Italy is preparing to introduce regulations that will require major tech companies to contribute to the costs of building telecoms infrastructure. Industry Minister Adolfo Urso stated that the government is working to ensure that companies such as Google, Meta, and Amazon bear part of the financial burden for expanding high-speed networks.
Telecom providers, including Telecom Italia and Deutsche Telekom, argue that these Big Tech firms generate much of the internet traffic and should therefore share the costs of network development. The proposed measures, which some refer to as ‘fair-share funding,’ have been backed by ruling politicians in Italy.
Proposals presented in parliament aim to set up agreements where Big Tech would negotiate technical and financial terms to support telecom infrastructure investments. Lawmakers believe this will help maintain the expansion of electronic communications networks.
This initiative is in line with similar efforts from the European Union, which has called for large tech platforms to contribute to network funding before the re-election of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in June.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is enhancing connectivity and cultural engagement across Canada through its strategic plan, ‘Connecting Canadians through technology and culture.’ The plan prioritises improvements in internet and cellphone services by promoting competition and investment to ensure reliable and affordable access for all Canadians, including those in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.
Additionally, the CRTC is advancing the amended Broadcasting Act through public consultations that require online streaming services to contribute approximately $200 million annually to the Canadian broadcasting system. The ongoing implementation of the Online News Act reflects the CRTC’s commitment to establishing a robust framework for digital news media, ensuring diverse and reliable sources for Canadians.
CRTC is also focused on investing in its capabilities to serve Canadians better in the future. The commission aims to enhance its effectiveness in regulating telecommunications and broadcasting services by emphasising modernisation and strategic investments. This proactive approach benefits consumers and positions Canada at the forefront of technological innovation and cultural engagement in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector urge the federal government to strengthen telecom infrastructure security, designated as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). They raised concerns about vandalism, theft, and cyber-attacks that threaten these assets, which are vital for supporting the country’s digital economy.
Furthermore, while stakeholders, including IHS Towers and ALTON, praised the federal government for recognising the importance of telecom infrastructure, they emphasised the need for a comprehensive protection plan to secure these assets. In addition, they called for collaboration between the government and telecom operators to develop a Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan (CNIIPP) and proposed the creation of a centralised database to monitor telecom infrastructure.
Moreover, in addition to protecting telecommunications infrastructure, stakeholders stressed the need for long-term strategies to ensure the sector’s sustainability. By safeguarding critical assets, Nigeria can support the growth of its digital economy and strengthen national security. IHS Towers, in particular, highlighted the importance of joint efforts in developing robust protections to prevent vandalism and cyber threats, which could otherwise undermine Nigeria’s telecommunications network. Strengthening this infrastructure will help build a secure, sustainable, and connected future for Nigeria.
Sri Lanka is set to amend its Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Act for the first time in 28 years, allowing third-party companies to construct telecom towers. That significant change aims to enhance competition and foster development in the telecommunications sector while promoting sustainable growth and ensuring market fairness.
The need for this amendment has arisen from financial constraints resulting from an unprecedented economic crisis, forcing telecom companies to reduce their budgets for building new towers, thereby slowing infrastructure development. By enabling independent companies to take on tower construction, the government seeks to address these challenges.
Specifically, it plans to build 276 new towers to boost connectivity and expand the digital economy from $2.3 billion in 2023 to a projected $15 billion by 2030. Furthermore, while independent firms will be responsible for tower construction, telecom companies will continue to provide other necessary equipment, ensuring a collaborative approach to improving network coverage.
Moreover, the amendment to the TRC Act will be tabled in parliament, with a debate expected to occur within the next two months. This legislative change represents a proactive step toward enhancing telecommunications infrastructure in Sri Lanka, thereby positioning the country for greater digital advancement in the coming years.
Vietnam is committed to ensuring universal access to fibre-optic internet by 2030, aiming to connect every city, province, industrial facility, and household nationwide. The initiative includes launching at least two new international submarine cable routes and achieving 99% coverage of the 5G broadband network by the end of 2025, with a goal for all internet users to benefit from fibre-optic connections offering speeds of at least 1 Gbps.
Additionally, each citizen will have access to one Internet of Things (IoT) connection and a digital identity, with over 70% of adults expected to possess a digital or electronic signature by 2030. To support this digital transformation, Vietnam plans to establish hyper-scale, AI-supportive, and edge data centres that meet international standards while focusing on attracting domestic and international investments in digital infrastructure.
Enhancing digital infrastructure is vital for Vietnam’s socioeconomic growth and competitiveness in the global market. The government seeks to create a robust economic foundation that supports innovation and drives sustainable development by investing in and improving its digital capabilities. As Vietnam positions itself in the digital age, these strategic initiatives will empower citizens with greater access to technology and bolster the nation’s economic resilience and global standing.
A1 Austria, Eurofiber, and Quantcom have joined forces to develop a high-speed dark-fibre network connecting Frankfurt and Vienna, marking a significant advancement in European telecommunications. Scheduled for completion in December 2025, this ambitious project aims to deliver an ultra-low-latency infrastructure essential for meeting modern telecommunications’s growing demands.
By collaborating, these three providers are not only bolstering their technical capabilities but are also ensuring that the network will support a wide array of critical applications, including cloud services, media broadcasting, AI, and machine learning (ML). Furthermore, the network’s low latency will significantly enhance connectivity for key industries across Europe, making it a vital asset for telecommunications companies, fixed network operators, and global enterprises.
Ultimately, this new fibre network is poised to serve as a critical backbone for the region’s digital ecosystem, facilitating seamless communication and data exchange. As a result, it is expected to have a substantial economic impact by connecting various industries and enabling high-performance connectivity, thereby acting as a catalyst for growth across multiple sectors.
Moreover, this initiative addresses the current demand for faster and more reliable data transfer and lays the groundwork for a more robust digital infrastructure in Europe, thereby fostering innovation and economic development in the years to come.
IHS Towers, ALTON, and the NCC have proposed a series of strategic initiatives to safeguard Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure, which is increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats, theft, and vandalism. Central to this proposal is developing a robust Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan (CNIIPP) that emphasises collaboration among all relevant stakeholders, including telecom operators, regulatory bodies, and the government.
Key initiatives include establishing a secure, centralised database of all telecom infrastructure managed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). Additionally, mandatory routine surveillance of major telecom installations by security agencies such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the police is crucial for deterring threats.
The proposal also advocates for standardised procedures for responding to incidents and public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the importance of protecting critical national information infrastructure. Regulatory support from the NCC, including establishing a dedicated committee to assist telecom operators, will further reinforce these efforts.
Maintaining secure and resilient telecommunications infrastructure is essential for national security and economic growth. The interconnectedness of modern society relies heavily on a robust telecom sector, which supports critical services, including healthcare, education, and financial systems.
By prioritising infrastructure resilience and emphasising a commitment to security, Nigeria can ensure the continuity of these vital services even in the face of potential threats. This holistic approach protects the telecommunications sector and promotes sustainable economic development across the nation.
Liberty Networks, Gold Data, and Sparkle have partnered to develop the MANTA subsea cable system, significantly enhancing connectivity across Latin America, the Caribbean, and the USA. The 5,600 km system will not only be the first international submarine cable in the Gulf of Mexico but will also provide high-capacity, low-latency routes, effectively connecting key data hubs in Mexico City, Bogotá, Panama City, and the USA.
Designed to support a minimum of 20 terabits per fibre pair, MANTA aims to address the region’s growing data demands and improve traffic flow. Furthermore, the cable is expected to be operational by 2027, with the companies planning to announce their technology provider soon.
Consequently, the MANTA project is set to revolutionise digital communication across the region by enhancing the resilience of Latin America’s digital infrastructure. By creating faster and more reliable data pathways, the subsea system will foster innovation and meet the evolving needs of businesses and consumers. The collaboration between Liberty Networks, Gold Data, and Sparkle, therefore, marks a significant step forward in the ongoing digital transformation of the Americas.
Schneider Electric has announced an $850 million deal to acquire a 75% controlling stake in Motivair Corp, a US company specialising in liquid cooling solutions for high-performance computing. The French firm expects to complete the all-cash deal in the coming quarters, with plans to acquire the remaining stake by 2028. The acquisition is part of Schneider’s strategy to expand its offerings for the rapidly growing data centre market, which increasingly demands efficient cooling solutions for technologies like generative AI.
Motivair, located in Buffalo, New York, manufactures advanced cooling systems that pump coolant directly near chips, efficiently managing the heat produced by high-performance computing—something traditional air cooling struggles to do. Schneider CEO Peter Herweck emphasised the expansion of the data centre and networks sector, which accounted for 21% of the company’s 2023 orders, approximately 8 billion euros. He also noted strong global demand for these technologies.
Herweck stated that Schneider is not actively pursuing further acquisitions in the data centre sector but remains open to opportunities as they emerge. The company’s shares have climbed 31% this year, driven by its strong market presence and the growing demand for advanced cooling solutions in data centres.
The Mekong-US Partnership (MUSP) recently hosted a policy dialogue on online scams, bringing together government representatives from Thailand, the US, and Vietnam. The seminar, held in Bangkok, focused on addressing cybersecurity issues and fostering cooperation to combat online crime across the Mekong region. The event was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Stimson Center, with support from the US Department of State.
Discussions centred around strategies to prevent online scams, enhance risk management, and ensure the security of digital financial systems. Thai officials, including Ekapong Harimcharoen from the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, highlighted national policies and shared insights with international partners. Participants explored collaborative efforts to build a secure online environment and promote regional connectivity under the MUSP framework.
Thailand is taking significant steps to expand its digital economy, projected to contribute 11% to GDP by 2027. Several laws and initiatives are already in place, such as the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and the Cyber Security Act. These measures aim to protect data, promote responsible AI development, and safeguard critical infrastructure sectors including healthcare, banking, and telecommunications.
With remote work and cloud technologies becoming more prominent, the demand for cybersecurity solutions is growing. Thailand aims to position itself as a regional leader in information and communications technology while tackling the evolving challenges of cybercrime. Cooperation under the MUSP framework is expected to enhance resilience in the digital landscape of the Mekong sub-region.
