
Vipnet is a telecom operator in Côte d’Ivoire offering broadband, IP transit, cloud, and interconnection services nationwide.
ATCS telecom and security services
Atcs delivers telecom, digital security, infrastructure, and energy solutions to support national ICT growth across Burkina Faso.
Connectis: Drives digital shift in Belgian public sector
Connectis supports Belgium’s digital public services amid growing complexity in compliance, security and system integration.
Electro Shack: Powering Liberia’s digital future
Electro Shack delivers integrated tech solutions in Liberia, combining connectivity with solar power to overcome infrastructure gaps.
Comtech: Expands high-speed DIA services across Congo
Comtech expands its DIA service in Congo, offering fibre-backed internet with enterprise-grade reliability and custom routing.
GVA: Expands fibre rollout to boost digital access in Africa
GVA accelerates fibre rollout in Africa through local hiring, cross-border deals and affordable high-speed access.
E&Egypt strengthens digital footprint as telecom provider
E&Egypt leads Egypt’s telecom transformation E& Egypt, formerly known as Etisalat Misr, has evolved into one of Egypt’s most forward-looking telecom companies since entering the market in May 2007. The company made waves by becoming the first Egyptian operator to introduce 3.5G services, and later s…
Xceed Contact Center drives Egypt’s global BPO ambitions
Xceed Contact Center: Leading BPO innovation from Cairo to the world In an increasingly competitive global outsourcing market, Xceed Contact Center has emerged as one of Egypt’s most prominent Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) providers. Established in 2001 as a subsidiary of Telecom Egypt, Xceed w…
MIST: Egypt’s Real-Time financial intelligence powerhouse
MIST’s Role in Egypt’s Financial Technology Infrastructure Founded in 1989 in Cairo, MISR Information Services & Trading—known widely as MIST—was built on the vision of creating an informed online financial society. From its early beginnings, the company has developed into a cornerstone of Egypt’s d…
Cloud Innovation vs AFRINIC: A Legal Standoff
Cloud Innovation questions AFRINIC’s legitimacy, reigniting debate over internet resource governance and legal authority in Africa.
A solution or a coup? Member perspectives on AFRINIC’s future
AFRINIC faces internal crisis, with members split on whether reform or leadership change can resolve issues.
Cloud Innovation calls for AFRINIC wind-up after ‘impossible’ election standards
The registry’s third-biggest member cites the annulment of the June 23 election as evidence that a democratic election has now become ‘unworkable’.
Can AFRINIC still be trusted to govern Africa’s IP resources?
AFRINIC canceled its 2025 board election over one unverified proxy dispute, discarding valid votes and eroding trust in governance.
AFRINIC’s new September election contravenes multiple laws and bylaws
AFRINIC’s delayed election faces legal challenges, with observers warning the vote may violate the organisation’s constitution and law.
Rogers begins beta test for satellite to mobile text service
Rogers tests satellite SMS for remote areas using Lynk’s satellites and standard mobile phones without new devices.
Amazon expands Australian cloud footprint with $35B plan
Amazon invests AU$20bn in Australian cloud infrastructure, boosting AI, data centres, green energy and digital skills by 2029.
Zain KSA and Cisco team up to boost Saudi AI infrastructure
Zain KSA partners with Cisco to expand Saudi AI infrastructure, aligning with Vision 2030 and supporting smart city ambitions.
DartPoints and Megaport partner to boost cloud connectivity
DartPoints and Megaport partner to enhance cloud connectivity in South Carolina, improving performance and reducing costs.
Google taps Brookfield for major data centre expansion
Google partners with Brookfield to build 500 MW cloud data centre campuses with sustainable energy and capacity support.
AUG East subsea cable to revolutionise East Asia connectivity
A Singtel‑led consortium partners with NEC to build AUG East submarine cable responding to surging AI‑driven bandwidth demands.
Vodafone Spain boosts margins through cost-cutting strategy
Vodafone Spain sees margin growth from job cuts and restructuring after Liberty Global completes acquisition.
Midwest peering summit 2025 advances network collaboration
MWPS 2025 in Saint Paul focuses on peering, network efficiency and collaboration among Midwest internet providers and operators
UK funds satellite and moon comms tech
The UK invests £10 million in satellite and lunar communications, aiming to boost its position in the global space sector.
YULCOM Technologies Africa services
YULCOM Technologies delivers IT consulting, digital tools and AI platforms in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Togo.
United Bank for Africa Ghana: Empowering financial growth
UBA Ghana leads digital banking in the country, offering secure, innovative services while promoting financial inclusion.
GVA ultra‑fast internet across Africa
GVA delivers fibre‑optic broadband in African countries. It offers FTTH, IP transit and scalable internet services.
Leo (PTY) Ltd: Empowering Lesotho’s Digital Backbone
Leo (PTY) Ltd delivers across Lesotho with internet, VoIP, CCTV and print services tailored to local needs.
Afreenet telecom services in West Africa
Afreenet offers telecom and cybersecurity services across Burkina Faso and West Africa with fibre and VSAT infrastructure.
Multitel: Powering Angola’s digital backbone
Multitel delivers fibre and cloud services for Angola’s businesses, enabling digital transformation across Luanda, Benguela and beyond.
Angola IXP: Strengthening local internet traffic
Angola IXP strengthens national internet by reducing latency and keeping traffic local, supporting faster and more sovereign digital access.
Econet Telecom Lesotho: Connecting the Mountain Kingdom
Econet Telecom Lesotho delivers integrated communications, overcoming geographic and financial inclusion challenges.
Ostec Limited: Securing Ghana’s digital infrastructure
Ostec Limited delivers enterprise IT infrastructure, cybersecurity services, and cloud solutions to help Ghanaian businesses and public institutions build secure, efficient, and resilient digital systems for long-term growth.
Vodacom Lesotho: Powering Digital Access
Vodacom Lesotho is using digital and mobile services to expand rural connectivity and financial inclusion across the country.
Why Cloud Innovation calls for AFRINIC to be dissolved
Cloud Innovation seeks AFRINIC dissolution, citing governance collapse and urging a transition to a compliant successor registry.
Cloud Innovation calls for ‘Immediate designation of a successor RIR’ after AFRINIC wind-up petition
Cloud Innovation urges ICANN and NRO to urgently appoint a successor RIR as AFRINIC faces potential legal liquidation.
What happens to Africa’s IP management if AFRINIC is liquidated?
Cloud Innovation calls for AFRINIC’s court-led dissolution, urging a decentralised IP system as ICANN issues an ICP-2 warning.
Cloud Innovation: AFRINIC’s board “Legally Void” after invalid vote
AFRINIC, Cloud Innovation, RIR, Africa Internet, Internet Registry, Election Controversy
ICANN recognised AFRINIC, but then turned away
AFRINIC gained ICANN recognition in 2005, but without the support and resources it needed, the RIR quickly fell apart.
Ericsson returns to profit as licensing savings lift margins
Ericsson swings to profit in Q2 as licensing cost cuts boost margins and North American growth offsets weaker global sales.
UK mobile boost could unlock $299B
Improving UK mobile coverage could unlock £230 billion in economic gains by 2035 via 5G, automation, and connectivity.
Vodafone launches ‘Fix & Go’ in-store repair service
Vodafone introduces affordable, same-day repairs for Samsung, Apple, and Google handsets, expanding across the UK.
Optus-led LEO project takes aim at Australia’s satellite autonomy
Optus will lead a A$1.5B push to build Australia’s first sovereign LEO satellite network, aiming to boost autonomy and rural connectivity.
SES completes $3.1B Intelsat deal after final clearances
SES finalises $3.1bn Intelsat deal, marking a major consolidation as traditional satellite firms respond to LEO pressure.
Oracle to invest $3B in cloud and AI in Germany and Netherlands
Oracle will invest $3 billion in AI and cloud infrastructure across Germany and the Netherlands over five years, targeting local demand.