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Ericsson and Batelco to boost Bahrain’s 4G/5G Network

Ericsson and Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco) have partnered to expand and modernise Batelco’s mobile broadband network in Bahrain, enhancing 4G and 5G capabilities, coverage, and capacity. Batelco has deployed Ericsson’s latest Radio Access Network (RAN) products, including massive MIMO antennas.

It has upgraded its Core network infrastructure to the latest Network Function Virtualisation Infrastructure (NFVI) release to handle increased voice and data traffic. Energy-efficient solutions like dual-mode triple band radios and Interleaved AIR 3218 have been integrated, reducing space requirements and energy consumption by up to 20% while improving network performance.

Additionally, Batelco has modernised its Ericsson Mediation system to a cloud-native platform, improving operational efficiency and supporting applications such as IoT and 5G standalone use cases. The new platform ensures scalability, flexibility, and faster time-to-market for future-ready network services.

These advancements collectively strengthen Batelco’s network, making it more efficient, sustainable, and capable of meeting the growing demands of consumers and businesses in Bahrain. The collaboration with Ericsson ensures that Batelco’s infrastructure is future-proof, optimised for resource utilisation, and ready to support emerging technologies.

Mexico challenges Google over gulf name change

Mexico has objected to Google’s decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America for US users on Google Maps. President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed on Wednesday that her government will send an official letter to the tech giant demanding clarification.

The name change follows an announcement by the US government that it had officially rebranded the body of water. In response, Google stated that its platform displays local official names when they differ across countries.

The move has sparked concerns in Mexico over sovereignty and historical recognition. With the government pressing for an explanation, the issue highlights the growing tension between technology firms and national identities in the digital space.

French privacy watchdog to investigate DeepSeek AI over data concerns

France‘s data protection authority, the CNIL, announced it will question DeepSeek to better understand how the Chinese company’s AI system operates and assess potential privacy risks for users. The move comes as European regulators intensify scrutiny of AI, following concerns raised by Italy and Ireland over DeepSeek’s handling of personal data.

DeepSeek recently gained international attention after revealing its latest AI model, DeepSeek-V3, was trained using less than $6 million worth of Nvidia H800 computing power. European authorities have been particularly vigilant about data protection, with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) setting stringent standards for privacy. Under GDPR, violations can result in fines of up to 4% of a company’s global turnover.

The CNIL’s investigation follows a broader European push to regulate AI technology, with new rules imposing strict transparency obligations on high-risk AI systems. Other countries, such as Italy and Ireland, have also launched inquiries into DeepSeek, reflecting growing concerns over AI’s implications for data privacy across the continent.

DeepSeek: Speeding up the planet or levelling with ChatGPT?

Although the company’s name somewhat overlaps with Google DeepMind, which was launched earlier, the new player in the market has sparked a leap in attention and public interest, becoming one of the biggest AI surprises on the planet upon its launch.

DeepSeek, a company headquartered in China, enjoys significant popularity primarily because its most sought-after features keep pace with giants like OpenAI and Google, as well as due to notable stock market changes that are far from negligible.

In the following points, we will explore these factors and what the future holds for this young company, particularly in the context of the dynamics between China and the US.

How did it start? Origins of DeepSeek

DeepSeek is an AI company from China based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, founded by entrepreneur and businessman Liang Wenfeng. The company develops open-source LLMs and is owned by a Chinese hedge fund, High-Flyer.

It all started back in 2015 when Liang Wenfeng cofounded High-Flyer. At first, it was a startup, but in 2019, it grew into a hedge fund focused on developing and using AI trading algorithms. For the first two years, they used AI only for trading.

In 2023, High-Flyer founded a startup called DeepSeek, and Liang Wenfeng was appointed CEO. Two years later, on 10 January 2025, DeepSeek announced the release of its first free-to-use chatbot app. The app surpassed its main competitor, ChatGPT, as the most downloaded free app in the US in just 17 days, causing an unprecedented stir on the market.

Unprecedented impact on the market

Few missed the launch of the DeepSeek model, which is why the stock market felt the impact, and so did some of the biggest giants.

For instance, the value of Nvidia shares dropped by as much as 18%. Similar declines were experienced by giants like OpenAI, Google, and other AI companies focused on small and medium-sized enterprises.

On top of this, there is justified concern among investors, who could quickly shift their focus and redirect their investments. However, this could lead to an even more significant drop in the shares of the largest companies.

Open-source approach

DeepSeek embraces an open-source philosophy, making its AI algorithms, models, and training details freely accessible to the public. The company stated that it is committed to transparency and fosters collaboration among developers and researchers worldwide. They also advocate for a more inclusive and innovative AI ecosystem.

Their strategy has the potential to reshape the AI landscape, as it empowers individuals and organisations to contribute to the evolution of AI technology. DeepSeek’s initiative highlights the importance of open collaboration in driving progress and solving complex challenges in the tech industry.

DeepSeek quickly secured the information after being alerted.

With the growing demand for ethical and transparent AI development, DeepSeek’s open-source model sets a precedent for the industry. The company paves the way for a future where AI breakthroughs are driven by collective effort rather than proprietary control.

Cheaper AI model that shook the market

By being cheaper than the competition, DeepSeek has opened the doors of the AI market to many other companies that do not have as much financial power. As dr Jovan Kurbalija, executive director of Diplo, says in his blog post titled ‘How David outwits Goliath in the age of AI?‘, ‘the age of David challenging Goliath has arrived in AI’.

For individuals, this means monthly costs are reduced by 30% to 50%, which can be, and often is, the biggest incentive for users looking to save.

The privileges once enjoyed by those with greater financial resources are now available to those who want to advance their small and medium-sized businesses.

Cyber threats and challenges faced by DeepSeek

Shortly after its launch, DeepSeek faced a significant setback when it was revealed that an error had exposed sensitive information to the public.

This raised alarms for many, especially as the immense popularity led to the AI Assistant being removed from the AppStore more times than OpenAI’s offering, and a large amount of data became accessible.

Experts have expressed concerns that others may have accessed the leaked data. The company has not yet commented on the incident, while the system’s vulnerability provides a foundation for hacking groups to exploit.

DeepSeek for the top spot, ChatGPT defends the throne

The AI race is heating up as DeepSeek challenges industry leader ChatGPT, aiming to claim the top spot in AI. With its open-source approach, DeepSeek is rapidly gaining attention by publicly making its models and training methods available, fostering innovation and collaboration across the AI community.

The race was further spiced up by DeepSeek’s claim that it built an AI model on par with OpenAI’s ChatGPT for under $6 million (£4.8 million). In comparison, Microsoft, OpenAI’s main partner, plans to invest around $80 billion in AI infrastructure this year.

OpenAI’s ChatGPT search tool faces risks of manipulation via hidden content, leading to biased or harmful outputs.

As DeepSeek pushes forward with its transparent and accessible model, the battle for AI supremacy intensifies. Whether openness will outmatch ChatGPT’s established presence remains to be seen, but one thing is sure—the AI landscape is evolving faster than ever.

Why is DeepSeek gaining popularity in 2025?

DeepSeek has emerged as a major player in AI by embracing an open-source philosophy, making its models and training data freely available to developers. This transparency has fueled rapid innovation, allowing researchers and businesses to build upon its technology and contribute to advancements in AI.

Unlike closed systems controlled by major tech giants, DeepSeek’s approach promotes accessibility and collaboration, attracting a growing community of AI enthusiasts. Its cost-effective development, reportedly achieving results comparable to top-tier models with significantly lower investment, has also drawn attention.

As the demand for more open and adaptable AI solutions rises, DeepSeek’s commitment to shared knowledge positions it as a strong contender in the industry. Whether this strategy will redefine the AI landscape remains to be seen, but its growing influence in 2025 is undeniable.

DeepSeek in the future: Development, features, and strategies

Now that it has experienced ‘overnight success,’ the Chinese company aims to push DeepSeek to the top and position it among the most powerful AI firms in the world.

Users can definitely expect many advanced features that will fuel a fierce battle with giants like DeepMind and ChatGPT.

Strategically, DeepSeek will attempt to break into the American market and offer more financially accessible solutions, forcing the key players to make significant cuts.

DeepSeek is undoubtedly a real hit in the market, but it remains to be seen whether price is the only measure of its success.

Whether it will make a leap in its own technology and completely outpace the competition or remain shoulder to shoulder with the giants—or even falter—will be revealed in the near future.

One thing is sure: the Chinese company has seriously shaken up the market, which will need considerable time to recover.

Vodafone achieves world first satellite video call

Vodafone has achieved a world first by making a video call via satellite using a standard smartphone, marking a significant breakthrough in mobile technology. The call, made from the remote Welsh mountains where there was no network signal, was received by CEO Margherita Della Valle. Vodafone used AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites, which provide speeds of up to 120 megabits per second, to enable the video call, which included voice, text, and data transmission.

This satellite technology is part of Vodafone’s broader plan to expand satellite connectivity across Europe by 2026. The company aims to offer users a full mobile experience, including video calls, even in areas where traditional network coverage is unavailable. Vodafone is also an investor in AST SpaceMobile, alongside major companies like AT&T, Verizon, and Google.

The race to deploy satellite services is heating up, with competitors like Apple, T-Mobile, and SpaceX already working on satellite-based connectivity. Apple’s iPhones, starting from the iPhone 14, offer satellite texting for emergency services and location sharing. Other companies are testing similar services, with plans for voice and data connectivity in the future.

British astronaut Tim Peake, who attended the launch of Vodafone’s space-to-land gateway, hailed the ability to connect via satellite as an ‘incredible breakthrough.’ Peake, who spent six months aboard the International Space Station, highlighted the importance of staying connected while in remote environments and expressed interest in future space missions.

Apple iPhones included in Starlink satellite trial

Apple’s iPhone devices are now eligible to test SpaceX’s Starlink’s direct-to-cell service, which offers satellite-based coverage, according to T-Mobile. The trial, which started after receiving approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in November, currently provides “text via satellite” capabilities, with plans to add voice and data features in the future.

Initially, only select Android smartphones were eligible for the test, but T-Mobile has expanded compatibility to include iPhones running the latest iOS 18.3 software update. The partnership between Apple, SpaceX, and T-Mobile has been kept under wraps, with the companies working together to integrate Starlink support into Apple’s devices.

The FCC’s approval last year also allowed Starlink’s direct-to-cell service to assist in providing coverage in areas like North Carolina, which were severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. While Apple and SpaceX did not comment outside business hours, the initiative marks a significant step in expanding satellite coverage for mobile users.

OpenAI warns about Chinese firms accessing US AI

OpenAI has raised concerns about Chinese companies attempting to access US AI technologies to enhance their models. In a statement released on Tuesday, OpenAI highlighted the critical need to protect its intellectual property and the most advanced capabilities in its AI systems. The company emphasised that it has put in place countermeasures to safeguard its innovations and is working closely with the US government to protect the technology from being exploited by competitors and adversaries.

These comments come in response to the White House’s ongoing review of national security risks posed by Chinese AI companies, particularly the rapidly growing startup DeepSeek. The US government has been looking into potential threats as China increasingly seeks to advance its AI capabilities. David Sacks, the White House’s AI and crypto czar, explained that Chinese firms are using an AI technique called “distillation,” which allows them to extract knowledge from leading US AI models, further raising concerns about intellectual property theft.

OpenAI’s statement underscores the challenges and security risks that arise as AI becomes a critical technology with broad applications, from national defence to economic competitiveness. The company’s efforts to protect its proprietary AI models are part of a broader push by the US to ensure that its technological edge is not compromised by foreign competitors who might attempt to bypass intellectual property protections. The situation highlights the increasing geopolitical tension surrounding AI development, especially as China continues to make significant strides in the field.

South Sudan lifts ban on Facebook and TikTok after violent unrest

South Sudan has lifted a temporary ban on Facebook and TikTok, imposed following the spread of graphic videos allegedly showing the killings of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan. The National Communications Authority confirmed on 27 January that the disturbing content, which had sparked violent protests and retaliatory killings across South Sudan, has been removed from the platforms.

The videos, which documented ethnically targeted attacks in Sudan’s El Gezira state, had led to widespread outrage. Rights groups blamed the Sudanese army and its allies for the violence, while the army denounced the incidents as isolated violations. South Sudanese authorities urged for a balanced approach to addressing online incitement while protecting the public’s rights.

The unrest highlights the volatile relationship between social media and violence in the region. Authorities continue to call for action to address the root causes of such content while promoting accountability and safety.

AI developers gain more flexibility on hugging face

Hugging Face has introduced Inference Providers, a new feature that allows developers to run AI models on third-party cloud services. Partnering with companies like SambaNova, Fal, Replicate, and Together AI, the platform now offers users the flexibility to deploy models on different infrastructures directly from their project pages.

Previously, Hugging Face primarily focused on its in-house AI hosting solutions, but the company is shifting towards a more collaborative approach. By integrating with external serverless providers, developers can now scale their models without managing hardware, making deployment easier and more cost-efficient. Users will pay standard provider rates, and Hugging Face Pro subscribers will receive additional free credits.

Since its founding in 2016, Hugging Face has grown into a leading AI model hub, backed by major investors like Google, Amazon, and Nvidia. With its latest move, the company continues to expand its ecosystem, making AI more accessible for developers worldwide.

OpenAI praises DeepSeek’s affordable AI model

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has called Chinese startup DeepSeek’s R1 model “impressive,” highlighting its ability to deliver advanced AI performance at a fraction of the cost. According to DeepSeek, its R1 model is 20 to 50 times cheaper to use than OpenAI’s own models, offering significant affordability without sacrificing quality.

Chinese AI, DeepSeek gained global recognition last month when it revealed that training its DeepSeek-V3 model required less than $6 million in computing resources, leveraging lower-cost Nvidia H800 chips. In contrast, Altman noted that OpenAI remains committed to prioritising increased computing power, suggesting this as an important factor in achieving AI progress.

The emergence of DeepSeek has disrupted the AI industry, leading to a significant sell-off in tech stocks, including Nvidia, which recorded a historic single-day loss of $593 billion in market value. Analysts say DeepSeek’s cost-efficient approach raises doubts about the necessity of the massive financial investments made by US tech firms in AI development.

As DeepSeek continues to attract attention, the startup’s success underscores a shift in the AI market, with low-cost models challenging traditional notions of progress in AI.

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