Telecommunications infrastructure

India’s AI roadmap could add $500 billion to economy by 2035

According to the Business Software Alliance, India could add over $500 billion to its economy by 2035 through the widespread adoption of AI.

At the BSA AI Pre-Summit Forum in Delhi, the group unveiled its ‘Enterprise AI Adoption Agenda for India’, which aligns with the goals of the India–AI Impact Summit 2026 and the government’s vision for a digitally advanced economy by 2047.

The agenda outlines a comprehensive policy framework across three main areas: talent and workforce, infrastructure and data, and governance.

It recommends expanding AI training through national academies, fostering industry–government partnerships, and establishing innovation hubs with global companies to strengthen talent pipelines.

BSA also urged greater government use of AI tools, reforms to data laws, and the adoption of open industry standards for content authentication. It called for coordinated governance measures to ensure responsible AI use, particularly under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act.

BSA has introduced similar policy roadmaps in other major markets, apart from India, including the US, Japan, and ASEAN countries, as part of its global effort to promote trusted and inclusive AI adoption.

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Telia and Ericsson launch revolutionary 5G partnership in Nordics and Baltics

Telia Company has extended its long-term partnership with Ericsson for another four years across Sweden, Norway, Lithuania, and Estonia.

Through this renewed agreement, both companies aim to enhance mobile network speed, capacity, and coverage, while also future-proofing Telia’s infrastructure against evolving technological demands.

Moreover, the collaboration aims to boost innovation across various sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and defence, by utilising Ericsson’s advanced RAN to enhance Telia’s autonomous networks and mission-critical communications.

In addition, Telia’s CTO emphasised that the partnership will keep the region at the forefront of digital innovation. At the same time, Ericsson noted that it will enhance security and create new business opportunities.

In Sweden, the partnership has built the nation’s top-rated network, boasting 99.9% 5G coverage. New projects, such as 5G train routes and the NorthStar Program with the Armed Forces, are advancing defence and transport innovation.

Similarly, in Norway, the partnership covers nearly 99% of the population, with mmWave tests reaching 4Gbps, enabling new experiences for enterprises, gaming, and stadiums.

Meanwhile, in Lithuania, network upgrades with Ericsson reach 95% 5G coverage, strengthening its 5G leadership and supporting energy-efficient operations in key sectors.

Finally, in Estonia, Telia and Ericsson’s private 5G drives industrial innovation, with 95.7% coverage, positioning the country as a regional leader in automation and smart connectivity.

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Naver expands physical AI ambitions with $690 million GPU investment

South Korean technology leader Naver is deepening its AI ambitions through a $690 million investment in graphics processing units from 2025.

A move that aims to strengthen its AI infrastructure and drive the development of physical AI, a field merging digital intelligence with robotics, logistics, and autonomous systems.

Beyond its internal use, Naver plans to monetise its expanded computing power by offering GPU-as-a-Service to clients across sectors, creating new revenue opportunities aligned with its AI ecosystem.

Chief Executive Choi Soo-yeon described physical AI as the firm’s next growth pillar, combining robotics, data, and generative AI to reshape both digital and industrial environments. The company already holds a significant share of the global robotics operating system market, underlining its technological maturity.

An investment that marks a strategic shift from software-based AI to infrastructure-driven intelligence, positioning Naver as a leader in integrating AI with real-world applications.

As global competition intensifies, Naver’s model of coupling high-performance computing with robotics innovation signals the emergence of South Korea as a centre for applied AI technology.

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UK mobile networks and the Government launch a fierce crackdown on scam calls

Britain’s largest mobile networks have joined the Government to tackle scam calls and texts. Through the second Telecommunications Fraud Charter, they aim to make the UK harder for fraudsters to target.

To achieve this, networks will upgrade systems within a year to prevent foreign call centres from spoofing UK numbers. Additionally, advanced call tracing and AI technology will detect and block suspicious calls and texts before they reach users.

Moreover, clear commitments are in place to support fraud victims, reducing the time it takes for help from networks to two weeks. Consequently, victims will receive prompt, specialist assistance to recover quickly and confidently.

Furthermore, improved data sharing with law enforcement will enable them to track down scammers and dismantle their operations. By collaborating across sectors, organised criminal networks can be disrupted and prevented from targeting the public.

Since fraud is the UK’s most reported crime, it causes financial losses and emotional distress. Additionally, scam calls erode public trust in essential services and cost the telecom industry millions of dollars annually.

Therefore, the Telecoms Charter sets measurable goals, ongoing monitoring, and best practice guidance for networks. Through AI tools, staff training, and public messaging, networks aim to stay ahead of evolving scam tactics.

Finally, international collaboration, such as UK-US actions against Southeast Asian fraud centres, complements these efforts.

Overall, this initiative forms part of a wider Fraud Strategy and Government plan to safeguard citizens.

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EU Advocate General backs limited seizure of work emails in competition probes

An Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the European Union has said national competition authorities may lawfully seize employee emails during investigations without prior judicial approval. The opinion applies only when a strict legal framework and effective safeguards against abuse are in place.

The case arose after Portuguese medical companies challenged the competition authority’s seizure of staff emails, arguing it breached the right to privacy and correspondence under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. The authority acted under authorisation from the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

According to the Advocate General, such seizures may limit privacy and data protection rights under Articles 7 and 8 of the Charter, but remain lawful if proportionate and justified. The processing of personal data is permitted under the GDPR where it serves the public interest in enforcing competition law.

The opinion emphasised that access to business emails did not undermine the essence of data protection rights, as the investigation focused on professional communications. The final judgment from the CJEU is expected to clarify how privacy principles apply in competition law enforcement across the EU.

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EU conference highlights the need for collaboration in digital safety and growth

European politicians and experts gathered in Billund for the conference ‘Towards a Safer and More Innovative Digital Europe’, hosted by the Danish Parliament.

The discussions centred on how to protect citizens online while strengthening Europe’s technological competitiveness.

Lisbeth Bech-Nielsen, Chair of the Danish Parliament’s Digitalisation and IT Committee, stated that the event demonstrated the need for the EU to act more swiftly to harness its collective digital potential.

She emphasised that only through cooperation and shared responsibility can the EU match the pace of global digital transformation and fully benefit from its combined strengths.

The first theme addressed online safety and responsibility, focusing on the enforcement of the Digital Services Act, child protection, and the accountability of e-commerce platforms importing products from outside the EU.

Participants highlighted the importance of listening to young people and improving cross-border collaboration between regulators and industry.

The second theme examined Europe’s competitiveness in emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing. Speakers called for more substantial investment, harmonised digital skills strategies, and better support for businesses seeking to expand within the single market.

A Billund conference emphasised that Europe’s digital future depends on striking a balance between safety, innovation, and competitiveness, which can only be achieved through joint action and long-term commitment.

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Turner & Townsend report finds power access threatens AI data centre construction

A new Turner & Townsend survey has found that power access and supply chains are the biggest obstacles to scaling AI data centres. Drawing on over 300 projects in more than 20 countries and input from 280 experts, the report states that 48% of respondents cite securing access to power as the top constraint, with wait times of up to seven years in the US.

The scale of planned build-outs is also intensifying the crunch. OpenAI’s disclosed projects alone would require 55.2 GW, enough electricity for about 44.2 million homes, putting data centres in direct competition with housing and manufacturing for limited power capacity across the US, UK and Europe. Turner & Townsend recommends on-site generation, energy storage or grid-independent power to keep projects moving, especially for AI facilities.

Cooling technology is the second chokepoint. Eighty-three percent of industry professionals say local supply chains cannot yet support advanced cooling for high-density AI. Moreover, costs are rising.

Air-cooled facilities saw a 5.5% cost-per-watt increase, while AI-optimised liquid-cooled designs are 7–10% more expensive than comparable air-cooled builds. The report urges operators to review procurement models to strengthen supply chains and accelerate delivery.

Governments are prioritising AI infrastructure, but investment is at risk without faster grid connections and reliable component supply. ‘Power availability remains a critical barrier,’ said Paul Barry of Turner & Townsend North America, noting growing competition for electricity from businesses and consumers. Chip supply could add further delays if manufacturers are unable to meet demand.

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Bahrain’s 5G network expansion will boost connectivity

Bahrain’s 5G network expansion takes a major step forward as Ericsson renews its partnership with Batelco to enhance the kingdom’s digital infrastructure.

The agreement, finalised during the Gateway Gulf Investment Forum, aims to boost Bahrain’s 5G Network connectivity, drive digital transformation, and support Bahrain’s growing demand for high-speed mobile services.

The Bahrain 5G network expansion will extend 5G coverage to residential, commercial, hospitality, and industrial zones, including major areas such as Diyar Al Muharraq, Salman City, Bahrain Bay, and Ras Zuwaied. This rollout ensures faster, more reliable 5G connectivity, catering to both consumers and businesses across the kingdom.

Ericsson will deploy its latest Radio Access Network (RAN) technologies, featuring advanced radios, efficient power systems, and eco-friendly battery solutions. These upgrades optimise network performance, energy efficiency, and reduce hardware footprint.

Additionally, Batelco’s cloud infrastructure will be modernised, improving scalability, operational efficiency, and support for IoT, 5G Advanced applications, and AI-driven operations.

According to Batelco’s CEO, these initiatives will keep Bahrain’s 5G network innovative, reliable, and high-performing, delivering an exceptional digital experience for all users.

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Google Maps launches AI-powered live lane guidance for safer driving

Google has introduced AI-powered live lane guidance for cars with Google built in, marking a significant step toward intelligent in-vehicle navigation.

A new feature that enables Google Maps to interpret roads and lanes like a driver, offering real-time audio and visual cues to help motorists make timely lane changes and avoid missed exits.

Using AI that analyses lane markings and road signs through the vehicle’s front-facing camera, Google Maps integrates the live data with its navigation system, used by over two billion people monthly. The result is more accurate guidance alongside existing traffic, ETA, and hazard updates.

The feature will debut in Polestar 4 vehicles in the US and Sweden, with plans to expand across more models and road types in collaboration with major automakers.

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AWS launches Fastnet, a subsea cable to strengthen transatlantic cloud and AI connectivity

Amazon Web Services has announced Fastnet, a high-capacity transatlantic subsea cable connecting Maryland and County Cork.

Set to be operational in 2028, Fastnet will expand AWS’s network resilience and deliver faster, more reliable cloud and AI services between the US and Europe.

The cable’s unique route provides critical redundancy, ensuring service continuity even when other cables face disruptions. Capable of transmitting over 320 terabits per second, Fastnet supports large-scale cloud computing and AI workloads while integrating directly into AWS’s global infrastructure.

The system’s design enables real-time data redirection and long-term scalability to meet the increasing demands of AI and edge computing.

Beyond connectivity, AWS is investing in community benefit funds for Maryland and County Cork, supporting local sustainability, education, and workforce development.

A project that reflects AWS’s wider strategy to reinforce critical digital infrastructure and strengthen global innovation in the cloud economy.

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