The vision of building a subsea cable that leverages shorter routes through the Arctic Ocean to connect Europe, Asia, and North America has been around for a while. Making that vision reality has been elusive, but recent moves suggest it might not be that far off now. A collection of companies and other entities with infrastructure experience in that part of the world have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore a Pan-Arctic Cable System (PACS). … [visit site to read more]
This includes major funding for projects such as the Baltic Synchronisation (€1.23 billion), the Great Sea Interconnector (€658 million), Bornholm Energy Island (€645 million), the Biscay Bay Interconnector (€578 million), and the Celtic Interconnector (€531 million).
Speaking in Helsinki, Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen outlined the EU’s plan to protect submarine cables amid rising security concerns. “In response to growing geopolitical tensions, particularly in regions such as the Baltic Sea, the European Commission is taking decisive action to safeguard our critical submarine cable infrastructure. With this Action Plan, we are taking a significant step forward to strengthen their security. We want to make sure Europe is equipped not only to prevent and detect sabotage to cables but also to actively deter, repair and respond to any threat to critical infrastructure that is key to our economy and collective security,” she confirmed.
Recent incidents, including suspected sabotage in the Baltic Sea in December 2024, have highlighted the risks to these vital links. As 99% of intercontinental internet traffic and a growing share of Europe’s energy supply dependent on subsea cables, their protection is now a priority.
Throughout this year and 2026, the Commission and the High Representative will work with Member States and the EU Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) to map existing and planned submarine cables, assess risks, develop security measures, and identify key projects for investment.
Also in the news:
Navigating the depths: Strategies for delivering successful subsea cable projects
Vodafone–Three reveals leadership team
French energy giant EDF offers up land for data centre projects
Philippine telco Globe Telecom announced on Monday that it’s collaborating with Nokia to expose its network APIs to provide banks and other enterprises with enhanced security.
Specifically, Globe is testing Nokia’s Network Exposure Platform solution, which expands and simplifies the number of APIs available to Globe, its enterprise partners and developers to create security-focused applications using deep network data.
Joel Agustin, Globe’s head of service planning and engineering, said the collaboration is focused on banking and financial services customers due to the increased need for security as cyberattacks on such services are escalating in the Philippines.
“We are now at the stage of testing how Nokia’s NEP can support our customers in the banking and enterprise sectors with security verification tools to prevent fraudulent transactions,” Agustin said in a statement.
Nokia’s NEP is based on the GSMA Operator Platform, which standardises a common platform that exposes operator capabilities to developers. Globe joined the GSMA’s Open Gateway Initiative for standardised open network APIs in June 2024.
Nokia said the NEP complements and integrates with its Network as Code platform and developer portal, which aligns with the GSMA Open Gateway aggregator concept and provides a cloud-based platform to connect and monetise service provider networks with app developers.
Nokia also said its Network as Code ecosystem – launched in September 2023 – now includes 48 partners, including BT, Orange, StarHub, Telefonica and Telecom Argentina.
“Nokia NEP will help Globe Telecom organize, control, and secure the way its network is integrated into developer ecosystems and platforms, ensuring choice, flexibility, and security in creating new application use cases,” said Shkumbin Hamiti, head of network monetization platform, cloud and network services at Nokia.
Telefónica has announced it will integrate Generative AI into its digital workplace management software to enhance operations at security firm Prosegur across the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America.
In a statement, Telefónica said the upgrade will impact nearly 24,000 Prosegur employees across Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.
As part of the upgrade, employees will gain access to a virtual assistant called GenIA, designed to help them manage their work environments more efficiently.
Telefónica first deployed its workplace management solution, Smart Workplace All in One, at Prosegur five years ago.
María Muñoz, Director of Industry, Services, and Retail at Telefónica Spain, stated: “Smart Workplace All in One enables Prosegur to implement a unified management solution with a common governance model for its offices on both sides of the Atlantic. This solution automates processes, positively impacting 70% of Customer Service Centre activities by reducing service and waiting times and improving user satisfaction. Now, we are taking it a step further—thanks to AI, we will not only resolve incidents more efficiently but also improve our ability to prevent them.”
Movistar, Telefónica’s mobile carrier in Mexico, and Helium, a pioneer in decentralised wireless communications, are beginning to roll out the Helium Network, with plans to activate service to over two million Movistar subscribers across Mexico. We asked Mario Di Dio, General Manager of Network at Helium, to tell us a bit more about the technology and the business model it enables.
Movistar Mexico has been supported in this initiative by Telefónica Innovación Digital, a part of parent company the Telefónica Group that promotes innovation. Together with Helium, it has developed a pioneering controller solution that can be integrated with other operators who want to implement decentralised telecommunications networks based on Helium’s blockchain technology.
But let’s start with the basics. What is the technology behind what Helium calls its mini-Hotspots?
The Helium Mobile Network is an expanse of people-owned Hotspots and existing Wi-Fi networks that provide cellular services to phones and other devices in exchange for crypto or US dollars. Helium is used by many major US carriers as an offload solution for when faster, better or more affordable coverage is needed.
Thus, Mario Di Dio explains: “The Hotspots are part of the Helium Network’s decentralised wireless network. They act as mini cell towers that individuals can easily set up in shops, businesses, venues and other areas where there is high foot traffic.” He continues: “Helium Mobile Hotspots are Wi-Fi access points with a technology called Passpoint, which allows seamless and secure connectivity for mobile devices.”
It is, he adds, possible to upgrade existing Wi-Fi infrastructure with Passpoint technology to become Helium-enabled.
As for Movistar subscribers, they will be able to use the Hotspots where coverage is available in Mexico, thanks to a jointly designed architecture that allows them to seamlessly connect to the Helium Network. This removes the need for Movistar to rely entirely on traditional cell towers. It also reduces the infrastructure costs for the operator.
In 2024, Movistar and Helium carried out a pilot project with real Movistar customers. The pilot aimed to extend the operator’s coverage in the country in certain areas to allow the offloading of mobile data traffic onto the Helium Network.
Indeed, during pilots in Mexico City and Oaxaca, Movistar subscribers offloaded an average of 390 MB of data daily to the Helium Network and maintained roughly one hour of daily connection time.
Di Dio says: “Movistar can expand coverage quickly without the high capital costs associated with building and maintaining traditional cell towers. This reduces the need for expensive backhaul, site leasing and maintenance.”
The Helium community will deploy Helium Mobile Hotspots, which, in the coming months, will be made available for purchase in Movistar retail stores and online channels, to rapidly expand coverage in Mexico. As part of this agreement, Movistar will also be able to resell Helium Network coverage to other local MVNOs.
Hotspot deployers earn HNT (a type of cryptocurrency) as a reward for helping to build the network and for transferring data. Like other tokens, HNT is available on third-party exchanges and platforms.
The system has, it seems, already proved itself. At the moment over 60,000 mobile Hotspots are deployed across the US and Mexico, serving over 300,000 daily users from Helium Mobile and other major carriers. One might assume, however, that the involvement of Movistar could take it to another level.
The initial phase of this new partnership will include network expansion in over 300 sites. Some 2.3 million Movistar subscribers will soon gain access to the Helium Network as coverage becomes available. So where will Helium go next?
“This is just the beginning of what’s possible for Helium,” says Di Dio. “We’re excited to partner with Movistar as coverage expands in Mexico and we’ve already seen demand from other carriers who want to leverage this people-powered network to offload subscriber data as well.”
What about the regulatory environment in other countries? “Helium’s decentralised model allows for flexibility, as it can adapt to local regulatory standards as needed.”
For now, of course, the focus appears to be on making the most of an alliance with a major Mexican carrier, or, as Di Dio puts it: “Helium is on a mission to make connectivity more affordable for the masses. Collaborating with Movistar amplifies our vision of decentralised connectivity, inviting millions of their subscribers to use the Helium Network.”
This week, Vodafone has announced it is piloting a new drone solution aimed at helping networks stay operational in the event of cable damage.
The drones, operating in pairs and equipped with wireless optical technology from the Taara Project, aim to provide a wireless bridge across damaged network infrastructure. The Taara terminals themselves include a mirrors and sensors that point, acquire, and track beams of visual light, which is delivering data point-to-point.
Vodafone says it has completed a success trial of this technology in Seville, Spain, which saw one drone tethered to a mobile mast and another tethered to a Vodafone data transport hub 3km away.
Little detail was given about the quality of the ‘temporary connection’ achieved by this pilot project, but in tests back in 2021, Taara’s optical technology was shown to be capable of delivering bidirectional throughput of up to 20Gbps at a range of up to 20km.
Vodafone says that the drone solution’s versatility lies in its speed of deployment, making it ideal for quickly responding to cable breaks from construction or vandalism. It could also be a useful option for providing emergency connectivity in the event of natural disasters.
Taara itself suggests its technology has far broader applicability, such as establishing connections across difficult terrain, such as across rivers and sea straits, and connecting areas where terrestrial infrastructure may not be permitted, like national parks. In these more permanent deployments, deploying the Taara equipment directly on suitable fixed infrastructure will likely be preferred if available.
Further details of the partnership are expected to be shared at this year’s Mobile World Congress event.
The Taara Project is a product of X (previously Google X), part of Google’s so-call ‘mooshot factory’ that also produced the now defunct Loon connectivity platform project.
Taara’s technology is already being used by a handful of operators worldwide, including Bharti Airtel in India, Digicel in various parts of the Pacific, and T-Mobile in the USA.
Also in the news:
Navigating the depths: Strategies for delivering successful subsea cable projects
Vodafone–Three reveals leadership team
French energy giant EDF offers up land for data centre projects
NEW YORK – February 19, 2025 – Lightpath, an all-fiber infrastructure-based connectivity provider that is revolutionizing how organizations connect to their digital destinations, announced its entrance into the Phoenix market with a new 230-route mile, high-fiber count network throughout the region, anchored by multiple hyperscaler customers.
The Phoenix network build will encompass 230-route miles of underground, multi-conduit systems with capacity for 20,000 fibers, connecting 8 data center campuses and carrier hotel locations, with an additional 30+ data center campuses near the planned routes. The network will connect emerging data center ecosystems in Goodyear, Buckeye, Chandler, Glendale, Mesa, and Tempe, with additional connectivity to major carrier hotels throughout Phoenix Metro.
Construction of the network has already commenced with priority routes targeted for completion in Q2 of 2025. Subsequent routes will be service-ready on a phased basis with overall completion in 2026.
Lightpath will be offering a full range of infrastructure and connectivity services on its Phoenix network, including high-count dark fiber, conduit services, wavelengths up to 800 Gbps, Ethernet, Internet, and more. In addition to hyperscalers, the Lightpath Phoenix network will be available to enterprises, educators, governments, carriers, and wireless providers.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with our hyperscale customers to develop the next generation of fiber infrastructure in greater metropolitan Phoenix,” explained Chris Morley, CEO of Lightpath. “Phoenix represents the fifth largest data center ecosystem globally with 1.6GW of operational capacity and an additional 1+GW planned by 2027.”
Phoenix Network Designed to Support Massive AI-Driven Connectivity Requirements
The massive fiber-density and overall capacity of the network design are direct reflections of the unprecedented connectivity demand the company is seeing from hyperscalers planning for AI-related initiatives. Lightpath previously announced $110 million of AI-related bookings in 2024 with a remaining demand pipeline of approximately $1 billion.
“The incredible fiber density in our Phoenix network is designed to support AI workload requirements that are estimated to be 10x those required to serve today’s multi-cloud network architectures,” explained Tim Haverkate, EVP of Major Infrastructure Solutions, Lightpath. “Add to that more capacity for other market segments and customers, and this is the densest network we have ever brought to market, by far.”
Plenty of infrastructure news from around the industry this week to catch up with: … [visit site to read more]
Indian billionaire and Bharti Enterprises chairperson Sunil Mittal (pictured) has sold US$976 million worth of Bharti Airtel shares as he looks to secure funds for other ventures.
According to Bloomberg, Mittal’s company, Indian Continental Investment – a founding entity of Bharti Airtel, India’s second-largest telecom operator – sold 51 million shares (0.84%) for INR 84.85 billion (US$976 million).
Around a quarter of these shares were sold to holding company Bharti Telecom, while the remainder went to GQG Partners LLC, Fidelity Investments, Lazard Inc., SBI Life Insurance Co., and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Co., sources told Bloomberg.
The share sale disclosure follows Bharti Airtel’s strong financial performance, including a 460.9% year-on-year surge in net profit, driven by growth in its Indian mobile business and investments in African markets.
Mittal is also invested in UK-based satellite company OneWeb, after Bharti Enterprises acquired a 24.5% stake from BT Group last year.
Vodafone has this week announced the creation of a new innovation centre in Málaga, Spain, aimed at better integrating satellite and terrestrial mobile communications.
The centre’s creation is partially financed by a grant from the Spanish Space Agency and includes AST SpaceMobile and the University of Málaga as its key initial partners.
According to Vodafone, the centre “will specifically focus on the design, testing and validation of new open-source hardware, software, and processing chips that can work interchangeably in both space and terrestrial networks”, according to a joint press release.
More specifically, the centre will house a space-to-land gateway, allowing third parties to test services using AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites.
AST SpaceMobile launched its first five commercial low Earth orbit satellites in September last year. These satellites are designed to integrate with mobile networks, allowing regular smartphone users to access satellite connectivity whenever terrestrial connectivity is lost.
These initial five satellites are set to cover the US, while subsequent launches set to increase coverage across the globe.
AST SpaceMobile already has agreements with 45 mobile network operators worldwide, including Vodafone.
“As society becomes more digital, the need to close coverage gaps increases. Vodafone, together with AST SpaceMobile and the University of Málaga, will forge partnerships with like-minded organisations to build harmonious space and earth networks to meet Europe’s ambitious targets for ubiquitous digital connectivity,” said Alberto Ripepi, Vodafone Group’s Chief Network Officer.
Vodafone says that it expects to commercially launch direct-to-device satellite connectivity services in parts of Europe later this year.
The Centre is expected to open for partners by summer this year.
Also in the news:
Navigating the depths: Strategies for delivering successful subsea cable projects
Vodafone–Three reveals leadership team
French energy giant EDF offers up land for data centre projects
