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
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Vodafone Invests £120m in AI Chatbot ‘SuperTOBi’

In an announcement yesterday, T-Mobile and KKR announced a joint venture to acquire Metronet. The deal follows May’s announcement of a JV with EQT to buy Lumos, offering us a second data point on what seems to be the start of a residential fiber rollup by the ‘Uncarrier’. … [visit site to read more]

Digital infrastructure company Equinix has announced its planned entry into the Philippines with the acquisition of three data centres from Total Information Management (TIM), a technology solutions provider.

Equinix says the acquisition of the three high-performance data centres will provide capacity for it to address the digital needs of local and overseas businesses in the country. It says enterprises, cloud and IT service providers and network service providers around the world can leverage Platform Equinix  to interconnect and exchange data privately and securely within an ecosystem of business partners and customers.

Existing customers of TIM, including network and financial services companies, will also gain access to Equinix’s global ecosystems of more than 10,000 companies, including more than 2,000 networks and 3,000 cloud and IT service providers. The three carrier-neutral and interconnection-rich data centres include more than 1,000 cabinets of capacity and land for further expansion. 

As part of Equinix’s ambitious investment plans in the Asia-Pacific region, the company has plans to expand in new markets including Jakarta, Indonesia (with the JK1 data centre) and Chennai, India (CN1) later this year. With the capacity allocation by the government, Equinix will also expand its footprint in Singapore. 

Following recently announced expansions in Malaysia and Indonesia, Equinix says this strategic move into the Philippines aims to help businesses expand and capitalise on the digital opportunity of the fast-growing Southeast Asia region.

Reuters points out that most Southeast Asian countries present a favourable environment for data centre establishments, thanks to their strong growth potential, young, tech-savvy population, inexpensive land and labour expense, and favourable policies.

It adds that tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have already invested billions of dollars in the region to cater to the burgeoning demand for artificial intelligence and cloud computing services.

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. 

Two international bits of infrastructure news, and two FTTH builds of domestic interest: … [visit site to read more]

Rijeka Gateway has announced a 5G standalone (SA) connectivity partnership with Croatian telecommunications company Hrvatski Telekom (HT), involving the adoption of what is described as a next-level private 5G campus network.

Rijeka Gateway is a port operating company which operates port facilities at the largest Croatian Port of Rijeka. A joint venture between APM Terminals and ENNA Group, it is a completely new, ground-up development, with no legacy LTE network. This, the company claims, will allow the terminal to become HT’s first installation to use SA architecture.

Rijeka Gateway, due to begin operations in 2025, will use the HT public mobile network for its predominantly remotely operated electric equipment. It says that electric container handling equipment will reduce environmental impact to the minimum and mitigate noise and pollution for the local community. 

Peter Corfitsen, CEO of Rijeka Gateway, explains: « The terminal in Rijeka will be the only terminal in this part of Europe with remotely operated cranes. Almost all equipment will be electric, and we are installing very advanced energy optimisation and overall terminal management systems. Quality and reliable communication infrastructure is a prerequisite for such operations, » he adds.

With a 50-year concession, Rijeka Gateway will serve as the main entry point for container traffic to the hinterland countries and markets of Europe and will play a crucial role in the development of the local economy.

In addition, Adriatic ports, like Rijeka, which is situated on the Kvarner Gulf, have become more prominent given they provide the shortest maritime link between Europe and the Middle and Far East. 

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: 

One new NOC and a bunch of vender wins from around the world. … [visit site to read more]

Malaysian mobile data service company U Mobile is back in the news only days after a Maxis buyout was reported. This time it is apparently planning a domestic initial public offering (IPO).

The IPO is expected to raise more than US$500 million as early as the first half of 2025, according to Reuters, quoting its own sources who suggest that U Mobile will file the IPO application to the regulator later this month, or in August.

The deal, if it proceeds, could be the largest IPO in Malaysia in nearly eight years, a deal that would value the firm at more than US$2 billion, according to Reuters’ sources. It’s been a long time coming: U Mobile has reportedly been planning to hold an IPO on the local stock exchange since 2014.

Proceeds raised will in all likelihood be used for mobile data network expansion, among other plans, though this has not been confirmed by the company, which says it will make announcements if there are any concrete developments.

The company also plans to be part of the tender to build Malaysia’s second 5G network.

Founded in 2006, U Mobile is Malaysia’s newest service provider. Figures are hard to come by but U Mobile is said to have crossed the 9 million subscriber mark last year. Maxis is just ahead at about 9.5 million subscribers, while the market leader, CelcomDigi, has about 20.4 million subscribers.

We reported last week that, according to Bloomberg, rival operator Maxis is in early-stage talks with U Mobile for a possible buyout deal to expand its network reach. However, the deal is apparently facing several major hurdles.

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’