Hyundai has dissolved its Semiconductor Strategy Office, signalling a strategic shift in its in-house chip ambitions. Established in 2022, the office was a key part of the company’s plans for autonomous vehicle technology but has now been integrated into other divisions, including the Advanced Vehicle Platform and procurement departments. Vice President Jae-Seok Chae, who led the office, also stepped down as part of the reorganisation.
The move reflects Hyundai’s effort to streamline operations and enhance synergy, though it marks a significant challenge for its plans to develop in-house autonomous driving chips. The company has relied heavily on Mobileye’s ADAS chips while facing competition from industry leaders such as Tesla, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm.
Reports suggest Hyundai is reassessing its semiconductor projects, with one major autonomous driving chip programme under review. Alternatives could include collaborating with AI firm Tenstorrent or outsourcing chip production to Samsung, potentially using the tech giant’s 5-nm-based SF5A process.
Hyundai’s reshuffle highlights the growing pressure on automakers to innovate in the autonomous vehicle market while managing cost and resource challenges. Future developments may determine whether the company continues in-house efforts or pivots entirely to external partnerships.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced new rules requiring mobile service providers to offer separate recharge plans for voice calls and SMS for customers who do not use data. This change specifically caters to users, such as senior citizens or families with home broadband, who do not require mobile data.
Alongside this, TRAI has extended the validity of special recharge coupons from a maximum of 90 days to up to 365 days, providing consumers with more flexibility in managing their recharges. Telecom operators can now issue recharge vouchers in any denomination of their choice, though they must still offer at least one ₹10 voucher.
The rule removing the restriction on multiples of ₹10 for top-up vouchers aims to give consumers more convenient options for recharging their phones. Despite these changes, TRAI has ensured that the new rules will not reverse the government’s push for data inclusion.
Also, the mandate for separate voice and SMS plans will not affect the availability of data-only or bundled plans, allowing telecom providers in India to continue offering diverse options supporting all users’ data access.
India is taking significant steps to build a home-grown Earth observation satellite network, reducing dependence on foreign data for critical sectors like defence and infrastructure. Thirty Indian companies, forming nine consortiums, have expressed interest in the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre’s (IN-SPACe) initiative.
The project, part of a larger strategy to monetise the space sector, aims to bolster the country’s $45 billion small satellite and data services market, projected to thrive by 2030. Major participants include startups Pixxel and SatSure, alongside Tata Advanced Systems. Technical evaluations are set to conclude by January, followed by the selection of a winning bidder.
Applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements, including substantial investment in space activities and establishing operational capabilities within India. The government plans to offer loans of up to 3.5 billion rupees, with private entities covering remaining costs.
India’s broader space programme features plans for crewed missions and interplanetary exploration. However, the immediate focus remains on expanding private sector involvement, supported by a 10-billion-rupee venture fund for startups. By fostering domestic innovation, the nation aims to secure its data sovereignty and commercial space leadership.
Sparkle and Fincantieri have formed a strategic partnership to protect submarine telecommunications cables, which are crucial for global connectivity and national security. The collaboration aims to develop innovative technological solutions for securing subsea infrastructure, ensuring its resilience in the face of emerging threats.
By combining Fincantieri’s expertise in underwater technology and shipbuilding with Sparkle’s vast fibre-optic network, the two companies plan to enhance the operational security of these vital systems. Sparkle, with over 600,000 km of fibre-optic cables across multiple continents, has long prioritised the protection of submarine cables through advanced monitoring and security measures.
That partnership is part of broader strategy of Italy to boost technological development and international competitiveness, focusing on safeguarding critical infrastructures fundamental to digital connectivity and economic growth. The collaboration also strengthens Italy’s leadership in digital innovation, with Fincantieri focusing on submarine infrastructure protection and Sparkle enhancing resilience in partnership with the Italian Navy and Polo Nazionale della dimensione Subacquea.
Stc Bahrain has partnered with Huawei to launch the fourth edition of its successful Technical Capacity Program, aligning with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 to foster digital innovation and talent development. The program aims to advance Bahrain’s digital economy by providing extensive training in critical ICT sectors, including networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, AI, and emerging technologies.
Participants will gain hands-on experience through technology showcases, engaging with the latest industry advancements and best practices. This year, the program will expand across stc Bahrain’s entire technology divisions, including Digital, Business, Wholesale, Consumer, and Customer Experience, reflecting the company’s commitment to empowering its workforce and driving the country’s digital transformation.
The initiative plays a key role in stc Bahrain’s broader digital transformation strategy by equipping employees with the skills necessary to innovate and lead in the telecommunications sector. The program is vital for nurturing a culture of continuous learning and talent development.
Through this collaboration, stc Bahrain is contributing to developing a highly skilled ICT workforce in Bahrain and supporting the kingdom’s goal of achieving sustainable economic growth and leadership in the digital space.
One NZ has become the first telecommunications company globally to offer a nationwide satellite text messaging service, thanks to a partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink. This service enables customers with eligible phones and plans to send and receive text messages in areas beyond traditional cell tower coverage, provided they have a clear line of sight to the sky.
Initially, the service supports four specific phone models, with plans to expand compatibility to more devices next year. During the rollout phase, text message delivery times are expected to be within three minutes, though some may take up to ten minutes or longer. The service is available at no extra cost to existing customers on paid monthly plans, with future enhancements potentially including voice calling and data services.
This initiative follows successful tests of Starlink’s satellite text service during hurricane relief efforts in the United States. One NZ’s collaboration with Starlink marks a significant advancement in ensuring connectivity across New Zealand‘s diverse landscapes, particularly in the 40% of the country not covered by cell towers.
Tizeti, a prominent internet service provider in West Africa, has launched its FreeFiber broadband service in Nigeria and Ghana, offering speeds of over 1Gbps, significantly faster than the regional average of 28Mbps. Initially available in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Accra, the service will expand to more cities within the next year.
A key feature of FreeFiber is its focus on online gaming. Its dedicated fibre port provides ultra-low latency, high bandwidth, and seamless performance even with multiple devices connected. New users can benefit from free installation, a complimentary first month, and a referral program that rewards customers with free setup and subscriptions for referring others.
The service also includes VoIP, free calls to several countries with African populations, and other digital services such as Teleport Services, which offer access to US IP addresses and digital wallets. Tizeti, which serves over four million subscribers and partners with global tech giants like Microsoft and Meta, aims to bridge the digital divide by providing affordable, reliable internet across the region.
With over a decade of experience providing solar-powered, unlimited internet services, Tizeti has grown from a startup to a billion-naira business. Its mission remains focused on delivering accessible internet to millions across West Africa.
The company continues to innovate with new services and expand its network, demonstrating its commitment to improving digital infrastructure in the region. Through strategic partnerships, including collaborations with organisations like the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Tizeti is positioning itself as a leader in driving digital transformation across West Africa.
Despite the incoming administration of Donald Trump, the US shift towards renewable energy is expected to continue, according to Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group’s (MUFG) Americas CEO, Kevin Cronin. While Trump’s policies may favour fossil fuels, Cronin emphasised that renewable energy projects, which take years to plan and build, remain integral to the bank’s strategy regardless of political changes. MUFG, Japan’s largest banking group, remains committed to financing these long-term projects.
The bank’s position has been bolstered by President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which supports infrastructure and renewable investments. However, the real growth opportunity now lies in the booming demand for energy from data centres, driven by AI. Data centre capacity is expected to double by 2030, making reliable energy — both renewable and fossil-based — critical for future expansion.
MUFG has maintained its lead in project finance for 14 consecutive years and is adapting to state-level variations in energy policy. Since selling its retail banking arm in 2022, MUFG has focused on wholesale banking and technology-related sectors, even hiring talent from the collapsed Silicon Valley Bank to strengthen its position. The US market remains a cornerstone of MUFG’s global profits, contributing nearly 30% of its earnings in the last fiscal year.
The Dutch government announced plans to expand its investment screening law to include emerging technologies like biotech, AI, and nanotechnology. The move aims to protect national security amid growing global tensions, with threats such as cyberattacks and espionage becoming more prevalent. Economy Minister Dirk Beljaarts emphasised the importance of safeguarding Dutch businesses, innovations, and the economy.
In addition to biotech and AI, the updated law will cover sensor and navigation technology, advanced materials, and nuclear technologies used in medicine. The government expects these changes to take effect by the second half of 2025.
Introduced in 2023, the investment screening law allows the Dutch government to block foreign takeovers of critical infrastructure or technology that could threaten national security. This comes after the Netherlands imposed restrictions on semiconductor exports to China under US pressure.
A networking session at IGF 2024 in Riyadh examined the vital role of African parliamentarians in shaping inclusive digital policies. Discussions revolved around creating legislation that keeps pace with technological evolution, fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration, and addressing Africa’s unique challenges in the digital age.
Participants called for stronger engagement between parliamentarians, technologists, and scientists to craft practical and forward-looking digital frameworks.
Speakers, including Catherine Mumma from Kenya and Millennium Anthony from Tanzania, underscored the need to improve digital infrastructure and internet access, particularly in rural regions. Challenges such as expensive data costs, insufficient digital skills, and a lack of dedicated parliamentary committees for science and technology were highlighted. Susan Dossi from Malawi and Daniel Molokele from Zimbabwe stressed the importance of public participation in the legislative process to ensure policies reflect citizens’ needs.
The session addressed the borderless nature of the internet and the importance of regional and global collaboration to tackle cybercrime and cross-border governance issues. Ayoban Ngao from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Lekhotsa Mafatle from Lesotho emphasised the need to update educational curricula to align with digital needs while investing in digital skills and infrastructure. Ke Gong from China contributed insights on leveraging international best practices to guide Africa’s digital transformation.
Concluding discussions focused on the critical role of parliamentarians in driving digital growth through informed policymaking. Participants advocated for greater cooperation across sectors to ensure Africa capitalises on digital opportunities while addressing its unique challenges. The session underscored a collaborative approach as key to fostering inclusive digital development across the continent.
