Briefing Desk
Latest Briefings
Concise reporting on the developments shaping internet governance and infrastructure. Browse each area for recent news, context and watchpoints.
Britain’s crypto rules promise big changes by 2026
____________ What happened The U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has unveiled a detailed roadmap to establish a robust regulatory framework for cryptocurrency by 2026. The FCA plans to issue a series of discussion papers on key topics such as stablecoin regulation, market disclosures, and tra…
Ericsson pushes for 5G value creation over volume adoption
What happened As 5G Standalone (5G SA) networks gain momentum globally, Ericsson has called on telecom operators to shift their strategic focus from increasing user volume to creating value through innovative services. The company argues that the full potential of 5G, including features like ultra-l…
FTC report: 89% of smart devices lack information on update duration
What happened A new report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reveals that many smart device makers do not inform consumers how long they will provide software updates. The FTC reviewed 184 devices, including hearing aids and security cameras, and found that nearly 89% did not disclose the dura…
AI-enhanced 6G indoor test in Japan improves speeds by 18%
What happened NTT DOCOMO, collaborating with NTT Corporation, Nokia, and SK Telecom, has achieved a milestone in 6G development. The team conducted Japan’s first indoor test of AI-enhanced 6G radio-interface technology in the 4.8 GHz band, demonstrating an 18% boost in communication speeds compared …
Starlink satellite-to-phone plan moves ahead with FCC approval
What happened SpaceX’s Starlink satellite-to-phone service has taken a significant step forward with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval, paving the way for mobile users to connect directly to satellites. Partnering with T-Mobile, this ambitious project allows regular smartphones to acc…
Mastercard and Fundbot partner for streamlined B2B payments
What happened Mastercard, a leading global payment solutions provider, and Fundbot, a UAE-based FinTech specializing in supply chain financing, have announced a partnership aimed at accelerating B2B payment flows across various industries in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This collaboration will simplify…
Wall Street embraces bitcoin with new trading tools
————— What happened Wall Street has introduced new products that allow investors to bet on bitcoin in more ways. Since January, spot bitcoin ETFs began trading, enabling both retail and institutional investors to access bitcoin. Last week, options on these products went live on the Nasdaq and NYSE, …
Bitcoin’s $100K breakthrough delayed by profit-taking
————— What happened Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, remains stuck below the much-anticipated $100,000 mark, despite significant gains following Donald Trump’s re-election. On Nov. 5, Bitcoin began a rally, climbing over 40% and reaching an all-time high of $99,000 last week. However, as…
Is Stripe becoming the ‘monopoly cornerstone’ of the digital economy?
In 2010, Irish brothers Patrick Collison and John Collison envisioned Stripe as a simple way to help developers integrate payment solutions into their websites. Today, that vision has transformed into a multibillion-dollar company powering transactions for giants like Amazon, Shopify, and Lyft. Dubb…
Top tech news today: November 27, 2024
1. Britain’s FCA outlines crypto regime timeline The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority plans to implement a comprehensive crypto regulation framework by 2026, ensuring market stability and consumer protection. CNBC 2. Bitcoin prices dip as rally fades Bitcoin’s post-election rally loses momentum, wit…
Budget-Friendly 5G smartphone is released in South Africa
What happened MTN South Africa launched the MTN Icon5G, an affordable 5G-enabled smartphone priced at 2,499 rand ($138). The smartphone aims to make mobile internet more accessible to a wider audience. It also supports MTN’s effort to transition customers from outdated 2G and 3G technologies to mode…
Intel’s grant was adjusted by the U.S. government
What happened Intel’s CHIPS Act funding for private-sector semiconductor production has been adjusted to $7.86 billion by the US Commerce Department. This follows a $3 billion award in September under a separate CHIPS program supporting defense chip manufacturing. The revised funding supports Intel’…
AWS surrenders to Broadcom: VMware cloud transformation begins
What happened Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced the launch of VMware Cloud Foundation as a Service on November 25, which is now directly integrated into its cloud infrastructure. This service allows businesses to deploy VMware’s virtualization platform on AWS’s cloud, enabling more seamless hybrid…
7 steps to ensure seamless scalability in your private cloud environment
As businesses continue to grow, so too does the demand for scalable infrastructure that can keep up with evolving needs. A private cloud environment provides enhanced control, security, and customization, but to truly unlock its potential, organizations must ensure that their systems can scale seaml…
US security officials discuss Chinese cyber-espionage with telecom executives
What happened U.S. national security officials recently held a meeting with telecom executives to discuss the rising threats of Chinese cyber-espionage. This dialogue centers around allegations that Chinese cyber actors are targeting telecom infrastructures globally. The focus was on how these espio…
What is cloud scalability? A beginner’s guide
In today’s digital-first world, businesses must adapt quickly to fluctuating demands and customer expectations. One of the core solutions enabling this agility is cloud scalability. But what exactly does cloud scalability mean, and why is it so crucial for modern businesses? This guide will break it…
Data meets speed: Cisco powers McLaren’s championship bid
What happened The Formula 1 (F1) annual Grand Prix took place in Austin, Texas on November 24. In the race, McLaren F1 team finished 4th and 5th in Austin. Cisco’s technology supported McLaren’s success this season. Although Cisco partners with many alliances and teams, its partnership with McLaren …
IETF 121: IPv6 adoption, DNS improvements, routing security
What happened APNIC participated in the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) 121 meeting, held in Dublin, Ireland, from November 2 to 8, 2024. The IETF is a prominent global forum for developing and improving internet standards and protocols. During the event, APNIC representatives contributed to …
What is scalable cloud infrastructure and why is it important?
Scalable cloud infrastructure refers to the ability of a cloud computing system to adjust resources dynamically to meet changing demands. In simple terms, it’s the cloud’s capacity to scale up or down quickly based on workload fluctuations. This flexibility allows businesses to handle surges in dema…
Riksbank expands instant payment services with new RIX-INST update
What happened Sweden’s Sveriges Riksbank has expanded its RIX-INST payment system to support more types of instant payments, which were previously limited to Swish transactions. The system now enables faster payments across various platforms, cutting down the time it takes for funds to reach recipie…
What is a SaaS application? A beginner’s guide
The term ‘Software as a Service’ (SaaS) has become a buzzword in the tech world, but what exactly is a SaaS application? In essence, a SaaS application is a cloud-based software solution that allows users to access tools and services over the internet, without the need to install or maintain the sof…
Snowflake and Anthropic join forces for AI data cloud
What happened Snowflake, the AI Data Cloud company, and Anthropic, an AI safety and research company, have announced a strategic multi-year partnership. This collaboration will integrate Anthropic’s Claude 3.5 Sonnet model into Snowflake Cortex AI on AWS, enabling secure, scalable AI-driven workflow…
Singtel and Ericsson power Singapore’s Tuas Port’s automation with 5G
What happened Singtel and Ericsson have joined forces to deploy advanced 5G connectivity solutions at Tuas Port, which is part of PSA Singapore‘s (PSA) ambitious plan to construct the world’s largest fully automated port by the 2040s. This 5G integration will play a pivotal role in enhancing the…
What is SaaS? Breaking down the software-as-a-service model
The software-as-a-service (SaaS) model has transformed the way individuals and businesses access and utilize software. Instead of purchasing software outright and installing it on individual devices, SaaS offers a subscription-based model that provides access to applications via the internet. But wh…
What are internet security certificates and why do they matter?
In the digital age, online security is paramount. Whether you’re shopping online, managing sensitive data, or simply browsing, internet security certificates play a crucial role in keeping your activities private and secure. But what are they, and why do they matter? Understanding untrust…
Understanding SaaS software: A beginner’s guide
In today’s digital world, software as a service (SaaS) has become a popular choice for businesses and individuals alike. But what exactly is SaaS, and how does it differ from traditional software models? This blog will break down the basics of SaaS, explore its benefits, and show you why it’s changi…
Top examples of SaaS companies and what they offer
Software as a Service (SaaS) has rapidly transformed the way businesses operate, offering scalable, subscription-based solutions accessible over the internet. With the SaaS model, businesses no longer need to worry about costly infrastructure, maintenance, or updates; everything is handled by the pr…
Rüdiger Geib takes the helm at Internet Engineering Task Force and Study Group 12
What happened The Internet Architecture Board (IAB) on November 21 appointed Rudiger Geib as Liaison Manager for the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and Study Group 12 (ITU-T SG12), the standardization arm of the International Telecommunication Union. This group focuses on developing global s…
Leverage fallout: Crypto market faces $500M meltdown
What happened According to data provided by cryptocurrency analytics firm CoinGlass, $495 million worth of cryptocurrencies have been liquidated in the 24 hours from November 23 to November 24. 197,083 traders were liquidated over the past 24 hours, with the largest liquidation taking place on Binan…
Amazon bolsters AI with $4B investment in Anthropic
What happened Amazon has announced an investment of $4 billion in Anthropic, an AI safety and research company, to strengthen their strategic collaboration in the field of generative artificial intelligence (AI). This investment solidifies Amazon Web Services (AWS) as Anthropic’s primary cloud provi…
Verizon and Ciena achieve 1.6Tbps fibre trial milestone
What happened Verizon, in collaboration with Ciena, has completed an advanced fibre-optic trial achieving an impressive 1.6Tbps (terabits per second) data transfer rate. This trial is part of an ongoing effort to enhance network capabilities and meet the increasing demand for faster, more reliable i…
Countdown begins for ICANN’s board seat 10 selection
What happened The nomination period for Seat 10 on the ICANN Board of Directors will end on December 16, 2024, at 23:59 UTC. Managed by the Address Supporting Organization Address Council (ASO AC), the process is crucial for maintaining ICANN’s role in global internet governance. Candidates are expe…
Binance Labs invests in Kernel to boost BNB Chain restaking
What happened Binance Labs has invested in Kernel, a key player in developing restaking infrastructure for BNB Chain. This partnership aims to improve BNB’s security, turning it into programmable and attributable trust to support various crypto applications, services, and middleware. Kernel’s goal i…
SEC’s Gensler steps down, crypto awaits revolution
What happened US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler announced on Thursday, November 21, that he will resign on January 20, 2025. In recent years, the agency filed major lawsuits against industry giants like Coinbase for failing to register legally. Since 2021, Gensler has le…
Top tech news today: November 26, 2024
1. Wall Street introduces new bitcoin betting options Wall Street is unveiling innovative methods for investing in bitcoin, marking another significant step in cryptocurrency’s financial mainstream adoption. CNBC Marathon’s bold bet: The future of bitcoin mining 2. Bitcoin’s climb to $100…
Verizon launches multi-vendor Open RAN DAS Systems
What happened Verizon has deployed multi-vendor Open RAN (Radio Access Network) Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) to boost network performance and flexibility. Open RAN separates hardware from software, allowing Verizon to use equipment from different vendors. This approach speeds up innovation, low…
The evolution of SaaS: From early days to the cloud-dominated era
Software as a Service (SaaS) has revolutionised the way we use and deliver software. Its journey from a novel concept to the backbone of cloud computing is a remarkable story of innovation, adaptability, and growth. The early days: On-premise and ASP models In the early days, software was typically …
Japanese chipmaker Kioxia plans Tokyo IPO to fuel growth
What happened Kioxia Holdings will list its shares in Tokyo on 18 December, the company announced on Friday. The company expects the market for flash memory to grow, fuelled by rising demand from AI applications and data centres. Japanese chipmaker Kioxia makes NAND flash-memory chips used in smartp…
FIFA will launch blockchain soccer game ‘FIFA Rivals’
What happened FIFA and Mythical Games have teamed up to deliver a new free-to-play experience, FIFA Rivals, which will launch in the summer of 2025. The game allows users to build their teams, compete in arcade-style matches, and establish their legacy in the soccer world, all while tapping into the…
ICP-2 update: Deadline for feedback extended to 6 December
What happened The Number Resource Organisation (NRO) has extended the deadline for submitting responses to its ICP-2 questionnaire, now closing on Friday, 6 December 2024. Originally introduced in 2001, ICP-2 outlines the principles and criteria for recognising new Regional Internet Registries (RIRs…
ICANN announces new leadership: Tripti Sinha and Chris Chapman take top roles
What happened On November 14, 2024, ICANN revealed key leadership appointments following its 81st Public Meeting in Istanbul. Tripti Sinha, a prominent figure in cyber-infrastructure and Internet policy since joining ICANN in 2018, was re-appointed as Chair of the Board of Directors. Meanwhile, Chri…
Vodafone claims 5G policing boost as it fights for Three UK merger approval
What happened Vodafone is taking an unusual approach to secure approval for its merger with Three UK by emphasising the benefits of standalone 5G (5G SA) for policing. The company commissioned a report by WPI Strategy, which claims 5G SA could save UK police 11 million hours a year, equal to 5,400 f…
RIPE NCC Billing Procedure 2025: What you need to know
What happened The RIPE NCC has unveiled its updated Billing Procedure for 2025, introducing adjustments to its Charging Scheme. Key changes include a €25 (around $27) increase in fees for internet number resources like IPv4 and IPv6 Provider Independent (PI) assignments. A new annual fee of €50 (aro…
Tensions surge as Baltic cables severed near Sweden
What happened Two undersea cables carrying internet data deep in the Baltic Sea have been damaged, European telecommunications companies have said, drawing warnings from European governments of possible Russian “hybrid warfare” targeting global communications infrastructure. The foreign ministers of…
Comcast spins off cable networks amid streaming surge
What happened Comcast, a major telecommunications conglomerate, has decided to spin off some of its cable TV networks as the entertainment landscape shifts towards streaming. This move comes in response to the increasing consumer preference for on-demand streaming services over traditional cable TV.…
Top reasons you need internet security today
———————— Why do you need internet security? The importance of internet security cannot be overstated in a world increasingly reliant on digital connectivity. Cybercriminals are constantly devising new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, steal sensitive data, and disrupt operations. Whether you’re an in…
How to stay safe with internet security
——————— In today’s digital age, ensuring internet security is more important than ever. With an increasing amount of personal data being shared online, individuals and businesses alike must adopt best practices for internet security to protect sensitive information from cyber threats. By understandi…
New partnership expands digital paths for the region
________ What happened Mobily has partnered with Sparkle to enhance connectivity between Europe, the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia using Sparkle’s submarine cable systems. Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Mobily is acquiring fibre capacity on key routes, including Chania, Palermo, Milan, a…
Turning the tide: N26’s first profitable quarter
What happened N26, the German fintech startup, celebrated its first profitable quarter in Q3 2024, marking a significant milestone in its journey. The company’s revenue soared 30% year-over-year, reaching over €300 million, as it managed to significantly reduce its losses. N26’s profitability was dr…
Layer-2 teams rally behind Ethereum’s overhaul vision
What happened Last week, at the biennial Devcon gathering in Bangkok, Thailand, developer Justin Drake laid out an ambitious plan to revamp Ethereum’s consensus layer architecture. This plan, targeting a launch in 2029, seeks to reduce transaction costs, improve scalability, and introduce single-slo…