Rome/Algiers, 24 July 2025

Sparkle, the first international service provider in Italy and among the top global operators, and Algérie Télécom, the leading national telecommunications operator in Algeria, which offers a wide range of fixed-line, Internet, and enterprise solutions, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of a new subsea cable linking Italy and Algeria.

The agreement was announced during the 6^th Italy-Algeria Business Forum held yesterday in Rome, in the presence of the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, and of the President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

As part of the MoU, Sparkle will realise with Algérie Télécom a submarine cable linking Italy and Algeria and provide related value-added services on cybersecurity and cloud computing, technical support for data center development, training across key technical topics as well as a point of presence in Europe fully dedicated to Algérie Télécom, all aimed at supporting Algeria’s digital transformation.

The new, dedicated submarine cable will provide a high-capacity route to Europe, delivering enhanced performance, ultra-low latency, and full redundancy compared to existing infrastructures. By doing so, it will also support the growing demand for internet services and digital content, offering an outstanding connectivity experience for both consumers and businesses.

“This agreement marks a significant step in strengthening digital ties between Europe and North Africa,” said Enrico Bagnasco, CEO of Sparkle. “We are proud to contribute to Algeria’s digital future by delivering modern infrastructure as well as innovative and secure solutions for fast and resilient international connectivity.”

“The strategic partnership with Sparkle confirms the long-standing relationship between our two companies and reflects our shared commitment to innovation and excellence,” said Adel Bentoumi, CEO of Algérie Télécom. “We believe that this project will play a key role in diversifying our international routes and in meeting the increasing needs of our customers across Algeria.”

The Italy-Algeria Business Forum aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries in strategic sectors such as energy, innovation, education, agriculture, and culture. It forms part of the Mattei Plan for Africa, through which Italy seeks to build balanced partnerships based on mutual respect and shared benefits.

About Sparkle

Sparkle is TIM Group’s global operator, first international service provider in Italy and among the top worldwide, offering a full range of infrastructure and global connectivity services – capacity, IP, SD-WAN, colocation, IoT connectivity, roaming and voice – to national and international Carriers, OTTs, ISPs, Media/Content Providers, and multinational enterprises. As a leading player in the submarine cable industry, Sparkle owns and manages a network of more than 600,000 km of fiber stretching across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, and Asia. Sparkle’s sales team has a global presence, with representatives in 32 countries.

Find out more about Sparkle following its X and LinkedIn profiles or visiting the website tisparkle.com

 About Algérie Télécom

Algérie Télécom is the incumbent telecommunications operator in Algeria with a presence across the country. The company provides a range of services, including fixed telephony, high speed and ultra-high-speed Internet access, and advanced connectivity solutions for individuals, businesses, and institutions.

At the forefront of Algeria’s digital transformation, Algérie Télécom continually invests in modernizing its infrastructure, particularly through the development of its fiber optic network and the implementation of innovative technologies.

This commitment enables the company to provide inclusive, reliable, and high-performance connectivity, playing a strategic role in Algeria’s digital economy.

Sparkle Media Contacts:

sparkle.communication@tisparkle.com

X: @TISparkle

Algérie Télécom Media Contacts:

Email: contact@at.dz

Tél : +213 (021) 82 38 38

News

Major investments planned by both the private and public sectors could see connectivity flourish

This week, a consortium of 61 German companies have announced the launch of the ‘Made for Germany’ initiative, aimed at streamlining private sector dialogue with government and roadblocks for investment.

According to a shared press release, the initiative aims to create “a key point of contact for the government, working to define priorities, develop targeted measures and implement reforms effectively”. This, the companies say, will help to boost Germany as an economic hub and create a stable and inviting investment landscape for investors.

The 61 private companies participating in the initiative include major players from a wide variety of industries, from banking and automotive to semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. The full list of initiative members can be found here.

The initiative is supported by a collective pledge to invest €631 billion by 2028, demonstrating the companies’ continual commitment to the growth of the national economy.

The investments reportedly includes a mix of both planned and new capital investments and R&D efforts, although exactly how much of the total comprises new commitments is unclear.

“Germany needs a new operating system – one focused on growth, technology, and competitiveness. The time for change is now. Government and business must forge a new kind of partnership and take joint responsibility for society,” said Roland Busch, the CEO of Siemens. “This initiative embodies that spirit of solidarity and stands for a fresh start: with less bureaucracy, and more innovation. Germany is home to world-class companies, has a strong industrial base, and exceptional talent. We have everything it takes to reclaim a leading economic role – especially in digitalization and artificial intelligence.”

Busch’s reference to ‘joint responsibility’ should not come as a surprise given the recent pressure on the German government to make its investment landscape more appealing. In fact, the initiative’s announcement follows major government reforms to debt handling announced earlier this year. These reforms focus primarily on revising the strict borrowing rules that were introduced after the 2008 global financial crisis, removing what has been described as a ‘fiscal straitjacket’ on Germany’s economic growth.

In parallel, the government also pledged to create a €500 billion infrastructure fund to modernise the nation’s infrastructure and bolster national defence. Industries targeted for this funding include energy, transport, R&D, education, and healthcare.

“We are facing one of the largest investment initiatives that we have seen in Germany in recent decades,” said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a news conference announcing the ‘Made for Germany’ initiative. “The investment tasks we are facing cannot be achieved by public budgets alone. On the contrary, the lion’s share must be provided by private investors.”

But what does this all mean for the German telecoms sector?

While Deutsche Telekom and United Internet (1&1) are the only explicitly telecoms companies directly listed as participating in the ‘Made for Germany’ initiative, the sector as a whole has much to gain from its creation. When combined with the newly created infrastructure fund, the German market can expect €1 trillion to be poured into infrastructure and industrial projects in the coming years, all of which will need to be backed by the provision of high quality connectivity. This opportunity will be particularly acute around heavy industries like the automotive sector, where digitalisation efforts to expand the use of robotics, IoT, and AI will rely on high capacity low-latency connectivity – at least, that is what the telcos will argue.

At the same time, the reduction in bureaucratic hurdles and closer public–private cooperation could allow for the further acceleration of fibre rollouts, an area where Germany still significantly lags behind the rest of Europe.

In short, as the German public and private sectors grow more closely aligned on investment, German telcos will strive to position themselves key enablers of national digital transformation, without whom economic growth will remain unattainable.

How is the German connectivity market changing in 2025? Join the discussion at Connected Germany live in Munich

Also in the news:
US judge rules Huawei must face charges of fraud and racketeering
Optus ditches football rights to focus on telecoms
Nokia launches digital twin platform Enscryb to digitalise energy sector

News

Oracle has unveiled a substantial $3 billion investment to significantly expand its cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in Europe. This strategic commitment is designed to meet soaring demand for AI services and sovereign cloud solutions, catering to enterprises, public sector entities, and AI developers amid an evolving technological landscape.

In the Netherlands, Oracle plans to invest $1 billion over the next five years, concentrating its efforts in the Amsterdam region to enhance its Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) capabilities. This development aims to empower a wide range of organisations – from large enterprises to startups and public institutions – by providing more robust AI and sovereign cloud services. Wilfred Scholman, Oracle’s vice president and country leader in the Netherlands, highlighted the nation’s dynamic technology ecosystem and governmental ambitions to foster a technology-driven industrial environment. Key sectors targeted include financial services, logistics, life sciences, and energy, where organisations are actively migrating workloads to the cloud, modernising applications, and leveraging cutting-edge AI innovation. Oracle asserts its unique position as the only hyperscaler able to deliver over 200 AI and cloud services across various environments, including edge, customer data centres, multi-cloud, and public cloud settings, which is critical for addressing stringent EU data privacy requirements and minimising latency.

Meanwhile, Germany will see a $2 billion investment focused on expanding Oracle’s OCI footprint in Frankfurt, reinforcing AI infrastructure capacity in tandem with the country’s commitment to digital transformation and industrial evolution. Thorsten Herrmann, Oracle Germany’s senior vice president and country leader, emphasised that this investment aims to accelerate AI and cloud transformation across numerous sectors, supporting Germany’s ambition to cement itself as a leading hub for AI innovation in Europe. The initiative is particularly designed to benefit manufacturing, automotive, renewable energy, healthcare, and scientific research sectors. Germany’s Federal Minister for Digital Affairs, Karsten Wildberger, welcomed the development, noting that it positions Germany as an attractive centre for digital innovation and investment.

Don’t forget – the best place to learn more about the transformation of Germany’s connectivity landscape is Connected Germany. Find out more about how you can get involved.

These investments not only reflect Oracle’s intent to expand its European cloud infrastructure but also align with broader strategic imperatives related to data sovereignty and compliance with stringent EU regulations. Oracle’s focus on sovereign cloud services, such as OCI Dedicated Region and Oracle Cloud@Customer, addresses growing demands for localised data governance and regulatory adherence—an increasingly critical factor for both public institutions and private enterprises operating under tight data protection regimes. This places Oracle in a competitive race alongside other major hyperscalers like Google, Microsoft, and AWS, all seeking to establish sovereign cloud presences across Europe.

Additionally, Oracle’s expansion efforts are connected to its collaboration with OpenAI, particularly within the Stargate initiative, which involves the development of advanced AI data centre infrastructure globally. While financial returns from this partnership may not surface until 2028, it underscores Oracle’s forward-looking approach to AI infrastructure investment, positioning the company to capitalise on the technology’s accelerating adoption worldwide.

By bolstering infrastructure in two of Europe’s most pivotal markets, Oracle is strategically advancing its capabilities to serve the increasing demand for AI innovation, digital transformation, and sovereign cloud services across the continent. This investment not only supports existing industries but also strengthens the foundation for startups and new AI ventures, enabling European organisations to navigate evolving regulatory landscapes while fostering technological growth.

How appropriate… this article is part of the Total Telecom AI content creation trial and is supplied by Noah Wire Services. Let us know if you spot any errors.

Press Release

30 government-funded mast upgrades have now been activated in Wales as part of the Shared Rural Network (SRN) – a programme brokered by the UK government and joint-funded with mobile network operators to improve mobile coverage in rural areas. Across the whole of the UK, 56 masts are now live as part of the SRN.

Rural towns and villages throughout Wales are benefiting from faster, more reliable mobile coverage as one of the latest government-funded 4G network upgrades were switched on.
It means residents, local businesses and community organisations in areas including Llangernyw, Pandy Tudur, Gwytherin, Cwmystwyth, Llanymawddwy, can now take advantage of better connectivity. These activations also bring enhanced connectivity to Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, Eryri National Park and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including Wye Valley and Bryniau Clwyd a Dyffryn Dyfrdwy.

These activations also bring coverage from all four mobile network operators to the equivalent of over 2,500 km of roads across Wales.

The boost to coverage has been carried out by upgrading existing mobile masts which previously only connected EE customers and anyone making 999 calls, meaning communities can benefit from improved connectivity without the need for additional infrastructure.

The improvements will enable residents, tourists and businesses to access reliable 4G coverage from all four mobile network operators – EE, Virgin Media O2 and VodafoneThree – helping close the digital divide between urban and rural communities and boosting economic growth across the nations.

Ben Roome, CEO of Mova said: “Thirty new EAS masts are now live in the Welsh hills. For the first time, signals from every mobile network are threading through valleys and reaching a further 2,500 kilometres of road—bringing connectivity to residents, businesses, and anyone passing through. Thanks to the Shared Rural Network, not-spots are shrinking, connections are growing, and more coverage is on its way.”

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: “Funded by UK Government investment, 30 new sites in Wales now have fast and reliable mobile internet access in areas which were previously poorly served. Reliable connectivity improves every aspect of day-to-day life in rural Wales and makes a huge difference for local businesses, residents, and visitors.

“This is an important step forward in our mission to kickstart the economy and unlock opportunity in rural areas across Wales.”

Since the Shared Rural Network programme began in 2020, an additional 34,000 square kilometres – an area equivalent to roughly double the size of Northern Ireland or 4.6 million football pitches – are receiving coverage from all four operators, EE, Three, VMO2 and Vodafone across the UK.

Through the SRN programme, the UK government and the UK’s four mobile network operators have already provided 4G coverage to an additional 280,000 premises and 16,000km of the UK’s roads. The UK government is investing £184 million to upgrade Extended Area Service (EAS) masts to provide coverage from all four mobile operators. Currently, commercial coverage from EAS masts is only available from EE – the operator responsible for the Emergency Services Network.

Mobile operators have also invested over £500 million to target ‘partial not spots’ across the UK, where customers can only access 4G if they are signed up with a mobile network operator that is active in the area.

Lucie Smith, Director of Programmes, Mova joins a panel “Rural and the very-hard-to-reach; closing the connectivity gap” at Connected Britain this September. Sign up to join here at http://www.totaltele.com/connectedbritain

Press Release

Anritsu Service Assurance announced its joining of Ericsson’s Enterprise Wireless Solutions Technology Alliance Partner (TAP) program across global telecom and enterprise sectors. Anritsu and Ericsson have partnered to ensure network reliability and enhanced customer experience for next-generation 5G and LTE networks.

Anritsu Service Assurance, a division of Anritsu Corporation, has over 25 years of experience delivering telecom-grade monitoring, troubleshooting, and anomaly detection solutions to Tier-1 Communication Service Providers (CSPs) worldwide. Focusing on cloud-native, AI-enhanced service assurance, Anritsu empowers operators and enterprises to manage the complexities of 5G, private networks, and Industry 4.0. Trusted globally, Anritsu supports over 1 billion subscribers and partners with 10 Tier-1 operators.

“Partnering with Ericsson as part of the Technology Alliance Partner Program is a proud milestone for Anritsu,” said Ralf Iding, CEO of Anritsu Service Assurance. “Together with Ericsson, we can help our customers embrace transformation with cloud-first, AI-driven network assurance solutions that guarantee performance, optimise automation, and elevate customer and device experience for the private networks of tomorrow.”

Ericsson’s Enterprise Wireless Solutions enable organisations to innovate, operate, and grow anywhere, without constraints. Anritsu and Ericsson help customers optimise real-time performance, reduce downtime, and achieve superior satisfaction with AI-driven network intelligence.

Sebastian Elmgren, Business Development Executive at Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions said:” As IT and OT networks begin to converge, and networks become complex, Anritsu’s service assurance services provide enterprises the peace-of-mind when building next-generation 5G networks.”

About Anritsu Service Assurance

Anritsu Service Assurance provides AI-driven monitoring and automation solutions that help telecom operators optimise network performance and deliver superior customer experiences. With deep domain expertise in 5G, fixed broadband, and cloud-native operations, Anritsu enables faster fault resolution, operational efficiency, and digital transformation at scale.

Press Release

Up-Connect, a leading provider of wayleave and property services, is celebrating its five-year anniversary with impressive milestones that underscore its rapid expansion and industry influence.

Founded in 2020 by directors Scott Curtis and Charles Thomas, the company has grown from a two-person team to an ever-growing team of wayleave surveyors and property specialists operating across multiple locations throughout the UK. With a growing client base and an expanding footprint, Up-Connect has firmly established itself as a trusted partner in the broadband and utilities sectors.

“Seeing how far we’ve come in just five years is incredibly rewarding. We’ve built a business that not only excels in prioritising strong relationships with clients, industry partners and local landowners, but also in our deep knowledge of the technical aspects of the property services which we provide.  “ said Scott Curtis.

Last year, the company was recognised at the UK Fibre Awards, winning the prestigious Best Business Services category—a testament to its dedication to quality and efficiency, and this year were triple finalists across categories including Best in Services, Best Vendor/Supplier, and Rollout Challenge Buster. Up-Connect’s wayleave support services now span 16 counties, covering areas such as Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and East Sussex, enabling the rollout of full-fibre broadband to hard-to-reach premises.

Within the broadband industry, Up-Connect has secured its reputation as a trusted partner, working with the UK’s leading fibre providers, actively contributing to the UK’s digital infrastructure growth. Over the past 12 months alone, Up-Connect has secured well over 1,000 wayleaves ensuring seamless coordination with landowners.

“Our ability to consistently deliver is what sets us apart. Completing wayleave agreements in an average of just 32 calendar days speaks to the efficiency and expertise of our team, and our willingness to build relationships with landowners and public sector bodies,” noted Charles Thomas.

As Up-Connect marks this milestone, its continued commitment to excellence and industry leadership remains clear. With operations spanning multiple sectors—including fibre broadband, utilities, leisure, and sport—the company is poised for sustained growth in the years

Up-Connect are exhibiting at Connected Britain in September – join them there, register today

Press Release

Sparkle, the first international service provider in Italy and among the top global operators, announces the opening of a second Point of Presence (PoP) in Thessaloniki to meet the growing demand for international connectivity in Greece and in the Balkan region.

Located in a growing neutral data center in northern Greece, the new PoP delivers Tier-1 IP transit and capacity services to national and regional network operators, ISPs, OTTs, enterprises, content delivery networks, content and application providers, enabling secure, low-latency, and scalable international connectivity.

Additionally, customers have access to a comprehensive suite of IP solutions, including DDoS Protection, which safeguards networks against cyberattacks, and Virtual NAP, providing virtual access to leading Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) without the need for proprietary infrastructure development.

The PoP is integrated into Sparkle’s proprietary fiber infrastructure, which forms a robust ring topology interconnecting Thessaloniki northward to Bulgaria, eastward to Istanbul, southward to Chania, and westward to Albania. Through the connection with Chania, customers will also gain access to high-capacity routes via the BlueMed submarine cable system, linking Italy with France, Greece, and several countries bordering the Mediterranean, with further extensions reaching the Middle East and all the way to Mumbai, India.

“We believe that Thessaloniki is set to become a key commercial and digital hub for the Balkans,” said Daniele Mancuso, CEO of Sparkle Greece. “With this new PoP, we are not only strengthening our presence in the city but also enabling resilient, high-performance connectivity across Southeastern Europe. Our continued investments in Greece are a clear sign of our long-term vision for the region.”

With two PoPs in Thessaloniki and a total of eight across the country, four data centers between Athens and Chania, and a comprehensive portfolio of ICT and telco services – including also SD-WAN, colocation, IoT connectivity, messaging, roaming and voice solutions -, Sparkle confirms its role as a leading enabler of digital transformation in the country and beyond.

About Sparkle

Sparkle is TIM Group’s Global Operator, first international service provider in Italy and among the top worldwide, offering a full range of infrastructure and global connectivity services – capacity, IP, SD-WAN, colocation, IoT connectivity, roaming and voice – to national and international Carriers, OTTs, ISPs, Media/Content Providers, and multinational enterprises. A major player in the submarine cable industry, Sparkle owns and manages a network of more than 600,000 km of fiber spanning from Europe to Africa and the Middle East, the Americas and Asia. Its sales force is active worldwide and distributed over 32 countries.

Find out more about Sparkle following its X and LinkedIn profiles or visiting the website tisparkle.com

Media Contacts:

sparkle.communication@tisparkle.com

X: @TISparkle

MLL’s network services contract is in support of a digital unification ‘Network Alignment’ programme following Pobl Group’s recent merger with Linc Cymru, creating the largest housing association in Wales and to be rebranded Codi Group from January 2026. The newly expanded group will manage more than 24,000 homes in Wales with plans for growth to deliver more than 4,500 new homes over the next five years. The group employs more than 3,000 people and is a major contributor to the Welsh economy.

Ahead of the rebrand, MLL will transition around 200 Pobl and Linc Cymru MPLS legacy sites onto a unified, secure state-of-the-art SD-WAN network. This will feature a Zero-trust architecture with managed real-time threat detection and response, and integration with Azure Public Cloud for enabling seamless cross-organisation collaboration. The project is expected to make savings of more than £500,000 over the three-year period through streamlined procurement and infrastructure consolidation.

“This is about more than just technology – it’s about building a secure, scalable, and future-ready digital foundation for over 200 sites across Wales,” said Peter Murphy, Head of Technology Operations, Pobl Group. “By merging two legacy MPLS networks into a single SD-WAN managed service, we’re enabling seamless collaboration, enhanced cyber resilience and smarter service delivery for our teams and tenants alike.”

He added: “This has been a true cross-functional effort with procurement, technology, operations and our partners working together to ensure continuity, compliance and innovation at scale – all to be delivered securely within a tight six-month timeframe to ensure a year one ROI.”

Gail Harvey, MLL’s Business Development Director, said: “MLL are delighted to have won this significant UK housing association contract, especially in a competitive tender situation where quality rather than price alone were the deciding factors for Pobl in terms of our demonstrating leading-edge technology, engineering expertise and support, and customer service.

“In the immediate and longer term, we look forward to transitioning and managing Pobl’s and thereafter, Codi Group’s SD-WAN network, while also identifying further opportunities for adding value and innovation and to assisting Pobl with future initiatives. We also welcome the opportunity to support the Welsh community through the Pobl Trust, a registered charity that aims to improve the quality of life and create opportunities for people and communities in the areas where Pobl Group works.”

If this subject interests you, make sure you attend the Connectivity in social housing panel discussion at Connected Britain. Find out more here 

News

Homeowners are increasingly embracing smart technologies to simplify daily life, reduce energy consumption, and create more comfortable and connected living environments. This trend is highlighted by recent data indicating a steady year-over-year rise in smart device adoption among homeowners who seek homes that do more than just provide shelter—they want homes that actively support and enhance their lifestyles.

Insights from market research by  COGNITION Smart Data show that about two-thirds of home owners have invested in one to three smart devices over the past year. Popular purchases include audio/visual equipment, smart doorbells, smart doors and windows, centralized control hubs, and energy monitoring systems. Notably, more than half of homeowners report connecting smart thermostats to smartphones, enabling greater control over energy usage. Similarly, many use smart control apps to monitor and manage hot water consumption, signalling a shift toward more efficient resource use and convenience.

The opportunity for builders and manufacturers is clear: integrating smart infrastructure into home designs can meet the rising consumer expectations for technology-enabled living and distinguish brands in a competitive market. Future-ready homes that feature fully integrated smart systems appeal especially to younger buyers such as Millennials and Gen Z, who demand seamless interoperability and dislike managing multiple disconnected devices. Offering homes with unified smart ecosystems that are compatible with major platforms like Alexa and Google Home is poised to enhance homeowner satisfaction and loyalty.

This trend is underpinned by the broader context of rapid market growth for smart home technology, which was valued globally in the tens of billions in recent years and is forecast to expand exponentially. Industry projections suggest the number of smart homes worldwide will soar dramatically in the coming years, with billions of dollars of investment flowing into the sector. This growth is driven not only by consumer demand but also by clear financial incentives. Smart homes are associated with better energy efficiency, potential reductions in insurance costs, and improved resale values, with some sellers recovering a substantial portion of their technology investments upon sale.

How can ISPs utilise consumer hardware deliver seamless, high-quality home experiences? Join the panel discussion at Connected Britain featuring brsk, STL Partners, ICOTERA, Ogi and TalkTalk. 

Widespread adoption of smart devices is already a reality in many homes. US research indicates  that a large majority of Americans own at least one smart device, and many now consider these technologies essential parts of their living environments. Many homeowners also express a willingness to pay more for properties equipped with integrated smart home features, reflecting the perceived value and convenience these technologies bring.

Security remains a central motivation for adopting smart home technology. Devices such as smart video doorbells and security cameras are particularly popular, with many owners citing increased feelings of safety as a primary benefit. This seismic shift in how homeowners protect and manage their properties underscores the transformative nature of smart home innovations, shifting them from optional add-ons to essential components of modern living.

With the momentum behind smart home technology showing no signs of abating, builders and manufacturers who anticipate and integrate these trends stand to benefit significantly. By offering connected, interoperable, and user-friendly smart home solutions from the outset, they can meet the demands of tech-savvy consumers and position themselves at the forefront of residential innovation.

Article Source: Noah Wire Services – an AI content generation tool currently being trialled by Total Telecom