Briefing Desk
Latest Briefings
Concise reporting on the developments shaping internet governance and infrastructure. Browse each area for recent news, context and watchpoints.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 22 briefingsFincantieri and Sparkle collaborate on cable protection
What happened: Fincantieri and Sparkle team up for protection Fincantieri, the state-controlled shipbuilder, has partnered with Telecom Italia’s submarine cables unit, Sparkle, to develop solutions for the surveillance and protection of submarine telecommunications cables. This collaboration aims to…
Silent NASA lander provides new data on Martian dust
What happened: InSight offers new findings on Martian dust Two years after NASA retired the InSight lander in 2022, scientists continue to glean insights about Mars from the vehicle. InSight ceased communication due to dust accumulation on its solar panels, which prevented battery recharging. Althou…
What is cable internet?
Cable internet is one of the most widely used broadband solutions globally, leveraging existing coaxial cable networks to provide reliable and fast internet access. This technology has become an essential part of modern life, offering high speeds and scalability for homes and businesses while facing…
Pyth Network brings real-time oil data to over 80 blockchains
Pyth Network enables DeFi applications with real-time oil data on 80+ blockchains.
Syscoin unveils roadmap to scale Bitcoin with modular blockchain
Syscoin unveils a roadmap to scale Bitcoin with modular blockchain and AI.
Volume raises $6M to revolutionize A2A payments
Volume raises $6 million in seed funding to revolutionize account-to-account (A2A) payments.
Chargezoom raises $11.5m for AR automation
What happened: Chargezoom raises $11.5m with Google Pay integration at the forefront Chargezoom, an AI-powered accounts receivable (AR) and integrated payments platform, announced the successful completion of an $11.5m Series A funding round, led by Kickstart Fund. Key entities in this round inc…
Eurofiber, Quantum Bridge and Juniper join forces to develop quantum-safe comms
What happened: Quantum Bridge boosts Eurofiber’s security with post-quantum cryptography Eurofiber has announced plans to integrate post-quantum cryptography (PQC) into its network infrastructure by combining Juniper Networks’ SRX firewalls with Quantum Bridge’s DSKE technology. The DSKE technology …
CVC Capital Partners’ talks propel TIM shares to new heights
What happened: CVC Capital Partners eyes TIM stake Telecom Italia (TIM) saw its stock price surge to €0.29, a level not seen since the start of the year, following reports that CVC Capital Partners is in talks with Vivendi to acquire its 24% stake in the company. If the deal goes through, CVC would …
Nvidia boosts Jetson Orin Nano dev kits ahead of the holidays
What happened: Jetson Orin Nano gets a powerful upgrade Nvidia has launched the Jetson Orin Nano Super, a compact development board marketed as the “most affordable generative AI supercomputer.” Designed for developers and hobbyists, this new kit features a system on module similar to the Raspberry …
Top tech news today: December 18, 2024
Tech News Summaries 1. Chargezoom secures $11.5M Series A for AR automation Chargezoom raises $11.5M to enhance accounts receivable automation with advanced AR technologies. FinTech Global 2. TietoEVRY Banking enhances payments with Visa Direct TietoEVRY integrates Visa Direct to improve real-ti…
Gigs raises $73M in Series B to expand TaaS
Gigs raises $73 million in a Series B round led by Ribbit Capital to expand its Telecom-as-a-Service platform.
Payabl. teams up with Work in Fintech to empower future talent
payabl. teams up with Work in Fintech to offer mentorship and career opportunities.
SoFi, Galileo partner with Mesh Payments to simplify expenses
What happened: SoFi Bank and Galileo collaborate with Mesh Payments SoFi Bank and its technology platform Galileo have teamed up with Mesh Payments to streamline enterprise travel and expense management. This partnership aims to integrate SoFi’s robust financial services, Galileo’s scalable payment …
Enhanced website performance with LightSpeed hosting upgrade
Upgraded hosting platform for maximum efficiency Real World Group are excited to unveil significant updates to our web hosting platform, now powered by LightSpeed technology. This change replaces the traditional Apache system with a more advanced solution that focuses on speed and efficiency. Among …
Bitget plans Lithuania hub for European expansion
What happened: Bitget establishes regional hub in Lithuania Bitget, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced plans to establish a European regional hub in Lithuania. This initiative aligns with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, which offers a harmonised r…
Standard Chartered partners with Paxos for stablecoins
What happened: Standard Chartered supports Google Pay integration for Paxos stablecoins Standard Chartered has announced a strategic reserve management partnership with Paxos, a leading blockchain infrastructure company. This agreement focuses on managing reserves for two Paxos-issued stablecoins: G…
Mesh Payments teams up with SoFi and Galileo
What happened: Mesh Payments joins forces with Google Pay Mesh Payments, a leader in global travel and expense management, has partnered with SoFi Bank and Galileo Financial Technologies to enhance its financial ecosystem. SoFi Bank will serve as Mesh’s sponsor bank, while Galileo, a SoFi-owned fina…
Sui blockchain partners with Ant Digital on tokenised ESG assets
Sui blockchain partners with Ant Digital to tokenise ESG assets.
Microsoft removes Suggested Actions feature from Windows 11
What happened: Suggested Actions feature discontinued as Microsoft shifts focus in Windows 11 Microsoft has officially confirmed that its Suggested Actions feature will be removed in a future Windows 11 update. This feature, introduced less than three years ago, was designed to make everyday tasks q…
Microsoft introduces Phi-4 AI for advanced reasoning
What happened: Phi-4 enhances network efficiency and advanced problem-solving in STEM fields Microsoft has introduced Phi-4, a small language model (SLM) with 14 billion parameters, tailored for advanced reasoning tasks such as mathematical problem-solving and STEM-focused question-answering. Despit…
Vultr partners with AMD, Broadcom, and Juniper for AI data centers
What happened: Vultr boosts cloud cluster with AMD, Broadcom, and Junipe Independent cloud infrastructure provider Vultr has partnered with AMD, Broadcom, and Juniper Networks to develop a new data centre architecture leveraging the technology of all four companies. This collaboration aims to suppor…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Europe and Middle East Trends / Europe and Middle East Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 6 briefingsVirginia man convicted of using cryptocurrency to fund ISIS
What happened: Virginia man convicted of funding ISIS Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, a 35-year-old from Springfield, Virginia, was convicted by a federal jury for sending $185,000 in cryptocurrency to members of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) between October 2019 and October 2022. The fun…
EU launches IRIS² to challenge Starlink’s global satellite dominance
What happened: New satellite network aims to strengthen Europe’s space and security capabilities The European Union has greenlit the IRIS² satellite project, a major initiative aimed at creating a European-led alternative to SpaceX’s Starlink. IRIS², which will consist of 290 satellites in both Medi…
Millions risk financial insecurity due to lost pension pots
What happened: UK savers face pension uncertainty, risking their retirement plans. Millions of UK working-age adults are unaware of where all their pension pots are, creating significant risks for their financial future. Research conducted by Raindrop, a pension-finding platform, highlights that onl…
Money20/20 launches Middle East event in Riyadh
What happened: Money20/20 expands to Saudi Arabia with Middle East debut Money20/20, the global fintech conference, is launching its Middle East edition in Riyadh from 15 to 17 September 2025 at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Centre. Organised in collaboration with Tahaluf, a leading Saudi event…
Nokia and EOLO launch Europe’s first 5G mmWave network
What happened: Nokia and EOLO to deliver Italy’s first 5G mmWave network Nokia has entered a four-year partnership with EOLO, Italy’s first B Corp in the telecoms sector, to deploy Europe’s first 5G standalone mmWave Radio Access Network. The deal sees Nokia provide a range of advanced equipment fro…
Top tech news today: December 17, 2024
Tech News Summaries Fintech leaders to gather in Riyadh for Money20/20 Middle East Fintech leaders will converge in Riyadh for the inaugural Money20/20 Middle East event in 2025, showcasing regional innovation and growth in fintech. Source Millions of UK savers unaware of pension pots’ risks Million…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Europe and Middle East Trends / Europe and Middle East National Telecom Trends
In this section: 3 briefingsTelia brings 5G to 99% of Norway’s population
What happened: Telia expands nationwide 5G coverage, supporting Norway’s digitalisation goals Telia has achieved nationwide 5G coverage in Norway, reaching 99% of the population just four years after launching its first 5G base stations in Lillestrøm. The company’s network now supports 1.6 million 5…
BT’s survey reveals impact of split-screening and streaming on Telecom Networks
What happened: Split-screening and streaming impacts Telecom Networks BT Group’s latest survey revealed how the UK’s increasing reliance on multi-device usage, including the rising trend of split-screening, is impacting telecom networks. The survey found that 35% of UK adults now regularly use multi…
Telia claims to be first to deliver nationwide 5G coverage in Norway
What happened: Telia reaches 99% of Norway’s population with 5G setting a new milestone in mobile connectivity Telia has announced that it is the first operator in Norway to deliver nationwide 5G coverage, now reaching nearly 99% of the population. This milestone comes four years after the company a…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Institutional Trends
In this section: 2 briefingsTietoevry Banking partners with Visa Direct
What happened: Tietoevry Banking integrates Visa Direct for better corporate payments Tietoevry Banking has partnered with Visa Direct to improve cross-border payment solutions for its financial institution clients. The collaboration incorporates Visa B2B Connect into Tietoevry’s Payment Hub, offeri…
Totalmobile acquires Gartan for emergency services
What happened: Totalmobile enhances workforce management Field service management provider Totalmobile has acquired Irish workforce management firm Gartan Technologies. The acquisition will see Gartan’s fire and rescue rostering and compliance software integrated into Totalmobile’s portfolio, enhanc…
Coverage
Market / Trends / North America Trends / North America Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 5 briefingsAffirm lands $4B capital boost from Sixth Street partnership
What happened: Major capital injection for Affirm US-based Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) fintech company Affirm has secured a significant $4 billion capital partnership with Sixth Street, a leading global investment firm. This partnership is set to empower Affirm to further its mission of providing flex…
Avelacom expands US-Mexico trading connectivity with new PoPs
What happened: Avelacom enhances low-latency connectivity between US and Mexico Avelacom, a low-latency network solutions provider, has expanded its infrastructure by deploying two new Points of Presence (PoPs) and upgrading existing connections to improve interconnectivity between the US and Mexica…
Visa Direct enables real-time bank transfers in under 60 seconds
What happened: Visa Direct introduces real-time bank transfers in the U.S. Visa Direct, Visa’s global real-time payments platform, has announced a major upgrade to its domestic services in the United States, ensuring bank transfers are completed in under 60 seconds. This enhancement leverages Visa’s…
Macquarie seeks to spend billions on Edotco
What happened: Macquarie bids for Axiata’s Edotco valued at $3.5 billion Macquarie Asset Management has made a bid for Edotco, Axiata Group’s tower infrastructure business, valued at approximately US$3.5 billion. Sources suggest that Axiata is currently considering the offer. Edotco owns around 55,0…
Current raises $200M amidst rapid growth
What happened: Current secures $200M to drive innovation and growth Current, a U.S.-based consumer FinTech platform, has raised $200 million in new funding as it continues to experience rapid growth. The company reported a 90% increase in revenue this year, driven by the expansion of its digital ban…
Coverage
Governance / RIR Watchdog / LACNIC / Story
In this section: 1 briefingLACNIC collaborates with regional leaders for digital security
What happened: LACNIC enhances regional cooperation efforts In 2024, LACNIC strengthened its commitment to the region by collaborating closely with governments, regulators, judges, prosecutors, and security forces across Latin America and the Caribbean. These partnerships have been crucial for enhan…
Coverage
Governance / ICANN
In this section: 2 briefingsICANN to Host 2025 Middle East DNS Forum in Bahrain
What happened: The 2025 Middle East DNS Forum to be held in Bahrain on 29-30 April as a hybrid event The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), in collaboration with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Bahrain, has announced the 2025 Middle East Domain Name Sys…
ICANN seeks nominations for fellowship mentors
What happened: ICANN invites nominations for mentors and selection committee members in its Fellowship Program ICANN has launched the nomination process for Fellowship Program mentors and Selection Committee members, encouraging its Supporting Organizations (SOs) and Advisory Committees (ACs) to nom…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Africa Trends / Africa Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 1 briefingNuBank invests $150M in Tyme, aims for unicorn status
What happened: NuBank’s strategic investment in Tyme Brazilian financial technology company NuBank has announced a significant $150 million investment in Tyme, a South Africa-based digital banking platform. This substantial capital injection not only marks a milestone in Tyme’s growth but also signi…
Coverage
Governance / RIR Watchdog / APNIC / Story
In this section: 3 briefingsAPNIC participates in APIGA Australia 2024
What happened: APNIC at APIGA Australia 2024 APNIC participated in the inaugural Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy Australia (APIGA Australia), held from 20 to 21 November 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. The two-day event, hosted by auDA, featured interactive sessions and mentoring from Austral…
APNIC shares insights at the 2024 Internet Conference
What happened: APNIC engages at the 2024 Internet Conference APNIC participated in the 2024 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit, which took place from 19 to 22 November 2024 in Wuzhen, China. The conference featured an opening ceremony, a main forum, and 24 specialised sub-forums that expl…
EC responds to findings of the 2024 APNIC survey
What happened: APNIC reveals findings from 2024 survey The Executive Council (EC) of APNIC has published its response to the 2024 APNIC Survey, an essential initiative aimed at gauging community satisfaction with APNIC’s services. This survey plays a crucial role in shaping future priorities and has…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 2 briefingsAPIGA Australia 2024 inspires the next generation of tech leaders
What happened: APIGA Australia fosters future internet leaders APNIC participated in the inaugural Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy Australia (APIGA Australia), which took place from 20 to 21 November 2024 in Melbourne. The event, hosted by auDA, featured interactive sessions and mentoring l…
Microsoft expands Azure with new Perth data centre
What happened: Azure extends zone to launch in Perth by 2025 Microsoft has announced plans to expand its global data centre footprint to Perth, Western Australia, with an Azure Extended Zone set to launch by mid-2025. This new infrastructure aims to meet the increasing demand for cloud and AI servic…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Institutional Trends
In this section: 1 briefingChina drives Bluetooth alternative as universal remotes rise
What happened: Star Flash launches universal remote standard Last week, China’s Electronics Video Industry Association approved a standard for universal remote controls, aimed at simplifying the user experience for consumers struggling with multiple remotes. The standard mandates features such as vo…
Coverage
Governance / IETF
In this section: 1 briefingIETF Administration LLC reveals its 2025 draft budget plans
What happened: IETF Administration LLC announces 2025 budget The IETF Administration LLC has released its draft budget for 2025, inviting community feedback on its financial plans. Key figures include total revenue projected at approximately $13.6 million, up from $13.4 million in 2024. The budget o…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global National Telecom Trends
In this section: 1 briefingVodafone launches AI anomaly detection tool for IoT
What happened: AI tool enhances Vodafone’s IoT service reliability Vodafone has launched an AI-powered anomaly detection tool for its IoT services, designed to detect and address service anomalies in near real-time. This new tool uses machine learning algorithms to monitor IoT networks and proactive…