China Mobile and ZTE have launched an AI-driven Green Telco Cloud solution designed to optimise energy consumption in telecom networks while maintaining business continuity and a high-quality user experience. The solution monitors and analyses key parameters such as server load and network traffic in real-time, dynamically adjusting computing resources like CPU frequency and sleep modes by utilising advanced deep neural networks.
The energy-saving approach has been successfully validated on both X86 and ARM cloud platforms, with notable results in China Mobile’s Hunan and Anhui branches, demonstrating up to a 25% reduction in energy consumption. As a result, the solution lowers operational costs through improved resource utilisation and reduced equipment maintenance and contributes to global sustainability efforts by reducing carbon emissions. Therefore, that technology represents a significant step toward transforming the telecom industry into a more energy-efficient, green sector as 4G and 5G networks expand.
Furthermore, China Mobile and ZTE are committed to further optimising and expanding their AI-driven Green Telco Cloud solution to promote long-term sustainability in the telecom sector. Through their collaboration, both companies emphasise the importance of technological innovation in achieving environmental goals while simultaneously enhancing telecom operators’ corporate image and competitiveness. Additionally, they plan to drive the widespread adoption of energy-saving technologies, ensuring that the telecom industry contributes to a greener, low-carbon future.
Australian electronics manufacturer GME, Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA), and South Korean Hanwha Systems have entered a strategic partnership to develop advanced defence communications systems. The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the MilCIS Conference in Canberra, focuses on exploring manufacturing and technology transfer opportunities for the Australian Defence market.
GME, known for its expertise in RF communication technology, will contribute its capabilities in radios, beacons, and antennae and is the only Australian manufacturer of UHF CB radios and emergency beacon products. HDA and Hanwha Systems bring extensive experience in land platforms, C4I hardware and software, electronic optics, radars, and avionics electronics alongside advanced solutions such as tactical 5G and LEO Satcom. Together, they aim to enhance secure, interoperable, and resilient communications for military operations, ensuring seamless all-domain operations across defence sectors.
The partnership strengthens the sovereign defence capabilities of Australia and positions the companies to explore growth opportunities in the global defence market. By combining local manufacturing expertise with cutting-edge global technologies, the collaboration seeks to empower the Australian industry with innovative solutions. This long-term vision focuses on fostering ongoing innovation, expanding Australian defence capabilities, exploring new global defence market opportunities, and advancing national and international defence objectives.
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 incoming European Commissioner for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, expressed dissatisfaction with the limited action taken by EU member states to exclude high-risk telecom suppliers, such as China’s Huawei and ZTE, from critical infrastructure. During her confirmation hearing in the European Parliament, Virkkunen noted that although the European Commission adopted 5G security measures in 2020, fewer than half of the EU member states have implemented restrictions on these suppliers. She indicated that this issue will be addressed in the planned revision of the Cyber Security Act next year and stressed the need for more serious action from national governments.
Virkkunen also pointed out that while the EU had adopted the 5G Cybersecurity Toolbox to protect telecom networks, only 11 of the 27 member states have fully implemented measures, including bans and restrictions on high-risk vendors. In addition to her efforts to strengthen cybersecurity, Virkkunen plans to propose a Digital Networks Act in 2025 to overhaul telecom regulations and boost investment and connectivity. On the topic of US Big Tech compliance with EU rules, she reaffirmed the importance of cooperation but emphasised that all companies must adhere to EU regulations, including those set out in the Digital Services Act.
Turkcell and ZTE have set a new European record by achieving the fastest 5G-Advanced speed of 32 Gbps during a trial in Istanbul on 5 November 2024. The groundbreaking milestone was made possible using ZTE’s advanced 1.6 GHz BW mmWave AAU, 64TR N78 AAU, and commercial CPE.
The significance of 5G-Advanced technology lies in its ability to offer faster data transmission, lower latency, and higher capacity, which will enable a wide range of applications, such as live broadcasting, extended reality (XR), ultra-HD video streaming, and ultra-low latency services. These advancements promise to provide users with an immersive audio-visual experience, setting a new standard for the digital landscape. The improved network capabilities will also open up new business opportunities, particularly in sectors like smart cities and autonomous vehicles, where high-speed connectivity is crucial.
Why does it matter?
That achievement underscores the strong collaboration between Turkcell and ZTE, which has been key to driving innovation in 5G technology. Both companies are committed to continuing their research and development efforts to expand the potential of 5G-Advanced. Their joint work aims to deliver smarter, more efficient, and more immersive user experiences, creating new opportunities for businesses and consumers in an increasingly digital world.
Nokia and Taiwan Mobile are strengthening their long-standing partnership through a one-year 5G contract extension designed to enhance 5G performance and 4G/LTE coverage across Taiwan. The expansion follows Taiwan Mobile’s recent merger with Taiwan Star, positioning the operator for the 5G-Advanced era and significantly boosting service quality for its 10 million customers, including those in rural regions.
As part of the contract, Nokia will introduce its advanced AirScale equipment in Taiwan for the first time, deploying high-capacity, energy-efficient solutions such as the ReefShark System-on-Chip and Massive MIMO radios. Furthermore, Carrier Aggregation technology will be integrated to combine spectrum bands, thus improving data rates, throughput, and network capacity.
Overall, these upgrades directly support Taiwan Mobile’s commitment to exceptional service and environmental sustainability, with thousands of LTE sites set to be modernised for increased energy efficiency. In addition, Nokia and Taiwan Mobile are jointly committed to delivering robust connectivity nationwide.
By using advanced, energy-efficient technology, they aim to support Taiwan Mobile’s 10 million customers, including over 1 million IoT devices. Consequently, the partnership ensures that users in both urban and rural areas can experience the full benefits of 5G, thereby advancing Taiwan’s digital landscape and enhancing nationwide connectivity.
NTT DATA and Google Cloud have partnered to launch a new subsea cable linking Saudi Arabia and Egypt through the Red Sea to expand regional connectivity. The cable, owned by Mobily, connects the Arabian Gulf to Egypt’s Red Sea landing station and integrates with multiple subsea cable systems in Egypt.
This launch follows a memorandum of understanding signed two years ago between the two companies, marking a significant milestone in regional telecommunications development. The new cable is designed to extend an existing subsea network, enabling the operator to handle increased telecom traffic and improve communication flexibility between the Middle East and Europe.
The cable is also seen as a crucial step in strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading international hub for telecommunications services and data traffic, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The project underscores a commitment to expanding infrastructure and enhancing regional and international capabilities. Additionally, the partnership complements the newly established landing station in Sharm El Sheikh, with plans to develop new crossing routes to the Mediterranean Sea.
A top Republican lawmaker has criticised the Biden administration for not taking stronger action against China’s Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC), accusing the company of aiding China’s chip industry and military complex. Michael McCaul, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called on the US Commerce Department to investigate whether SMIC is violating export controls by producing chips for the sanctioned telecommunications giant Huawei.
In a letter to the Commerce Department, McCaul highlighted concerns over SMIC’s recent advancements, including the production of advanced chips used in Huawei smartphones and plans to supply AI processors for Huawei. He described these developments as a ‘smoking gun’ that could enable China to surpass the US in AI. McCaul has urged the department to halt SMIC’s licenses unless the company undergoes a full audit.
While the US Commerce Department acknowledged McCaul’s letter, it emphasised that it has been tough on China in its enforcement of export controls. SMIC was added to the US restricted trade list in 2020, and Huawei, facing similar sanctions since 2019, have both denied any wrongdoing. The Chinese embassy in Washington has dismissed US criticism, calling it an overreach of national security concerns.
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has indicated that a proposed merger between Vodafone and Three could proceed, contingent on the companies making commitments to protect consumer prices and enhance the nation’s 5G infrastructure. The regulator, initially concerned that combining the two networks could lead to higher costs and reduced competition, has now concluded that these issues could be mitigated if Vodafone and Three agree to specific remedies.
Vodafone has responded positively to the CMA’s findings, expressing optimism that the proposal offers a clear path to regulatory approval. The telecom giants have emphasised that the merger would benefit both consumers and businesses, with plans to bring advanced 5G access to schools, hospitals, and other vital sectors across the UK.
The CMA’s investigation, which began in January, is now focused on ensuring the merged entity honors price promises on certain data plans for at least three years. Additionally, the companies would be required to maintain existing deals with smaller Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) like Sky Mobile, Lyca, and Lebara. Industry analysts see the CMA’s conditional support as a positive step, potentially leading to a stronger three-player market alongside existing competitors EE and O2.
With public feedback on the proposal open until 12 November, a final decision is expected from the CMA by 7 December.
Apple has announced a substantial investment of up to $1.5B in satellite provider Globalstar to expand iPhone communication services, particularly in areas with limited network access. This new agreement follows Apple’s initial partnership with Globalstar in 2022, which enabled emergency messaging capabilities in remote locations. Under the deal, Apple will invest $1.1B in cash, secure a 20% stake in Globalstar for an additional $400M, and gain access to 85% of Globalstar’s network capacity.
Shares of Globalstar surged by over 30% following the news, while Apple’s stock dipped slightly as it forecasts modest revenue growth for the coming quarter. Globalstar indicated that a portion of Apple’s funding will help reduce its debt, further strengthening its infrastructure.
The collaboration between Apple and Globalstar highlights a growing trend of partnerships between tech and satellite companies aiming to provide seamless satellite-based connectivity to underserved regions. The deal is expected to finalise on Tuesday, paving the way for expanded services on future iPhone models.
