Over the past decade, we have seen infrastructure investments in Latin America growing rapidly but with most of it going into data centers and subsea cables.  But markets across the continent are maturing, and EdgeUno sees an opportunity.  The infrastructure and cloud provider plans to leverage its footprint across the continent as it builds out diverse, new, longhaul terrestrial fiber between the markets it serves.  With us today to talk about their approach and the opportunity they see is CEO Mehmet Akcin. … [visit site to read more]

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ZTE has unveiled the innovations of its RAN multi-agent collaboration solution with China Mobile during the China International Information and Communications Technology Exhibition (PTEXPO) in Beijing.

The multi-agent collaboration solution introduces AI large models into the end-to-end operation and maintenance of mobile networks for the first time, yielding impressive performance and efficiency improvements across various locations in China. This represents a significant leap forward in network digitalization and intelligence.

Through the extensive deployment and development of 5G, China Mobile has built the world’s largest mobile network. This expansion has led to increasingly complex network structures and diverse applications, demanding higher efficiency in network operations and maintenance. With the deep integration of 5G with AI+, the introduction of large models is revolutionizing the telecom industry.

The innovations of RAN multi-agent collaboration solution, unveiled at this event, are built upon the latest AI large model tailored for the telecom industry. By harnessing multi-agent collaboration, the solution leverages the network’s native AI atomic capabilities, empowering the network operation and maintenance platform, and exploring a new paradigm for intelligent network management.

The RAN multi-agent collaboration solution seamlessly integrates telecom knowledge, structured data, and network capabilities, enabling accurate understanding and intelligent decision-making in complex operation and maintenance scenarios through multi-agent collaboration and orchestration. This transformation shifts from the traditional « people+tools » model to a new self-orchestrating intelligent service model. The new approach improves the network’s adaptive capabilities and self-service levels, promotes the synergy among various intelligent technologies, and drives the overall advancement of network intelligence. Furthermore, this solution explores new business models and application scenarios, fostering effective integration of 5G-A and AI, expanding the 5G-A industrial ecosystem and enhancing overall industrial value.  

In the journey of network transformation driven by « 5G+ » and « AI+ », ZTE and China Mobile collaborate closely to address the challenges posed by ultra-large-scale mobile networks, complex structures, stringent professional requirements, and high performance and security demands, aiming to establish a new paradigm in mobile network operation and maintenance. Since 2023, ZTE and China Mobile have actively promoted the AI multi-agent collaboration solution for network operation and maintenance, showcasing its effectiveness at major events across China, including the Wuzhen Internet Conference, concerts at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center, the Jin’an International Tennis Open, the Xi’an Great Tang All Day Mall, and various events in Beijing. At a concert held at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center, the solution achieved a 30% reduction in manpower required for network performance assurance. Similarly, at the Xi’an Great Tang All Day Mall, it facilitated a 20% increase in network traffic while significantly enhancing user experience. These improvements highlight the solution’s capability to enhance operation and maintenance efficiency while improving network performance and user perception.

The unveiling of the multi-agent collaboration innovations marks a significant milestone in the network intelligence strategies of ZTE and China Mobile. Moving forward, both companies are committed to deepening their partnership to drive breakthroughs in key intelligent technologies, explore diverse application scenarios, provide robust technical support for the advancement of telecom industry, and facilitate digital transformation across various sectors.

www.zte.com.cn

Costa Rican regulator Sutel has reportedly restarted the country’s 5G spectrum auction process, following the dismissal by The Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR) of most of the objections of Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (Grupo ICE), the Costa Rican government-run electricity and telecommunications services provider.

There was apparently an error in the annex to the specifications, relating to coverage guarantees. This was one of ICE’s objections and one of the few to be accepted. The error has now been corrected.

However, ICE also objected to spectrum caps, which effectively mean that it can’t compete for more mid-range spectrum – that is, spectrum from 1GHz to 6GHz. This, along with most other ICE objections, has been rejected.

In fact ICE has so far held up the auction process with this argument twice, most recently at the end of September, although there had also been earlier objections from operators Claro and Liberty.

Now, however, Sutel aims to resume with the new deadlines and will be able to receive applications from bidders interested in the spectrum. 

In fact on 24 October, Sutel published the notice of the 5G tender in the country’s Official Gazette, through which it restarted the remaining period of 12 working days granted for the receipt of offers from those who want to participate in the bid.

Once this part of the process is complete, Sutel will proceed with the evaluation and pre-selection of offers to define who will be the eligible bidders. Once the pre-selection is formalised, the start of actual bidding for spectrum will be scheduled.

As long ago as February last year we reported that all three Costa Rican operators – Liberty, Claro and ICE – had shown interest in acquiring new spectrum for mobile services in the country. APM Terminals, ICE and Liberty were also reportedly interested in implementing private mobile networks, as were a number of cooperatives.

One bit of M&A and three organic expansion moves from around the industry to finish off the week: … [visit site to read more]

How progressive digital approaches are helping telcos resolve five of their biggest supply chain headaches

This Industry Viewpoint was authored by SAP’s Gary Pan … [visit site to read more]

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has reportedly kicked off a pilot programme to allow foreign investors to operate wholly-owned data centres and other telecoms-related services in select locations.

According to a report from state-owned Xinhua News Agency on Wednesday, the pilot opens up “value-added telecom services” in four designated free-trade areas in Beijing, Shanghai, Hainan and Shenzhen.

Under the pilot, foreign firms are allowed to operate their own data centres, and also engage in online data processing and transaction processing within the four free-trade areas, the report said

The MIIT also said foreign companies will also have greater access to China’s cloud computing service markets under the scheme, the report added.

The MIIT said it will monitor the pilot programme’s progress “and expand its scope at an appropriate time.”

The MIIT first announced the pilot programme in a circular released in April 2024. Xinhua reported at the time that the value-added telecom services to be opened up under the programme included “internet data centres, content delivery networks and internet service providers, online data processing and transaction processing, information publishing platforms and information delivery services excluding services related to internet news information, online publishing, internet radio and television, internet culture management, and information protection and processing services”.

Outside of the pilot programme, such services are limited to domestic companies. At most, foreign investors must enter a joint venture with a local firm and cannot own a controlling stake in the JV.

The MIIT claims that 2,220 foreign-invested companies have been licensed to operate telecom businesses in China as of the end of September 2024.

Wang Zhiqin, deputy director of the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, told Xinhua the pilot would further facilitate integration of digital technologies with various sectors, as well as “align domestic industry systems and regulatory frameworks with high-standard international economic and trade rules.”

The MIIT also said that the programme would further diversify China’s market supply and enable it to export its digital economy innovations.

Xinhua also reported that HSBC’s wholly foreign-owned fintech subsidiary, HSBC Fintech Services (Shanghai) Company Limited, is already getting ready to apply for an internet content provider permit that it says would help it enrich app content and advance its digital business transformation.

According to state-owned newspaper China Daily, Tesla has also applied to be part of the pilot, which will enable its Gigafactory in Shanghai to access China’s cloud computing services. Siemens’ digital health subsidiary, Siemens Healthineers, has also joined the programme, the report said.

Five bits of last mile news: … [visit site to read more]

At GITEX Global 2024 in Dubai, artificial intelligence (AI) was the most talked-about topic, with companies from across industries showcased how AI and machine learning are reshaping business operations and consumer experiences.

With over 6,500 exhibitors, 1,800 startups, and 1,200 investors from 180 countries, GITEX Global 2024 smashed previous records, attracting more than 200,000 visitors. For the first time, GITEX welcomed countries like South Africa, Vietnam, and Puerto Rico, while Europe had its largest representation to date. The event’s theme, Global collaboration to forge a future AI economy, underscored the central role AI plays in transforming industries across sectors.

AI in telecommunications: Ericsson and e& take the lead

At the heart of GITEX Global’s AI focus, Ericsson and e& (formerly Etisalat) stood out with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore AI-driven autonomous networks. This three-year agreement aims to transform e&’s mobile networks through AI, fostering innovation, network autonomy, and sustainability.

Ekow Nelson, Vice President and Head of Global Customer Unit at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, highlighted the importance of AI in shaping future networks, “Artificial intelligence and automation will play pivotal roles in shaping the networks of the future.

“By combining Ericsson’s global expertise with e&’s forward-thinking strategy, we aim to pioneer the development of autonomous networks to enhance operational efficiency and contribute to environmental sustainability.”

For e&, this MoU represents a significant step toward responsible AI deployment. Sabri Yehya, Chief Technology Officer at e& international, emphasised that this collaboration goes beyond technology: “Our MoU with Ericsson marks a critical step toward autonomous networks, which will not only transform the way we operate but also help meet our ambitious net-zero targets.”

The partnership aligns with e&’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions in its UAE operations by 2030.

By focusing on AI-driven autonomous networks, this collaboration is expected to enhance customer experiences while reducing carbon emissions and contributing to environmental sustainability.

Huawei: vision for digital and intelligent transformation

Huawei underscored its commitment to leading the next wave of industrial digitalisation with its innovative approach to ICT infrastructure. In his keynote at the Industrial Digital and Intelligent Transformation Summit, David Shi, Huawei’s Vice President of ICT Marketing and Solution Sales, outlined the company’s vision of building an intelligent world, one in which industrial digitalisation and AI play a crucial role in productivity and societal transformation.

Shi stressed the importance of collaboration with partners to accelerate the adoption of next-generation technologies: “We believe new technologies are emerging even faster, and the only way to bring intelligence to all industries is through collaboration with our customers and partners.” Huawei’s approach focuses on making ICT infrastructure more accessible, user-friendly, and scalable by adhering to four guiding principles: easy to integrate, easy to access, easy to use, and easy to evolve.

Key to Huawei’s vision are its flagship products such as Huawei eKit, designed for SMEs. These products simplify ICT infrastructure, making it more accessible to smaller businesses, and help reduce installation and operational costs. Huawei also emphasised the growing importance of WANs as the “highways in the digital world” and how its IP and optical technologies have reduced total cost of ownership by 30% in key projects, such as its collaboration with BoFiNet.

Huawei’s presence at GITEX 2024 showcased its innovative solutions for digital transformation, focusing on data centres, campus management, and WAN technologies. 

Fortinet: AI-Powered solutions and strategic alliances

At GITEX Global 2024, Fortinet demonstrated its leadership in AI-powered cybersecurity by presenting a range of advanced solutions aimed at mitigating the ever-growing complexity of cyber threats. Shane Grennan, Senior Channel Director for MEA, highlighted Fortinet’s AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, designed to navigate the modern hypercomplex threat landscape. He explained: “Our solutions use AI to address labour shortages in cybersecurity and enable organisations to manage risks more effectively.”

Fortinet also emphasised the importance of managed security services in bolstering business resilience. According to Grennan, the expansion of cloud computing presents opportunities for companies to shift their focus towards comprehensive cloud-based security strategies. Fortinet’s participation at GITEX 2024 also featured a second stand dedicated to operational technology (OT) security, highlighting the importance of protecting industrial control systems.

One of the key emerging technologies on display was Fortinet’s Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), combining SD-WAN and security services into a unified solution for modern enterprises. Fortinet’s leadership in SD-WAN gives it a unique edge in providing customers with hybrid solutions that enhance both security and operational efficiency. 

Green Circle and SearchInform: strengthening data protection in Saudi Arabia

During GITEX 2024, Green Circle, a leading Saudi cybersecurity firm, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with SearchInform to offer advanced Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions to customers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This partnership enables Green Circle to deliver comprehensive data protection solutions that ensure compliance with KSA’s regulatory frameworks, including the National Cybersecurity Authority’s guidelines.

Mohammad Alkhudari, CEO of Green Circle, highlighted the importance of DLP in safeguarding businesses from internal threats, fraud, and data leaks. “Our clients have long sought such comprehensive solutions, and this partnership marks a significant step in enhancing data protection standards across the Kingdom,” he said. 

Sergey Ozhegov, CEO of SearchInform, added that the fast-growing Saudi market presents an opportunity for significant business growth in the cybersecurity domain. The partnership between Green Circle and SearchInform is set to strengthen the defence capabilities of KSA’s organisations, especially in the face of rising internal threats.

YangoGPT: AI at your service

Yango Group introduced its latest generative AI model, YangoGPT, with its first implementation in the AI assistant ‘Yasmina’. Designed to assist users in decision-making, generating ideas, and simplifying complex concepts, Yasmina represents the future of human-like AI interaction.

Yasmina’s enhanced capabilities were on full display at GITEX Global 2024, demonstrating its ability to assist users with everyday tasks, generate content ideas, and explain complex concepts in simple terms. From helping with vacation planning to breaking down scientific principles for children, Yasmina showcased the power of AI to simplify and enrich lives.

“Yasmina can spark users’ creativity, whether they need help brainstorming birthday gift ideas or crafting poems in Arabic,” stated a spokesperson from Yango Group. With its ability to maintain conversation context and provide real-time responses, Yasmina exemplifies the next evolution in AI assistants.

The road ahead for AI

GITEX Global 2024 underscored the vast potential AI holds for industries across the globe. From telecommunications to customer engagement, and from enterprise solutions to home automation, AI is no longer a distant future—it’s transforming how we live and work today.

As GITEX continues to grow, expanding its global footprint with upcoming events in Africa, Asia, and Europe, the future of AI looks even more promising. With initiatives like Ericsson and e&’s MoU for autonomous networks, companies across the world are poised to lead the way in developing responsible, sustainable AI solutions that drive progress for generations to come.

GITEX Global 2024 has set the stage for a future driven by AI—one that promises to be smarter, more connected, and more sustainable.

Infrastructure news from around the world at midweek: … [visit site to read more]