Ericsson and e& UAE have collaborated to advance the development of 6G technology through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking an early initiative to shape the future of mobile networks. By engaging in technical discussions and exploring key 6G concepts, both companies aim to lay a strong foundation for next-generation connectivity.
That partnership aligns with a shared vision of digital transformation and reinforces their commitment to positioning the UAE as a leader in telecommunications innovation. Furthermore, e& UAE is advancing its 5G capabilities, recently achieving a record-breaking 5G speed of 62 Gbps by aggregating multiple frequency bands with advanced MU-MIMO algorithms.
Additionally, they showcased Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable Throughput (L4S) technology at GITEX Global 2024, significantly enhancing the 5G Standalone network’s latency for critical applications in industrial automation, cloud gaming, and extended reality (XR). These efforts highlight their leadership in 5G and set a foundation for the shift to 6G, supporting the high demands of ultra-reliable, low-latency applications.
At the same time, that collaboration underscores e& UAE’s vision to lead the nation’s digital future and establishes a benchmark for regional advancement in telecommunications. By combining Ericsson’s global expertise with e& UAE’s commitment to innovation, the companies are strategically preparing to transition from 5G to 6G, ensuring that the region remains at the forefront of mobile network evolution.
Zain KSA is expanding its 5G Standalone (5G SA) services across Saudi Arabia by acquiring the 600 MHz spectrum. That acquisition will enhance coverage, capacity, and service quality in urban areas, remote regions, and highways, thereby ensuring improved connectivity for consumers and businesses.
Moreover, the spectrum supports deploying advanced technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart city solutions, essential for the country’s digital transformation. As a result, this move aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for innovation and a smart economy. By accelerating the adoption of Industry 4.0, Zain KSA’s investment will contribute to the growth of the digital economy by enhancing its 5G infrastructure.
In addition to expanding consumer services, Zain KSA’s acquisition of the 600 MHz spectrum further strengthens its enterprise solutions portfolio. Specifically, the new spectrum empowers businesses to implement advanced communication solutions, thus fostering the development of private and enterprise networks.
The investment prioritises user experience, as the enhanced spectrum improves indoor coverage, ensuring better service quality in residential and commercial spaces. Therefore, by enhancing service reach and reliability, Zain KSA continues prioritising customer satisfaction while contributing to the Kingdom’s ambitious digital and economic goals.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office has criticised a recent US decision to halt Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) from shipping advanced chips to certain Chinese customers. The office’s spokeswoman, Zhu Fenglian, stated that the US is ‘playing the Taiwan card’ to heighten tensions in the Taiwan Straits and that the move negatively impacts Taiwanese businesses. This statement follows reports that TSMC stopped these shipments on Monday after an order from US authorities.
The restricted chips, widely used in AI technology, are part of ongoing US efforts to tighten export controls amid rising bipartisan concerns over Chinese access to advanced tech. The restrictions follow a recent notification by TSMC to the US Commerce Department, revealing that one of its chips was used in a Huawei AI processor. Huawei, a central figure in US-China tech tensions, has been under trade restrictions, requiring suppliers to secure licenses for any technology exports.
The European Union has issued a directive for Apple to cease geo-blocking content on several of its platforms, including the App Store, Apple Arcade, Music, iTunes Store, Books, and Podcasts. Geo-blocking, the practice of limiting access to content based on a user’s location, is considered discriminatory by the EU, as it creates barriers for consumers depending on where they live or are based. The European Commission has expressed its concerns, warning that if Apple does not address these issues within the next month, national regulators across EU member states could step in with enforcement actions.
European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager underscored the EU’s commitment to ensuring fair access to digital services, stating that no company, regardless of its size, should be allowed to unfairly limit customers’ access to services based on nationality, place of residence, or other factors unrelated to the services provided. Apple now has one month to submit a detailed plan that addresses these concerns and outlines how the company will eliminate geo-blocking practices from its platforms. Failure to meet this deadline could result in penalties or legal consequences as the EU continues to prioritise consumer rights and digital market fairness across Europe.
Revolut has expanded its crypto exchange, Revolut X, to an additional 30 European countries, making advanced trading tools and analytics accessible to more users. The platform, originally launched in May, offers competitive flat fees of 0.00% for makers and 0.09% for takers, appealing to both retail and professional traders.
With features like real-time market data, TradingView charts, and dashboards highlighting top-performing tokens, Revolut X supports informed decision-making. For retail users, the app includes the Crypto Learn tool, which aims to boost understanding of the crypto market. Most funds are stored securely in cold storage, with 24/7 support via encrypted chat.
In August, Revolut partnered with Ledger to enable direct crypto purchases through its app, further integrating users into the digital asset ecosystem. As the fintech giant continues to grow its presence, it is also planning to launch a stablecoin to compete with leading players in the industry.
AI-powered search engine Perplexity has started testing advertisements in the US, marking its first foray into ad-based monetisation. These ads appear as ‘sponsored follow-up questions,’ offering suggestions like ‘How can I use LinkedIn to enhance my job search?’ They are labelled and displayed alongside AI-generated answers without altering the platform’s objectivity or user privacy.
The company views advertising as essential for sustainable revenue growth, complementing its premium subscription service. Perplexity is partnering with brands like Indeed and Whole Foods, emphasising its ability to connect advertisers with high-income, educated audiences. However, critics have raised concerns about the platform’s reach and allegations of plagiarism, including lawsuits from major publishers like Dow Jones and The New York Times.
With pressure to diversify income streams, Perplexity is exploring ad formats as it approaches a potential $9B valuation. It remains committed to refining its tools and addressing industry concerns while adapting its platform for broader monetisation.
South Korea’s ruling party has proposed a new chips act designed to offer subsidies to chipmakers and provide an exemption from the national cap on working hours. The legislation comes as the country faces increased competition from rivals in China, Taiwan, and other nations, along with potential risks from measures threatened by incoming United States President Donald Trump. The semiconductor sector is crucial for South Korea‘s economy, accounting for 16% of total exports last year.
President Yoon Suk Yeol recently warned of challenges posed by Trump’s threat of steep tariffs on Chinese imports, which could lead Chinese rivals to cut export prices and impact South Korean chip firms abroad. The bill, which requires approval from the main opposition party, also includes provisions allowing extended working hours for some research and development employees. However, Samsung’s labour union has opposed this, arguing that the company is deflecting blame for its financial struggles.
Samsung has apologised for disappointing profits as it lags behind competitors like TSMC and SK Hynix in the AI chip market. Global competition has intensified as countries like China, Japan, and the United States have been subsidising their chip manufacturers. In a recent statement, lawmaker Lee Chul-gyu stressed that the proposed act would help South Korean companies remain competitive amid the ongoing semiconductor trade tensions between the United States and China.
Sales of AI-capable PCs surged to 13.3 million units in Q3 2024, making up 20 per cent of total PC shipments, according to Canalys. Defined by features like dedicated AI chipsets, these devices gained traction as more users explore on-device AI functions. Windows PCs led this segment, with a 53 per cent market share, marking the first time Windows devices dominated AI-capable PC shipments.
The expansion of Windows 11 and processor advancements are expected to fuel further adoption, although challenges remain. Convincing consumers to invest in AI-enabled PCs is essential as applications for on-device AI evolve. Canalys noted the introduction of Snapdragon X-series chips, AMD’s Ryzen AI products, and Intel’s Lunar Lake processors, all aligning with this trend.
However, support for Microsoft’s AI-driven Copilot+ on x86 chipsets is awaited. Although new devices show promise, many channel partners remain cautious. A recent survey indicated 31 per cent of partners are not planning to offer Copilot+ PCs in 2025, with another 34 per cent forecasting minimal sales of these premium models.
With Windows 10 nearing end-of-support, upcoming quarters present a pivotal moment to encourage upgrades. Moving users to AI-enabled PCs could modernise an ageing PC base, opening new pathways for AI use on personal devices.
A Chinese dual citizen, Daren Li, has pleaded guilty to laundering $73 million stolen through cryptocurrency scams. The schemes, active from August 2021 to April 2024, included fraudulent practices such as “pig butchering.” Li admitted using shell companies and US-based bank accounts to disguise and transfer the stolen funds.
Prosecutors revealed that millions were converted into Tether (USDT) and distributed to wallets controlled by Li and his co-conspirators. One of the wallets linked to the scheme reportedly held over $341 million in digital assets. Li’s arrest occurred in April 2024 at Atlanta airport, while his alleged accomplice, Yicheng Zhang, was arrested in May.
Li now faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $500,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Prosecutors also indicated he may need to pay restitution of up to $73 million to the victims. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 2025.
Italy’s government is reconsidering its proposed tax increase on cryptocurrency trades, opting to lower the planned rate from 42% to 28%. This adjustment follows concerns from industry leaders who warned that the steep tax could damage the country’s competitiveness in the growing digital asset sector.
Currently, Italy taxes crypto transactions at 26%, but the government had originally proposed the higher rate to bolster public finances. To strike a balance, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s coalition is supporting amendments, including a 28% cap suggested by the League party. Meanwhile, Forza Italia has proposed exempting gains under €2,000 to encourage wider participation in cryptocurrency.
The revised approach could strengthen Italy’s position in the digital asset market, particularly as the European Union prepares to implement the Markets in Crypto-Assets framework later this year. By adjusting its tax policy, Italy seeks to foster industry growth while maintaining a competitive edge.
