1. NPCI and Magnati expand UPI in UAE
NPCI International partners with Magnati to introduce India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) across the UAE, aiming to boost cross-border digital payment adoption. Source
2. Southeast Asia fintech funding dips in 2024
Fintech funding in Southeast Asia saw a decline in 2024, but innovative solutions and resilience continue to attract investors despite economic challenges. Source
3. Brex secures $235M credit facility
US fintech Brex signs a $235 million revolving credit deal with Citi and TPG Angelo Gordon to strengthen its financial services offerings. Source
4. Chainalysis acquires AI fraud detection firm
Chainalysis acquires a fraud detection startup known for partnerships with Binance and Coinbase, enhancing its cryptocurrency compliance and risk management capabilities. Source
5. Vodacom and Orange plan rural 4G in DRC
Vodacom and Orange collaborate to expand rural 4G infrastructure in the Democratic Republic of Congo, targeting underserved communities. Source
6. IBM and partners win delayed ESN contract
IBM, Samsung, and Ericsson secure the Emergency Services Network contract, overcoming delays caused by previous suppliers to provide critical telecom infrastructure. Source
7. Telstra invests $700M in AI venture
Telstra partners with Accenture to invest AUD 700 million in an AI joint venture, advancing artificial intelligence technologies in telecom services. Source
8. US faces AI ambitions vs green concerns
US policymakers struggle to balance ambitious AI goals with the environmental impacts of energy-intensive data centers and computing infrastructure. Source
9. Nokia and Zain deploy indoor solutions
Nokia partners with Zain KSA to launch advanced indoor connectivity solutions, enhancing enterprise network capabilities in Saudi Arabia. Source
10. GSMA report highlights global 5G growth
A GSMA report shows rapid 5G adoption globally, emphasizing advancements in technology and infrastructure driving connectivity innovations. Source
11. Vivendi appeals TIM fixed-network ruling
Vivendi plans to appeal a Milan court’s decision concerning the sale of TIM’s fixed-line network, citing potential regulatory and market implications. Source
12. FWA spending projected to exceed $48B
Fixed wireless access (FWA) spending is forecasted to surpass $48 billion as demand for broadband alternatives continues to grow. Source
13. BEAD program gains final approval
The US BEAD program receives final approval, unlocking significant funding for nationwide broadband infrastructure development. Source
14. Sparkle launches cable recovery initiative
Sparkle partners with Oceanic Environmental to recycle submarine cables, emphasizing environmental sustainability in telecom infrastructure. Source
15. Biden orders energy reforms for data centers
President Biden signs an executive order focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability for the rapidly growing data center industry. Source
16. Cisco unveils AI defense for enterprises
Cisco introduces AI Defense, a cybersecurity solution designed to protect enterprises navigating digital transformation and artificial intelligence adoption. Source
