Telecommunications infrastructure

Experts at the IGF explore strategies for closing digital divides and enhancing meaningful connectivity

Experts from various sectors gathered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss strategies for achieving meaningful connectivity worldwide, focusing on closing digital divides and ensuring internet access leads to tangible benefits. Vint Cerf, a member of the IGF Leadership Panel, emphasised the evolving definition of meaningful access, highlighting the need for safe, productive, and affordable online experiences.

Martin Schaaper from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) shared data showing 67% global internet usage but noted that high broadband costs in some regions still exclude many, particularly underserved populations.

The digital divide remains a significant challenge, with gaps across gender, geography, and socioeconomic lines. Director of the Pakistan Telecom Authority, Syeda Shafaq Karim, highlighted Pakistan’s Digital Gender Inclusion Strategy, addressing the disparity in mobile broadband usage among women.

Meanwhile, Lina Viltrakiene, Ambassador-at-Large for Economic and Digital Diplomacy from Lithuania, showcased the ‘No One Left Behind’ initiative, providing free digital literacy courses to over 500,000 elderly citizens. These efforts illustrate the importance of targeted interventions alongside broader infrastructure development and skills training.

Panelists also explored innovative solutions to expand access. Mohamed Slim Alouini, professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and chair of Education on Connected at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, discussed using non-terrestrial networks to improve rural connectivity, while Talant Sultanov, Chair and Co-Founder of the Internet Society ISOC Assistance Chapter, shared how IoT technologies are advancing climate monitoring in Central Asia.

Public-private partnerships and government investments were repeatedly cited as essential, with Alhagie Mbow, co-moderator of the session and a member of the African Union Parliament, stressing their effectiveness in bridging gaps. At the same time, Bobby Bedi from Content Follow Studios, LLC argued that entertainment and cultural engagement play a crucial role in driving internet adoption, expanding the conversation beyond purely functional uses.

The session concluded with calls for continued collaboration, data collection, and policy development to ensure inclusive and adaptive connectivity efforts. Vint Cerf stressed the need for accessibility features and ongoing initiatives like the IGF, while online moderator Judith Hellerstein highlighted concerns about data protection for vulnerable groups. Achieving meaningful connectivity, the panel agreed, requires a multifaceted approach that balances technological innovation with social and cultural considerations.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Parliamentarians urged to bridge the global digital divide

At the ‘IGF Parliamentary Track – Session 1’ session in Riyadh, parliamentarians, diplomats, and digital experts gathered to address persistent gaps in global digital governance. The session spotlighted two critical UN-led initiatives: the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and the Global Digital Compact (GDC), underscoring their complementary roles in bridging the digital divide and addressing emerging digital challenges like AI and data governance.

Ambassador Muhammadou M.O. Kah, Chair of the Commission for Science and Technology for Development, stressed the urgency of digital inclusion. ‘Digital technologies are transforming our world at a remarkable pace, but we must confront the persistent divide,’ he said, remembering that twenty years after WSIS first set out a vision for an inclusive digital society, one-third of the world’s population remains unconnected, with inequalities deepening between urban and rural areas, genders, and socioeconomic groups.

The Global Digital Compact, introduced as a ‘refresh’ of WSIS priorities, emerged as a key focus of the discussion. From the UN Tech Envoy’s Office, Isabel de Sola presented the GDC’s five pillars: affordable internet access, tackling misinformation, data governance, fostering inclusive digital economies, and ensuring safe AI implementation. De Sola emphasised, ‘We need a holistic approach. Data governance, AI, and connectivity are deeply interconnected and must work in tandem to serve society fairly.’

Sorina Teleanu, the session’s moderator and Head of knowledge at Diplo, highlighted the need for urgent action, stating: ‘We have the Global Digital Compact, but what’s next? It’s about implementation—how we take global commitments and turn them into real, practical solutions at national and local levels,’ she urged parliamentarians to exercise their oversight role and push for meaningful progress.

The session exposed a growing disconnect between governments and parliaments on digital policy. Several parliamentarians voiced concerns about exclusion from international processes that shape national legislation and budgets. ‘We cannot act effectively if we are not included or informed,’ a delegate from South Africa noted, calling for better integration of lawmakers into global frameworks like the GDC and WSIS.

To close these gaps, speakers proposed practical solutions, including capacity-building programs, toolkits for mapping GDC priorities locally, and stronger regional parliamentary networks. ‘Parliamentarians are closest to the people’ Ambassador Kah reminded attendees, ‘they play a crucial role in translating global commitments into meaningful local action’

The discussion ended with a renewed call for collaboration: greater inclusion of lawmakers, better alignment of international frameworks with local needs, and stronger efforts to bridge the digital divide. As the world approaches WSIS’ 20-year review in 2025, the path forward requires a unified, inclusive effort to ensure digital advancements reach all corners of society.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Reimagining WSIS: a digital future for all

As the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) nears its 20-year milestone, global leaders gathered at IGF 2024 in Riyadh to reflect on achievements and lay the ground for a unified, inclusive digital future. Amid optimism over growing connectivity—from 1 billion internet users in 2005 to 5.5 billion today—discussions underlined the pressing need to address unresolved challenges, from digital divides to the ethical governance of emerging technologies like AI.

A key takeaway was WSIS’s enduring success in fostering multistakeholder collaboration. Stefan Schnorr, Germany’s State Secretary, lauded the summit for championing inclusivity by saying that ‘WSIS pioneered a framework where governments, private sectors, and civil society shaped digital cooperation together.’ The Internet Governance Forum (IGF), a cornerstone WSIS achievement, was celebrated for evolving into a platform addressing critical issues, including AI, misinformation, and connectivity gaps.

However, speakers stressed that progress remains uneven. Nthati Moorosi, Lesotho’s Minister of Information, told a sobering story of disparity: ‘We still have students sitting under trees to learn. Connecting schools is still a long journey for us.’ In other words, connectivity issues are exacerbated by affordability, skills deficits, and energy infrastructure gaps, particularly in the Global South. Thus, addressing such divides is central to aligning WSIS priorities with the recently adopted Global Digital Compact (GDC).

Environmental sustainability emerged as another important discussion, with concerns about the digital sector’s carbon footprint and e-waste. Robert Opp from UNDP emphasised that balancing digital innovation with ecological responsibility must guide the next phase: ‘Data centres alone emit as much carbon as entire nations.’

The discussions also spotlighted inclusivity, particularly in AI and data governance. Many speakers, including Angel González Sanz (UNCTAD), warned of a widening imbalance: ‘118 countries are excluded from AI governance discussions, risking further global inequality.’ A call for greater representation of the Global South resonated again across panellists, marking the necessity for equitable participation in shaping global digital frameworks.

Looking ahead, WSIS+20 will focus on adapting governance frameworks to address emerging technologies while keeping human rights, trust, and digital inclusion at the forefront. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General, offered a rallying appeal by saying: ‘The digital future isn’t written yet, but we can write it together with inclusivity, security, and sustainability at its core.’

As the WSIS process evolves, stakeholders emphasise learning from the past while crafting forward-looking strategies, and IGF remains the crossroads platform for dialogue and a catalyst for solutions to ensure no one is left behind in the ongoing digital era.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Digital futures at a crossroads: aligning WSIS and the Global Digital Compact

The path toward a cohesive digital future was the central theme at the ‘From WSIS to GDC: Harmonising Strategies Towards Coordination‘ session held at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 in Riyadh. Experts, policymakers, and civil society representatives converged to address how the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) framework and the Global Digital Compact (GDC) can work in unison. At the heart of the debate lay two critical imperatives: coordination and avoiding fragmentation.

Panelists, including Jorge Cancio of the Swiss Government and David Fairchild of Canada, underscored the IGF’s central role as a multistakeholder platform for dialogue. However, concerns about its diminishing mandate and inadequate funding surfaced repeatedly. Fairchild warned of ‘a centralisation of digital governance processes,’ hinting at geopolitical forces that could undermine inclusive, global cooperation. Cancio urged an updated ‘Swiss Army knife’ approach to WSIS, where existing mechanisms, like the IGF, are strengthened rather than duplicated.

The session also highlighted emerging challenges since WSIS’s 2005 inception. Amrita Choudhury from MAG and Anita Gurumurthy of IT for Change emphasised that AI, data governance, and widening digital divides demand urgent attention. Gurumurthy lamented that ‘neo-illiberalism,’ characterised by corporate greed and authoritarian politics, threatens the vision of a people-centred information society. Meanwhile, Gitanjali Sah of ITU reaffirmed WSIS’s achievements, pointing to successes like digital inclusion through telecentres and distance learning.

Amid these reflections, the IGF emerged as an essential event for harmonising WSIS and GDC goals. Panellists, including Nigel Cassimire from the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, proposed that the IGF develop performance targets to implement GDC commitments effectively. Yet, as Jason Pielemeier of the Global Network Initiative cautioned, the IGF faces threats of co-optation in settings hostile to open dialogue, which ‘weakens its strength.’

Despite these tensions, hope remained for creative solutions and renewed international solidarity. The session concluded with a call to refocus on WSIS’s original principles—ensuring no one is left behind in the digital future. As Anita Gurumurthy aptly summarised: ‘We reject bad politics and poor economics. What we need is a solidarity vision of interdependence and mutual reciprocity.’

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Trump administration plans stronger response to cyber attacks

The incoming Trump administration is set to explore ways to impose higher costs on adversaries and private actors behind cyber attacks, according to Representative Mike Waltz, the pick for national security adviser. Waltz’s statement follows US allegations that a widespread Chinese cyberespionage operation, known as Salt Typhoon, targeted senior American officials and stole significant amounts of metadata.

The White House has revealed that at least eight telecommunications and infrastructure firms in the US were compromised during this campaign. While Waltz did not specify potential actions against Salt Typhoon, he emphasised the need to go beyond defensive measures and start taking offensive actions to deter cyber threats.

Waltz also highlighted the role of the US tech industry in strengthening national defence and exposing vulnerabilities in adversaries. Meanwhile, Chinese officials continue to deny involvement, dismissing the accusations as disinformation and asserting that Beijing opposes cyber attacks in all forms.

Bosch to receive $225 million for US semiconductor expansion

The US Commerce Department announced a preliminary deal to provide German auto supplier Bosch with up to $225 million in subsidies to produce silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors in California. The funding supports Bosch’s $1.9 billion transformation of its Roseville facility, with an additional $350 million in proposed government loans. This effort draws from the $52.7 billion fund established in 2022 to bolster US semiconductor production and research.

Bosch plans to begin manufacturing SiC chips, critical for electric vehicles, telecommunications, and defence, by 2026. These chips, known for their energy efficiency, play a vital role in improving electric vehicle performance and charging capabilities. The Commerce Department estimates the project could represent over 40% of US-based SiC manufacturing capacity once fully operational.

The investment aligns with Bosch’s strategy following its 2023 acquisition of TSI Semiconductors and highlights the growing importance of domestic chip production after pandemic-related supply chain disruptions. Representative Doris Matsui, who helped craft the semiconductor funding law, praised the move as a step toward advancing clean energy technologies and electric vehicle development in the US.

AI driving solutions backed by Hyundai and Samsung

Canadian startup Tenstorrent and South Korea’s BOS Semiconductors unveiled advanced AI chips designed for infotainment and autonomous driving systems. Growing demand for high-performance chips aligns with vehicles increasingly functioning as ‘computers on wheels’.

The AI chips are the first in the industry to feature ‘automotive chiplet AI accelerator’ technology, enabling modular customisation. Chiplets function like LEGO blocks, allowing manufacturers to tailor systems while cutting costs. BOS plans to debut its ‘Eagle-N’ chips at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, with production targeted for late 2026.

BOS Semiconductors is negotiating supply agreements with German automakers and aims to challenge established players like Qualcomm. The chips will utilise Samsung’s 5nm manufacturing process, showcasing advancements in efficiency and performance.

Tenstorrent, led by former Apple and Tesla chip designer Jim Keller, has secured backing from Hyundai Motor Group, Samsung, and Jeff Bezos’ family office. BOS founder Park Jae-hong, formerly of Samsung Electronics, emphasised the potential of this innovative technology to transform the automotive industry.

Keppel and Sovico plan undersea cables to link Vietnam and Singapore, sources say

Singaporean asset manager Keppel and Vietnam’s Sovico Group are in discussions to develop undersea fibre-optic cables aimed at boosting Southeast Asia’s data centre industry. The potential $150 million project would directly link Vietnam with Singapore, a critical regional hub for data infrastructure. However, talks remain fluid, with Keppel reportedly favouring a larger consortium-led project extending from Singapore to Japan, while Sovico supports a direct connection.

The discussions highlight Southeast Asia’s growing demand for AI services and internet capacity, with Vietnam planning 10 new submarine cables by 2030. These cables are also a focal point in the ongoing US-China tech rivalry, with the United States lobbying against the involvement of Chinese contractors, citing security concerns. US officials have reportedly briefed Sovico and other stakeholders on the risks of working with China’s HMN Technologies.

Vietnam, with a rapidly growing digital economy and a population nearing 100 million, currently relies on five undersea cable branches for global connectivity. Expanding its cable infrastructure is seen as key to establishing itself as a regional data hub, despite challenges like power shortages and stringent data regulations. Keppel and Sovico’s efforts, along with other planned projects, signal significant investment in the region’s digital future.

Major US telecom hack prompts security push after Salt Typhoon attack

Lawmakers have called for urgent measures to strengthen US telecommunications security following a massive cyberattack linked to China. The hacking campaign, referred to as Salt Typhoon, targeted American telecom companies, compromising vast amounts of metadata and call records. Federal agencies have briefed Congress on the incident, which officials say could be the largest telecom breach in US history.

Senator Ben Ray Luján described the hack as a wake-up call, urging the full implementation of federal recommendations to secure networks. Senator Ted Cruz warned of future threats, emphasising the need to close vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Debate also surfaced over the role of offensive cybersecurity measures, with Senator Dan Sullivan questioning whether deterrence efforts are adequate.

The White House reported that at least eight telecommunications firms were affected, with significant data theft. In response, Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed annual cybersecurity certifications for telecom companies. Efforts to replace insecure Chinese-made equipment in US networks continue, but funding shortfalls have hampered progress.

China has dismissed the allegations, claiming opposition to all forms of cybercrime. However, US officials have cited evidence of data theft involving companies like Verizon, AT&T, and Lumen. Congress is set to vote on a defence bill allocating $3.1 billion to remove and replace vulnerable telecom hardware.

Italy explores Starlink to boost broadband rollout

Italy is set to begin trials in January to evaluate the feasibility of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network for enhancing high-speed internet coverage. The initiative aims to address delays in meeting broadband targets set under the EU Recovery Plan. With only one-third of targeted buildings currently connected, satellite solutions like Starlink could complement fibre-optic networks to provide coverage in remote regions.

The pilot, expected to conclude by March, will assess whether combining satellite and fibre systems can deliver the required 1-gigabit-per-second speeds. Starlink’s low-latency broadband already serves 55,000 users in Italy, but previous trials failed to meet peak-speed benchmarks. Opposition parties, however, have raised cybersecurity concerns over involving a non-EU provider like Starlink, proposing legislative amendments to limit its role in Italy‘s internet infrastructure.

If successful, the plan could deploy Starlink gateways in remote areas, facilitating fibre operators to connect the final stretch to homes, potentially saving time and reducing costs in achieving coverage goals.