Briefing Desk
Latest Briefings
Concise reporting on the developments shaping internet governance and infrastructure. Browse each area for recent news, context and watchpoints.
Bitcoin nears $100K as long-term holders pose volatility risk
What happened Bitcoin is nearing a significant milestone, with its price climbing close to $100,000, reaching $96,572 recently. This rally has been driven by strong institutional interest, increased adoption, and overall bullish market sentiment. The cryptocurrency is positioned to break this psycho…
Brazil restricts on stablecoin transferring to curb financial risks
What happened Brazil is considering a proposal to restrict stablecoin transfers to self-custody wallets in order to increase financial transparency and combat illicit activities. The policy would limit the ability of users to transfer stablecoins like Tether (USDT) or USDC directly to personal walle…
BSO intents to build Europe’s largest AI data center in France
What happened BSO has announced plans to build one of Europe’s largest AI-focused data centers, named DataOne, in France. The company has taken over an existing Tier-3 data center and plans to expand it into a 400MW facility by 2028. The project is led by Charles-Antoine Beyney and Michael Ourabah, …
GoCardless simplifies payments for grassroots football
What happened GoCardless has announced a strategic partnership with Total Grassroots and Kelme, a kit manufacturer, aimed at simplifying payment collection for grassroots football clubs.This alliance is designed to alleviate the administrative burden of collecting cash, a common challenge for club a…
Supreme Court ruling on AFRINIC: New members no rights, elections by June 2025
The Supreme Court of Mauritius has issued a landmark ruling impacting the governance of AFRINIC, the African Regional Internet Registry (RIR) responsible for managing IP address allocation across the continent. Responding to a motion filed by Cloud Innovation, the court declared that any AFRINIC mem…
Crypto miners pour $3.6B into new tech advancements
___________ What happened Publicly traded crypto mining companies have spent $3.6 billion on plant, property, and equipment (PP&E) so far in 2024, with most funds allocated to hardware upgrades. The report by TheMinerMag highlights that the third quarter marked the highest PP&E spending since early …
Explosion shatters Japan’s rocket test, halting ambitious plans
What happened Japan’s space agency aborted an engine test for the Epsilon S rocket on Tuesday (November 26) after it exploded and caught fire, a repeated failure that will likely push the rocket’s debut launch beyond the March-end target and delay the national space programme. The test was being con…
UK invests $4.34M in satellite comms for remote areas
What happened To boost the trend in the satellite telecommunications industry, the UK Space Agency announced a funding package of up to £3.5 million($4.34 million) on November 27. This will be used to test innovative hybrid connectivity solutions in some very difficult to reach locations in the UK. …
Denmark faces major telecom service outage
What happened Danish telecoms operator TDC Net has suffered a major telecoms outage. The telco, which is Denmark’s largest network provider, has blamed the outage on a software update it implemented on November 27. The outage has meant thousands of customers have been unable to make phone calls. Thi…
North Korean hackers infiltrate firms as IT workers and recruiters
What happened North Korean hackers are increasingly posing as job seekers, recruiters, and venture capitalists to infiltrate multinational companies, security researchers at Cyberwarcon 2024 in Washington, DC, have warned. Their goal is to fund North Korea’s nuclear programme by stealing cryptocurre…
M-KOPA targets $400M revenue despite economic challenges
What happened M-KOPA, the African fintech offering pay-as-you-go asset financing, is on track to exceed an annual revenue of $400 million by the end of the year. Serving 5 million underbanked Africans, the company has grown its customer base from 4 million last year, despite challenges like inflatio…
ICANN Board Seat 10: Nomination period closes soon
The nomination window for Seat 10 on the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Board of Directors is closing in a few weeks. The Address Supporting Organization Address Council (ASO AC) has set the deadline for submissions to 16 December 2024, 23:59 UTC. What happened On 16 Sep…
Akhetonics raises $6.33M for innovative all-optical chips
What happened In a bold move to revolutionise the semiconductor industry, German startup Akhetonics raises $6.33 million (€6 million) in seed funding to develop all-optical chips. These chips, relying entirely on photons for data processing, are designed to offer unmatched speed and energy efficienc…
BAE Systems, Rocket Lab receive $60M US semiconductor boost
In a strategic move aimed at bolstering its defence and space capabilities, the US government is finalising nearly $60 million in subsidies for two prominent companies in the semiconductor sector: BAE Systems and Rocket Lab. These investments come under the Biden administration’s broader $52.7 billi…
IFX Payments hires Barclays VP as new COO
What happened IFX Payments, a leading fintech firm specializing in global payments, has announced the appointment of Adam Dowling as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Dowling previously served as Vice President at Barclays, where he led operational and strategic projects in international bankin…
China to test next-gen Beidou satellite network by 2027
What happened China announced its plan to test a next-generation Beidou satellite navigation system by 2027. This upgraded network aims to improve accuracy, speed, and coverage, surpassing the current Beidou capabilities. The new system will feature more advanced satellites capable of delivering pos…
Google announces two new subsea cables for Indo-Pacific connectivity
What happened Google announced plans to build two new subsea cables, “Topaz” and “Pearl,” to bolster digital connectivity across the Indo-Pacific region. These cables will link key hubs, including Southeast Asia, India, and Australia, aiming to handle increasing data demands and improve internet inf…
COP29 pledges to accelerate climate action in the tech industry
What happened At COP29, a global coalition of governments, companies, and digital organizations made a unified commitment to accelerate climate action within the tech industry. The COP29 Declaration on Green Digital Action highlights the dual role of technology. On one hand, it is a significant cont…
Tech Mahindra and AWS join forces to bring AI to telecom networks
What happened Tech Mahindra has taken a step into the future of telecom with a new partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS). Together, they’ve unveiled the Autonomous Network Operational Platform (ANOP), a solution designed to transform the way telecom operators manage their networks. By harnessin…
SmartJumper by Seiko Solutions: Streamlined IT access management with security and ease
Seiko Solutions Inc. has launched SmartJumper, an innovative access management software designed to simplify network operations. Focusing on usability, security, and seamless integration, SmartJumper offers a fresh approach to IT device management across Japan. In an exclusive interview, Yuna Akino …
ViaSat launches ViaSat-3 F1 Service for U.S. marine corps
Delivering services to U.S. marine corps ViaSat, Inc., a global leader in satellite communications, announced that it is now delivering ViaSat-3 F1 (VS3 F1) services to the U.S. Marine Corps, marking the first time the ViaSat-3 network is being used by a government customer. This announcement follow…
Top tech news today: November 29, 2024
1. Europe’s largest AI data centre planned BSO is investing in building Europe’s largest AI-focused data centre in France, aiming to support high-performance computing for AI development. Capacity Media. Starlink satellite-to-phone plan moves ahead with FCC approval. 2. AI data centres co…
AI data centers increase U.S. energy bills by 70% in five years
What happened A report from the Jack Kemp Foundation warns that rising energy demands from AI data centers could cause U.S. electricity bills to increase by up to 70% in the next five years. Data centers, particularly those supporting AI workloads, consume vast amounts of power. For example, a singl…
Intel Secures $7.9B Subsidy Amidst Growing Costs
What happened Intel recently secured a $7.86 billion subsidy from the U.S. government under the CHIPS Act to support its semiconductor production efforts. However, the funding imposes stringent conditions on Intel Foundry Services (IFS), should it spin off into an independent subsidiary. It must mai…
The advantages of SaaS: Streamlining business in the cloud
In the modern business landscape, Software as a Service (SaaS) has emerged as a dominant force, transforming the way companies operate. SaaS offers a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes, from startups to enterprises. This blog delves into the advantages of Saa…
Tranglo expands payout network across Africa
What happened Tranglo, a leading cross-border payment hub, has announced an expansion of its services across Africa, now supporting payouts in Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Senegal, and Zambia. This strategic move is designed to bolster financial inclusion by offering efficient and aff…
$4M funding powers OpenTrade’s stablecoin growth mission
________________ What happened OpenTrade, a London-based platform for stablecoin yield products, has raised $4 million in a seed extension round led by AlbionVC with participation from a16z Crypto and CMCC Global. The funding will help scale OpenTrade’s operations, enhance its product offerings, and…
GEM’s $36.7M fuels WadzPay’s global growth plans
___________ What happened WadzPay, a Singapore-based blockchain technology and financial services company, has secured a $36.7 million funding commitment through a Share Subscription Facility (SSF) agreement with GEM Global Yield. This capital will drive the company’s strategic goals, including acqu…
UK backs $3.8M satellite projects for rural connectivity
What happened The UK government has announced an investment of £3 million ($3.8 million) in hybrid satellite projects aimed at enhancing connectivity in remote areas. These projects will leverage Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites to provide gigabit-capable internet speed…
Exploring global spectrum management at WRS-24
What happened The 2024 ITU World Radiocommunication Seminar (WRS-24) gathered global stakeholders in Geneva from December 2-6, focusing on radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbit management. The event featured plenary sessions on regulatory procedures and workshops aimed at enhancing technical …
Aevi partners with LEGI.ONE to boost SMEs’ cashless payments
What happened Aevi, a leading player in in-person payment orchestration, has partnered with LEGI.ONE LTD, a provider of solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to offer advanced payment services to smaller businesses. This collaboration aims to make the sophisticated payment technologies …
Event summary: Peering Asia 6.0 is held in Jakarta
What happened Peering Asia 6.0 was held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from November 6 to 7, 2024, with 598 entities from the networking and peering industry. Organized by IDNOG, APJII, and Equinix, the event featured peering meetings, conference sessions, panel discussions, and a pre-event tutorial on …
Binance expands compliance team to match industry growth
What happened Binance, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, is on a recruitment drive to bolster its compliance and investigation teams as the industry grows. The company has announced plans to recruit 1,000 new employees, with a significant portion dedicated to compliance roles, reflecting the exchan…
Equinix powers Italian data centers with 53 MW solar deal
What happened Equinix has signed a 10-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with Neoen, a renewable energy company, to secure 53 MW of solar power for its data centers in Milan and Genoa, Italy. This deal marks a key step in Equinix’s global push for 100% renewable energy by 2030. The partner…
2024: The year smartphones break free from decline
What happened According to IDC‘s worldwide quarterly mobile phone Tracker report released on November 26, 2024, total shipments will reach 1.24 billion units this year after two years of “significant declines”. Pent-up demand for device upgrades is a key driver of the forecasted growth. Android is e…
Nokia replaces Huawei at Deutsche Telekom’s 5G sites
What happened Finnish telecom equipment maker Nokia said in a statement on Wednesday that it will launch a mobile network at more than 3,000 sites in Germany using the Open Radio Access Network (ORAN). Following Deutsche Telekom’s choice of Ericsson, the new agreement officially marks Nokia’s return…
Hackers target T-Mobile, call logs untouched
What happened US phone giant T-Mobile said Wednesday that hackers had “no access” to its customers’ calls, text messages, and voicemails during an ongoing industry-wide cyberattack targeting internet and phone companies. T-Mobile’s chief security officer, Jeff Simon, said in a statement that the com…
Virkkunen and Ribera to lead EU telecoms regulation in 2024
Big changes are coming to Europe’s telecoms landscape. Henna Virkkunen and Teresa Ribera Rodríguez have been confirmed as the new policymakers overseeing the sector, taking on portfolios that will shape key regulations, including the much-anticipated Digital Networks Act. What happened The European …
Top tech news today: November 28, 2024
1. Tranglo expands payout network across Africa Tranglo has extended its payout network to eight African countries, enhancing financial access and bridging remittance gaps. The move strengthens its global fintech footprint. Source: The Fintech Times Starlink satellite-to-phone plan moves …
Future Radio Exhibition – 2nd Edition: #FutureRadioNow
What happened Future Radio Exhibition (2nd Edition) will take place on 2–3 December 2024 at the Jeanne Hersch space in the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG), Switzerland. It runs alongside the World Radiocommunication Seminar 2024 (WRS-24), which hosts Plenary Sessions at the same venue.…
Nuvei chosen by Delaware North for online gaming and betting payment solutions
What happened Delaware North, a prominent hospitality and entertainment company, has partnered with Nuvei, a leading fintech provider, to enhance the payment capabilities of its online gaming and sports betting brand, Betly. This collaboration will streamline the payment process for Betly’s customer…
MoneyLion secures $70M in senior debt refinancing
What happened MoneyLion Inc. has successfully closed a $70 million loan facility with Silicon Valley Bank to refinance its existing senior debt, significantly lowering its cost of capital by approximately 550 basis points and extending the maturity to 2029. The proceeds from the new loan were used t…
SoftBank invests $1.5B in OpenAI, enabling share sale to employees
What happened OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, has permitted its employees to sell approximately $1.5 billion worth of shares to Japan’s SoftBank Group through a new tender offer. This move follows OpenAI’s completion of a $6.6 billion funding round in October, which included investments from SoftBank, …
UAE achieves milestone with Nokia-du network slicing trial
What happened Nokia and du, a leading telecom operator in the UAE, successfully conducted a live trial of transport network slicing. This milestone marks the first instance of such a trial in the region, demonstrating the capability to create multiple virtual networks on a shared physical infrastruc…
Last call: ICANN seat 10 nominations
What happened The Number Resource Organization (NRO) has issued a reminder that the nomination period for ICANN Board Seat 10 will close on December 16, 2024. This nomination process is part of ICANN’s regular selection procedure for board members, specifically for Seat 10, which is designated for r…
Klarna sets sights on Kraków: Hires 100 engineers for growth
What happened Klarna, the AI-powered global payment network and shopping assistant, announced the launch of its new technology center in Warsaw on November 25. Klarna is now aiming to hire over 100 engineers by 2025 in Poland. This offer Polish talent the opportunity to contribute to advanced AI…
Elasticity vs. scalability in cloud computing: Key concepts simplified
Cloud computing has revolutionized how businesses manage resources, making concepts like elasticity and scalability increasingly important. While both terms are integral to cloud infrastructure, they address different aspects of resource management. Understanding the distinction is crucial for optim…
FCA research reveals 12% of UK adults own cryptocurrency
What happened More than 12% of UK adults now own cryptocurrency, according to the latest research from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This marks an increase from 10% in previous surveys. The report reveals that popular coins like Bitcoin are part of this trend, with the average value held ri…
GCash simplifies remittances with new UK/EU bank feature
What happened GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance super app, is expanding its international reach with the launch of a new UK/EU Bank Cash In feature. This move aims to simplify remittance transfers for the approximately two million Filipinos living in Europe. From November, overseas Filipinos i…
Deutsche Telekom complete first GEO satellite SMS trial
What happened Deutsche Telekom, Skylo Technologies, and Qualcomm have successfully completed Europe’s first trial of satellite-based SMS messaging. The trial integrated terrestrial mobile networks with satellite connectivity using 3GPP Release 17’s Direct-to-Handset (D2H) technology. This allows use…