The Dutch government announced on Friday that it will expand export licensing requirements for some of ASML’s semiconductor tools, bringing regulatory control back from the United States. The move aligns Dutch policy with the US and eases tensions between the two governments.
The licensing change comes amid ongoing efforts to restrict China‘s access to advanced technology. ASML, the Dutch company that produces the specialised lithography machines, does not anticipate that the policy shift will affect its earnings.
Dutch Trade Minister Reinette Klever emphasised the decision was made for national safety reasons, citing increased technological risks. ASML’s mid-range tools, such as the 1970i and 1980i DUV immersion lithography machines, are the focus of the new rules.
While the Netherlands has historically banned the export of ASML’s most advanced machines to China under the United States‘ pressure, recent US actions added further restrictions on ASML’s mid-range tools. Dutch lawmakers had expressed concerns about their country’s sovereignty under U.S.-driven policies.
Japan and Australia have recently strengthened their collaboration to enhance economic security for Pacific Island nations, responding to China’s growing influence in the region. The initiative was formalised during a ‘two-plus-two’ meeting of foreign and defence ministers, where both countries committed to establishing the Japan-Australia Pacific Digital Development Initiative.
That framework aims to support the development of telecommunications infrastructure, including installing submarine cables, which are crucial for secure communication. By investing in these projects, Japan and Australia aim to reduce the reliance of Pacific Island nations on Chinese technology, which poses potential security risks due to vulnerabilities in data extraction and disruption.
Additionally, Japan and Australia are upgrading their Economic Security Dialogue and enhancing military collaboration as part of their broader security initiative. The Economic Security Dialogue will explore practical cooperation against economic coercion from China, focusing on enhancing the financial resilience of Pacific Island nations. The two countries are also dispatching a liaison officer from Japan’s Self-Defense Forces to Australia’s Joint Operations Command to improve operational coordination and strengthen their collective defence posture.
Furthermore, both nations have reaffirmed their strong opposition to unilateral attempts to alter the status quo in the East and South China Seas, emphasising their commitment to regional stability and international law.
u-blox and Wireless Logic Ltd has announced a strategic partnership to enhance IoT devices’ capabilities by integrating Wireless Logic’s IoT network, Conexa, with u-blox’s advanced cellular modules. The collaboration is designed to provide seamless, robust, and scalable connectivity solutions, addressing the increasing demand for reliable IoT deployments across various sectors, including automotive, industrial, healthcare, and smart cities. By combining their expertise, both companies aim to empower businesses and developers to manage their IoT solutions effectively.
u-blox and Wireless Logic Ltd will enhance IoT connectivity by integrating Wireless Logic’s industry-leading network into select u-blox cellular modules. This integration will offer customers superior network reliability, extensive global coverage, and the flexibility to switch between multiple mobile networks using eSIM technology. This eliminates the need for physical SIM card changes, making deployments more efficient and adaptable to changing requirements.
u-blox and Wireless Logic Ltd are committed to providing unparalleled scalability and flexibility in their combined offerings. The partnership will enable businesses to deploy IoT solutions at scale more efficiently. At the same time, Wireless Logic’s intuitive platform will allow users to manage and monitor their connectivity, providing greater control and visibility over their IoT deployments.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has taken a significant step towards enhancing internet accessibility by forming a committee dedicated to developing guidelines for satellite internet services. This move aims to facilitate the entry of major players like Elon Musk’s Starlink and other competitors into the Bangladeshi market. The committee will focus on crafting regulations for non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) systems, known for their dynamic orbiting patterns and potential to improve connectivity, especially in remote and underserved regions.
The decision to form this committee reflects the BTRC’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to bridge digital divides across Bangladesh. In December 2023, the government had already signalled its intention to grant a license to Starlink, emphasising the goal of democratising internet access and ensuring that connectivity reaches even the country’s most isolated areas. That initiative is seen as a proactive approach to address the urgent need for alternative internet solutions, especially in light of recent disruptions in existing connectivity infrastructure.
Despite its potential, satellite internet faces challenges in Bangladesh due to high costs. Starlink’s hardware can reach $599, with monthly fees of around $120, compared to local ISPs offering broadband for about $5. This price gap may hinder widespread adoption.
The White House met with major tech companies and civil society activists on Thursday to address the need for increased digital bandwidth for government-funded tools that help bypass internet censorship. Companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Cloudflare were encouraged to provide discounted or subsidised server bandwidth for virtual private networks (VPNs) supported by the US-backed Open Technology Fund (OTF).
The OTF has seen a dramatic increase in VPN usage due to rising internet censorship in countries like Russia, Iran, and Myanmar. The number of VPN users has surged from around nine million monthly to over 46 million, driven by heightened demand for privacy and access to uncensored information. Despite receiving additional funding from the US State Department, the OTF struggles to keep up with the increased demand due to high hosting costs.
The meeting aimed to address these challenges by persuading tech giants to help manage the growing need for VPN infrastructure. The OTF’s president, Laura Cunningham, highlighted the urgent need for support to sustain the surge in VPN usage and continue providing critical services to users in restrictive environments.
China Mobile International (CMI) has officially activated the Pakistan & East Africa Connecting Europe (PEACE) submarine cable, a groundbreaking project that spans 15,000 kilometres, linking Singapore to France and extending its reach to Malaysia and various European countries. This cable is designed to deliver fast, open, and flexible connectivity between Asia and Europe, addressing the growing demand for reliable international data transmission.
China Mobile’s commitment to collaboration is evident in constructing the PEACE cable, which involved 11 partners. This open cable solution aims to provide neutral and flexible interconnection services to carriers, over-the-top (OTT) service providers, and enterprises worldwide. By leveraging the New Egypt Crossing, CMI utilises a network of fully diversified terrestrial cables across Egypt, moving away from traditional routes. This innovative approach enhances bandwidth services, ensuring high quality, low latency, and robust security for data transmission between continents.
China Mobile has enhanced its network by integrating the PEACE cable with existing submarine cables like AAE-1 and SMW5, creating three key routes between Asia and Europe. This integration meets growing bandwidth demands and allows for customisable solutions through CMI’s fibre optic ring systems in the region. The activation of the PEACE cable marks a significant milestone for China Mobile, providing over 150 terabits per second of bandwidth and connecting 78 countries.
The government of Mauritius has launched an innovative initiative to provide free mobile internet services to citizens aged 18 to 25, with the primary goal of empowering the younger generation. Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth articulated that this program aims to equip youth with essential digital tools, information, and educational resources necessary for thriving in an increasingly digital world.
By facilitating access to online platforms, the initiative seeks to enhance employment opportunities in the IT sector and support around 100,000 young individuals in their pursuit of personal and professional growth. To participate, eligible youth must register through the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) website and submit their national identity card and mobile phone numbers. Once approved, they will receive a generous, renewable monthly package of 200GB from one of the three mobile operators in the country: My.t Mobile, Emtel, or Chili Mauritius.
These mobile packages provide substantial data allowances, including access to 4G and 5G connectivity and 350 Wi-Fi hotspots across the island. While the initiative has garnered enthusiasm among the youth, it has also sparked lively discussions on social media, with some questioning whether it serves as a strategic move to encourage young people to register their SIM cards. Concerns have been raised regarding the program’s implementation and whether it is an attempt to sway first-time voters ahead of upcoming elections.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has approved a regional mobile network and spectrum-sharing agreement between Optus Mobile and TPG Telecom Limited. Under the agreement, Optus will utilise specific TPG spectrum to provide mobile services in defined regional areas of Australia. At the same time, TPG will decommission most of its sites in the coverage area and transfer some to Optus.
The agreement involves three interrelated contracts: a Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) Services Agreement, a Spectrum Authorisation Agreement, and a Site Transfer Agreement. The MOCN Services Agreement is for an initial term of 11 years, with an option for TPG to extend it by five years. The agreements will allow TPG to improve its coverage in regional areas, likely enhancing its competitive position and providing more choices for regional consumers.
The ACCC found that the proposed agreements are unlikely to lessen competition in the mobile services market substantially. The Commission noted that TPG currently has significantly less infrastructure and coverage in regional areas compared to Telstra and, to a lesser extent, Optus. The agreements are also anticipated to support Optus’ regional 5G rollout, particularly through access to TPG’s spectrum, thereby benefiting consumers in those areas.
Ericsson, Nokia, and Vodafone have united in a call to action for European policymakers to enhance digital competitiveness through advanced connectivity and digitalisation. They argue that achieving a true Digital Single Market is essential for fostering innovation and ensuring Europe can compete globally. The following initiative emphasises the need for coherent implementation of existing regulations and the avoidance of unnecessary regulatory burdens that could hinder the rapid deployment of digital infrastructure.
Ericsson, Nokia, and Vodafone highlight the importance of incentivising investment in advanced connectivity solutions, such as 5G and future 6G technologies. They stress that a modernised regulatory framework is crucial for maintaining healthy telecom operators capable of making substantial investments in infrastructure. This includes advocating for longer spectrum licenses and harmonised rules across the EU member states, facilitating a more robust telecommunications landscape.
Ericsson, Nokia, and Vodafone also propose that policymakers differentiate between business-to-business (B2B) and consumer-facing technologies when crafting regulations. Tailoring regulations to these sectors’ specific needs and operational structures will help create a more level playing field and address market failures effectively. This distinction is vital for fostering an environment where trusted companies can thrive and innovate.
Ericsson, Nokia, and Vodafone highlight the need for Europe to prepare for emerging technologies like quantum computing and AI. They advocate for policies encouraging experimentation and attracting private investment, ensuring Europe can leverage these advancements while addressing security challenges.
The Indian government maintains strict restrictions on Chinese telecom equipment manufacturers like ZTE and Huawei, citing security concerns. Despite ZTE’s recent proposal to partner with Celkon Resolute to manufacture routers in Andhra Pradesh, the government’s stance remains unchanged. This is due to the National Security Directive, which prohibits using equipment from ‘non-trusted sources’ in India’s telecom networks, effectively barring these companies from participating in the 5G rollout and limiting their involvement in existing networks.
The ‘trusted sources’ policy enforced by the National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC) is central to the issue. ZTE and Huawei still need to meet the stringent compliance requirements, which include detailed disclosures about their operations and products. As a result, they remain excluded from India’s telecom projects. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has also asked operators to assess and report the use of non-trusted equipment in their networks, further limiting these companies’ prospects.
Although ZTE can manufacture consumer Wi-Fi equipment in India, these products can only be used in telecom networks with NCSC approval. The ZTE-Celkon partnership has stalled due to a lack of progress and clarity from the government. Despite some recent relaxations for Chinese companies in other sectors, the telecom equipment industry remains tightly regulated, with little chance of relief for ZTE and Huawei amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and cybersecurity concerns.
