Samsung has officially launched its AI-ready Galaxy Tab S10 series, featuring the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and S10+. Built to support artificial intelligence, both models are powered by the advanced MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processors. This new chipset significantly boosts performance across CPU, GPU, and NPU, delivering faster AI features for users.
The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra boasts a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while the S10+ comes with a slightly smaller 12.4-inch version. Alongside these high-resolution screens, both tablets include the S Pen and a Book Cover Keyboard accessory with a dedicated Galaxy AI key. These additions provide users with streamlined AI interactions and allow for enhanced note-taking, image creation, and translation features.
Samsung also introduces several AI tools, such as the PDF Overlay Translation and Handwriting Help, aimed at making productivity tasks easier. The Sketch to Image function, previously seen on the Galaxy Z Fold 6, is now available on these tablets, enabling the conversion of rough drawings into polished images with the help of AI.
The Galaxy Tab S10 series integrates seamlessly with Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem, offering users a 3D Map View to manage their connected devices. Both tablets are durable, water-resistant with IP68 certification, and come with fast-charging capabilities, making them versatile tools for both work and home.
The FCC has made a pivotal move to enhance broadband services across the United States by allocating additional spectrum in the 17.3-17.7 GHz band to non-geostationary satellite operators (NGSO), including notable providers like Starlink. The decision is designed to improve broadband speeds and increase accessibility, particularly for fixed-satellite services (FSS) directed toward stationary points on Earth, such as residential antennas.
Importantly, NGSO operators will share this newly allocated 1,300 megahertz of spectrum with geostationary satellite (GEO) operators. However, they must adhere to strict power limits and conditions to minimise interference.
Moreover, the FCC has emphasised that this spectrum allocation is part of a broader strategy to promote spectrum efficiency, stimulate competition, and expand high-speed internet access, especially in underserved and unserved communities. Consequently, this initiative seeks to drive innovation and facilitate deploying advanced services in areas lacking robust traditional internet infrastructure, effectively bridging the digital divide.
In response to concerns raised by geostationary satellite operators like EchoStar and DirectTV, who argued that NGSO operators should only have secondary access to prevent potential interference, the FCC determined that both NGSO and GEO operators would share the 17 GHz spectrum on a co-primary basis. However, it is worth noting that NGSO downlinks in the 17.7-17.8 GHz band will be afforded different interference protection from terrestrial services.
The European Commission’s Competition Directorate (DG COMP) and the Connectivity Directorate (DG CNECT) are at the centre of a critical debate over the future of the EU telecom regulations. That discussion highlights the struggle within the EU to balance regulatory harmonisation with market fragmentation.
DG CNECT advocates for increased consolidation in the telecom sector, arguing that the current fragmented landscape hampers competitiveness and investment compared to the more integrated markets of the US and China. In contrast, DG COMP warns that excessive national consolidation could lead to higher consumer prices and undermine the competition necessary for innovation.
As these discussions progress, DG COMP and DG CNECT are examining the implications of indirect deregulation in the telecom sector. Specifically, DG COMP has raised concerns that eliminating regulated sub-markets could increase the bureaucratic burden on national regulators, thereby reducing the effectiveness of oversight across the EU. That shift would transfer more responsibility to individual member states, potentially leading to inconsistencies hindering the EU’s telecom objectives. Meanwhile, while DG CNECT supports deregulation, it must consider the potential impacts on market dynamics and consumer protection.
DG COMP and DG CNECT are committed to fostering innovation within the telecommunications sector through strategic investments in future technologies. DG COMP emphasises the importance of competitive markets in driving advancements like edge computing and OpenRAN. At the same time, DG CNECT argues for regulatory frameworks and consolidation to facilitate these investments. Ultimately, their shared focus on innovation aims to enhance the EU’s telecommunications infrastructure and maintain its competitiveness in the global market.
MTN South Africa and ZTE Corporation have made a groundbreaking advancement by launching Africa’s first 5G Ultra-range maritime offshore coverage in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. The innovative initiative sets a new benchmark in maritime connectivity and promises to enhance communication in previously unreachable areas.
By integrating cutting-edge 5G technology, this partnership aims to revolutionise maritime industries’ operations, thus facilitating greater efficiency and responsiveness in various sectors. Furthermore, deploying 5G Ultra-range maritime coverage will provide high-speed internet access, achieving over 210 Mbps throughput at 22 kilometres from the shore. That significant enhancement in connectivity will benefit local fishermen, tourism, shipping, and marine research, ultimately improving operational efficiency and opening up new economic opportunities for local communities.
In addition, MTN South Africa and ZTE Corporation are dedicated to fostering technological innovation that directly impacts local communities. Their collaborative effort in deploying this advanced maritime coverage reflects a strong commitment to digital transformation in Africa.
Moreover, this initiative strategically aligns with the African Union’s vision for a digitally connected continent and supports various Sustainable Development Goals, including economic growth and innovation, as they continue to expand their 5G network, which currently covers 44% of the South African population—a substantial increase from last year’s 25%—MTN and ZTE aim to ensure that more communities benefit from high-speed internet access.
China and Africa cooperate to enhance digital infrastructure, which has emerged as a cornerstone of their evolving economic partnership. Over the past decade, substantial investments from Chinese enterprises have facilitated the construction of essential digital frameworks across Africa.
That includes initiatives such as laying extensive fibre optic cables, establishing robust 5G networks and creating data centres that ensure high-speed connectivity. As a direct consequence of this collaboration, millions of people are now connected, and local economies are being transformed through expanded e-commerce opportunities. Notably, the surge in digital trade has opened new avenues for economic growth in African nations, attracting vital investments and fostering entrepreneurship.
Moreover, Chinese companies have played a crucial role in this transformative process by offering technical support, financial backing, and infrastructure development. Consequently, these efforts have contributed to a vibrant marketplace where an increasing number of online shoppers can access a diverse range of goods and services. Additionally, efforts to promote sustainable development are evident in the improvements to service trade and the establishment of resilient financial infrastructures. By leveraging advancements in digital technology, the partnership optimises sectors such as transport and tourism, enhancing operational efficiency and user experiences.
Why does this matter?
Furthermore, as financial technology (fintech) rapidly evolves, there is a focus on bolstering the stability of financial systems in African countries. By harnessing technologies like blockchain, IoT, and AI, Chinese financial institutions collaborate with local partners to create innovative service models, addressing financial risks and fostering an investment-friendly environment. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, both regions are committed to advancing digital transformation while ensuring economic growth aligns with sustainable practices that benefit future generations.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has reassured telecom operators that they can continue operating under their existing licenses until expiration. This commitment provides regulatory stability and alleviates concerns regarding potential disruptions stemming from changes in contractual agreements.
Moreover, this assurance forms part of TRAI’s broader initiative to propose a new authorisation mechanism to simplify telecom operators’ service provision process. By enabling companies to offer a diverse range of services, including mobile, internet, international calls, and satellite connectivity, under a single license, TRAI aims to reduce the complexities associated with managing multiple licenses.
That shift marks a significant departure from the current regime in India, wherein operators often require numerous licenses for different services across various regions. Consequently, the proposed model is expected to enhance operational flexibility, foster innovation, and improve service quality while driving competitive tariffs that benefit consumers.
Furthermore, TRAI recognises the necessity of addressing industry concerns about potential rule changes without adequate notification. Therefore, it is committed to involving operators in discussions concerning significant regulatory shifts. In addition, TRAI plans to release consultation papers on satellite spectrum pricing and revisit its regulations on over-the-top (OTT) services, thus ensuring stakeholder participation in future telecom policy.
As a result, the anticipated benefits of these changes include improved service availability in remote areas, enhanced emergency services through satellite systems, and a more dynamic telecom market that reduces barriers for new entrants, ultimately promoting competition and innovation within the industry.
Hungary plans to emphasise competition as the primary driver for investment in telecom infrastructure in its upcoming draft of the Council conclusions. This shift reflects a growing reluctance among the EU member states to adopt the European Commission’s deregulation proposals, highlighting the complexities within the telecom sector as member states consider the potential impacts on market dynamics and investment.
Prompted by the Commission’s February white paper advocating for consolidation, Hungary initially aimed to reconcile diverse stakeholder views in its draft. However, it faced criticism for being overly prescriptive, leading to revision plans. Moreover, Hungary is expected to clarify that the review of the EU’s telecom law, particularly the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC), must precede any consideration of transitioning from ex-ante regulation, designed to prevent monopolistic practices, to ex-post regulation, which addresses violations only after they occur.
That clarification highlights the critical need to uphold regulatory safeguards within the telecom sector. Additionally, Hungary is under pressure from fellow member states to ensure that the Commission publishes a new telecom strategy before allocating the EU funds to enhance submarine cable infrastructure’s security and resilience. Such an approach aligns with the broader objective of ensuring that funding mechanisms support robust and secure telecom networks throughout the EU.
Finally, Hungary has set a timeline for revisions, with member states given until 30 September to respond. A revised text is expected on 9 October, before the working group meeting on 15 October. That underscores the urgency of these discussions for the EU telecom policy.
Dell has launched the Dell AI for Telecom Program, a strategic initiative to streamline the integration of AI solutions for communications service providers (CSPs). The program addresses the rising demand for advanced technologies in the telecommunications sector, empowering CSPs to optimise operations and meet evolving customer needs.
A cornerstone of this initiative is the expanded partnership with NVIDIA, which focuses on co-developing customised AI solutions through the Dell AI Factory. The program aims to enhance network performance and customer service, offering solutions such as advanced customer care platforms, operational automation, and robust network troubleshooting capabilities.
Dell is forging strategic partnerships with key industry players to drive innovation and expedite AI adoption. For example, its collaboration with Lintasarta, an Indonesian ICT solutions provider, aims to offer GPU-as-a-Service to national businesses, granting them access to high-performance AI infrastructure.
Furthermore, Dell is working with SK Telecom to develop an AI chat agent and the Mobile Network Operator (MNO) AI Platform, seamlessly integrating AI into existing business support systems to streamline telecom operations. To bolster these initiatives, Dell Professional Services will assist CSPs in strategising, implementing, and managing AI solutions tailored explicitly for the telecommunications sector. Overall, these concerted efforts position Dell’s initiatives as pivotal in driving network cloud transformation, reducing operational costs, and unlocking new revenue streams through innovative AI applications.
Kajeet, a leading provider of managed IoT connectivity solutions, and Mission Telecom, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing affordable and reliable broadband and investing in a movement of systemic change, collaborate to deliver transformative connectivity solutions that empower underserved communities nationwide. By harnessing the innovative capabilities of Kajeet’s Sentinel platform alongside Mission Telecom’s unlimited broadband access services, the partnership aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that essential internet access reaches those who need it most.
Furthermore, Kajeet will soon equip Mission Telecom with mobile device management, policy enforcement, wireless data usage control, network security, and advanced analytics. As a result, this will enable increased access to educational resources, job-seeking tools, and opportunities for economic growth, ultimately enhancing the vital services provided to nonprofits, libraries, and academic institutions.
In addition to improving connectivity, Kajeet and Mission Telecom collaborate to enrich educational opportunities for individuals and families. By delivering reliable internet access, they seek to provide essential learning and personal development tools, including online educational resources and job-seeking platforms. Moreover, Kajeet’s advanced mobile device management and analytics capabilities will empower Mission Telecom to foster a supportive environment for students and learners, equipping them for success in today’s digital landscape.
Furthermore, Kajeet and Mission Telecom collaborate to champion equitable access to broadband services, promoting digital inclusion across communities. That partnership embodies a shared vision for a more inclusive society where technology catalyses positive change. By addressing systemic challenges and leveraging their combined strengths, they are dedicated to cultivating a culture of empowerment through connectivity, ensuring everyone can thrive in the digital economy.
The Israeli Communications Ministry is taking decisive steps to stimulate competition in the cellular infrastructure market by welcoming new entrants. That initiative aims to diversify a landscape dominated by a few major players, foster innovation, and attract investment in cellular services.
By opening the market to fresh competition, the ministry intends to accelerate the rollout of 5G networks nationwide, benefiting consumers with improved service quality and more choices. Ultimately, this effort is critical as Israel strives to bolster its technological infrastructure and meet the increasing demand for faster, more reliable communication services.
However, the Israeli Communications Ministry needs help balancing these changes with the concerns of existing industry stakeholders. The market currently comprises three primary cellular networks – Pelephone, Cellcom, and Partner (including Hot Mobile), each operating its infrastructure independently. Consequently, introducing new players may disrupt the established order, raising questions about potential impacts on service quality and competition.
Moreover, the ministry has encountered resistance from the workers’ union of Pelephone, which contends that the proposed changes could undermine competition and jeopardise national security. The union argues that this initiative prioritises financial interests over the integrity of communication services. In this context, they express concern that instead of addressing fundamental infrastructure issues, the ministry opts for a superficial solution that may lead to long-term negative consequences for the industry and consumers.
