MONTCLAIR, N.J., July 29, 2024 – Sitetracker, the world’s leading provider of deployment operations management software, is expanding its GIS Link tool with the addition of VETRO, the market-leading cloud-native fiber management system provider. Announced at Fiber Connect 2024, the partnership provides Sitetracker’s broadband customers with geospatial design data from VETRO so they can plan and deploy fiber networks with greater speed and efficiency.

With the two-way integration between VETRO’s FiberMap interactive mapping and asset inventory solution and Sitetracker, customers gain enriched GIS-driven workflows and visualized network buildouts. The partnership provides companywide visibility into programs and projects, efficient resource allocation, and smoother handoffs between project phases, enhancing collaboration among engineering and construction teams.

“Fiber network deployments and expansions are complex and require intricate coordination across multiple teams and systems,” said Giuseppe Incitti, CEO, Sitetracker. “As operators and contractors globally attempt to meet aggressive FTTH buildout targets, while optimizing historic private and public funding, they need more precision, detail, and insights than ever before. With VETRO’s mapping incorporated, Sitetracker customers have an end-to-end fiber solution that gives them the tools they need to succeed.”

Among the key features Sitetracker will offer with the new integration are easy importing of processes for fiber designs, automatic assignment of work to design elements, and status and progress updates directly linked to designs.

“Sitetracker is unlocking new efficiencies and management solutions that, combined with our intuitive fiber management system, are radically transforming the broadband landscape,” said Will Mitchell, CEO, VETRO. “Working together to bring greater clarity and control over fiber networks will improve network and business performances across the globe.”

Sitetracker’s platform is the digital infrastructure backbone for fiber deployments worldwide, including over 40% of the leading broadband providers in the United States today. Earlier this summer, the company added new production tracking capabilities for fiber companies, resulting in quicker invoicing and payments, and continues to invest in partnerships and product innovation that provide customers with real-time solutions to make their planning, design, and build processes easier.

Sitetracker is showcasing its latest innovations for the broadband industry at Fiber Connect 2024 this week.

About Sitetracker

Sitetracker powers the rapid deployment of tomorrow’s infrastructure. The global leader in deployment operations management software, Sitetracker helps innovative companies like Cox, Telefonica, EVgo, E.on, Engie, Nextera, Comcast, ChargePoint, Cypress Creek Renewables, Ziply, Southern Company, Iberdrola, Vodafone, Vantage Towers, VerticalBridge, and Congruex plan, deploy, and manage millions of programs, projects, sites, and assets across nearly 300 customers globally. By giving digital infrastructure, clean energy, EV charging, utility, and real estate teams a cloud-based solution that works easily and effectively, Sitetracker accelerates the transition to a fully connected and sustainable future. Deploy what’s next. For more information, please request a demo.

About VETRO

At VETRO, we believe visualizing data unlocks hidden potential, radically simplifying the way businesses operate and digitizing the future of connectivity. We focus on empowering network operators with unparalleled clarity and control over their fiber networks, enabling them to move faster, better, and more efficiently than ever before. Our revolutionary platform isn’t just software – it’s the physical network asset system of record, offering unprecedented visibility and control from strategic planning to daily operations. We empower our customers to bridge the digital divide at a rapid pace, unlock unforeseen opportunities, and squeeze the maximum value from their networks. Let’s illuminate the unseen, digitize the way we connect, and shape the future of connectivity, together. https://vetrofibermap.com/

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News

After approval from the EU, the government aims to increase fibre network funding from €12 billion to €38 billion

Last Tuesday, the European Commission gave approval to the German government to amend the exiting state aid scheme aimed at rolling out fibre across the country. These amendments will see the scheme extended until the end of 2028, and the budget increase from 12 billion to €38 billion.

The funding is available for local authorities either to deploy and own their own fibre infrastructure, or to tender out both the deployment and operation of the network. Areas eligible for funding are those that only have access to single network providing speeds up to 300 Mbps and where upgrading that network to gigabit-capable speeds is not part of existing investment plans.

Following the approval of these amendments from the European Commission, the German government has moved rapidly, approving a new draft law the following day that they claim will rapidly expanding the fibre network rollout across the country: the TK Network Expansion Acceleration Act (TK-NABEG).

The TK-NABEG focuses on removing bureaucratic red tape that typically stands in the way of network deployments. The Act defines the rollout of telecommunications infrastructure as “in the overriding public interest”, therefore the process of obtaining ‘right of way’ approvals will be streamlined and accelerated.

“With this law, we are accelerating the urgently needed expansion of our digital infrastructure. In doing so, we are sending an important signal to the economy that we are determined to drive forward digitalization. This government can reconcile environmental protection and the modernization of our country. The expansion of our telecommunications networks will be in the overriding public interest in the future,” said Dr. Volker Wissing, Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and Transport.

“This will strengthen network expansion, create better planning and give companies legal certainty. Together with simplified procedures and more precise information in the Gigabit land register, we are laying an important foundation for providing Germany with fiber optics and the latest mobile communications standards across the board by 2030,” he continued.

In many ways, this increase in public funding and easing of rollout restrictions cannot come soon enough for Germany. The country has long been a laggard among its European peers when it comes to fibre – a fact which the government says is greatly hindering the country’s economic growth.

The government is also racing to meet its target of 50% fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) penetration by the end of 2025, itself a stepping stone to meeting the European Union’s goal of connection 100% of premises across the block to FTTP.

Figures from the German regulator, the Bundesnetzagentur, put the number of homes passed at 17.9 million at the end of 2023. With roughly 43 million homes in Germany, this means there is still plenty of work to be done to meet the ambitious target for the end of 2025.

Germany’s fibre rollout is accelerating fast. Join the connectivity ecosystem in discussion at this year’s Connected Germany conference live in Munich

Also in the news:
AST SpaceMobile prepares to launch first commercial satellites
nexfibre passes almost 1.3m homes with full fibre
Telstra joins UNESCO’s Business Council to promote ethical AI

News

The five Bluebird satellites are set to be launched into low Earth orbit (LEO) in September

Direct-to-device (D2D) satellite communications operator AST SpaceMobile has announced this week that it’s five new commercial satellites, dubbed Bluebirds, are built and ready for launch.

The Bluebirds will be shipped to Cape Canaveral, Florida, at the start of August, where they are targeted for launch in September. The exact launch date will depend on weather conditions at the launch site and will therefore be announced nearer the time.

The five satellites, once placed into LEO orbit, will allow AST SpaceMobile to deliver non-continuous commercial services for the first time. These services will include D2D satellite communications compatible with unmodified smartphones, allowing mobile coverage to reach some of the most remote locations on the planet.

AST SpaceMobile has said it will need between 40 and 60 commercial satellites to deliver continuous coverage in the US.

“This is a momentous occasion for AST SpaceMobile. These first five satellites are built on the success of our in-orbit BlueWalker 3 satellite and will provide US nationwide non-continuous service with over 5,600 cells in premium low-band spectrum, with a planned 10-fold increase in processing bandwidth,” AST SpaceMobile Chairman and CEO Abel Avellan said in a statement. “We are eager to see these pioneering satellites take flight and being laying the foundation of our global cellular broadband network.”

AST SpaceMobile already has strategic partnerships with AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Google, Rakuten, American Tower, and Bell Canada, as well as ‘agreements’ with 45 mobile network operators around the world.

Of course, AST SpaceMobile is not the only satellite player targeting D2D connectivity for consumers. Since last year, rival satellite giant SpaceX has reportedly been working on direct-to-device capabilities, working alongside its major US partner T-Mobile. The company’s Starlink satellite constellation is planning to launch initial D2D services in autumn this year, following the successful launch of around 100 of their newest generation of satellites.

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

Also in the news:
Australian Government and AWS Collaborate to Strengthen country’s Cybersecurity
Solving congestion challenges in FTTP deployment
Vodafone Invests £120m in AI Chatbot ‘SuperTOBi’

Press Release

Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN) and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) have announced a partnership that will use the Microsoft Cloud to further drive Lumen’s digital transformation. In addition, Microsoft has chosen Lumen to expand its network capacity and capability to meet the growing demand on its datacenters due to AI.

A network for the AI era

Datacenters have become critical infrastructure that power the compute capabilities for the millions of people and organizations who rely on and trust the Microsoft Cloud. Microsoft is playing a leading role in ushering in the era of AI, offering tools and platforms like Azure OpenAI Service, Microsoft Copilot and others, to help people be more creative, more productive and to help solve some of humanity’s biggest challenges. As Microsoft continues to evolve and scale its ecosystem, it is turning to Lumen as a strategic supplier for its network infrastructure needs and is investing with Lumen to support its next generation of applications for Microsoft platform customers worldwide.

Lumen’s Private Connectivity Fabric℠ is a custom network that includes dedicated access to existing fiber in the Lumen network, the installation of new fiber on existing and new routes, and the use of Lumen’s new digital services. This AI-ready infrastructure will strengthen the connectivity capabilities between Microsoft’s datacenters by providing the network capacity, performance, stability and speed that customers need as data demands increase.

“AI is reshaping our daily lives and fundamentally changing how businesses operate,” said Erin Chapple, corporate vice president of Azure Core Product and Design, Microsoft. “We are focused both on the impact and opportunity for customers relative to AI today, and a generation ahead when it comes to our network infrastructure. Lumen has the network infrastructure and the digital capabilities needed to help support Azure’s mission in creating reliable and scalable platform that supports the breadth of customer workloads—from general purpose and mission-critical, to cloud-native, high-performance computing, and AI, plus what’s on the horizon. Our work with Lumen is emblematic of our investments in our own cloud infrastructure, which delivers for today and for the long term to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.”

“We are preparing for a future where AI is the driving force of innovation and growth, and where a powerful network infrastructure is essential for companies to thrive,” said Kate Johnson, president and CEO, Lumen Technologies. “Microsoft has an ambitious vision for AI and this level of innovation requires a network that can make it reality. Lumen’s expansive network meets this challenge, with unique routes, unmatched coverage, and a digital platform built to give companies the flexibility, access and security they need to create an AI-enabled world.”

Accelerating growth through innovation and partnership

Lumen has launched an enterprise-wide transformation to simplify and optimize its operations. By embracing Microsoft’s cloud and AI technology, Lumen can reduce its overall technology costs, remove legacy systems and silos, improve its offerings, and create new solutions for its global customer base. Lumen will migrate and modernize its workloads to Microsoft Azure, use Microsoft Entra solutions to safeguard access and prevent identity attacks and partner with Microsoft to create and deliver new telecom industry-specific solutions. This element alone is expected to improve Lumen’s cash flow by more than $20 million over the next 12 months while also improving the company’s customer experience.

“Azure’s advanced global infrastructure helps customers and partners quickly adapt to changing economic conditions, accelerate technology innovation, and transform their business with AI,” said Chapple. “We are committed to partnering with Lumen to help deliver on their transformation goals, reimagine cloud connectivity and AI synergies, drive business growth, and help customers achieve more.”

This collaboration expands upon the longstanding relationship between Lumen Technologies and Microsoft. The companies have worked together for several years, with Lumen leveraging Copilot to automate routine tasks and reduce employee workloads and enhance Microsoft Teams.

Also in the news:
Australian Government and AWS Collaborate to Strengthen country’s Cybersecurity
Solving congestion challenges in FTTP deployment
Vodafone Invests £120m in AI Chatbot ‘SuperTOBi’

Press Release

nexfibre, the next generation fibre network operator, has today published the latest quarterly update of its nationwide rollout plan

The report reveals planned build locations for 2025 and early 2026, with significantly expanded footprint in previously underserved areas of North Wales and Scotland.

The update demonstrates nexfibre’s commitment to bringing sustainable, national-scale competition to the fibre access market, with network expansion set to benefit towns across the UK, including coverage in Eastbourne, Weymouth, Nantwich and Shropshire, with North Wales being well-served.

The plan details the rapid progress nexfibre continues to make towards its mission of reaching 5 million premises across the UK by 2026, with just under 1.3 million premises passed and ready for service (RFS) – up from 986,000 premises in the last quarterly update.

At the current rate, the business is set to deliver its network to more premises than any other fibre provider in 2024, except for the incumbent, making it the UK’s second largest network provider in only its second year of operations.

Rajiv Datta, CEO of nexfibre, said:

“It is thanks to the hard work of our team, our partners – including our build partner Virgin Media O2 – and our investors that we have been able to build at this pace and achieve this reach in such a short period of time.

“We have exciting plans for 2025 and into 2026, which is part of our commitment to provide a nationwide alternative network and the competition in the fibre access market that the UK needs and deserves. Our work matters because, at its heart, better broadband improves the lives of people and communities across the country, boosts economic growth and will help the UK lead the digital future.”

nexfibre is a critical enabler of the government’s ambitions to close the digital divide and deliver a nationwide ultrafast broadband rollout by 2030. As a wholesale-only provider, it is committed to building and maintaining a quality full-fibre infrastructure platform. This enables it to deliver more choice, more competition and provide people, communities and organisations with quality connectivity.

Join nexfibre and the wider connectivity indutry at Connected Britain, 11-12 September in London. Get your ticket here!

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Solving congestion challenges in FTTP deployment
Vodafone Invests £120m in AI Chatbot ‘SuperTOBi’

Press Release

Telstra has joined a select group of global organisations to champion and advance the ethical development and application of AI

Telstra is the first Australian organisation, and the sixth globally, to join the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s Business Council to promote the implementation of its Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.

The UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence advocates for AI technologies to be governed by values that promote human rights, dignity, and environmental sustainability, emphasising transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law.

Telstra will work with UNESCO and other member organisations, like Microsoft and Salesforce, to support policy development in critical areas such as data governance and diversity. The Business Council will also work to develop an ethical impact assessment tool, as well as joint initiatives to ensure AI serves the public good.

Kim Krogh Andersen, group executive of Product & Technology at Telstra, says this is about translating the Recommendation into practical action and tangible outcomes.

“AI is a transformative technology that has the potential to benefit societies globally – but it requires very careful and deliberate stewardship,” Mr Krogh Anderson said.

“We’re proud to be the first Australian company to join the UNESCO Business Council and champion the increasingly critical cause of ethical and responsible AI.

“In such a fast-moving space, collaboration is a non-negotiable. We all need to lean on and learn from each other, to ensure AI is developed and deployed in a way that respects human rights, diversity and dignity.

“UNESCO and Telstra share a vision for a future where AI is driven by ethical principles that prioritise human welfare. This collaboration marks a significant step towards realising that future.”

“We are pleased that Telstra has joined UNESCO in the implementation of the Recommendation. UNESCO is leading the international efforts to build ethical, responsible and inclusive AI frameworks worldwide, working with governments from 50 countries, G7, G20 and other international initiatives, and particularly with leading global companies. Having Telstra in our Business Council will foster our speed, depth and reach,” said Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences of UNESCO.

This new partnership builds on Telstra’s strong history of leadership in responsible AI both locally and internationally, working with the Australian government to pilot and test Australia’s AI Ethics Principles, and co-authoring the Responsible AI Playbook with the GSMA.

Across its business, Telstra operates and continually refines a Responsible AI Policy which combines policy, education, advisory and specific risk management controls, allowing it to embrace AI responsibly for the benefit of customers and employees.

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

Also in the news:
Australian Government and AWS Collaborate to Strengthen country’s Cybersecurity
Solving congestion challenges in FTTP deployment
Vodafone Invests £120m in AI Chatbot ‘SuperTOBi’

CallTower, a global leader in delivering unified communications, contact centre, and collaboration solutions, including Microsoft Teams, Webex by Cisco, and Zoom, announced today they are partnering with Tollring to deliver advanced call analytics on Microsoft Teams with Analytics 365. This cutting-edge solution, designed specifically for Microsoft Teams, revolutionises the way organisations harness call data insights to enhance team performance, improve customer engagement and maximise revenue.

Incorporating Analytics 365 Call Analytics into an organisation’s communication strategy can significantly increase sales and drive customer satisfaction levels. By understanding call queues and unreturned or missed call metrics, users can highlight missed revenue opportunities and drive improvements in customer experience. This integrated Microsoft Teams application is purpose-built to help organisations of all sizes manage customer facing teams and build lasting customer relationships. By monitoring call activity, staffing levels and performance, organisations can use intuitive dashboard views and create wallboards to improve performance and meet customer expectations.

Key features of Analytics 365 Call Analytics include:

• Real-time Data Insights: Gain instant access to valuable analytics on communication activities.
• Performance Tracking: Monitor and measure performance metrics to improve staffing levels, productivity and operational efficiency.
• Customisable Wallboards: Generate tailored wallboards to monitor call queues and ensure service level targets are met to suit specific business needs and goals.
• In-Depth Reporting: Drill down to the detail and share findings to ensure comprehensive analysis of communications activity and ongoing improvements
• Predictive Analysis: Analyse and anticipate trends to make informed decisions

With Analytics 365 Call Analytics, organisations can unlock the full potential of their communication data, driving growth, innovation, and competitive advantage.

“We are excited to deliver Analytics 365 Call Analytics as part of our larger Microsoft Teams suite,” said William Rubio, CRO of CallTower. ” The analytics offered by Analytics 365 showcase our dedication to providing cutting-edge technology that empowers businesses to excel in today’s challenging business environment.”

Tony Martino, CEO of Tollring, adds “Tollring is delighted to partner with CallTower to deliver Analytics 365 globally through their channels. Coupling Operator Connect with analytics is a powerful combination, both adding value and differentiation to MSP propositions whilst significantly impacting customer experience across their customers.”

About CallTower

Transforming how we connect across the globe! Dive into the future of global communication with CallTower, where the forefront of innovation meets the vast expanse of connectivity. CallTower is revolutionising communications through cutting-edge technology.  CallTower delivers seamless MS Teams, Zoom, and Webex voice solutions elevated by the integration of AI technology, comprehensive contact centre solutions and one-click failover, marking a significant milestone in the communication landscape.

Since its establishment in 2002, CallTower has evolved into a global cloud-based, enterprise-class cloud communications (unified communications, contact centre and collaboration) solutions provider, catering to the needs of expanding businesses globally. CallTower offers and supports cutting-edge solutions such as Operator Connect for Microsoft® Teams, MS Teams Direct Routing, GCC High Teams Direct Routing, Microsoft® 365, Cisco® Webex Calling / UCM, Cisco® CCP, Zoom Phone, Zoom (BYOB), and a range of contact centre options, including Five9 for business customers.

For more information about CallTower and its award-winning services, please contact marketing@calltower.com

About Tollring www.Tollring.com

Tollring is a market leading software developer providing data visualisation and business intelligence tools that help manage, understand, and control a wide array of communications information, resources and assets.   

With offices in the UK, the USA, India, and Australia, Tollring specialises in global cloud communication software services, encompassing customer experience analytics, call recording and business intelligence solutions. Its innovative solutions are developed in-house and distributed via an extensive channel partner network to over 20,000 businesses globally.   

As organisations increasingly rely on Microsoft Teams for their internal and external communications, Tollring delivers the benefits of deep insight into this environment. Whether the challenge is wellbeing, performance, or customer experience, Analytics 365 makes it easy for leaders across all business functions to drive improvements in customer and employee experience. 

Tollring takes pride its high levels of technical capability and strives to deliver outstanding support having been certified in quality standard ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 27001 for Information Security Management. It is a Microsoft Gold Partner in application integration, data analytics, application development, cloud platforms and a Silver Partner in project and portfolio management. 

News 

The new tech is set to enhance the safety of the bank’s digital customers in over 25 countries 

BBVA, the multinational Spanish bank, has entered into a strategic alliance with Telefónica Tech to bolster its global cybersecurity efforts. The partnership is expected to use advanced AI and process automation technologies to prevent cyber threats across BBVA’s global operations. 

Telefónica Tech will provide nearly 50 services for BBVA, “ranging from solutions for the proactive anticipation of threats, definition of operational tactics, strategies to strengthen BBVA’s resilience or protection for Data Processing Centres (DPCs)”.  

As part of the collaboration, a new specialised cybersecurity centre will be established in Mexico, which will be designed to function alongside BBVA’s existing Global Cybersecurity Centre in Spain. Together, the two hubs will be staffed by 200 Telefónica Tech employees, making them two of the ‘largest cybersecurity centres in the financial industry.”  

Beyond the staff located at the sites themselves, the two hubs will also be supported by 1,500 cybersecurity experts and ten secure operation centres across Europe and the Americas, serving to monitor BBVA’s security 24/7. 

“These two hubs specialising in cybersecurity are unique in the financial industry and represent a new step towards protecting our infrastructures with the latest technological advances. Our goal is to be a bank that is increasingly secure and prepared to respond to all types of attacks and to offer the best service to our customers with the best security guarantees in the market,” said Sergio Fidalgo, BBVA’s Global Chief Information Security Officer in a press release. 

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

Also in the news: 

News 

The unrest centres around student protests over government job availability 

Bangladesh has entered the fourth day of a near-total internet shutdown following th outbreak of widespread student protests, in which 114 people have so far lost their lives. 

The unrest relates to the reintroduction of Bangladesh’s quota system for government jobs. The system reserves a third of government positions for relatives of veterans who fought for the country’s independence from Pakistan in 1971. This controversial system was scrapped in 2018 following pressure from the Student Quota Reform Movement but was reintroduced earlier this year after a court ruled the change to be unlawful. 

Following the quota’s reinstatement, student protests quickly erupted, which have since grown to include hundreds of thousands of people. Protests are still ongoing despite the Bangladeshi government backtracking and reducing the quota, meaning that now 93% of government jobs should be open to candidates based on merit. 

In an effort to curb the unrest, the country’s government has imposed a nationwide internet shutdown, a tactic that has been used by the country before.  

Telecommunications minister, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, said social media has been “weaponised as a tool to spread rumours, lies and disinfor mation,” according to the Guardian. 

“The government has temporarily suspended mobile internet services in the light of the ongoing situation in the country,” a spokesperson for Robi, the second-largest mobile operator in the country, told Rest of World in a statement. 

Palak said on Saturday morning that “government is trying to get the internet back but only after ensuring people’s physical and digital security.” 

The current protests and violence reflect broader dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration, which is accused of authoritarian practices and suppressing differences in opinion.  

Despite government efforts to stop the unrest, including ordering schools and universities to close indefinitely, the demonstrations are continuing with students demanding justice for those killed and an apology from the Prime Minister.  

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

Also in the news: Also in the news:
Australian Government and AWS Collaborate to Strengthen country’s Cybersecurity
Solving congestion challenges in FTTP deployment
Vodafone Invests £120m in AI Chatbot ‘SuperTOBi’
 

News 

The outage has caused disruption for millions 

Today, an IT malfunction of unprecedented scale has sent shockwaves across the world, affecting critical services and impacting millions of people. 

Elon Musk, tweeting this morning, has labeled the event as the “biggest IT fail ever.”

Biggest IT fail ever

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 19, 2024

The cause of the huge outage lies in a software update issued by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike. The company uses a cloud-based system that offers companies security over the internet, rather than local installations. It provides companies with real-time insights into security threats.  

A defect in the company’s latest update triggered a chain reaction, impacting Windows operating systems globally, meaning that many systems, including Teams and Outlook, went down. 

CrowdStrike president George Kurtz said that the issue has been caused by “a single content update for Windows hosts”. 

“CrowdStrike is actively working with customers impacted by a defect found in a single content update for Windows hosts. Mac and Linux hosts are not impacted. This is not a security incident or cyberattack. The issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed. Our team is fully mobilized to ensure the security and stability of CrowdStrike customers,” he wrote on X.  

Despite this, the residual impact and full recovery is expected to take several days, with many companies around the world being forced to restart their machines in safe mode. 

The company was quick to stress that the event was not malicious in nature. Despite acting like a cyberattack in many ways, the fault did not compromise the integrity of any users’ data. 

The ripple effects of this glitch have been far-reaching and are still arising. Nearly 1,400 flights have been canceled due to system failures, banks are struggling with transaction processing issues, as well as the broadcasting, retail and healthcare industries, amongst others. 

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

Also in the news:
Power play: Thailand’s biggest telco to merge with energy giant
Germany implements long-awaited Huawei ban
Telecom Egypt readies for country’s first 5G services