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]

Kenyan operator Safaricom’s M-Pesa mobile money service has teamed up with Kenyan start-up tappi to digitise 650,000 business users in the country.

Described as a full digital commerce SaaS solution for small and medium-sized businesses, tappi helps small businesses grow by connecting them with customers and establishing online credibility through user reviews.

The partners say this alliance will deliver digital solutions to help these SMEs improve their online credibility and visibility.

The agreement also underlines M-Pesa efforts to broaden its portfolio of services for 650,000 registered businesses and over 50 million monthly active individual users in many African countries. 

As one of the first mini apps to feature on the M-Pesa for Business service, tappi will be able to deliver a subsidised package equipping merchants to build their online presence, capture verified reviews and strengthen engagement with an expanded customer base.

As Kenfield Griffith, CEO and co-founder of tappi, points out, with over 35 million subscribers, M-Pesa has long established itself as the engine through which millions of local entrepreneurs handle their transactions. He adds: “With many of these businesses constantly looking for new customers, our tools will be a crucial springboard in driving them to achieve this within an online setting.”

For a nominal sum, merchants will receive access to a free webpage and 50 SMS/WhatsApp reviews, which will be integrated into the merchant’s websites, as well as 250 bulk SMS marketing credits.

As part of the collaboration, M-Peta Ratiba, a new solution allowing M-Pesa users to automate their online payments, has also been included in the tappi mini app, enabling business owners to seamlessly pay their monthly subscriptions without disruptions.

Targeted to reach at least 300,000 M-Pesa for Business app users, the partnership has officially launched with an initial cohort of over 250 M-Pesa For Business app users across the food, fashion, health and beauty sectors throughout Kenya.

tappi’s solutions will build on the M-Pesa For Business app’s existing functionalities, which include viewing collections, statements and payments as well as transacting directly from the M-Pesa till number. 

In May 2024, tappi signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry to drive digital services for 30,000 Kenyan MSMEs. The company has also partnered with MTN in Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria.

Some FTTx, some fixed wireless, some data center development, and some funding: … [visit site to read more]

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The data center business is not a monolithic collection of servers and power, there are many types of facilities out there making up the broader infrastructure ecosystem. One of the longest running but too often neglected in the AI era is that of the carrier hotel and interconnection hub. With us today is John Bonczek, CRO at 1547 Critical Systems Realty. Early on in 1547 CSR’s development we had the company’s CEO and Managing Director J. Todd Raymond here for a chat about their plans. Let’s find out what the company has been up to since. … [visit site to read more]