The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is launching a significant initiative to establish its optical fibre cable (OFC) network along major highways through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. This strategic endeavour aims to facilitate barrier-free tolling and foster the development of smart highways, significantly enhancing transportation efficiency nationwide.
The OFC infrastructure is expected to cover an impressive 146,000 kilometres, surpassing existing networks operated by RailTel and Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL). NHAI will adopt a phased implementation strategy to effectively roll out this ambitious network, inviting package bids and signing separate concession agreements with successful bidders for each project segment.
The oversight and management of the initiative will be entrusted to the National Highways Logistics Management Ltd (NHLML), a subsidiary of NHAI. Pilot routes have already been identified, including significant stretches on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the Hyderabad-Bangalore Corridor, with dedicated utility corridors for optical fibre cables. Additionally, capacity allocation policies will be established in collaboration with the Department of Telecom and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to ensure equitable access and effective network utilisation.
That ambitious project aims to improve highway operations and generate new revenue streams by leasing excess capacity for commercial purposes. However, transitioning the NHAI network to a digital framework may require substantial investment, with estimates suggesting costs exceeding ₹35,000 crore.
The remarkable growth in toll revenues over recent years indicates a promising potential for increased funding, which could further support highway development and expansion. By prioritising strategic partnerships and regulatory frameworks, NHAI aims to maximise the potential of the OFC network while supporting broader objectives of digital connectivity and infrastructure enhancement in India.
A bipartisan group of US lawmakers is demanding answers from major telecom companies such as AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen Technologies after reports that Chinese hackers accessed sensitive US broadband networks. According to The Wall Street Journal, the breach involved systems the federal government uses for court-authorised wiretapping, sparking concerns about national security.
Led by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Democrat Frank Pallone, the lawmakers have requested a briefing and detailed answers from the companies by next Friday. They want to know what data was compromised and when the telecoms discovered the intrusion, pointing to broader cybersecurity risks embedded in US telecommunications networks.
While AT&T and Lumen declined to comment, and Verizon has not yet responded, China’s foreign ministry denied involvement, accusing the US of fabricating the allegations. The timeline of the hacking remains unclear, but reports suggest that the hackers may have had access to the networks for months, potentially compromising vast amounts of internet traffic and communication data.
The Ghana CSO Consortium on Safeguarding Youth Digital Inclusion has called on the government to significantly invest in digital infrastructure, including broadband and 5G networks, to enhance internet access nationwide. The consortium recommended that the government invest in nationwide broadband expansion projects and subsidise data plans and digital devices to ensure that more citizens, particularly those in underserved areas, have access to essential digital tools.
In a communique issued on 8 October 2024, following a one-day forum focused on youth digital inclusion, the consortium emphasised the urgent need for increased digital literacy programs to equip Ghanaians with the skills necessary to thrive in the expanding digital economy. The forum featured various activities, including presentations, panel discussions, and plenary sessions, which reviewed digital policies, laws, regulations, and political party manifestos related to digital access, infrastructure, and employment. Discussions highlighted how young innovators are reshaping the employment landscape in a tech-driven world.
The consortium stressed the need to equip youth with essential skills and advocate for greater technological literacy while ensuring historically marginalised voices were included. Stakeholders noted that digital inclusion offers significant education, employment, and innovation opportunities but acknowledged the pressing need to address inequality to benefit all young people. The forum also highlighted the government’s key role in implementing policies that promote the development and affordability of internet infrastructure.
A group of major tech companies, including Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta, and Amazon, has proposed new terms for how data centres in Ohio should pay for their energy needs. This comes in response to a previous proposal by AEP Ohio that required pre-payments from data centres and cryptocurrency miners due to their large electricity demands.
Ohio has experienced a surge in power requests from data centres as tech companies expand their infrastructure for technologies like generative AI. AEP Ohio paused new data centre contracts, citing the overwhelming number of requests. The state’s power industry now faces regulatory battles that may shape how future energy demands are managed across the US.
Several companies, including power suppliers like Constellation Energy and One Energy Enterprises, initially opposed AEP’s proposal. They have now offered an alternative, suggesting a broader application of AEP’s rules to include industries requiring over 50 megawatts of power at one site. This proposal aims to modify when new customers would have to cover costs like transmission upgrades.
Any settlement between Big Tech and the power companies would need approval from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, which will play a crucial role in the outcome of this energy dispute.
Siemens is relying on its digital platform, Xcelerator, to drive future growth, especially in its factory automation business, which has faced slowing demand in China and Europe. Despite lowering its full-year sales forecast, Siemens reported an 82% jump in industrial software sales for the three months ending in June, mainly due to Xcelerator’s offerings, according to Peter Koerte, the company’s chief technology and strategy officer.
Xcelerator, launched in 2022, is a cloud-based platform that delivers hardware and digital services to a global customer base, boasting over a million monthly users. Siemens’ divisions, including mobility, smart infrastructure, and digital industries, leverage its offerings to enhance its operations. The platform collaborates with 400 partner companies, providing more than 900 solutions worldwide. However, Siemens has not disclosed specific financial figures for Xcelerator.
Xcelerator has achieved significant success in key markets, including China, India, Germany, and the US. Its advanced capabilities have enabled Siemens to secure major contracts, such as an order for 90 regional trains from Deutsche Bahn in August. By analysing data from these trains, Xcelerator enhances maintenance practices, boosts energy efficiency, and improves punctuality, showcasing its effectiveness in integrating digital and physical services to address customer needs.
T-Mobile customers impacted by hurricanes in Florida can now send SMS texts via Starlink satellites. SpaceX confirmed that the service is available on a ‘best-effort basis’ and at no cost.
Users with T-Mobile phones can send texts, including messages to emergency services and 911, using Starlink satellites. Phones connected to the satellite service will display ‘T-Mobile SpaceX’ and may show 1 to 2 bars of service.
SpaceX advises that the service works best outdoors but can sometimes function near windows indoors. There may be occasional issues requiring users to retry sending texts.
The Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) has outlined its strategic priorities for 2025, focusing on promoting full connectivity, Very High-Capacity Networks, and environmentally sustainable digital infrastructure. Specifically, these goals aim to close the digital divide, enhance network security, and advance green infrastructure to support Europe’s digital future.
BEREC has launched a public consultation to inform its planning, inviting stakeholders to provide feedback on its draft Work Programme 2025 by 4 November. Moreover, BEREC seeks input on its draft report on the evolution of private and public 5G networks by 29 November. It aims to establish common definitions and classifications for 5G private networks, thus facilitating a shared understanding across European regulatory bodies.
In addition to these initiatives, BEREC’s draft programme aligns with the European Commission’s vision, as outlined in the white paper ‘How to Master Europe’s Digital Infrastructure Needs?’, serving as a preparatory step for the upcoming Digital Networks Act. This alignment ensures that BEREC’s work supports broader EU digital policy objectives.
Furthermore, BEREC has announced new leadership, with Marko Mišmaš from Slovenia’s AKOS elected as Chair for 2026, supported by Vice-chairs Alejandra de Iturriaga Gandini from Spain and Daniela Brönstrup from Germany. Additionally, Liliia Malon from Ukraine’s NCEC will join the Mini-Board as a non-voting member, helping guide BEREC’s strategic planning. Through these coordinated efforts and leadership updates, BEREC remains committed to building a digitally inclusive, secure, and sustainable European digital ecosystem.
Zambia and Burundi have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance regional digital infrastructure by improving fibre optic connectivity between the two nations. The landmark agreement, formalised during the 2024 Digital Government Africa Summit, marks a pivotal moment in pursuing technological advancement across the continent.
Central to the MoU is the ambitious plan to lay a fibre optic cable beneath Lake Tanganyika, which positions Zambia as a crucial hub for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the region, especially with 350 kilometres of cable already installed.
Consequently, this digital bridge is expected to strengthen ties between the two countries while significantly improving digital communication, facilitating better interactions, and enabling Burundi to connect with other Southern and Eastern African nations. Moreover, the societal impact of this MoU is expected to be significant, as it aims to enhance the quality of life for citizens in both countries through improved access to internet services and communication.
The initiative fosters economic growth and development and forms part of a broader regional effort to promote cooperation in ICT development across Africa. The insights shared at the summit highlighted the importance of meaningful dialogue among governments and industry leaders, signalling a promising future for digital advancement on the continent.
Singapore is set to mandate digital bunkering services for marine fuel suppliers from April 2025. The move, announced by senior minister of state for transport Amy Khor at SIBCON 2024, will require suppliers to issue electronic bunker delivery notes.
New measure like this one is expected to enhance efficiency and transparency in ship refuelling processes by improving data-sharing between buyers and sellers. The streamlined system could save the industry around 40,000 man-days per year, while also helping to minimise fraud.
Singapore has been testing digital bunkering with several marine fuel suppliers since November 2023. Following the successful trials, the Maritime and Port Authority confirmed that Singapore will be the first port globally to adopt digital bunkering on such a scale.
The digitalisation of the bunkering process reinforces Singapore’s position as the world’s leading bunker hub, setting new standards for the maritime industry.
Vodafone has announced a significant development in its Giga TV service, as part of a renewed billion-dollar partnership with Google Cloud. Over the next ten years, Google’s artificial intelligence capabilities will be integrated into the platform to enhance personalisation and content discovery for its users.
The companies plan to leverage Google Cloud’s AI to improve Vodafone’s Android-based TV system in Germany. New features will help users find content more easily and deliver a more tailored viewing experience. Additionally, Google Ad Manager will be integrated into Giga TV, enhancing the advertising landscape within the platform.
Further collaboration will see YouTube become more deeply embedded in Vodafone’s TV devices, providing a richer video experience. These improvements are set to bring significant advancements in how viewers engage with television content, both in entertainment and beyond.
Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group CEO, expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasising how these AI-driven innovations will transform communication and learning. She highlighted the unprecedented scale on which the new content and services will be delivered to millions of users.
