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IHS, ALTON, and NCC propose initiatives to protect Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure

IHS Towers, ALTON, and the NCC have proposed a series of strategic initiatives to safeguard Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure, which is increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats, theft, and vandalism. Central to this proposal is developing a robust Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan (CNIIPP) that emphasises collaboration among all relevant stakeholders, including telecom operators, regulatory bodies, and the government.

Key initiatives include establishing a secure, centralised database of all telecom infrastructure managed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). Additionally, mandatory routine surveillance of major telecom installations by security agencies such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the police is crucial for deterring threats.

The proposal also advocates for standardised procedures for responding to incidents and public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the importance of protecting critical national information infrastructure. Regulatory support from the NCC, including establishing a dedicated committee to assist telecom operators, will further reinforce these efforts.

Maintaining secure and resilient telecommunications infrastructure is essential for national security and economic growth. The interconnectedness of modern society relies heavily on a robust telecom sector, which supports critical services, including healthcare, education, and financial systems.

By prioritising infrastructure resilience and emphasising a commitment to security, Nigeria can ensure the continuity of these vital services even in the face of potential threats. This holistic approach protects the telecommunications sector and promotes sustainable economic development across the nation.

MANTA: New subsea cable to boost Latin American connectivity

Liberty Networks, Gold Data, and Sparkle have partnered to develop the MANTA subsea cable system, significantly enhancing connectivity across Latin America, the Caribbean, and the USA. The 5,600 km system will not only be the first international submarine cable in the Gulf of Mexico but will also provide high-capacity, low-latency routes, effectively connecting key data hubs in Mexico City, Bogotá, Panama City, and the USA.

Designed to support a minimum of 20 terabits per fibre pair, MANTA aims to address the region’s growing data demands and improve traffic flow. Furthermore, the cable is expected to be operational by 2027, with the companies planning to announce their technology provider soon.

Consequently, the MANTA project is set to revolutionise digital communication across the region by enhancing the resilience of Latin America’s digital infrastructure. By creating faster and more reliable data pathways, the subsea system will foster innovation and meet the evolving needs of businesses and consumers. The collaboration between Liberty Networks, Gold Data, and Sparkle, therefore, marks a significant step forward in the ongoing digital transformation of the Americas.

Apple resolves App Store glitch affecting downloads

Apple has resolved an issue that temporarily prevented users from downloading apps on iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. The outage, which began at around 11AM ET on Wednesday, caused widespread problems for users attempting to install new apps.

Reports of the issue quickly surfaced on social media, with users in both the United States and Europe affected. When attempting to download apps, the ‘Get’ button would briefly indicate loading before resetting, leaving users unable to complete the installation.

By around 12:30PM ET, the App Store appeared to be functioning normally again, and users could download apps as usual. However, the problem did not affect updates to apps that had already been installed on devices.

Apple has not yet responded to requests for more information regarding the cause of the outage.

Mistral introduces edge AI models for privacy-first applications

Mistral, a French AI startup, has launched its first generative AI models, ‘Les Ministraux,’ designed to run on edge devices like laptops and mobile phones. The models, Ministral 3B and Ministral 8B, offer versatile applications such as on-device translation and autonomous robotics, catering to privacy-focused, low-latency scenarios.

Both models can process 128,000 tokens, roughly the length of a 50-page book. While Ministral 8B is available for research purposes, commercial licences for self-deployment are being offered directly by Mistral. Developers can also access the models through Mistral’s cloud platform, La Platforme.

Smaller AI models are increasingly in demand due to their cost-effectiveness and efficiency. Mistral claims that its Ministral models outperform competitors like Llama and Gemma across several benchmarks, offering strong instruction-following and problem-solving capabilities.

Paris-based Mistral, which has raised $640 million in venture capital, continues to expand its AI portfolio. The company has introduced services such as developer testing and model fine-tuning, positioning itself as a competitor to major players like OpenAI and Anthropic.

US adopts ‘click to cancel’ rule for easier subscription management

The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has introduced a new ‘click to cancel‘ rule, designed to simplify the process of ending subscriptions. The rule mandates that businesses must make it just as easy for consumers to cancel a subscription as it is to sign up for one, and requires customer consent before renewing subscriptions or converting free trials into paid services.

Under the new regulations, businesses will no longer be allowed to force customers to navigate chatbots or agents to cancel subscriptions initiated via an app or website. The rule will take effect in about six months and aims to save consumers time and money by eliminating unnecessary hurdles. For subscriptions made in person, companies must provide an option to cancel by phone or online.

The FTC has previously sued Amazon and Adobe for making it difficult for consumers to cancel subscriptions. Amazon was accused of using misleading website designs to push people into automatic Prime renewals, while Adobe allegedly imposed hidden fees and unclear cancellation terms. Both companies have rejected the claims.

Similar measures have also been adopted in the United Kingdom. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 ensures that businesses must give clear information to customers before they enter into subscription agreements, and make it easier for them to cancel or end contracts.

Kenya strengthens ICT sector through new regulatory framework and ICT Authority Bill 2024

The Kenya Communications Authority (CA) has mandated that all dealers of ICT equipment, including manufacturers, vendors, importers, and service providers, undergo a type approval process before connecting devices to the Public Switched Telecommunication Network (PSTN).

That requirement applies to a wide range of devices, such as smartphones, routers, modems, tablets, vehicle trackers, and other networking equipment, thus ensuring that these products meet national and internationally recognised standards. The directive aims to safeguard consumer health, uphold public interest, secure telecommunications networks within the country and enforce compliance through legal penalties.

Specifically, non-compliance can lead to fines reaching up to Ksh5 million ($38,759) and prison sentences of up to three years for serious infractions, while lesser offences carry penalties of up to Ksh250,000 ($1,937). Furthermore, the CA’s regulations address cybercrime by equipping authorities with the means to detect, prevent, investigate, and prosecute computer-related offences, thereby contributing to a safer digital environment in Kenya.

Additionally, to boost revenue, the Kenyan government plans to block devices imported without proper tax documentation from network activation, specifically targeting phones and other ICT equipment lacking tax records. That move strengthens regulatory control over ICT imports, promoting fair taxation and compliance with local laws.

Moreover, the proposed ICT Authority Bill 2024, introduced in May, will require ICT operators to secure operational licenses, further enhancing the quality, security, and efficiency of ICT services in Kenya. Ultimately, the bill aims to support Kenya’s digital economy and ensure that ICT infrastructure aligns with national development goals.

Panama introduces digital ID and wallet for permanent residents

Panama is embarking on a transformative journey in its digital landscape by establishing Decree 43, which introduces a digital ID for Panamanians and permanent residents to facilitate secure online access to government and private services. The innovative digital ID replicates the information from existing physical identity documents issued by the Electoral Tribunal and provides a modern alternative for verifying identity in digital environments.

Notably, the digital ID will be optional, allowing individuals to choose whether to adopt it, and it will not replace traditional physical identity documents. Furthermore, it will carry the same legal validity as its physical counterpart, ensuring acceptance by all public entities and private companies offering online services.

In addition to the digital ID, the decree also introduces a digital wallet designed to securely store personal documents, such as digital ID, medical history, and resumes. The wallet will be accessible through a mobile application equipped with advanced security measures, including facial and biometric recognition, to protect sensitive information.

The implementation of these initiatives in Panama is set for 10 October 2024, thereby highlighting the government’s commitment to balancing innovation with the rights and preferences of its citizens. Moreover, the digital wallet will allow users to store essential items conveniently in one accessible location.

Why does this matter?

The government aims to enhance the security and convenience of accessing services by providing a streamlined method for managing personal documents. The initiative marks a pivotal moment in Panama’s modernisation of identification processes. By embracing digital solutions, the government promotes a more efficient and user-friendly digital ecosystem for its citizens and sets a precedent for future advancements in digital identity management.

Cyprus and Khazna to forge strategic digital partnership

Cyprus and Khazna have entered into a significant partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy. That agreement aims to enhance Cyprus’s digital infrastructure by focusing on joint data centre projects, thereby positioning Cyprus as a key player in the global digital landscape.

Recognising Cyprus’s geographical advantage as a natural data gateway connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, the collaboration seeks to attract businesses that require reliable, scalable, and secure data platforms. Furthermore, with a robust network of submarine fibre-optic cables and satellite teleports already in place, additional investments are planned to strengthen this infrastructure and meet the growing demands for digital connectivity.

In addition, the partnership aims to integrate advanced technologies such as AI, smart mobility, and space solutions, driving the evolution of Cyprus into a regional tech and innovation hub while fostering a vibrant digital economy for both citizens and businesses. Moreover, the commitment to creating new business and economic opportunities is expected to benefit society and future generations.

By leveraging Khazna’s expertise in hyperscale digital infrastructure, this collaboration will further enhance Cyprus’s position as a growing technology hub in the region. Ultimately, this partnership signifies a strategic commitment to digital transformation and reflects a shared vision of a digitally advanced Cyprus poised for future innovation and growth.

Telecom leaders urge policy reforms for India’s digital future

Telecom leaders emphasised the urgent need for policy reforms to secure India’s digital future at the India Mobile Congress. They highlighted critical issues such as data localisation, AI adoption, and the expansion of satellite services, thereby calling for immediate action to address these challenges.

Specifically, the chairman of Reliance Jio urged the government to expedite updates to the data centre policy to ensure that essential data remains within India. Moreover, he advocated for incentives for local companies to establish AI and machine learning data centres.

In addition to these points, the transformative potential of AI across sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and education was recognised, with leaders stressing the importance of rapid adoption to drive productivity and innovation. Furthermore, the chairman of Bharti Airtel underscored the necessity of expanding satellite services to bridge the digital divide, particularly in remote areas. He called for funding through the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) to support this expansion.

In light of these discussions, the leaders also addressed the need for direct spectrum allocation methods for satellite broadband services under the new Indian telecom law, enhancing connectivity for urban and rural consumers.

Additionally, they emphasised the importance of securing investments to strengthen the industry’s competitiveness. For instance, the chairman of Vodafone Idea noted the company’s recent ₹18,000 crore fundraising aimed at enhancing service offerings through substantial agreements with network suppliers.

Lastly, the growing relevance of combating digital threats such as spam, fraud, and phishing scams was underscored. In this context, they advocated for collaboration with the government and regulatory bodies to implement innovative solutions and promote public awareness campaigns. These campaigns would educate users on identifying and avoiding scams, ultimately fostering a safer digital environment.

Unily launches Insight Center to streamline AI integration

Unily has introduced its new ‘Insight Center’, a platform designed to help large enterprises integrate and manage digital assistants and language models. The solution provides a central access point for multiple AI tools, streamlining their use across business functions like HR and customer service. It also ensures efficient governance and prioritises simplicity in its user experience.

At its annual event, Unite 24, Unily also announced the launch of ‘Unily Go’, a mobile app focused on improving engagement and communication for frontline workers. The app helps connect employees who don’t have access to desktop computers, offering secure messaging and personalised features to keep teams connected.

By partnering with industry leaders such as Microsoft and Workgrid, Unily ensures its platform offers a comprehensive and secure way for organisations to interact with the digital assistants of their choice. Unily Go, in particular, addresses the need for better communication tools for mobile workers in sectors like retail and manufacturing.

Both the Insight Center and Unily Go will become part of the Unily employee experience platform in 2025. The company plans to offer these features with white-labelling options so businesses can align the tools with their corporate branding.