News 

Dutch telecom giant KPN has signed a deal to acquire Kabeltex, a company a fibre network operator and internet service provider on the island of Texel 

In a press release, KPN noted that Kabeltex’s network currently passes 18,000 homes, with more fibre being deployed in the regions of Den Helder, Hollands Kroon, and Schagen. 

Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, and the deal is still subject to regulatory review. 

In 2021, KPN and APG closed the transaction on a joint venture named Glaspoort, through which they will invest over €1 billion in fibre rollout over five years, connecting around 750,000 homes and 225,000 businesses with fibre. 

Earlier this month at the company’s capital markets day, KPN announced a new strategic direction of “Connect, Activate & Grow”, with the company set to invest nearly €5 billion over the next three years on connectivity, AI, and sustainability initiatives. 

In more detail, the investment will involve investing around €1.2 billion in the company’s networks annually until 2026, lowering to below €1 billion in 2027 once their goal of 80% fibre expansion by 2026 is achieved. 

“We have delivered on the main ambitions of our Accelerate to Grow strategy launched end-2020. Our top line has returned to sustainable growth across all segments and the fibre roll out has progressed according to plan, further accelerated by our JV Glaspoort,” said KPN CEO Joost Farwerck. 

Want to keep up with all of the latest telecoms news from around the world? Sign up to receive Total Telecom’s daily newsletter  

Also in the news:
It’s time for action: COP28 and keeping 1.5°C alive
Mitratel snaps up 803 telecoms towers for $113m
Sateliot partners with t42 to sign 5G IoT Maritime deal 

News 

Singapore-based operator Singtel has announced that it will develop the first National Quantum-Safe Network Plus (NQSN+) in Singapore for businesses, in a partnership with ID Quantique 

The network will be launched in mid-2024 and will use technologies such as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), a secure method of communication that uses quantum physics to make and distribute secure keys that prevent the decryption of data.  

Singtel was given the go-ahead to develop the network from Singapore’s telecoms regulator, Infocomm Media Development Authority, in line with the nation’s aim to be quantum-safe in ten years-time. 

The plan to build the NQSN+ was first announced by the government in June as part of its Digital Connectivity Blueprint, a plan to ensure that Singapore’s digital infrastructure remains world-class and ready for future development. 

As part of the project, QKD and Quantum-Safe Key Management solutions from IDQ will be incorporated into Singtel’s network, with selected exchanges assigned as trusted nodes to establish a reliable, secure, and resilient nationwide QKD network.  

These new solutions will allow businesses across Singapore to enjoy secure communications as decryption technology grows more sophisticated alongside the advent of quantum computing. 

“With Singtel’s nationwide quantum-safe network for enterprises, Singapore’s first, we are securing our data networks from advanced quantum threats for our customers and giving them easy access to solutions to safeguard their critical data in the quantum age,” said Ng Tian Chong, Singtel’s CEO in a press release. 

“We are extremely excited to partner with Singtel to launch Singapore’s first commercial Quantum-Safe Networks service,” added Mr Grégoire Ribordy, CEO and founder, ID Quantique. 

“With our suite of quantum-safe solutions underpinned by state-of-the-art QKD and quantum key management platform and Singtel’s high quality fibre infrastructure, we are committed to support Singtel in developing local expertise in Quantum communications and enable Quantum-Safe Networks for a safe and strong digital economy in Singapore”.  

Want to keep up with all of the latest telecoms news from around the world? Sign up to receive Total Telecom’s daily newsletter 

Also in the news:
It’s time for action: COP28 and keeping 1.5°C alive
Mitratel snaps up 803 telecoms towers for $113m
Sateliot partners with t42 to sign 5G IoT Maritime deal 

News 

Microsoft has announced that it will invest £2.5 billion over the next three years to expand its data centre infrastructure 

The UK chancellor Jeremy Hunt has emphasised that Microsoft’s investment is critical for continued growth and innovation within the UK technology sector, propelling the UK to become a global technology superpower.  

Microsoft is seeking to expand its data centre infrastructure across the UK, with plans new sites in London and Cardiff, and potentially the North of England in the future. In total, the investment should allow the company to will double its number of data centres in the UK.  

This data centres will be supported by over 20,000 additional Graphic Processing Units by 2026, a processing technology that is crucial for machine learning and the further development of AI. 

“Today’s announcement is a turning point for the future of AI infrastructure and development in the UK,” said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in a statement yesterday. 

“Microsoft is committed as a company to ensuring that the UK as a country has world-leading AI infrastructure,” said Microsoft President Brad Smith. 

In addition to infrastructure expansion, Microsoft says the investment will also allow the company to train over one million people in AI by working in partnership with various learning and non-profit partners.  

This cash injection is Microsoft’s largest ever investment in the UK since it began operating in the country 40 years ago. It also follows the £500 million investment in AI announced in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement last week, which aims to fund further innovation centres and help make the UK an AI powerhouse.  

The UK’s AI sector currently contributes £3.7 billion to the UK economy and employs 50,000 people countrywide. 

AI has dominated the UK news this week, as just yesterday the UK government published draft guidance, developed with The Alan Turing Institute and the Innovate UK BridgeAI programme, to help businesses make the most of emerging AI technology and to ensure its safe usage in workplaces. 

Want to keep up with all of the latest telecoms news from around the world? Sign up to receive Total Telecom’s daily newsletter  

Also in the news:
Broadcom finalises VMware acquisition deal
From Gigabit goals to Sustainability: Navigating the Optical Fibre frontier in Europe and beyond
Cayman Islands moves to modernise submarine cable infrastructure   

News

T-Mobile has installed over 1,200 new cell sites to provide 5G service across Texas since 2021, and the company said they’ve upgraded thousands more.

News

The deal is Boldyn Networks’ second London connectivity agreement signed in the last three years 

Boldyn Networks has announced its first ‘small cell’ is live near King’s Cross in London, deployed as part of a partnership with UK mobile operator EE to boost operator’s coverage and capacity. 

The partnership will see a large quantity of ‘small cells’ –small, low-powered cellular radio units – deployed throughout London’s King’s Cross and Euston areas.  

King’s Cross is one of London’s busiest train stations, with 70 million people passing through the station each year. 

These small cell units can provide up to ten-times faster download speeds in high demand areas and achieve download speeds of up to 300Mbps. 

Over the next two years, the project will be expanded to cover some of the highest footfall areas in London, such as Westminster and Southwark, to ensure that the network stays reliable for EE customers. 

“Small cells are essential in delivering high-capacity, superfast mobile connectivity to areas where it’s impractical to build larger sites, and by making use of TfL’s existing street infrastructure, we’re able to deploy with minimal disruption even in such a dense, urban environment,” said James Hope, EE’s Director of Mobile Radio Access Networks in a statement. 

This new project comes off the back of Boldyn Networks’ 25-year strategic partnership with Transport For London (TFL) to deploy 4G and 5G on the London Underground. The deal, which was signed in June 2021, is worth £2.2 billion.  Currently, 18 out of 121 underground stations have 4G or 5G coverage, and under this partnership, this is set to grow.  

We caught up with Boldyn Networks’ Director of Solutions and Innovation Andrew Conway to discuss the company’s strategic partnership at this year’s Connected Britain – watch the full interview here! 

Also in the news:
It’s time for action: COP28 and keeping 1.5°C alive
Mitratel snaps up 803 telecoms towers for $113m
Sateliot partners with t42 to sign 5G IoT Maritime deal 

News 

The deal is one of the first major changes in the maritime industry since the 1950s. 

Spanish satellite operator Sateliot announced that it has signed an agreement with global maritime container tracking specialist T42, to deploy thousands 5G-IoT (internet of things) sensors in shipping containers, which enable shipping container companies to save €47 billion annually, the company say. 

Under the partnership, t42 will deploy thousands of 5G-IoT sensors in containers for its 50 logistics partners across over fifty countries, which will connect to Sateliot’s LEO satellite constellation. This will mean that merchandise travelling across the sea will be under control at all times – meaning location can be tracked, and conditions such as temperature, humidity, impacts and container damage. 

At present, 99% of shipping containers are not tracked or inspected due to a lack of cellular and satellite connectivity, which can lead to cargo theft or tempering and damages. As a result, shipping companies, who handle around 80% of international trade goods, are making significant investments in smart containers, with the aim of making 25% of containers smart by 2025.  

The partnership is the first major change in a sector that has remained mostly unchanged since 1956. Jaume Sanpera, Sateliot’s CEO, concurred, saying: “Our collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the industry’s history, transforming traditional shipping containers into intelligent, connected assets. Tracking in open seas, until now, a very luxurious satellite service will be democratized to all.” 

“It is unbelievable what a small hardware investment can represent for the industry’s performance overall. This change has come to stay; there’s no doubt about it,” confirmed Avi Hartmann, t42’s CEO. 

Want to keep up with all of the latest telecoms news from around the world? Sign up to receive Total Telecom’s daily newsletter 

Also in the news:
Broadcom finalises VMware acquisition deal
From Gigabit goals to Sustainability: Navigating the Optical Fibre frontier in Europe and beyond
Cayman Islands moves to modernise submarine cable infrastructure 

News 

The new rule will come into force on 15 December 

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is set to begin actioning new, stricter guidance on mid-contract price rises for telcos, following a six-month grace period that began in June.  

The new rules apply more stringent standards on how operators must advertise information about future price rises.  

The main premise of the new rules is for operators “not give the impression that prices are fixed if they are not”. 

Operators must ensure that such information is prominently displayed and clear for the consumer. Currently, operators typically advertise contracts simply as ‘£30 per month for 18 months’, with little mention as to whether this price can be increased before this minimum term.  

Statements clarifying this situation are often included in the small print, with the ASA noting that some of these statements are likely to “contradict rather than clarify” the matter at hand. 

Additionally, the ASA notes that broadband and mobile contracts offered to consumers that have implied price rises must be made clear, with indications of the specific change in price. Broadband and mobile providers typically raise their prices each year by up to 4%, plus an inflation-based metric such as CPI (Consumer Price Index) or RPI (Retail Price Index). CPI and RPI are often misunderstood by customers, with the clarification statements again misleadingly placed in the small print of contracts. 

As consumers are often unaware of the price rises, they are then hit with a second financial penalty if they attempt to leave the contract early. 

In February, Ofcom launched an investigation into the clarity of mid-contract price rises, finding over a third of customers were unclear on the stance of their provider. Ofcom is the co-regulatory partner for broadcast advertisements and regulates communications in the UK. Ofcom acts as the legal partner for such advertisements – if there is a failing of a company to stick to ASA guidance, they are referred to Ofcom  to take legal action. 

The new guidance can be downloaded in full here. 

Keep up to date with the latest international telecoms news by subscribing to the Total Telecom daily newsletter! Subscribe here. 

Also in the news:
Broadcom finalises VMware acquisition deal
From Gigabit goals to Sustainability: Navigating the Optical Fibre frontier in Europe and beyond
Cayman Islands moves to modernise submarine cable infrastructure  

News 

NetCo includes TIM’s fixed network and related real-estate, but excludes TIM’s submarine cable unit Sparkle  

Telecom Italia (TIM) has announced the implementation of its long-awaited NetCo, the business unit for its fixed line network, which was sold to KKR for €28.8 billion earlier this month.  

According to a statement from TIM, the newly created division comprises over 20,000 staff members, 19,000 of which currently work in TIM’s Wholesale and Network departments and 900 from TIM’s staff functions. 

NetCo will include all of TIM’s fixed line assets, including FiberCop, the company’s ‘last mile’ network in which KKR already holds a 37.5% stake.  

TIM’s submarine cable unit, Sparkle, is not included in the deal and is subject to separate discussions between TIM and KKR.   

As a result of the reorganisation, TIM will, as of December, employ around 17,500 people, including some 16,300 full time equivalents. The sale of NetCo will allow TIM to reduce its existing debt pile, which currently stands at €26 billion, by €14 billion. 

Vivendi, TIM’s largest shareholder has emphasised its disappointment at the sale’s approval, adding that it is going to “use all legal means at its disposal” to refute the decision. The company argues that TIM’s assets are being undervalued, suggesting they are worth €30 billion, and are therefore being undervalued . Despite this, the deal is backed by the Italian government who took a 20% share in NetCo this year for €2.2 billion, seeing TIM’s network as critical national infrastructure. 

The sale of NetCo to KKR is expected to close next summer. 

Keep up to date with the latest international telecoms news by subscribing to the Total Telecom daily newsletter! Subscribe here. 

Also in the news:
Broadcom finalises VMware acquisition deal
From Gigabit goals to Sustainability: Navigating the Optical Fibre frontier in Europe and beyond
Broadcom finalises VMware acquisition deal 

VIDEO INTERVIEW

In the optical fibre industry, trends are like threads weaving across Europe and worldwide. Vendors and suppliers face challenges but also big opportunities in this ever-evolving landscape. The push for innovation often goes hand in hand with tough competition, creating an environment ripe for growth.

In Europe, vendors and suppliers deal with specific challenges, but overcoming them opens doors to new tech breakthroughs and market dominance. Shifting focus to the UK, we examine the status of gigabit broadband. What obstacles hinder seamless connectivity, and where does the UK stand in this fast-paced race?

Our journey goes beyond tech – sustainability is a key theme. As connectivity rises, so does the importance of eco-friendly practices in the industry. By embracing sustainable practices, we can pave the way for a greener and more environmentally responsible connectivity future.

STL is a leading global optical and digital solutions company providing advanced offerings to build 5G, Rural, FTTx, Enterprise and Data Centre networks. The company, driven by its purpose of ‘Transforming Billions of Lives by Connecting the World’, designs and manufactures in 4 continents with customers in more than 100 countries. With a focus on developing eco-friendly products while driving community transformation, STL is championing sustainability and has committed to becoming Net Zero by 2030.

Dive into the connected stories of trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping our digital future. The full picture is waiting, offering a clearer understanding of this crucial industry.

Watch the video to learn more:

 [embedded content]

News

The World Communication Awards 2023 has seen its fiercest competition to date, with entries from across the world battling it out to be recognised as the best of the best. The black-tie gala evening was a great success, with senior executives from across the globe gathering in Amsterdam to see the winners named for the 25th annual World Communication Awards

A big thanks to all our award presenters, our generous sponsors and the excellent panel of judges, who spent the last number of months analysing entries for each of the categories. 

Onto the awards! 

B2B Service of the Year 

Winner: Telia Company 

“Simple to manage, scalable, and secure, the judges praised this entry as “an elegant spin on global network aggregation” that would help to “break down the barriers limiting IoT adoption”. Featuring excellent testimonials and an enormous number of customers from around the world, Telia’s Global IoT Connectivity solution is paving the way for a more vibrant and varied IoT landscape.” 

The finalists were: 

China Mobile International 

Singtel 

Freshwave and Three UK 

Tata Communications Limited 

MATRIXX Software 

Best Digital Transformation Programme 

Winner: PT Telekomunikasi Selular (Telkomsel) 

Aiming to take a leading role in Indonesia’s digital ecosystem, Telkomsel’s Indico project supports the way customers engage digitally with numerous vertical industries, including health services, education, and entertainment. Generating roughly $700,000 in revenue in its first year, this is a project with huge potential for growth and societal change. “This is a great example of how a company’s clear vision and unwavering dedication to drive positive change not only impacts the telecommunications industry but also Indonesia’s society.” 

The finalists were: 

VEON 

Netcracker Technology 

Viettel group 

Verizon Communications Inc. 

Telekom Research & Development Sdn Bhd 

Best Network Transformation Initiative 

Winner: Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison 

A great example of a merger done right, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison’s work to harmonise its two networks has been lightning fast and highly effective, despite the nation’s challenging geography. “This network integration project overcame incompatible technologies, conflicting cultures, and legal obstacles to successfully integrate 43,000 sites while decommissioning 17,000 overlapping coverage sites – all finished 12 months ahead of schedule. Very impressive.” 

The finalists were: 

Cohere Technologies, Intel, Mavenir, Juniper and VMware 

EXFO and National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) 

Jio Platform Limited 

stc 

Telstra International 

Best Operator in an Emerging Market 

Winner: Digicel Group 

Here is an example of an operator going above and beyond for its customers, not only providing infrastructure and connectivity, but also supporting education, mobile banking, and community projects. In a country facing a myriad of challenges, Digicel is a force for good and societal change in Haiti. “Adapted to one of the most difficult markets in the Western world, Digicel clearly has a great focus on empowering consumers and giving back to the community they serve.” 

The finalists were: 

Highly Commended: Lightstorm 

PLDT & Smart 

Kacific Broadband Satellites Ltd 

Best Wholesale Operator 

Winner: Orange Wholesale 

Orange Wholesale is one of the few established players offering stable, secure, and scalable connectivity across the whole value range, continuing to grow organically by expanding its product portfolio with innovative new solutions, and setting and meeting ambitious Corporate Social Responsibility goals. 

“A compelling pitch showing true industry leadership.” 

The finalists were: 

Arelion 

Deutsche Telekom Global Carrier 

Bayobab, Formerly MTN GlobalConnect 

Sparkle 

EXA Infrastructure 

Crisis Response Award 

Winner: VEON 

VEON demonstrated a three-pronged approach to providing services during natural and man-made disasters, focussing on network resilience, the implementation of early warning apps, and the provision of humanitarian aid to assist victims. Doing amazing work in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and, of course, throughout the war in Ukraine, VEON has been exemplary when it comes to supporting customers in a crisis. “A comprehensive approach to some of the most difficult operating environments on Earth, sometimes making a life-or-death difference for their customers.” 

The finalists were: 

easypaisa and Ericsson 

KT 

PLDT & Smart 

Altice Portugal 

Operator of the Year 

Winner: KT 

Demonstrating tremendous growth, an exceptional 5G standalone rollout, and innovative offerings including AI-based call centres and Assistant Robots for small businesses, KT continues to go from strength to strength. “A digital and 5G juggernaut, KT has never stopped innovating and is setting a great example for other telcos.” 

The finalists were: 

Colt Technology Services 

China Mobile International 

China Unicom Global 

SK Telecom 

Viettel Timor Unipessoal Lda., Telemor 

The 5G Award 

Winner: Singtel & Ericsson 

Working in collaboration with Ericsson, Singtel has not only demonstrated the effective use of network slicing in a live 5G standalone network, but shown an effective route to monetisation. With telcos around the world struggling to make a significant return on their 5G investment, Singtel is leading the way in showing that 5G can still live up to the hype. “Some great examples of innovative 5G network slicing with proven monetisation, such as for the Singapore F1 2022 the 20222 World Cup.” 

Highly Commended: KT 

The finalists were:

Deutsche Telekom Global Carrier 

Jio Platform Limited (JPL) 

Altice Portugal 

China Mobile International 

People & Culture Award 

Winner: Moldcell 

This is a company that continues to invest in its staffs’ mental and physical health through a comprehensive wellness programme, as well as providing training and development opportunities that ensure that employees stay up to date with the latest industry trends and technologies. From promoting teambuilding to fostering innovation, Moldcell’s holistic approach to company culture has created a great place to work. “Moldcell showed exceptional devotion to the development and well-being of their employees, creating a positive work environment where employees can thrive.” 

The finalists were: 

Viettel Group 

EXA Infrastructure 

Telin 

Deutsche Telekom Global Carrier 

The Access Innovation Award 

Winner: Telstra & Ericsson 

Telstra has achieved a number of significant technical milestones this year, including completing a 100km long-range 5G data call on a mid-band Advanced Antenna System (AAS) radio, deploying network slicing at a construction site, and the dynamic spectrum sharing of 4G, 5G, LTE, and Narrowband IoT. “A clever use of technology and collaboration to achieve massive range gains in the Outback.” 

The finalists were: 

ZTE Corporation 

SK Telecom 

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 

Bahrain Network (BNET) 

The Beyond Connectivity Award 

Winner: MTN and Ericsson 

MTN has opened up its Mobile Money (MoMo) service with the launch of its MoMo Open API platform and portal, allowing third-party developers to thoroughly test applications before going live. With over 24,000+ developers experimenting with Open APIs in the platform’s Sandbox and 1,600+ partners in live production, this is one of the leading Open API financial technology platforms in Africa, with the potential to have a major impact on MoMo’s 69 million active users. “This truly goes ‘beyond connectivity’ and includes fantastic application examples. Mobile Money platforms like this can be lifechanging on the African continent.” 

The finalists were: 

Torry Harris Integration Solutions & TIGO 

Tanzania 

Bridge Alliance 

WIOCC Group 

Telin 

Eseye 

Orange Business 

Whale Cloud & Telkomsigma 

The Cloud Award 

Winner: SK Telecom, BICS, Samsung Electronics & AWS: Roaming Edge Cloud 

SK Telecom, alongside BICS, Samsung, and AWS have developed a highly impressive Roaming Edge Cloud technology that enhances 5G roaming quality by deploying the User Plane Function closer to roaming customers resulting in a huge reduction in Round-Trip-Time significant improvement in web page access speeds. “This is a highly agile and scalable approach to roaming that is already delivering some impressive results.” 

The finalists were: 

Rakuten Symphony 

Mavenir 

Viettel group 

Jio Platforms Limited. (JPL) 

Epsilon Telecommunications 

stc with Red Hat 

Colt Technology Services 

 The Cyber Security Award 

Winner: SAM Seamless Network 

The winner in this category presented an innovative solution using deep network visibility to protect against sophisticated cyber-attacks in real-time and prevent the spread of zero-day attacks on networks of fragmented devices. As networks continue to grow more complex and cyberattacks more frequent, solutions like this will be at the forefront of consumer security. “A great submission with great supporting documentation. I would be happy to use this solution in my home.” 

Highly Commended: Deutsche Telekom Global Carrier & Mobileum 

The finalists were: 

Arqit 

Globe Telecom Inc. (Globe Business) 

PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. 

The Future Award 

Winner: KT 

Leveraging its impressive 5G network alongside satellite connectivity, KT is looking to take a global lead in the nascent field of Urban Air Mobility (UAM). Featuring a host of technical collaborations, most notably with Hyundai, KT is already playing a major role in this emerging ecosystem, laying the groundwork for the future of flying taxis and beyond. “This could help alleviate congestion and pollution across South Korea and potentially, if shared, globally. I’m looking forward to seeing a larger rollout of the UAM worldwide, with telco support.” 

The finalists were: 

Vodafone Automotive and Celfocus 

CITIC Telecom CPC 

Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) and Ericsson 

The Platform Award 

Winner: Bango 

Bango’s Digital Vending Machine platform brings together subscription services from media, entertainment, lifestyle, shopping, transportation, and other categories, allowing telcos to become true subscription hubs for their customers. With numerous leading operators, such as Verizon and Optus, already on board, this platform is already offering enormous value to tens of millions of their consumers. “This platform enables telcos to become subscription hubs, with each allowed to customise their offerings as they choose. A lot of great value for customers here.” 

Finalists 

Rakuten Symphony 

Bridge Alliance 

Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) and Ericsson 

Tata Communications Transformation Services Limited 

The Satellite Telecoms Award 

Winner: OneWeb & Celfocus 

As Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications becomes an increasingly exciting field, OneWeb continues to prove itself as an innovative and exciting company. The company’s Order Management Solution, developed in partnership with Celfocus, has played a vital role in expanding the company’s reach, helping to connect customers in some of the most remote places on Earth. “A wonderfully detailed entry that shows the great progress being made in a rapidly expanding industry. I look forward to seeing what comes next.” 

Finalists 

Highly Commended: Kacific Broadband Satellites Ltd 

The Smart Places Award 

Winner: Orange 

Orange’s work alongside La Banque des Territoires (The Bank of Territories) to commercialise their Live Territory digital support tool provides an invaluable building block in creating the smart cities of the future. Helping cities to betted understand their infrastructure’s effectiveness through data integration, this solution can have a huge impact on smart city efficiency and, perhaps more importantly, sustainability. “Wide ranging and holistic, this approach is going to be really important in allowing cities to become more sustainable and manage their infrastructure in a smarter way.” 

Finalists 

Highly Commended: Subtonomy Crowds 

The Social Contribution Award 

Winner: Globe Telecom, Inc. 

In this category, Globe Telecom’s ‘Tuloy ang Edukasyon, Tuloy ang Pag-asa’ (Continued Education, Continued Hope) campaign showcased an operator fully at one with its customers. Using digital learning solutions, digital expertise, and its product and network ecosystem to reach millions of Filipinos, Globe is showing their ongoing commitment to shrinking the digital divide. “A very positive project with amazing impact on digital learning across the country.” 

The finalists were:

PLDT & Smart 

Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison 

A1 Slovenija & Taktik 

Moldcell 

SK telecom & Tuat Corp. 

 The Sustainability Award 

Winner: SK Telecom & Intel 

Power consumption remains a major challenge for telcos around the world, but this category’s winner is tackling the project head on. Working alongside Intel, SK Telcom’s Infrastructure Power Manager software can dynamically adjust a site’s power consumption based on real-time data traffic, in some cases leading 

to reductions in energy usage of almost 50%. 

“Really significant reductions in power consumption in one of the most energy-hungry parts of the 

network. This is a great use of AI and ML to support sustainability goals.” 

Finalists 

Vertical Bridge 

Singtel and Ericsson 

stc group 

Total Experience Award 

Winner: Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison 

Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison’s Marvelous Experience (MX) programme aims to streamline the employee onboarding experience, humanised the employee offboarding process, and reduce network compensation resolution times. With the creation of Marvelous Xperience Centre in collaboration with industry leaders like Google, Meta, Nokia, Ericsson, and Huawei, this operator continues to collaborate with stakeholders at every level. “A comprehensive approach to total experience that involves input from every stakeholder, notably including employees and customers in the idea generation process.” 

The finalists were:  

Arelion 

Colt Technology Services 

Subtonomy 

Plume 

Viettel group 

Tech Mahindra 

Woman in Telecoms Award 

Winner: Olena Lutsenko, Managing Director of Black Sea Region, RETN 

Overseeing operations in Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia, and Armenia, Olena Lutsenko has played pivotal role in RETN’s exceptional growth in the Black Sea region. More recently, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership in an extremely difficult operational environment throughout the war in Ukraine, becoming a leading voice in the telecoms industry on how to handle network operation during times of crisis. “Exception leadership in the face of unbelievable headwinds. I find her journey over the last year very inspiring.” 

The finalists were: 

InterDigital, Diana Pani 

Moldcell, Carolina Bugaian 

Bayobab (Formerly MTN GlobalConnect), Lillian Mutwalo 

Project Isizwe, Shireen Powell 

Rakuten Symphony, Azita Arvani 

CEO of the Year Award 

Winner: Ahmed Mohamud Yusuf, Hormuud Telecom 

Since 2002, Ahmed Mohamud Yusuf has been the CEO of Hormuud Telecommunications, successfully building it from scratch into Somalia’s largest private sector employer and the force for good it is today. Ahmed’s leadership has positioned him as a visionary force within telecommunications for twenty years. “It is important to recognise the unsung heroes in often-overlooked emerging markets. Ahmed Mohamud Yusuf deserves enormous praise for returning to his troubled home country with a vision to improve people’s lives. He has delivered upon this promise time and time again. Inspiring.” 

The finalists were:  

Highly Commended: MasMovil, Meinrad Spenger 

Colt Technology Services, Keri Gilder 

Deutsche Telekom AG, Tim Höttges 

Kacific Broadband Satellites Ltd, Christian Patourau 

 The winners magazine can be found here: 

See you next year! 2024 Award entries open 1 March 2024 

Want to keep up to date with all of the latest international telecoms news? Sign up for Total Telecom’s daily newsletter 

Also in the news:
‘The Great Rural Revival’: countryside connectivity to boost UK economy by £8.8 billion 
Ericsson, Vodafone and Qualcomm demonstrate first Reduced Capability data call in Europe
How China Unicom are addressing the issue of 5G monetisation