Briefing Desk
Latest Briefings
Concise reporting on the developments shaping internet governance and infrastructure. Browse each area for recent news, context and watchpoints.
EnCharge AI secures $100M to advance edge AI chips
EnCharge AI raises $100M to develop AI accelerators that shift workloads from cloud data centers to local devices.
Top tech news today: February 14, 2025
Stay updated with the latest in fintech, telecom, and AI, from major layoffs and funding rounds to 5G expansions
Bursa Malaysia promotes financial literacy among millennials
Bursa Malaysia drives growth in millennial investors Bursa Malaysia is anticipating a rise in savvy investors among millennials as it teams up with stockbroking firms to host programmes designed to increase financial literacy. The Inter-Varsity Stock Challenge (IVSC) 2019 closing ceremony highlighte…
NetInfinium: Innovating IT solutions and creative services
NetInfinium, based in Kuala Lumpur, offers advanced IT solutions and creative services for various industries, including banking, education, and telecoms. The company’s products, such as DirectSecure® and InterECM, provide secure e-statement delivery and bill payment solutions. With a focus on reduc…
Vodafone and Three Unveil Leadership Team Ahead of UK Merger
What happened: Vodafone and Three unveil leadership team ahead of UK merger Vodafone has revealed the leadership team for its upcoming merger with Three UK, which received approval from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in December 2024. The new company, formed by the merger, will be …
Cisco partners with Mistral AI for AI-Powered Customer Experience
Cisco partners with Mistral AI to create an AI-driven renewal proposal agent, enhancing customer experience and improving efficiency.
Aduna partners with Infobip to expand API reach
Aduna and Infobip have partnered to expand global network API reach, simplifying developer access to telecom capabilities for innovation.
United Group sells Serbian telecom assets
STC Group and AWS have partnered to accelerate cloud and AI deployment in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
CityFibre marks first full year of profitability
CityFibre hits first full-year profit, with a 34% revenue rise and a Sky partnership, aiming for further growth.
Bankai Group renews GLF Community membership
What happened: Bankai Group Renews Membership with GLF Community for 2024-2025 Bankai Group has officially renewed its membership with the Global Leaders Forum (GLF) Community for the 2024-2025 period. This renewal reflects the company’s continued commitment to driving innovation and advancing the t…
stc Group joins Bridge Alliance API Exchange
What happened: stc Group strengthens Bridge Alliance partnership, becoming first MENA operator to commit to BAEx On February 12, 2025, at the LEAP global technology conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, stc Group and Bridge Alliance announced an agreement to further strengthen their collaboration. As …
Trust Bank and TerraPay aid Bangladeshi students
Trust Bank and TerraPay partner to aid Bangladeshi students, enabling faster tuition fee payments and living expense management.
Ripple and Unicâmbio boost Portugal-Brazil payments
Ripple partners with Unicâmbio to enable cross-border payments between Portugal and Brazil using blockchain technology.
Aduna partners with Sinch to expand network API ecosystem
Aduna, a joint venture by Ericsson and telecom leaders, partners with Sinch to expand the network API ecosystem.
Iliad Group invests $3B in AI infrastructure
Iliad Group commits $3B to AI investments, expanding its data centres and AI infrastructure across Europe to support leading AI companies.
Yondr breaks ground on 40MW data center in London expansion
What happened: Yondr begins construction on 40MW data center in London expansion Yondr Group, a global data center developer and operator, has officially begun construction on a new 40MW data center in London. This project is part of Yondr’s broader plan to expand its London data center campus, rein…
Vodafone IoT expands in the Middle East with Mobily
What happened: Vodafone Business IoT partners with Mobily to expand IoT connectivity in the Middle East On February 10, 2025, Vodafone Business IoT announced a strategic partnership with Mobily, a leading telecommunications provider in Saudi Arabia, to expand Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity se…
Bharti Airtel Q3 profits soar despite ‘remaining challenges’
Bharti Airtel reports a 460.9% YoY surge in Q3 net profit, reaching ₹16,134.6 crore ($1.94B)
EOLO expands 5G FWA network with Mavenir
EOLO partners with Mavenir to expand its 5G FWA network, providing ultrafast broadband to underserved regions across Italy.
Meta lays off 5% of workforce in latest round of job cuts
What happened: Meta lays off 5% of workforce, affecting 4,000 employees Meta has announced another round of layoffs, reducing its workforce by 5%, which equates to roughly 4,000 employees. The company described the cuts as performance-based, though reports indicate that some affected employees had p…
Em Conversa enhances business payments in Mexico with Belvo
What happened: Em Conversa and Belvo transform payments Em Conversa has partnered with Belvo to enhance business payments in Mexico. This collaboration aims to streamline transactions and improve the overall payment experience for businesses. By integrating Belvo’s open finance technology, Em Conver…
Telefonica and Vodafone Spain unveil Fiberpass joint venture
What happened: Fiberpass launches joint venture in Spain Telefonica and Vodafone Spain have officially unveiled Fiberpass, the new name for their fibre network joint venture. This announcement marks a significant step forward in their collaboration, which began after extensive negotiations last year…
STC Group and AWS drive Saudi digital transformation
STC Group and AWS announce a strategic partnership to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s cloud adoption and AI-driven digital transformation.
Questal secures $3.2m in seed funding
Questal raises $3.2m in Seed funding to enhance AI-driven financial wellness tools, supported by experts in wealth management.
Amazon announces 1,000 new UK apprenticeships
Amazon announces over 1,000 new UK apprenticeships for 2025, offering programmes in data science, cyber security, and more.
Mistral AI to invest billions in French data centre
Mistral AI plans to invest several billion euros in a new data centre in France, which aims to reduce reliance on US tech infrastructure.
ICANN selects RSM as ASP review panel provider
ICANN has appointed RSM US LLP as the SARP provider for the Applicant Support Program, ensuring a fair evaluation for new gTLD applicants.
Macron announces €109 billion AI investment for France
What happened: Macron Announces €109 Billion Investment in AI to Bolster France’s Technological Leadership On February 10, 2025, during the AI Action Summit in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a substantial investment of €109 billion in artificial intelligence over the coming years.…
EU invests €200B in AI industry
The EU is investing €200 billion in AI industry to compete with the US and China. Experts share their insights.
T-Mobile and Starlink begin large-scale satellite connectivity testing
T-Mobile and SpaceX’s Starlink have begun large-scale testing of satellite-to-cell service, aiming to extend connectivity to remote areas.
NEC unveils solution for faster mobile network rollout
NEC unveils AI-powered solution to speed up mobile network modernisation, cutting deployment time by 60% and easing 5G virtualisation.
EE deploys 5G Standalone network at Wembley Stadium
What happened: EE rolls out 5G Standalone network at Wembley Stadium On February 10, 2025, EE announced the deployment of its 5G Standalone (5G SA) network at Wembley Stadium in London. This upgrade marks Wembley as the first sporting venue in the UK to feature a dedicated 5G SA network, enhancing c…
Rostelecom reports damage to underwater cable in the Baltic Sea
What happened: Rostelecom reports Baltic Sea cable damage, investigation underway On February 10, 2025, Rostelecom announced that one of its underwater cables in the Baltic Sea had sustained damage due to an unspecified external impact. The cause of the damage has not been confirmed, but officials a…
DE-CIX CEO Ivo Ivanov’s vision for the internet: Speed, security, and global reach
Scaling the internet for a global future DE-CIX’s rapid global expansion presents a unique set of challenges, but Ivo Ivanov, CEO at the global interconnection service provider, sees it as an opportunity to drive innovation. Speaking at the recent Capacity Middle East 2025 event, he told BTW Media e…
AirTrunk founder donates $100M to boost women in STEM
AirTrunk founder Robin Khuda donates $100M to the University of Sydney for a 20-year STEM diversity initiative for girls in Western Sydney.
Windward launches AI solution for subsea infrastructure
Windward launches AI monitoring to protect subsea cables and offshore infrastructure amid rising security concerns.
US and APAC allies ban DeepSeek from government devices
The US and its allies are banning Chinese AI app DeepSeek from government devices, citing national security risks.
LACNIC examines the impact of outdated BGP attributes
What happened: BGP disruptions highlight LACNIC’s challenges In January 2025, LACNIC reported on significant disruptions caused by obsolete BGP attributes within its region. In 2023, numerous BGP sessions were shut down due to these outdated attributes in routing announcements, impacting the connect…
LuLu Exchange teams up with Fintech Galaxy for remittances
What happened: LuLu Exchange enhances remittance services LuLu International Exchange has partnered with Fintech Galaxy to enhance remittance solutions in Bahrain. This collaboration leverages Fintech Galaxy’s Open Banking Solutions, aimed at making cross-border payments faster and more convenient. …
Feedzai and Backbase boost digital banking security
What happened: Feedzai enhances fraud prevention for banks Feedzai has partnered with Backbase to integrate its advanced fraud prevention solutions into Backbase’s digital banking platform. This collaboration aims to enhance security measures for banks as they serve their customers in an increasingl…
TRAI proposes 10-digit numbering system for landlines
What happened: TRAI recommends new 10-digit numbering system for landline users On February 6, 2025, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommended a new numbering system for landline users. The proposal suggests moving from the current Short Distance Charging Area (SDCA)-based system …
ARIN announces ARIN 55 Fellowship Selection Committee
What happened: ARIN announces ARIN 55 Fellowship Selection Committee members On January 31, 2025, ARIN announced the formation of the ARIN 55 Fellowship Selection Committee. This committee is responsible for reviewing applications and selecting fellows for the ARIN 55 Fellowship Program, which provi…
ARIN discontinues old SSL and TLS, now supports TLS 1.2 and 1.3
What happened: ARIN discontinues outdated SSL and TLS versions, supports only TLS 1.2 and 1.3 On February 4, 2025, ARIN announced that it has officially discontinued support for outdated Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols. Moving forward, ARIN will only support TL…
ARIN 55 Public Policy and Members Meeting registration now open
What happened: ARIN opens registration for ARIN 55 Public Policy Meeting On January 22, 2025, ARIN announced that registration is now open for the ARIN 55 Public Policy and Members Meeting. The event will take place from April 27-30, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and will also offer virtual pa…
Brussels’ 5G connectivity faces challenges
Brussels’ 5G connectivity faces challenges. Proximus and Orange lead in performance, but overall availability remains low.
Huawei’s revenue soars 22% in 2024 despite US sanctions
Huawei’s 2024 revenue surges 22% to $118.3 billion despite US sanctions, driven by consumer business and smart car solutions.
L1X revolutionises lithium extraction with sustainable tech
Sustainable lithium extraction technology Lithium ONE Environmental Inc. (L1X) is pioneering a game-changing lithium extraction method that uses no water and produces hydrogen fuel as a byproduct. The company’s L1X System uses nano-extraction technology to pull 98 to 99 per cent of lithium from brin…
EdgeStone and SG.GS forge strategic alliance to strengthen global connectivity
Expanding international network reach EdgeStone, a specialist in telecom consulting and cloud enablement, has joined forces with SG.GS, a global wholesale carrier, in a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing connectivity across Asia-Pacific and beyond. By leveraging SG.GS’s extensive global networ…
Top tech news today: February 7, 2025
1. Fintech Ramp Lands Eagles’ Saquon Barkley as Investor Philadelphia Eagles’ star Saquon Barkley has become an investor in fintech startup Ramp and stars in its Super Bowl commercial. Source 2. Superlogic Raises $13.7M at $200M Valuation Superlogic, a startup helping consumers use reward points for…
Mobily lands Africa-1 submarine cable in Saudi Arabia
Mobily lands the Africa-1 submarine cable in Saudi Arabia. It boosts connectivity and supports Vision 2030’s digital goals.