Telecommunications infrastructure

LG unveils world’s first 5K2K bendable gaming monitor

LG aims to captivate attendees at CES 2025 with the introduction of the 45GX990A, a gaming monitor described as the ‘world’s first bendable 5K2K display’. The 45-inch OLED screen boasts a resolution of 5,120 x 2,160 pixels, a 21:9 aspect ratio, and an impressive ability to transition between a flat and 900R curvature for immersive gameplay.

Advanced WOLED technology powers the monitor, delivering vivid colours, true blacks, and reduced eye strain. LG has also incorporated its Anti-Glare & Low Reflection (AGLR) coating, designed to reduce distracting screen glare. The device includes a rapid 0.03ms response time and compatibility with Nvidia G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.

Gamers can expect customisable presets tailored to various genres, such as FPS, RPG, and racing simulators. Connectivity is robust, featuring DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI 2.1, and USB-C with 90W power delivery, making the 45GX990A a versatile choice for PC and console users.

The Ultragear GX9 series will also introduce two additional models. These include the 45GX950A, featuring a fixed 800R curvature, and the 39GX90SA, a smaller yet equally striking 39-inch variant. All models will be showcased at the highly anticipated CES 2025 event.

AI and chip budgets under threat in Taiwan

Taiwan’s government faces significant funding challenges for its semiconductor, AI, and aerospace sectors. The science ministry has warned that economic and technology spending could be cut by T$20 billion (£486 million) next year, a move linked to recent legislation passed by opposition parties. The legislation redirects central government funds to local municipalities, drawing criticism from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and protestors.

Economic partnerships with tech giants such as Micron, AMD, and Nvidia are also at risk. Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs highlighted concerns about future budgets potentially undermining international collaborations in AI and other advanced technologies. Micron, the island’s largest foreign investor, along with AMD and Nvidia, relies on partial government funding for joint projects.

Projected cuts include a reduction of T$29.7 billion in overall economic ministry spending, with T$11.6 billion specifically targeting technology initiatives. Observers note that the financial constraints could weaken Taiwan’s position in global technology innovation.

Government officials and industry leaders are urging a re-evaluation of spending priorities to safeguard Taiwan’s leadership in key technology sectors.

Major US telecom firms confirm cyberattacks by Chinese group ‘Salt Typhoon’, sparking national security concerns

AT&T and Verizon have confirmed cyberattacks linked to a Chinese hacking group known as “Salt Typhoon,” but assured the public on Saturday that their US networks are now secure. Both companies acknowledged the breaches for the first time, stating they are cooperating with law enforcement and government agencies to address the threat. AT&T disclosed that the attackers targeted a small group of individuals tied to foreign intelligence, while Verizon emphasised that the activities have been contained following extensive remediation efforts.

The attacks, described by US officials as the most extensive telecommunications hack in the nation’s history, reportedly allowed Salt Typhoon operatives to access sensitive network systems, including the ability to geolocate individuals and record phone calls. Authorities have linked the breaches to several telecom firms, with a total of nine entities now confirmed as compromised. In response, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has urged government officials to transition to encrypted communication methods.

US Senators, including Democrat Ben Ray Luján and Republican Ted Cruz, have expressed alarm over the breach’s scale, calling for stronger safeguards against future intrusions. Meanwhile, Chinese officials have denied the accusations, dismissing them as disinformation and reaffirming their opposition to cyberattacks. Despite assurances from the companies and independent cybersecurity experts, questions remain about how long it will take to fully restore public confidence in the nation’s telecommunications security.

Goodman Group surges as AI boom fuels data centre demand

Goodman Group has emerged as a standout performer in Australia’s real estate sector this year, with its stock soaring 45.8%, marking its strongest run since 2006. The surge is driven by a boom in AI, which has sparked frenzied demand for data centres. Global tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta have poured billions into expanding their data centre capacity, fueling growth for developers like Goodman.

At the end of September, 42% of Goodman’s A$12.8 billion ($7.96 billion) development portfolio was dedicated to data centres, a jump from 37% last year. Analysts like John Lockton of Sandstone Insights see this focus as a key strength, noting the company’s access to land with power supply, a critical factor for future data-centre projects.

Despite the optimism, some caution remains. Analysts warn that soaring valuations in the data-centre sector could cool investor enthusiasm. Goodman’s high stock prices and concerns over risks like obsolescence and increased competition raise questions about long-term returns. Nonetheless, with robust demand for AI infrastructure, Goodman’s pipeline and strategic positioning keep it well-poised for continued growth.

Kyivstar partners with Starlink to bring satellite connectivity to Ukraine

Ukraine’s largest mobile operator, Kyivstar, has partnered with Elon Musk’s Starlink to introduce direct-to-cell satellite connectivity, marking a major technological advancement for the war-torn nation. Kyivstar’s parent company, VEON, announced that messaging services will be available by late 2025, with voice and data services to follow in later stages.

Direct-to-cell technology connects satellites to smartphones, functioning like space-based cell towers. Starlink, a SpaceX subsidiary, launched its first satellites equipped with this capability earlier this year and has struck similar deals in the US, Japan, and New Zealand. Ukraine will be one of the first countries to adopt this innovation and the first active conflict zone to benefit from it.

The deal highlights Starlink’s continued support for Ukraine, despite ongoing Russian attempts to jam signals between the satellites and ground terminals. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but the move solidifies Starlink’s role in providing essential connectivity to Ukraine amid geopolitical tensions.

Pro-Russian hackers target Italian government and airport websites

Hackers temporarily disrupted around ten official websites in Italy on Saturday, including those of the Foreign Ministry and Milan’s two airports, according to the country’s cybersecurity agency. The pro-Russian group Noname057(16) claimed responsibility on Telegram, describing the attack as a retaliation against what it called Italy’s ‘Russophobia.’

The attack, a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) operation, flooded networks with excessive data traffic, paralysing their functionality. Italy’s cybersecurity agency acted swiftly, mitigating the impact within two hours. A spokesperson confirmed that assistance was provided to affected institutions and companies.

Despite the disruptions, flights at Milan’s Linate and Malpensa airports were unaffected, and the airports’ mobile apps continued to operate normally, according to SEA, the company managing the airports. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, highlighting ongoing threats from cyber groups linked to geopolitical tensions.

Türk Telekom and ZTE launch 5G smart agriculture project in Turkey to revolutionise farming practices

Türk Telekom and ZTE have partnered to launch the ‘5G Smart Agriculture Project’ in Çorum, Turkey, to modernise the agricultural sector through digital transformation. The project integrates advanced technologies such as drones, smart farming machinery, and 5G connectivity to enhance farming practices, including automated spraying, fertilisation, and precision irrigation.

The high-speed, low-latency features of 5G enable real-time monitoring and control, improving efficiency and resource management. The project focuses on sustainability to reduce resource waste, targeting increased agricultural productivity and adopting smart farming solutions.

As the project expands to other regions, it will continue contributing to Turkey’s push for technological innovation and sustainability in agriculture. Both Türk Telekom and ZTE are committed to advancing digital transformation in agriculture, emphasising the importance of sustainability alongside technological progress.

Türk Telekom’s network deputy general manager and ZTE’s regional president have noted that this collaboration enhances their technological capabilities and aligns with their business objectives. The project is seen as a significant step in Turkey’s agricultural modernisation and industrial development, positioning agriculture as a key area for digital innovation and resource efficiency in the future.

CMI and Telecom Egypt to boost global connectivity

China Mobile International (CMI) and Telecom Egypt have forged a strategic commercial partnership to address the growing global demand for data and enhance global connectivity. By leveraging their subsea cable infrastructure, the collaboration aims to meet the surging need for high-bandwidth applications like video streaming, cloud computing, and remote work solutions.

With global internet traffic projected to reach 396 exabytes per month by 2025 and a 23% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in sectors like e-commerce, finance, and telemedicine through 2030, the partnership focuses on expanding network routes to improve diversity and resiliency. That will ensure more reliable services and seamless connectivity for businesses and consumers worldwide.

Additionally, CMI’s advanced digital solutions, combined with Telecom Egypt’s extensive infrastructure, will offer enterprises tailored DICT (digital, information, communication, and technology) solutions, empowering them to drive digital transformation and remain competitive in the evolving market. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of the digital economy and create greater economic and societal value.

By enhancing infrastructure and expanding global reach, CMI and Telecom Egypt are positioned to lead the digital services market, providing innovative solutions supporting business growth and international consumers’ evolving needs. The partnership strengthens their ability to serve businesses in Egypt and the surrounding regions and contributes to broader economic growth through enhanced connectivity and digital transformation.

NERA recommends key reforms for a successful 5G spectrum auction in Pakistan

The National Economic Research Associates Inc. (NERA) has outlined critical recommendations for ensuring the success of Pakistan’s upcoming 5G spectrum auction while addressing the challenges in its telecom sector. NERA advocates for reasonable reserve prices, extended payment terms, and a transition to rupee-based pricing to mitigate risks associated with exchange rate volatility.

High spectrum prices, the consultancy warns, reduce competition, stifle innovation, and harm consumers, ultimately weakening the sector’s long-term potential. Pakistan’s telecom industry is severely spectrum-starved, ranking lowest in South Asia due to auction delays, high base prices, and unsold spectrum in litigation.

To address this, NERA recommends releasing more spectrum, including the disputed 140 MHz in the 2600 MHz band, and resolving market structure issues, such as the number of operators post-mergers. Additionally, it emphasises the urgent need for infrastructure development, particularly expanding fibre-optic backhaul networks, which currently account for only 15% of mobile towers, and addressing the limited adoption of 5G-capable smartphones due to their high costs.

Reforms like the Telecom Infrastructure Sharing framework and measures to make smartphones more affordable are critical for fostering competition and sector growth. NERA underscores the trade-off between short-term government revenue from high spectrum prices and the long-term benefits of a competitive and thriving telecom sector.

It highlights that a robust telecom environment requires sustained investments in infrastructure, wider spectrum availability, and affordable tariffs. By implementing its recommendations, including encouraging smartphone upgrades, expanding fibre networks, and creating favourable pricing structures, Pakistan can maximise the potential of 4G and 5G technologies.

These measures are not only vital for the success of the 2025 spectrum auction but also for ensuring a dynamic and sustainable telecom industry capable of driving digital transformation across the country.

Snapdragon powers AI-driven Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra is set to debut with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, bringing advanced AI features directly to the device. A standout capability of the chipset enables on-device AI-powered image editing, enhancing privacy and reducing reliance on internet connectivity.

Code leaks have highlighted a feature called ‘FEATURE_GEN_EDIT_ON_DEVICE,’ which points to AI tools operating locally on the phone. Alongside this, Samsung plans to introduce a revamped AI-powered Bixby assistant with the Galaxy S25 lineup, aiming to outpace competitors like the iPhone 16.

All Galaxy S25 models are expected to exclusively use Snapdragon processors, with no signs of Exynos chipsets in the series. A leaked specifications sheet also suggests the Ultra variant will boast up to 16 GB of RAM, improving overall AI performance.

As manufacturers increasingly focus on AI, these features are only the beginning of a broader transformation. The Galaxy S25 Ultra represents a significant step in showcasing how powerful AI can reshape mobile experiences.