Briefing Desk
Latest Briefings
Concise reporting on the developments shaping internet governance and infrastructure. Browse each area for recent news, context and watchpoints.
StarCloud enhances global connectivity with resilient solutions
StarCloud’s expansive global network StarCloud Information Limited has established a robust international network spanning Asia, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. With over 20 Points of Presence (PoPs) worldwide, StarCloud’s infrastructure supports seamless and secure global connect…
AI chip startup Groq valued at $2.8B after Series D round
OUR TAKEGroq’s latest funding round signifies a major milestone in the AI chip industry, showcasing the growing interest and investment in alternatives to Nvidia’s dominant position.-Lilith Chen, BTW Reporter What happened Groq, the Silicon Valley semiconductor startup, announced on Monday that it h…
5 states urge Musk to tackle AI chatbots spreading election misinformation
Five states urge Musk to tackle AI chatbots spreading election misinformation. They are concerned about AI-generated content on the elections.
Lumen Technologies partners with Microsoft in $5 billion AI deal
OUR TAKE Lumen Technologies’ recent $5 billion in AI infrastructure contracts and ongoing pursuit of $7 billion more reflect a significant shift towards future-tech readiness, emphasising the need for scalable, secure networks as companies embrace AI, positioning Lumen as a major player in this grow…
Nvidia’s AI chip delay is a supply chain test for AI technology
OUR TAKEWhile Nvidia may face a delay in the launch of its Blackwell AI chips due to design flaws, analysts do not believe that this delay will have a significant impact on the company’s revenue or demand. The company currently holds more than 80% share of the AI chip market, demonstrating its uniqu…
CtrlS invests $47M in new Patna data centre
CtrlS Datacenters is investing Rs 400 crore ($47 million) to build a new data centre in Patna, featuring a 10MW IT load capacity and 1,000 racks.
Crypto sell-off deepens as weak economic data dampens risk-taking
OUR TAKEThe crypto market has taken a bit of a tumble recently, with U.S.-listed shares of crypto-linked companies falling after Bitcoin fell by 15%. This sharp decline was caused by some pretty dismal economic data, which has led to fears of a possible recession and prompted investors to avoid risk…
Google hires Character.AI talent and signs licensing agreement
Character.AI, a leading startup in the realm of chatbot technology, has announced a licensing agreement with Alphabet’s Google on Friday. Google also announced the rehiring of Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas, who is the founder, CEO, and co-author of the Transformer paper at Character.AI and was …
Internet Architecture Board (IAB): What is it and how does it work?
The Internet Architecture Board is a committee of expert volunteers responsible for overseeing the technical and architectural development of the Internet.
DevOps unveiled: Bridging development and operations
DevOps is a modern approach to software development and IT operations that aims to enhance collaboration between development (Dev) and operations (Ops) teams. It emphasises the integration of these traditionally separate functions to improve the speed, quality, and efficiency of delivering software.…
What is the difference between CI and HCI?
CI streamlines IT with a unified hardware and software stack, while HCI goes further with scalable, software-defined management. Both pooled and hyperconverged infrastructures will experience significant growth and technological innovation in the future.
Africell and MINJUD partner to enhance sports Infra in Angola
Africell Mobile Money, through its service Afrimoney, has partnered with Caminho de Ferro Luanda EP (CFL) to enhance ticket payment options for train journeys. Since the partnership’s launch on June 14, 2024, over 500 payments have been processed daily, aiming to digitalise transactions for the 6,00…
Algerie Telecom participates in the 55th Algiers International Fair
Algerie Telecom participated in the 55th Algiers International Fair, which took place from June 24 to 29, 2024, at the SAFEX Exhibition Centre in Algeria.
Mali launches digital shift for payments and public services
Mali launched the digitisation of national payment and public services, which helps to enhance the transparency of administrative processes.
BICS collaborates to innovate EV charging solutions
Belgacom International Carrier Services(BICS) has announced a strategic partnership with leading technology firms to develop a new IoT-enabled framework for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, effective from 2026, with a pilot phase scheduled for 2024-2025. This collaboration aims to alig…
BCC extends Afriland First Bank resolution mandate
Starting from 20 July 2024, Afriland First Bank CD S.A. will enjoy a six-month renewable mandate extension.
BoFiNet supports MCKT corporate social responsibility projects
Botswana Fibre Networks Corporation (BoFiNet) recently partnered with the Ministry of Communications, Knowledge and Technology (MCKT) and the Botswana Centre for Digital and Innovation (BDIH) to provide support to three poor families in Ganzi. BoFiNet has pledged £20,000 ($25,536) towards this initi…
Agility reports robust growth at annual general assembly
Agility Infrastructure reported robust financial growth in 2023, driven by strong performance across its diverse portfolio.
Ethio Telecom expands 4G LTE to 417 cities nationwide
Ethio Telecom enhances the digital experience of its citisens and drives the country’s digitisation process, while fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and the digital economy by expanding its 4G LTE services to 417 cities across the country. This company also strives for digital inclusiveness and…
Al Akhawayn University excels in Huawei ‘Seeds for the Future’ regional edition
Al Akhawayn University (AUI) has achieved significant recognition by winning top honours in the first regional edition of Huawei’s Seeds for the Future programme, held in Essaouira. This prestigious event gathered 150 exceptional young talents from over 17 countries across North, Central, and West A…
Apple bets on AI for iPhone boost amidst faltering China sales
OUR TAKEApple’s strategic focus on AI-driven features for upcoming iPhone models aims to boost sales despite underperformance in China, highlighting the company’s adaptability in a competitive market. However, the success of this approach will depend on how effectively Apple can integrate AI to enha…
Worldline revises 2024 outlook amid consumption doldrums
OUR TAKEWorldline’s redrawn outlook underscores the significant impact of reduced consumer spending and a challenging economic environment across Europe. Despite implementing measures to protect cash flow and improve volumes, the company’s shares have sharply declined, which shed light on the broade…
Talen Energy offers up nuclear-powered crypto mining campus stake, sources say
OUR TAKETalen Energy is selling its 75% share in Nautilus, a pioneering cryptocurrency mining operation powered by its Pennsylvania nuclear plant. This setup offers round-the-clock, carbon-free energy, which is just what the tech world is looking for in a power source for data centres and AI develop…
12 benefits of smart cities
Smart cities use technology and data to improve the quality of life for their residents. Smart cities are revolutionising urban life by integrating advanced technologies to manage everything from traffic and security to energy and waste. They use real-time data to improve efficiency and sustainabili…
Exploring the future of urban life: Key characteristics of smart cities
A smart city makes use of digital technologies to make urban spaces more liveable and more efficient. By putting IoT devices like sensors and smart meters all over the city, these cities collect a lot of data. They use this data to make things better in lots of ways, like managing traffic and energy…
What are the features of a smart city to look for?
Smart cities use advanced technologies to optimise infrastructure, energy and services, creating connected environments that improve both sustainability and quality of life for residents. These cities integrate everything from traffic management to energy conservation, using data to make real-time d…
What are the differences between sustainable and smart cities?
Smart and sustainable cities, while pursuing different goals, offer unique approaches to urban development. Smart cities use advanced technology to improve operational efficiency and citizen engagement, focusing on economic growth through digital transformation. Sustainable cities, on the other hand…
Maximise network efficiency: Basic steps to increase bandwidth
In today’s digital-first world, it’s really important for any company to make sure their network is performing at its best. Bandwidth is basically the maximum rate at which data can be transferred over a network. It plays a big part in how efficiently and quickly data can move. Just like lanes on a …
Exploring VPN usage: Does it increase bandwidth usage?
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are a great way to keep your online activities private and secure. They use advanced encryption protocols to add extra information to each data packet, which usually means a 5-15% increase in data usage. By securing data transfers and anonymising user activity, VPNs o…
A smart city model: Singapore’s 6 smart features
As cities worldwide grapple with challenges, Singapore’s smart city model offers a promising blueprint for the future of urban living.
Microsoft and OpenAI: From partners to competitors
OUR TAKEMicrosoft has repositioned its relationship with OpenAI in the face of antitrust scrutiny, treating the other as a competitor, signalling the complexity of the partnership and competitive relationship between the two. Despite its large investment and long-term relationship with OpenAI, Micro…
Transforming urban living: The crucial role of smart cities
The concept of smart cities has gained tremendous traction in recent years, driven by the need to address the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation and to enhance the quality of life for city dwellers. By integrating advanced technologies into urban infrastructure, smart cities aim to create more e…
Major 10 high-performance computing applications to know
High-Performance Computing (HPC) is a cornerstone of modern technological and scientific advancements, providing the computational power needed to tackle complex problems and drive innovation. Here are ten key applications of HPC that are transforming various industries: 1. Climate modeling and weat…
Decoding CWPPs: The key to cloud security mastery
In an era where digital transformation is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, businesses are increasingly migrating their operations to the cloud. However, as they move to cloud environments, they are also exposing themselves to a new set of security challenges. Enter Cloud Workload Protection Pl…
Microsoft declares OpenAI a competitor in AI and search
OUR TAKEMicrosoft has a long and tangled history with OpenAI, having invested a reported $13B in the ChatGPT maker as part of a long-term partnership. As part of the deal, Microsoft runs OpenAI’s models across its enterprise and consumer products and is OpenAI’s exclusive cloud provider. The shift i…
Intel to lay off 15,000 employees amid financial challenges
OUR TAKEIntel’s decision to lay off 15,000 employees highlights the company’s urgent need to adapt to a rapidly changing tech landscape. As competitors thrive in the AI market, Intel’s struggles to keep pace underscore a critical inflection point for the company. The layoffs may help reduce costs, b…
Contextual AI raises $80M to boost AI accuracy
OUR TAKEContextual AI’s use of RAG represents a significant advancement in AI technology, addressing critical issues like accuracy and hallucinations. This funding round not only validates their innovative approach but also positions them to make a substantial impact in the AI industry.-Lilith Chen,…
Aurora Innovation raises $420M for driverless truck launch
OUR TAKEWith a driver-as-a-service model, Aurora is positioning itself as both a truck manufacturer and carrier, potentially revolutionising the freight industry. The substantial capital raised will help fund their ambitious plans in a highly competitive market. -Lilith Chen, BTW reporter What happe…
Apple’s Q3 financials boosted by iPad sales amid iPhone decline
OUR TAKEThe surge in iPad revenue, rising from $5.8B to $7.2B year-over-year, highlights the effectiveness of Apple’s recent product refreshes. However, the persistent decline in iPhone sales signals a critical need for innovation in Apple’s flagship product line. -Lilith Chen, BTW Reporter What …
Heeyo launches AI chatbot as interactive tutor and friend for kids
OUR TAKEAI for kids raises concerns about safety and data privacy, but Heeyo’s commitment to COPPA compliance and a focus on healthy engagement may pave the way for innovative educational solutions in a largely untapped market. -Lilith Chen, BTW reporter What happened Founded by Xiaoyin Qu, Heeyo ha…
Google Cloud upgrades databases with new AI features
OUR TAKEAs enterprises increasingly recognise the importance of generative AI for business success, Google’s new features aim to help them overcome data silos and leverage their data more effectively for AI applications. -Lilith Chen, BTW reporter What happened The integration of AI capabilities int…
Tesla to launch a robot taxi service using Dojo
Musk stated Tesla is ready to launch robotaxi, and the team will develop the Dojo, which marks a significant step towards the ridesharing.
Exploring the key components and benefits of smart cities
Smart cities harness advanced technologies such as IoT, big data, and AI to enhance urban living, efficiency, and sustainability.
Starmer warns social media after Southport falsehoods spark riots
British PM Keir Starmer calls on social media companies to curb online incitement after false claims about a stabbing suspect fueled anti-immigrant riots in Southport.
Maximising bandwidth usage: Tips and techniques
Bandwidth is the maximum rate of data transfer across a network, crucial for ensuring efficient internet use.
How to achieve smart city sustainable development?
In recent years, the concept of smart cities has gained prominence as urban areas strive to leverage technology for more efficient, sustainable, and livable environments. However, the question of whether smart city development itself is sustainable raises important considerations about its impact on…
Several differences between GPT-4 and ChatGPT
GPT-4 and ChatGPT are both natural language processing models developed by OpenAI, but they differ greatly in functionality and application. GPT-4 is a pre-trained model, while ChatGPT is a fine-tuned model for conversation tasks. This means that GPT-4 can be adapted for a wider range of tasks, whil…
Liberty Latin America and Millicom to merge Costa Rica operations
OUR TAKE The merger of Liberty Latin America and Millicom’s operations in Costa Rica creates a stronger, more competitive entity with substantial investment capabilities. This will support accelerated technological advancements, network expansion, and service improvements, ensuring the long-term com…
How to prevent RFID from being duplicated?
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology has become ubiquitous in modern society, facilitating efficient tracking, inventory management, and contactless transactions. At the meantime, the question of whether RFID tags can be replicated raises important concerns about security, privacy, and p…
What are the characteristics and advantages of smart cities?
Smart cities are an innovative approach to urban management that combines technology, sustainability and community engagement to create a more efficient and livable urban environment, playing an important role in shaping future urban life and driving economic growth. In this blog, we will explore th…