The EU aims to make Europe the most connected region by 2030 as part of its Digital Decade framework. The project focuses on enhancing connectivity, digital skills, and public services to ensure all citizens benefit from the digital transition.
A central element of this strategy is the WiFi4EU initiative, which provides free Wi-Fi access in public spaces like parks and libraries. With over 90,000 access points established, this initiative has improved internet access, especially in remote areas such as Patmos, Greece, and Guadeloupe, enhancing connectivity for residents and visitors alike.
To achieve its connectivity goals, the EU has set targets for high-speed internet access for all households by 2025 and gigabit connectivity by 2030. The deployment of advanced fibre and 5G networks is crucial for fostering economic growth and innovation, supported by the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF Digital), which funds strategic infrastructure projects.
Moreover, the EU’s initiatives promote digital inclusion by empowering citizens and businesses. The initiatives include developing digital skills and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adopting digital technologies. Together, these efforts aim to create a digitally resilient society, driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for all European citizens.
Huawei and Vodacom Tanzania have launched the DigiTruck initiative, a groundbreaking program to enhance digital education and skills across Tanzania. The initiative aligns with the Tanzanian government’s vision of promoting innovation, inclusion, and sustainable development through digital technologies. DigiTruck seeks to empower individuals with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world by focusing on underserved populations, particularly youth and women.
The DigiTruck program is designed to provide digital skills training and education, with plans to cover ten regions in its first year. By the end of the second year, the initiative aims to reach all areas of Tanzania, benefiting thousands of individuals. A vital feature of this initiative is its emphasis on inclusion, as the DigiTruck will serve as a mobile classroom equipped with innovative ICT solutions. The setup will make quality education more accessible, especially for those in remote areas.
The DigiTruck initiative is supported by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 15 February 2024 between Huawei and Vodacom Tanzania. This agreement outlines plans for collaboration in corporate social responsibility, startup acceleration, and digital skills development.
Huawei’s global experience with DigiTruck initiatives in 18 other countries, impacting over 93,000 people, underscores the program’s potential to transform lives through digital education.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recently unveiled a draft Telecommunication Tariff (70th Amendment) Order, 2024, aimed at enhancing public Wi-Fi accessibility through the PM-WANI (Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) scheme. The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen India’s digital communication infrastructure. The National Digital Communications Policy 2018 had set an ambitious target of deploying 10 million public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2022. This goal was further reinforced by the Bharat 6G Vision, which aspires to expand this network to 50 million hotspots by 2030. However, the current number of PM-WANI hotspots still needs to catch up to these targets, highlighting the need for regulatory intervention to stimulate growth in this sector.
A major barrier to the expansion of the PM-WANI scheme is the high cost of backhaul internet connectivity imposed by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) on Public Data Offices (PDOs). The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has noted that these costs hinder public Wi-Fi access, as TSPs often require PDOs to use expensive Internet Leased Lines (ILL) instead of more affordable Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections. This practice raises operational costs for PDOs and limits the growth of public Wi-Fi infrastructure.
To address these challenges, TRAI proposes aligning tariffs for PM-WANI services with those for retail broadband (FTTH) connections. This change aims to reduce financial burdens on PDOs and encourage their participation in the scheme, thereby facilitating the establishment of a wider network of public Wi-Fi hotspots.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has recently emphasised the need for stricter regulation of cyberspace, underscoring the country’s commitment to maintaining stringent internet controls. His remarks, made during a meeting with President Masoud Pezeshkian and his cabinet, highlighted the importance of establishing legal frameworks to govern digital spaces. Khamenei cited the recent arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France as an example of the necessity for legal oversight, pointing out that even in liberal nations, individuals face legal consequences, reinforcing his argument for a regulated digital environment.
Khamenei’s call reflects Iran’s longstanding approach to internet governance, characterised by some of the most restrictive policies globally. The country frequently blocks access to major social media platforms. Still, many Iranians utilise VPNs to circumvent these controls, highlighting the ongoing struggle between regulation and access in Iran’s digital landscape. The economic implications of these restrictions were discussed during presidential debates, with Pezeshkian criticising the adverse effects on small businesses relying on social media.
Khamenei’s advocacy underscores a broader tension between security and freedom in cyberspace. While his remarks address potential threats, they highlight ongoing debates about balancing security measures with individual freedoms in the digital age. As Iran navigates its approach to internet governance, the international community remains vigilant regarding the implications for global digital policy and human rights.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has issued new guidance on using Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) funds for alternative technologies, such as unlicensed fixed wireless access (uFWA) and low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite services, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. The guidance is open for public comment until 10 September 2024 and emphasises that while fibre remains the ‘gold standard,’ alternative technologies can help bridge the digital divide when reliable options like coaxial cable or licensed fixed wireless are too expensive or unavailable.
The document specifies that BEAD funds cannot be allocated to areas already served by uFWA or LEO services that meet the program’s speed and latency requirements, preventing unnecessary overbuilding. Eligible entities must include one-time installation costs and customer premises equipment in their funding proposals to alleviate consumer financial barriers. Additionally, LEO satellite services are permitted under specific conditions, distinguishing them from ineligible geostationary satellite services.
The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) has welcomed this clarification, viewing it as a positive step toward flexibility in the BEAD program and addressing concerns about overbuilding in areas already served.
A recently published report by the University of Sheffield and its research partners proposes implementing a ‘digital vaccination’ for children to combat misinformation and bridge the digital divide. The report sets out recommendations for digital upskilling and innovative approaches to address the digital divide that hampers the opportunities of millions of children in the UK.
The authors warn that there could be severe economic and educational consequences without addressing these issues, highlighting that over 40% of UK children lack access to broadband or a device, and digital skills shortages cost £65 billion annually.
The report calls for adopting the Minimum Digital Living Standards framework to ensure every household has the digital infrastructure. It also stresses the need for improved school digital literacy education, teacher training, and new government guidance to mitigate online risks, including fake news.
Iran has officially banned virtual private networks (VPNs) as part of a broader effort to tighten control over internet access. The directive, issued by the Supreme Council of Cyberspace and endorsed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prohibits using VPNs unless authorised by authorities. The regulation is particularly alarming for many Iranians, who have relied on VPNs to bypass extensive internet censorship and access blocked content, including popular social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and streaming services such as YouTube and Netflix.
The motivations behind the crackdown are complex, with reports suggesting that some officials may profit from the VPN trade, indicating that the ban may eliminate competition rather than solely address national security concerns. Furthermore, the need for more clarity regarding enforcement leaves citizens uncertain about potential consequences for violations.
Public reaction has mainly been adverse, as the ban criminalises the actions of many citizens. Critics argue that it reflects a deep-seated fear of mobilisation among the populace when granted unrestricted access to information. This sentiment has garnered international attention, with the United States condemning the ban and reaffirming its commitment to supporting internet freedom in Iran.
Overall, the VPN ban is part of a broader trend of digital repression in Iran, especially following the protests after Mahsa Amini died in 2022. As the government tightens its control, tensions between state authority and citizens’ rights to access information pose significant challenges to digital rights in the country.
The US Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has updated its draft guidelines on digital identity, aiming to enhance security and accessibility when accessing government services. The revisions, reflecting feedback received throughout 2023, emphasise the importance of modern digital methods, such as digital credentials on smartphones and traditional identity verification.
Jason Miller, deputy director for management at the Office of Management and Budget, highlighted that the updated guidelines are part of the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to strengthen anti-fraud measures while ensuring equitable access to services. NIST Director Laurie E. Locascio added that the guidelines aim to manage risks and prevent fraud, making digital services accessible.
One key update area involves expanding guidance on emerging technologies like passkeys and digital wallets, which allow for more secure online transactions and identity verification. NIST also included provisions for those who prefer or need to use traditional identification methods, ensuring that services remain accessible to everyone.
NIST is seeking public comments on these updated guidelines until 7 October 2024, with a webinar scheduled for 28 August to discuss the changes further. These guidelines, once finalised, are expected to equip federal agencies better to counter evolving threats while providing critical services to the public.
Visitors to the Great Wall of China can now enjoy the convenience of having food and drinks delivered by drones. Chinese delivery company Meituan has launched the first drone service in Beijing, designed to serve tourists exploring a remote section of the Great Wall. The drones, which can carry up to 2.3 kilograms, cover the distance from a nearby hotel rooftop to a watchtower in just five minutes, significantly faster than the 50 minutes it would take on foot.
The service operates between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with a nominal delivery fee of just 4 yuan. After completing deliveries, drones also assist in carrying waste to recycling stations. While the drones are autonomous, they still require human assistance to load packages at the hotel and receive them at the watchtower, where app users collect their orders.
Meituan’s expansion into drone delivery is part of a broader trend across China, where drones are increasingly used for logistics in both urban and rural areas. The company first tested drone deliveries in Shenzhen in 2021 and now operates over 30 routes across multiple cities, including Shanghai. These drones navigate urban spaces by following set paths and delivering packages to designated kiosks.
The rise in drone delivery services aligns with the Chinese government’s push to develop the ‘low-altitude economy,’ a new growth sector focusing on businesses that utilise civil aerial vehicles. This initiative is seen as a key driver for the country’s economic future, reflecting the growing importance of innovative technology in everyday life.
Nokia and TIM Brasil have officially announced a strategic partnership to significantly expand 5G coverage across Brazil, with implementation set to begin in January 2025. This collaboration will enhance TIM’s 5G radio access network (RAN) in 15 Brazilian states, making advanced connectivity available to a larger portion of the population.
Under this agreement, Nokia will supply TIM with state-of-the-art equipment from its AirScale portfolio, including baseband units, Massive MIMO radios, and Remote Radio Head products. These technologies utilise Nokia’s ReefShark System-on-Chip technology, known for its energy efficiency and improved network capacity. Additionally, TIM will implement Nokia’s MantaRay Networks Management system, featuring AI capabilities for better monitoring and management of the network. Nokia will also provide digital deployment, optimisation, and technical support services to ensure a smooth transition and operation of the upgraded network.
The partnership aims to broaden 5G access for consumers and empower Brazilian enterprises to digitise their operations effectively. With a strong emphasis on IoT solutions, this initiative aligns with TIM’s growth strategy, positioning the company to capitalise on emerging opportunities in the digital landscape.
Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, while TIM’s CTO, Marco Di Costanzo, highlighted its significance in reinforcing TIM’s leadership in the 5G market in Brazil.
