Briefing Desk
Latest Briefings
Concise reporting on the developments shaping internet governance and infrastructure. Browse each area for recent news, context and watchpoints.
Wi-Fi coalition urges EU to open 6GHz band for unlicensed use
What happened: Wi-Fi coalition urges EU to open full upper 6GHz band to unlicensed use A coalition of Wi-Fi advocates has urged EU policymakers to open the entire upper 6GHz band to license-exempt use, warning that failure to do so could undermine Europe’s digital competitiveness and the effectivene…
Telia announces job cuts in Norway as part of restructuring
What happened: Telia to cut jobs in Norway amid ongoing restructuring Telia Norway has confirmed plans to cut 90 jobs, accounting for more than 6% of its workforce, as part of a broader restructuring initiative. This move is intended to streamline operations and improve efficiency within the company…
Duos edge AI to launch new data centre in Victoria, TX
Duos Edge AI partners with Region 3 ESC to launch an Edge Data Centre in Victoria, Texas, enhancing rural digital access.
APNIC connects with Taiwan community at ICANN forum
APNIC participated in the ICANN APAC-TWNIC forum, sharing IPv6 updates, policy news, and engaging Taiwan stakeholders.
Telstra accused of misleading coverage claims
TPG accuses Telstra of overstating network reach TPG Telecom, the parent company of Vodafone Australia, has accused Telstra of misleading consumers by overstating its mobile network coverage by approximately one million square kilometres. TPG claims Telstra’s advertised coverage of three million squ…
e& UAE launches first commercial 5G slicing in region
What happened: e& UAE debuts custom 5G slicing for enterprises e& UAE has officially launched the region’s first commercial 5G network slicing solution, offering tailored connectivity for enterprises. This milestone puts the UAE at the forefront of digital network innovation in the Middle East. The …
APNIC expands local engagement at TWNOG 6.0 in Taiwan
APNIC participated in TWNOG 6.0 by hosting a booth, delivering a Mandarin BGP workshop, and promoting ICP-2 consultation.
Vodafone reports revenue growth amid turnaround efforts
Vodafone posts 2.0% revenue growth, driven by strategic disposals and strong performance in Africa and Türkiye.
Microsoft confirms providing AI and cloud services to Israeli military
What happened: Microsoft confirms providing AI and cloud services to Israeli military amid Gaza conflict Microsoft has confirmed that it sold AI and cloud computing services, including its Azure platform, to the Israeli military during the ongoing war in Gaza. The company stated that it has conducte…
Microsoft unveils Agentic AI to accelerate scientific research
What happened: Microsoft introduces Agentic AI for scientific advancement Microsoft has announced the launch of Agentic AI, a new initiative designed to accelerate scientific research. This advanced AI tool aims to enhance data processing capabilities, allowing researchers to analyse vast amounts of…
Top tech news today: May 21, 2025
Tech News Roundup 1. Spain’s telecom network recovers from crash Telecom services in Spain have largely returned after a nationwide outage affected mobile and fixed internet, with emergency services temporarily disrupted. Source 2. MGX and Nvidia to build AI campus MGX and Nvidia, alongside French p…
Zain Jordan taps Ericsson for Cloud BSS overhaul
What happened: Zain Jordan begins Cloud-Native BSS upgrade with Ericsson Zain Jordan has teamed up with Ericsson to launch a major transformation of its Business Support Systems (BSS), shifting to a cloud-native model. This overhaul aims to boost digital service delivery, improve customer interactio…
CRO hits US market with new Crypto.com and Canary Capital trust
Crypto.com and Canary Capital launch first US-regulated investment trust holding Cronos blockchain’s native token, CRO.
Verizon’s $20bn frontier deal approved after DEI rollback
DEI rollback clears path for verizon deal The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States has granted approval for Verizon Communications to acquire Frontier Communications, a fibre-optic provider, for $20 billion, with the stipulation that Verizon must terminate its diversity, equi…
Juniper and ServiceNow launch AI automation
What happened: Juniper and ServiceNow integrate platforms Juniper Networks and ServiceNow have expanded their partnership to deliver an integrated solution combining Juniper’s AI-native networking platform, Mist™, with ServiceNow’s Telecom Service Management, Inventory, and Sales & Order Management …
SK Telecom cyberattack exposes millions to SIM cloning risks
Massive data breach triggers SIM card crisis On 18 April 2025, SK Telecom, South Korea’s leading mobile network operator, detected a cyberattack that compromised sensitive Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) data of approximately 25 million users, including those on budget carriers using its…
China Telecom appoints Liu Guoqing as President and COO
What happened: Liu Guoqing appointed as President and COO of China Telecom China Telecom, one of China’s largest telecommunications operators, has appointed Liu Guoqing as its new President and COO. This leadership change signals a new chapter for the company, which provides a wide range of services…
Colombia flags concerns over Telefónica sale
Colombia’s regulators raise competition concerns over Telefónica’s $400 million sale of its Colombian unit to Millicom.
OpenAI appoints ex-Facebook VP as new applications CEO
What happened: OpenAI appoints Fidji Simo as new CEO of Applications OpenAI has appointed Fidji Simo, the former VP of Facebook, as the new CEO of Applications. Simo, who has been on OpenAI’s board for the past year, will focus on scaling the company’s traditional functions as it embarks on a new gr…
Reflex partners with Nokia to upgrade South African broadband
What happened: Enhancing broadband access as Nokia and Reflex unite for South Africa Nokia and Reflex have announced a partnership to enhance broadband access and quality across South Africa. This collaboration will see Reflex deploying Nokia‘s advanced Broadband Network Gateway (BNG) solution, whic…
Top tech news today: May 20, 2025
Tech News Roundup 1. Crypto.com and Canary launch US fund Crypto.com and Canary Capital have announced a new fund aimed at attracting institutional investors in the US, focusing on cryptocurrency opportunities. Source 2. Franklin taps blockchain for payroll yields Franklin is introducing a solution …
Tornado Cash accuses US prosecutors of withholding evidence
Storm alleges prosecutors withheld key evidence in Crypto case Roman Storm, co-founder of the cryptocurrency mixing service Tornado Cash, has accused U.S. federal prosecutors of withholding exculpatory evidence that could significantly impact his ongoing criminal case. In a letter dated 16 May 2025,…
Internet Day 2025 Argentina ends on a high note for connectivity
Internet Day 2025 Argentina concluded successfully, highlighting connectivity advancements, AI applications, and digital talent development.
Satellite-5G vehicle tech showcased in Paris trials
What happened: Live trials demonstrate connected car breakthroughs BMW and Viasat joined forces this week in Paris to showcase connected vehicle technology using satellite and terrestrial networks. Organised by the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA), the trial marked the first time real cars used sate…
RIPE 90 closes with calls for ICP-2 update improvements and number portability
RIPE 90 ends in Lisbon with urgent calls for IPv6 rollout acceleration and major reforms in internet abuse handling systems.
Datacloud Global Congress 2025: June 3–5 in Cannes
What happened: Datacloud Global Congress 2025: Digital Infrastructure Event in France The Datacloud Global Congress 2025 will be held from June 3 to June 5 at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France. This event will bring together over 3,500 leaders from the data center, cloud computing, artifici…
BT to establish standalone international unit
What happened: BT to create standalone international unit BT has announced plans to establish its international business as a standalone unit, separate from its UK operations. This strategic move is intended to allow both segments to focus on their respective markets and growth opportunities. The ne…
Vi launches 5G in Delhi NCR with Ericsson Massive MIMO radios
What happened: Vi launches 5G in Delhi NCR with Ericsson radios Vodafone Idea (Vi) has officially launched its 5G services in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), marking a significant milestone in its network expansion. The rollout is part of Vi’s broader strategy to deploy 5G across all 17 pri…
America Digital 2025 lands in Mexico city
America Digital 2025 will take place 18–19 June in Mexico City. The event gathers Latin America’s top digital leaders.
US and UAE plan massive AI campus
US and UAE to build 5GW AI data centre campus led by G42 and US hyperscalers, focusing on AI and clean energy.
Qualcomm and e& collaborate on AI solutions
What happened: Qualcomm and e& join forces to enhance AI capabilities Qualcomm has announced a collaboration with e& to enhance artificial intelligence capabilities at the edge. This partnership aims to leverage both companies’ strengths in AI technology and edge computing. By integrating Qualcomm’s…
Top tech news today: May 19, 2025
Tech News Roundup 1. MuchBetter launches B2B corporate card MuchBetter introduces a corporate card tailored for businesses excluded from traditional banking services, aiming to reduce fees and improve access. Source 2. Tornado Cash developer’s attorney claims evidence hidden The attorney for a Torna…
India to introduce star ratings for digital connectivity in buildings
TRAI proposes star rating system to boost In-Building digital connectivity The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has unveiled a draft manual proposing a star rating system to evaluate buildings based on their digital connectivity. This system, akin to energy efficiency ratings for applian…
Ericsson deepens root to Japan’s telecom sector with job creation
What happened: Ericsson expands in Japan with strategic partnerships and Energy-Efficient RAN innovations Ericsson has intensified its involvement in Japan’s telecommunications industry by forging strategic partnerships and deploying advanced technologies. Notably, the company has collaborated with …
Singtel expands 5G network slicing to consumers across Singapore
What happened: Singtel launches World’s first Consumer-Grade 5G network slicing with 5G+ upgrade Singtel has launched its 5G+ service, becoming the first telecom operator globally to extend comprehensive 5G network slicing capabilities from enterprises to the consumer market. This rollout automatica…
BT to expand fibre in Swansea Bay
BT secures £10m contract to deliver full-fibre broadband in Swansea Bay City Region, enhancing digital connectivity in rural areas.
Ericsson boosts Japan R&D with 300 new jobs
Ericsson commits to creating 300 R&D jobs in Japan, boosting 5G and 6G innovation through local partnerships.
Cisco joins Saudi AI drive
Cisco partners with Saudi Arabia’s HUMAIN to develop AI infrastructure, establish an AI institute, and supporting Vision 2030.
Mozambique Internet Exchange launches new PoP at Digital Realty
What happened: MOZIX launches new PoP at Digital Realty’s data centre The Mozambique Internet Exchange (MOZIX) has launched a new point of presence (PoP) at Digital Realty’s MPM1 data centre in Maputo. This expansion enhances local interconnection capabilities, allowing networks to peer within Mozam…
Top tech news today: May 16, 2025
Tech News Roundup 1. Orange Wholesale names new CEO Valérie Cussa has been appointed CEO of Orange Wholesale International, succeeding Emmanuel Rochas, and will focus on innovative telecom solutions. Source 2. Mozambique Internet Exchange launches new PoP The Mozambique Internet Exchange (MOZIX) has…
Japan achieves its first video call from space with AST and Rakuten
What happened: AST SpaceMobile and Rakuten complete Japan’s first video call from space AST SpaceMobile and Rakuten Mobile have successfully completed Japan’s first-ever video call from space using the BlueBird Block 1 satellite. This historic call was made to an unmodified smartphone, showcasing th…
Telefónica posts $1.4B loss on Latin America writedowns
Telefónica reported a $1.4B loss in Q1 2025 from Latin America writedowns, but core markets grew steadily.
Gemini expands as Google refreshes Android and Wear OS
Google announces major updates to Android, Wear OS and Gemini, focusing on AI integration, personalised design and security.
CoreSite upgrades IP routing with Nokia across U.S. data centres
What happened: CoreSite enhances network infrastructure with Nokia’s IP routing solutions CoreSite, a U.S.-based tower company, has partnered with Nokia to enhance its network infrastructure by deploying advanced core and edge IP routing solutions across its 30 data centres. This upgrade is designed…
US warns against Huawei AI chips
What happened: US issues global warning on Huawei Ascend AI chips On May 13, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued guidance stating that the use of Huawei’s Ascend AI chips anywhere in the world violates U.S. export controls. The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) clarified that these chip…
Intelsat and Cubic³ test satellite connectivity for vehicles
What happened: Intelsat and Cubic³ complete satellite connectivity test Intelsat and Cubic³ have successfully completed a satellite connectivity test for vehicles, marking a significant advancement in mobile communication technology. This test demonstrates the potential for seamless connectivity in …
Rakuten Mobile reaches EBITDA positivity milestone
What happened: Rakuten Mobile achieves first positive EBITDA milestone Rakuten Mobile has achieved a significant milestone by reporting positive EBITDA for the first time. This accomplishment comes after the company faced substantial challenges since its launch, including intense competition in the …
Top tech news today: May 15, 2025
Tech News Roundup 1. Openreach connects remote pub with fibre Openreach has utilized its Project Gigabit initiative to bring high-speed fibre connectivity to a remote pub, enhancing local digital access. Source 2. Rakuten Mobile reaches EBITDA positivity Rakuten Mobile has achieved positive EBITDA f…
GoDaddy: Empowering small businesses in the digital age
GoDaddy uses AI to simplify website creation and marketing, supporting millions despite cybersecurity challenges.
IP address portability essential to ensure fair, open internet says LARUS CEO
Lu Heng, CEO of Hong Kong-based LARUS Ltd and founder of the LARUS Foundation, has accused the RIPE Network Coordination Centre (RIPE NCC) of acting like a cartel and violating European anti-trust laws following its refusal to accept his company’s sponsorship for the RIPE 90 meeting in Lisbon. In an…