Retail News CRM

Tag: telecom

  • Singtel Pioneers Singapore’s First 50 Gbps Fiber Broadband Trial, Ushering in New Era of Ultra-High-Speed Connectivity

    Singtel Pioneers Singapore’s First 50 Gbps Fiber Broadband Trial, Ushering in New Era of Ultra-High-Speed Connectivity

    Singapore’s premier telecommunications company, Singtel, has initiated the country’s inaugural 50 Gbps fiber broadband technical trial. The aim of this groundbreaking move is to fortify the fixed connectivity infrastructure of the country, which is crucial for the delivery of emerging data-intensive digital amenities propelled by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

    Exploring the Potential of Next-Gen Technology

    This technical trial employs the cutting-edge XGS-PON-based fiber technology, which is capable of facilitating speeds of up to 50 Gbps. The trial has been conceptualised keeping in mind the anticipated use cases of the imminent future, such as ultra-realistic Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR), AI-powered smart homes, high-performance remote working setups, and cloud gaming. Singtel’s objective with this initiative is to prepare both residential and commercial customers for the smooth adoption of novel technologies as they become mainstream over the next three to five years.

    Through this trial, Singtel aims to assess the network performance and capabilities needed to support the increasing complexity of multi-device environments driven by AI. Singtel maintains that the trial is a significant milestone towards the future large-scale rollout of ultra-high-speed fiber broadband for diverse users, both residential and commercial.

    Preparing for a Digital Future

    Ng Tian Chong, Singtel Singapore’s CEO, emphasised that digital technologies are already a part of everyday life in Singapore, with near-universal internet access, high device ownership, and extensive use of digital services for work, learning, and entertainment. The next leap in fiber broadband connectivity, he said, will ensure that homes and businesses can keep up with increasingly immersive and AI-enabled digital experiences.

    Singtel insists that its early adoption of the 50 Gbps fiber technology places Singapore at the vanguard of next-generation broadband innovation. This aligns with the nation’s Digital Connectivity Blueprint, which prioritises the construction of a robust and future-ready digital infrastructure.

    Enabling Advanced Applications

    The 50 Gbps trial facilitates a new grade of whole-home, multi-gigabit connectivity. Singtel believes this will support ultra-high-definition entertainment, including 8K and future 12K video streaming, high-quality AR, VR, and XR experiences, and low-latency cloud gaming and cloud PCs. The technology also caters to data-heavy workflows for home-based businesses and professionals, including engineering simulations and secure enterprise-level remote connectivity.

    Moreover, the ultra-high-speed broadband is anticipated to enable advanced telemedicine and remote diagnostics, such as real-time medical imaging transmission, VR-based physiotherapy, and connected at-home medical devices. AI-driven smart homes will reap the benefits of real-time analytics across security cameras, IoT appliances, and autonomous devices. It also provides a solid foundation for next-generation Wi-Fi, dense IoT ecosystems, and emerging AI-generated entertainment formats.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the purpose of Singtel’s technical trial?

    The purpose of the technical trial is to assess the network performance and capabilities needed to support the increasingly complex multi-device environments enabled by AI. It also aims to prepare residential and commercial customers for the smooth adoption of novel technologies as they become mainstream.

    How will the 50 Gbps fiber broadband technology benefit homes and businesses?

    The technology will support ultra-high-definition entertainment, low-latency cloud gaming, high-quality AR, VR, and XR experiences, and data-heavy workflows for home-based businesses and professionals. It will also enable advanced telemedicine and remote diagnostics, as well as provide real-time analytics for AI-powered smart homes.

    How does this initiative align with Singapore’s nationwide digital strategy?

    The trial aligns with Singapore’s Digital Connectivity Blueprint, which focuses on building a robust and future-ready digital infrastructure. By positioning Singapore at the forefront of next-generation broadband innovation, it is helping prepare the nation for a rapidly evolving digital future.

  • Game-Changing Telenor Pakistan Sale Complete: PTCL Takes Reigns in Boost to Telecom Sector

    Game-Changing Telenor Pakistan Sale Complete: PTCL Takes Reigns in Boost to Telecom Sector

    The Telenor Group, a leading global telecommunications company, recently finalized its sale of Telenor Pakistan to Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), a member of the international technology conglomerate e&. The transaction, first announced on December 14, 2023, saw Telenor Pakistan valued at NOK 5.3 billion on a cash-and-debt-free basis. The completion of the transaction certifies this valuation, reaching NOK 5.4 billion when factoring in currency rates from September, subject to any final adjustments to be made at year’s end.

    An Overview of the Transaction

    In addition to the finalized sale, Telenor has also acknowledged receipt of NOK 0.9 billion in cash flow from Telenor Pakistan since the announcement of the transaction. For the past two decades, Telenor Pakistan has been a crucial player in providing digital services and connectivity to over 40 million customers. A significant achievement for the company is its introduction of 4G technology in regions that had previously been underserved, thereby promoting digital inclusion throughout Pakistan.

    Telenor Pakistan’s array of products and services have played a significant role in boosting key economic sectors in Pakistan. These sectors span agriculture, banking, and technology freelancing communities. A noteworthy aspect of the company’s journey has been its commitment to empowering local communities through initiatives focused on promoting safe internet use, digital skills, and mobile identity, thereby encouraging responsible connectivity and digital inclusion across the nation.

    Leadership Remarks on the Sale

    Benedicte Schilbred Fasmer, CEO of Telenor Group, commented on the transaction’s completion:

    “Finalizing this transaction signifies Telenor Group’s strategic emphasis on being an active owner of top market positions in Asia, while simultaneously facilitating consolidation and innovation in Pakistan’s telecom sector. As we conclude this sale today, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our customers, partners, and, particularly, our workers who have been integral to this remarkable journey. Your unwavering support and faith in our mission have brought about transformative changes in Pakistan’s economy and society.”

    Jon Omund Revhaug, Head of Telenor Asia, also expressed his sentiments:

    “Our Telenor Pakistan team members have proven themselves to be genuine trailblazers. Their resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment have not only propelled the company’s growth but have also had a profound impact on millions of Pakistanis nationwide. Your invaluable contributions have positioned Telenor Pakistan as a model of progress and inclusion. As you embark on this new chapter, your legacy will continue to inspire and shape the future of Pakistan’s digital society.”

    In conclusion, Telenor Group extends its appreciation to the more than 40 million customers of Telenor Pakistan, the partners who collaborated to deliver services, and the employees whose commitment and innovative ideas have shaped the company’s impressive legacy.

    Questions & Answers

    What was the valuation of Telenor Pakistan at the time of the sale?
    The company was valued at NOK 5.3 billion on a cash-and-debt-free basis.

    What has been Telenor Pakistan’s impact on the country’s digital inclusion?
    Telenor Pakistan has provided essential connectivity and digital services to over 40 million customers. This includes bringing 4G technology to underserved areas, thereby promoting digital inclusion throughout Pakistan.

    What sectors has Telenor Pakistan influenced?
    Telenor Pakistan’s products and services have boosted key economic sectors in Pakistan, such as agriculture, banking, and the technology freelancing communities.

  • Indian Telecom Giants Challenge New Spectrum Plan, Push for Greater 5G and 6G Allocation

    Indian Telecom Giants Challenge New Spectrum Plan, Push for Greater 5G and 6G Allocation

    The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India has formally introduced its National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025 (NFAP-2025), though it has encountered opposition from mobile operators who opine it does not sufficiently address the nation’s future connectivity requirements.

    The NFAP-2025 Policy

    The NFAP-2025, operational since December 30, 2025, outlines the management and allocation of the radio frequency spectrum throughout India. The DoT states that the policy’s objective is to synchronize the national spectrum policy with international standards, while also fostering emerging technologies and next-generation connectivity.

    In line with this plan, the spectrum ranging from 8.3 kHz to 3000 GHz is designated for assorted radio communication services. The government asserts this will facilitate the deployment of 5G, 5G-Advanced, prospective 6G networks, satellite broadband services, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications.

    Contention Around the Upper 6 GHz Band

    Dissent, however, has surfaced over the earmarking of the upper 6 GHz band, particularly the 6425–7125 MHz range for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT). While increasing the mid-band spectrum availability for mobile services, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) contends it’s insufficient. The COAI has reasserted its established demand that the entire 6 GHz band, spanning 5925-7125 MHz, should be allocated for IMT usage.

    This disagreement partly arises from the government’s previous decision, declared in May 2025, to deregulate 500 MHz of spectrum in the lower 6 GHz band for indoor Wi-Fi use with low power. While expected to hasten the launch of Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, operators maintain it diminishes the spectrum available for wide-area mobile networks.

    Future Data Demand & Spectrum Allocation

    COAI’s Director-General, Dr. SP Kochhar, has cautioned that catering to future data demand will necessitate considerably larger, continuous blocks of mid-band spectrum. He projected that every operator will require a minimum of 400 MHz of such spectrum to provide affordable, high-quality 5G and future 6G services.

    In Dr. Kochhar’s view, next-generation networks will increasingly depend on large, uninterrupted spectrum blocks to support ultra-high data throughput, low latency, immersive digital services, applications driven by artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, and intelligent mobility.

    As India propels its digital transformation, the debate on the optimal way to balance spectrum allocation between mobile networks, Wi-Fi services, and emerging technologies in the 6 GHz band is projected to escalate.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the main aim of India’s National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025 (NFAP-2025)?
    The primary objective of NFAP-2025 is to align national spectrum policy with global standards while supporting emerging technologies and next-generation connectivity across India.

    What is the contention within the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) regarding the NFAP-2025?
    The COAI argues that the allocation of the upper 6 GHz band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) is insufficient. They demand that the entire 6 GHz band should be allocated for IMT usage.

    What future requirements of mobile operators does Dr. SP Kochhar highlight?
    Dr. Kochhar emphasizes the need for considerably large, uninterrupted blocks of mid-band spectrum to cater to future data demand, projecting a minimum requirement of 400 MHz per operator to deliver high-quality 5G and future 6G services.

  • Revolutionizing AI: SK Telecom Unveils A.X K1, Korea’s First Hyperscale AI Model

    Revolutionizing AI: SK Telecom Unveils A.X K1, Korea’s First Hyperscale AI Model

    SK Telecom has launched ‘A.X K1’, the first hyperscale artificial intelligence (AI) model in South Korea with an impressive 519 billion parameters. This ambitious project is aimed at helping the country emerge as a major global player in the AI arena, following in the footsteps of AI giants like the U.S. and China. The comprehensive AI ecosystem that A.X K1 creates spans a multitude of areas, from semiconductors to services.

    Boosting Global Competitiveness of Korean AI

    A.X K1 is a significant leap forward in enhancing the worldwide competitiveness of Korean AI, a field currently controlled by the U.S and China. Unlike conventional AI models that absorb knowledge, A.X K1 functions as a ‘Teacher Model’, imparting knowledge to smaller models, notably those below 70 billion parameters. It also serves as a critical digital social overhead capital (SOC) that underpins the AI ecosystem. The SKT consortium plans to extend its research, enabling A.X K1 to transmit its knowledge to smaller, specialized models, thereby fuelling innovation in Korea.

    AI models, particularly those with over 500 billion parameters, demonstrate enhanced stability in complicated mathematical reasoning and multilingual comprehension. This capability makes them suitable for complex tasks such as high-complexity coding and agent-based execution.

    Enhancing Nationwide AI Accessibility

    The SKT consortium is committed to improving AI accessibility across the nation by disseminating A.X K1 through A (A-DoT), a service that boasts over 10 million subscribers. The consortium’s objective is to establish an ‘AI for Everyone’ framework enabling the public to readily access AI via various means, including phone calls, text messages, web-based services, and mobile applications.

    Liner, part of the SKT consortium, offers expert knowledge search services to its 11 million global subscribers. With A.X K1, it is poised to provide highly accurate, reliable multi-language search services.

    Boosting Industrial Competitiveness

    A.X K1 is expected to enhance industrial competitiveness by providing AI solutions such as A. Biz for manufacturing, real-time character dialogue for Krafton’s games, and autonomous behavior for humanoid AI robots.

    The AI model will also play a pivotal role in testing the competitiveness of Korea’s semiconductor industry. AI models that can handle a non-standard workload scale of 500 billion operations or more are crucial for practically verifying memory bandwidth and inter-GPU communication speed, two key performance bottlenecks in high-performance AI semiconductors.

    The SKT Consortium

    The SK Telecom-led SKT consortium comprises eight organizations: SK Telecom, Krafton, 42dot, Rebellions, Liner, SelectStar, Seoul National University, and KAIST. These organizations have collaborated to construct a fully sovereign AI platform based on proprietary technologies across the entire value chain, including AI semiconductors, AI data centers (AIDCs), AI models, and AI services.

    Plans for the Future

    The SKT consortium intends to make A.X K1 available as open-source software to businesses in Korea’s AI ecosystem. The consortium plans to provide open-source access and APIs through major developer communities and SK Telecom platforms, aiming to foster seamless AI agent development.

    The consortium also aims to establish an integrated support framework for AI model development and will disclose portions of the training data used for model development. This will be done through public and private platforms, thereby increasing Korea’s overall AI competitiveness.

    Kim Tae-Yoon, the Head of Foundation Model Office at SK Telecom, commented on the development, stating that it marks a significant moment in Korea’s journey to become one of the top three AI nations in the world.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the A.X K1 AI model?
    A.X K1 is the first hyperscale artificial intelligence model introduced in South Korea. It has 519 billion parameters and is designed to enhance the country’s global AI competitiveness.

    What role will A.X K1 play in Korea’s AI ecosystem?
    A.X K1 will serve as a ‘Teacher Model’, transferring knowledge to smaller AI models. It will enhance AI accessibility nationwide and boost industrial competitiveness. The model will also serve as a testbed for the country’s semiconductor industry.

    What is the aim of the SKT consortium?
    The consortium aims to build a comprehensive AI ecosystem in South Korea, improve AI accessibility, and boost the country’s global AI competitiveness. It plans to make A.X K1 available as open-source software to businesses and provide support for AI model development.

  • Asia’s Telecom Titans Rise to Meet Cybersecurity Challenges: A Dive into 5G Security and Fraud Prevention

    Asia’s Telecom Titans Rise to Meet Cybersecurity Challenges: A Dive into 5G Security and Fraud Prevention

    As the telecommunications sector in Asia rapidly moves towards 5G technology, cloud-native architectures, and digital services, operators throughout the region contend with intensifying cyber threats. These threats, which range from data breaches to scams and fraud within mobile networks, impact not only businesses, but also a considerable number of consumers. Consequently, governments and mobile operators are implementing stricter regulations and enhancing enforcement strategies. In addition, they are investing in more sophisticated security systems to safeguard national networks.

    Increasing Cybersecurity Risks and Consumer Fraud in the Region

    The Asia Pacific region has experienced some of the highest levels of mobile fraud, digital scams, and identity-based attacks globally. A 2025 report commissioned by GSMA revealed that the percentage of consumers who fell victim to scams increased from 31% to 43% over the past year. Additionally, 81% of those surveyed said they are willing to switch financial providers to achieve better security. Consumers prefer solutions that prioritize verification, offer a confirmation-of-payee feature, provide safer payment tools, and allow for simple “official call-back only” habits for enhanced protection.

    Cybersecurity trust in Southeast Asia is dwindling as the number of cyber scams continue to rise. A significant number of mobile users have reported encounters with fraudulent calls, SMS, and online impersonation attempts. According to the GSMA’s Intelligence 2024 Report on Telco Security Landscape and Strategies – Asia Pacific, there is an urgent need for innovative telecom security solutions.

    Telecom Operators Enhancing Defenses and Security Practices

    Asian governments have started to enact laws and establish regulatory frameworks aimed at protecting critical infrastructure and personal data. These measures obligate telecom operators to bolster their networks’ security.

    In China, the Cybersecurity Law, the Data Security Law, and the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) regulate telecom operators. These laws demand strict protection of critical information infrastructure, data handling, security reviews, and compliance obligations. As a result, operators are compelled to integrate security measures from the inception of their projects.

    In South Korea, the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) regulates telecom operators. The legislation mandates the implementation of measures to securely handle data, maintain accountability, and safeguard user privacy. Though primarily regulating data protection rather than network infrastructure security, PIPA forms a crucial regulatory framework for safeguarding personal data as 5G networks and virtualization continue to grow across the country.

    In Japan, the Cybersecurity Basic Act and related national cybersecurity strategies guide the broad infrastructure protection framework. Telecom operators, including those exploring advanced network innovations such as virtualized RAN or 6G-ready systems, are expected to comply with government-endorsed security standards, threat-sharing mechanisms, and incident-response protocols.

    In the Philippines, national cyber defenses are progressively strengthening. The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175) and the National Cybersecurity Plan 2023-2028 establish a legal framework and outline strategies for enhancing resilience across critical infrastructure.

    Several major telecommunications firms are investing in AI-based network analytics to bolster security and operational efficiency. For instance, Globe Telecom deploys AI and machine learning for anomaly detection across its infrastructure. Similarly, PLDT is mitigating phishing, DDoS attacks, and other cyber threats through its cybersecurity operations center and collaboration with government agencies.

    India, driven by its enormous telecom market, has introduced some of the region’s most comprehensive cybersecurity rules. CERT-In mandates prompt incident reporting, strict log retention for 180 days, and real-time collaboration with national cyber emergency response teams. The Department of Telecommunications now requires 5G network elements to be procured from trusted vendors under the Trusted Telecom Portal policy.

    Singapore has set up a robust cybersecurity framework for its telecom sector. Under the Cybersecurity Act, telecom and infocomm systems can be designated as Critical Information Infrastructure (CII), which mandates operators to implement a cybersecurity code of practice, conduct audits, and quickly report incidents.

    Building Collective Defense: Collaboration, Standards, and Shared Cyber Intelligence

    Given the scale and interconnectedness of modern telecom networks, many operators acknowledge the limitations of tackling cyber threats individually. As a result, collaborative initiatives, public-private partnerships, and industry-wide frameworks are emerging as fundamental strategies for defense.

    The theme of the 19th edition of the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit was ‘Tech Intelligence Beyond Mobility.’ The event held in Dubai, UAE, facilitated discussions among leading experts on the evolving challenges of protecting information in an increasingly connected world. The summit served as a collaborative platform for telecom-based cybersecurity collaboration, standardization, and knowledge sharing.

    The Need for Collective Defense, Transparency, and Regulatory Backing in Asia

    The security challenge faced by Asia’s telecom sector is not limited to individual operators or markets. Scams, fraud, cross-border intrusion threats, and the growing complexity of virtualized networks have necessitated a regional and systemic response.

    The continual rise in consumer fraud, data protection failures, and regulatory scrutiny necessitates treating cybersecurity in the same vein as infrastructure policy, consumer protection, and national security. To cope with these risks, operators need to prioritize transparency, share threat intelligence, and adopt common security standards. Regulators should support these efforts with clear rules, consistent enforcement, and incentives that reward genuine compliance.

    By embracing an approach that combines strong governance, robust technical controls, and cross-border collaboration, Asia’s telecom sector can build networks that not only offer connectivity but also provide meaningful protection for users in an increasingly hostile digital environment.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the current state of cybersecurity in Asia’s telecom industry?
    The telecom industry in Asia is grappling with increasing cybersecurity risks, including data breaches, scams, and fraud within mobile networks. Governments and mobile operators are responding by implementing stricter regulations, enhancing enforcement strategies, and investing in advanced security systems.

    What measures are being taken to improve cybersecurity in Asia’s telecom industry?
    Governments across Asia are enacting laws and regulatory frameworks to protect critical infrastructure and personal data. Telecom operators are obligated to bolster their network security and are investing in AI-based network analytics to enhance security and operational efficiency.

    What strategies are recommended for managing cybersecurity risks in the telecom industry?
    Telecom operators need to prioritize transparency, share threat intelligence, and adopt common security standards. Regulators should support these efforts with clear rules, consistent enforcement, and incentives that reward genuine compliance. Collaborative initiatives, public-private partnerships, and industry-wide frameworks are also recommended.

  • HPE Partners with Chunghwa Telecom: Boosting Cyber Resilience with Innovative Disaster Recovery Center in Taiwan

    HPE Partners with Chunghwa Telecom: Boosting Cyber Resilience with Innovative Disaster Recovery Center in Taiwan

    Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and Chunghwa Telecom’s Enterprise Business Group have recently revealed their plans to establish an international disaster recovery (DR) center in Taiwan. The alliance aims to reinforce cyber resilience and data protection for local companies.

    A Cyber Resilience Vault for Taiwan

    The upcoming DR center will leverage HPE’s Cyber Resilience Vault, incorporating sophisticated ransomware protection and a blend of cyber and disaster recovery technologies. The proposed solution aims to support Taiwanese businesses in setting up a global off-site backup system with second-level Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) and minute-level Recovery Time Objectives (RTO). Furthermore, it promises Continuous Data Protection (CDP) for faster recovery and enhanced defense against ransomware attacks.

    This move comes amidst growing apprehensions about ransomware and data disruption. Recent studies show that organizations globally face an average of 4.2 data disruption incidents annually, including at least one ransomware attack. Surprisingly, despite having backups, 48% of organizations opt to pay ransoms to expedite recovery or limit data loss. Yet, only 20% manage to fully recover their data.

    Addressing Ransomware Attacks and Data Loss

    Jon Wang, HPE’s Managing Director of Taiwan and Hong Kong, commented on the initiative. He highlighted that the HPE Cyber Resilience Vault, integrated with Chunghwa Telecom’s Internet Data Center services, would enable businesses to recover swiftly, decrease downtime, and restore lost data within seconds, thus ensuring full protection and backup of confidential information.

    Pen-Yuang Chang, General Manager of Chunghwa Telecom Enterprise Business Group, emphasized the importance of preventing significant business damage from ransomware attacks. He stated that their collaboration with HPE will allow local businesses to implement extensive disaster recovery mechanisms, thereby boosting their cyber resilience and international competitiveness.

    Through this partnership, Chunghwa Telecom plans to offer this new disaster recovery capability via its Internet Data Center (IDC) Value-Added Services – Equipment Subscription Service. Customers will have the opportunity to deploy protected virtual machines with enterprise-grade reliability, back up mission-critical workloads to Chunghwa Telecom’s robust IDC facilities, and conduct regular disaster recovery drills to validate readiness. The operator also intends to introduce a Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) model, priced according to the number of protected virtual machines, offering customers greater flexibility and scalability.

    A Proven Disaster Recovery Solution

    A prominent Taiwanese petrochemical manufacturer has already adopted this collaborative solution to secure sensitive operational data. By duplicating critical plant information to Chunghwa Telecom’s data center and utilizing HPE’s continuous data protection, the company has reduced cybersecurity risk, decreased maintenance overhead, and improved confidence in meeting recovery objectives.

    On a technical note, HPE Cyber Resilience Vault integrates various HPE technologies including HPE Alletra Storage MP B10000, HPE ProLiant Compute servers, HPE Zerto disaster recovery software, and HPE Networking wired and wireless solutions. The platform creates an air-gapped, isolated data vault with immutable, FIPS-compliant storage. Its journal-based CDP tracks recovery checkpoints every five to ten seconds, enabling near-synchronous replication, second-level RPO, and minute-level RTO.

    The solution, deployed within Chunghwa Telecom’s IDC satellite data centers, is expected to significantly decrease recovery times and reduce data loss from hours to seconds. It will also speed up service restoration from days to minutes, whilst providing Taiwanese enterprises with a more robust foundation for cyber resilience amid an escalating threat landscape.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the primary goal of the HPE and Chunghwa Telecom partnership?

    The collaboration aims to establish an international disaster recovery center in Taiwan to strengthen cyber resilience and data protection for local enterprises.

    How does the HPE Cyber Resilience Vault benefit businesses?

    The HPE Cyber Resilience Vault enables businesses to swiftly recover from data loss, minimize downtime, and restore lost data within seconds, ensuring comprehensive protection and backup of confidential information.

    What specific services will Chunghwa Telecom offer through this collaboration?

    Chunghwa Telecom will offer the new disaster recovery capability via its Internet Data Center (IDC) Value-Added Services – Equipment Subscription Service. This will allow customers to deploy virtual machines with enterprise-grade reliability, back up mission-critical workloads, and conduct regular disaster recovery drills. They also plan to introduce a Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) model.

  • Revolutionizing Connectivity in Southern Philippines: Globe’s Groundbreaking Mindanao Submarine Cable Project Begins 2026

    Revolutionizing Connectivity in Southern Philippines: Globe’s Groundbreaking Mindanao Submarine Cable Project Begins 2026

    Globe Telecom has announced plans to implement a new submarine cable system in Mindanao, set to begin in early 2026. This advancement highlights the ongoing commitment to strengthen network resilience and extend capacity in Southeast Asia’s archipelagic markets.

    Project Details

    The forthcoming project involves the installation of a 48-core, 175-kilometer submarine cable that will link Zamboanga to Isabela City in Basilan, with an extension to Sulu. According to Globe, the infrastructure will bolster both broadband and mobile services by incorporating submarine and inland cable systems, landing stations, fronthaul facilities, and core and access network nodes.

    Survey activities for the submarine cable are slated to commence in early 2026, with full construction anticipated by mid-2027. The operational hub in Isabela City is set to function as a regional aggregation point for high-capacity internet traffic. This will enhance redundancy and service stability in parts of Mindanao and the broader southern Philippines region.

    This innovative initiative aligns with the Philippine government’s National Broadband Plan. It reflects the concerted regional effort to extend digital infrastructure to remote and underserved communities, a persistent challenge for many ASEAN countries with dispersed island geographies.

    More than Infrastructure

    Carl Cruz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Globe Telecom, emphasized the significance of the project beyond its physical infrastructure. He stated, “This is more than infrastructure; it is a bridge to opportunity.” Cruz added that the average monthly data consumption has skyrocketed beyond 30 gigabytes per user, necessitating sustained investment in fiber and broadband networks to support digital services, small businesses, and economic participation.

    The Mindanao submarine cable is part of Globe’s broader network modernization program, which has already transitioned more than 600 towns across 70 provinces to full-fiber infrastructure. This shift from legacy copper networks has enhanced service reliability and reduced energy usage, aligning with regional operators’ sustainability goals.

    Impact on Communities

    Jowin Marquez, Senior Director and Territory Lead for Globe’s Network Technical Group, highlighted the transformative potential of reliable connectivity. He noted that it empowers communities with access to education, bolsters local businesses, and fosters greater participation in the digital economy.

    In the past three years, Globe has invested PHP 228 billion in capital expenditures and PHP 236 billion in operating expenses to fortify and future-proof its network. Its GFiber Prepaid service – a reloadable, no-contract broadband offering – experienced a 53% growth in early 2025. It currently serves approximately 400,000 households nationwide, contributing to Globe’s total broadband subscriber base of 1.83 million.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the purpose of Globe Telecom’s new submarine cable system?
    The new submarine cable system aims to strengthen network resilience and expand capacity in archipelagic markets, particularly in Mindanao, Philippines.

    What does the project entail?
    The project involves the deployment of a 48-core, 175-kilometer submarine cable connecting Zamboanga to Isabela City in Basilan, with an extension to Sulu. It will enhance both broadband and mobile services.

    How does this initiative align with broader efforts in the region?
    The project is consistent with the Philippine government’s National Broadband Plan and mirrors a wider regional effort to extend digital infrastructure to geographically isolated and underserved communities.

  • Spark NZ and HPE Pioneer Advanced Hybrid Cloud Solutions for New Zealand’s Digital Boom

    Spark NZ and HPE Pioneer Advanced Hybrid Cloud Solutions for New Zealand’s Digital Boom

    Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) recently declared that Spark NZ, a leading telecom company in New Zealand, has embarked on a series of substantial infrastructure transformations. Undertaken in conjunction with HPE, these projects aim to provide rapid and reliable hybrid cloud and managed IT services to Spark NZ’s customers. The IT overhaul will integrate new streamlined and automated features for the telecom company. Spark NZ’s objective is to entirely transform its cloud management platform in response to the substantial growth in digital consumption in New Zealand and the escalating demand for quick, reliable, and uninterrupted connectivity across all its services.

    Fostering Hybrid Cloud Growth: Merging Strategies for Optimal Cloud Solutions

    Working in tandem with HPE, Spark NZ has upgraded its antiquated infrastructure, establishing a modern, purpose-built hybrid cloud environment. This includes the integration of HPE GreenLake cloud and HPE Morpheus Enterprise Software to deliver scalable, unified services. This expansion equips Spark NZ to serve its customers more effectively with improved connectivity, advanced scalable AI solutions, and heightened control, agility, and security. The modernization process has been conducted in several stages, aimed at revolutionizing Spark NZ’s crucial infrastructure while concentrating on delivering measurable outcomes that stimulate transformative business change for customers.

    Chris Weber, Vice President and Managing Director at HPE South Pacific, expressed his pride in the partnership with Spark NZ and the innovations it has brought about. He emphasized the broad range of modern solutions HPE offers, from upgrading cloud infrastructure capability to increasing efficiency and scalability. Weber shared his anticipation regarding how the partnership will continue to yield results in the constantly evolving landscape and the business opportunities it will unveil as these projects mature.

    The Changing Face of Telecommunication Services

    The telecommunications sector in New Zealand is structured to cater to a large and widely distributed network of customers, businesses, and enterprises. As global productivity and innovation thrive, there is a rising demand for inventive solutions to meet the requirements of critical national infrastructure and private enterprises. Spark NZ’s proactive approach to embracing new solutions positions New Zealand competitively on the global stage, prioritizing improved customer outcomes and enhanced cost-efficiency.

    Penny White, Business Technology Services General Manager at Spark NZ, emphasized the changing needs of businesses as technology evolves. She noted that depending solely on public or on-premises cloud does not provide the flexibility, control, and speed necessary for them to maximize the benefits of technology to boost productivity. White stated that these barriers can be surmounted by hybrid cloud – the area where Spark NZ is focused. She affirmed that their strategic partnership with HPE has not just fortified their foundational infrastructure but also enabled them to continue delivering a seamless, user-friendly experience to their customers while unlocking enhanced efficiency, tangible business outcomes, and new potential capabilities.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the goal behind Spark NZ’s infrastructure transformation?
    The goal is to provide faster and more reliable hybrid cloud and managed IT services to its customers in New Zealand.

    How is Spark NZ addressing the growing demand for quick and reliable connectivity?
    Spark NZ is addressing this demand by modernizing its cloud management platform and integrating new streamlined and automated capabilities.

    What are the benefits of Spark NZ’s partnership with HPE?
    The partnership enables Spark NZ to serve its customers more effectively with improved connectivity, advanced scalable AI solutions, and heightened control, agility, and security. It also positions Spark NZ to continue delivering a seamless, user-friendly experience while unlocking enhanced efficiency, tangible business outcomes, and new potential capabilities.

  • Turbocharging Indonesia’s Digital Journey: GSMA Calls for Heightened Investment in 5G and AI Technologies

    Turbocharging Indonesia’s Digital Journey: GSMA Calls for Heightened Investment in 5G and AI Technologies

    The GSMA has highlighted the need for a more robust, investment-focused strategy to expedite Indonesia’s digital transformation and stimulate innovation, according to its recent findings published in the reports GSMA Digital Nations 2025 and ASEAN Consumer Scam 2025.

    Moving Towards a Digital Future

    The GSMA has proposed a feasible strategy to facilitate the unlocking of private capital and hasten the roll-out of 5G spectrum, fiber backhaul, and AI-optimized data centers. This strategy is underpinned by policy consistency and cooperation across sectors. There is a strong inclination among Indonesian businesses towards digital transformation.

    Indications of such enthusiasm were evident in a recent GSMA Intelligence survey where over 580 firms spanning across ASEAN were surveyed. The results revealed that Indonesian companies intend to dedicate an average of 10% of their revenues to digital transformation between 2025 and 2030, exceeding both the ASEAN (10.4%) and global (9.8%) averages. Two-thirds of the participants prioritized AI in their top three expenditure areas, with over half deeming 5G-powered Internet of Things (IoT) vital for future growth. This underscores Indonesia’s ambition to capitalize on cutting-edge technologies to fortify its competitive edge and security.

    Economic Impact of 5G

    GSMA Intelligence anticipates that the ensuing wave of 5G investments in Indonesia could inject an extra USD 41 billion into the country’s GDP between 2024 and 2030, underlining the transformative economic potential of digital connectivity. Since 2015, mobile operators have pumped nearly USD 29 billion into Indonesia’s network infrastructure and services. Given the right investment conditions, the sector, including operators and ecosystem partners, is projected to inject an additional USD 16 billion from 2024 to 2030, primarily targeting 5G proliferation.

    Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at the GSMA, expressed his thoughts on the matter, highlighting the unique opportunities presented by Indonesia’s significant scale, entrepreneurial vigor, and youthful, tech-savvy population. The focus now should be on targeted investment in areas such as affordable, dependable spectrum; robust backhaul; and AI-compatible, sustainable data centers, coupled with clear consumer protections.

    Assessing Progress and Challenges

    The GSMA’s Digital Nations report evaluated the advancement of Asia Pacific nations in five key areas: infrastructure, innovation, data governance, security, and people. It provided insights into where investment could yield the highest returns.

    Indonesia ranked midway among the 21 nations assessed. The report underscored Indonesia’s advantages in terms of its population, digital skills, and cybersecurity, while also pointing out areas in need of enhancement, particularly in innovation and investment. Potential obstacles to progress include delays in mid-band spectrum allocation, inconsistent rural coverage, and limited AI-ready capability. Consumer trust is also a matter of concern.

    Findings from the ASEAN Consumer Scam Report 2025 indicate that Indonesia mirrors the wider ASEAN trend, with 45% of adults admitting to having been scammed at some point, and 68% of victims losing money. In Indonesia, scam contacts are predominantly mobile-oriented, with over-the-top (OTT) messaging (50%) and voice calls (44%), both exceeding the ASEAN average.

    Preventing Fraud and Enhancing Security

    On a brighter note, 81% of Indonesians endorse operators sharing minimal, purpose-specific network signals such as SIM-change and number-verification during high-risk instances to prevent fraud, thus setting the stage for a broader application of GSMA Open Gateway anti-fraud APIs. Indonesia’s three primary mobile operators, Telkomsel, Indosat, and XL Axiata, have teamed up to shield customers from scams and other cybersecurity threats by collectively adopting Open Gateway APIs, such as SIM swap, number verification, and device location, to secure payments and logins.

    Questions & Answers

    What approach does the GSMA recommend to accelerate Indonesia’s digital transformation?
    The GSMA suggests a more robust, investment-focused strategy to expedite Indonesia’s digital transformation. This includes unlocking private capital and hastening the roll-out of 5G spectrum, fiber backhaul, and AI-optimized data centers.

    What potential economic impact could the next wave of 5G investment have on Indonesia?
    GSMA Intelligence anticipates that the ensuing wave of 5G investments in Indonesia could inject an additional USD 41 billion into the country’s GDP between 2024 and 2030.

    How are Indonesia’s major mobile operators responding to cybersecurity threats?
    Indonesia’s three major mobile operators, Telkomsel, Indosat, and XL Axiata, have formed an alliance to protect customers from scams and other cybersecurity threats by jointly adopting GSMA Open Gateway anti-fraud APIs, such as SIM swap, number verification, and device location, to secure payments and logins.

  • Revolutionizing Telecom Growth: NEC’s Vision for AI-Extended Society through Optical Networks

    Revolutionizing Telecom Growth: NEC’s Vision for AI-Extended Society through Optical Networks

    At the 19th edition of the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit, the topic of discussion was ‘Tech Intelligence Beyond Mobility’. This event convened in Dubai, UAE, from December 10-11, 2025. One of the key speakers was Kageshima Hideo, Director of NEC’s Open Optical Transport Network Solution. In his presentation titled ‘Redefining Optical Networks as Catalysts for Telecom Growth’, Hideo shed light on the pivotal role optical innovation will play in propelling an AI-extended society by 2030.

    NEC’s Vision for the Future

    Hideo initiated his address by outlining NEC’s long-term vision, which revolves around its corporate purpose and five societal aspirations for the year 2030. These aspirations encompass the environment, society, and human life. At the core of this vision lies the integration of AI and robotics as true human partners. NEC envisions a future where AI collaborates seamlessly with humans and robotics offer tangible real-world solutions. These technologies are anticipated to substantially extend human potential, bringing about increases in productivity, intelligence, and the quality of life.

    Progression Towards an AI-Extended Society

    Hideo traced the progression towards this future through three distinct stages. The initial stage, 2025, saw the rise of agentic AI, which began diminishing the barriers between humans and machines and launched standalone AI data centers that largely operate independently.

    By 2027, AI is expected to permeate everyday work and life, backed by multi-AI data center networking and site-to-site optical interconnections, thereby dramatically increasing connection points.

    By the year 2030, it is predicted that AI will fully amplify human potential through accelerated innovation. This will be facilitated by edge-AI networking, thing-to-thing optical connections, and a surge in network endpoints, leading to a profound evolution in AI networks.

    Optical Networks by 2030: Convergence and Intelligence

    Hideo painted a picture of a future characterized by a blend of computing and network convergence through the concept of ‘optical everywhere.’ Advancements like wavelength optimization, dynamic path provisioning, and on-demand optical networking are expected to maximize resource utilization while offering unparalleled flexibility.

    This view aligns with the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) concept, which rests on three pillars: the all-photonics network, a cognitive foundation, and digital twin technologies. Collectively, these will offer ultra-low latency, high-capacity, and intelligent network operations to cater to the demands of AI.

    Open Optical Networks for the AI Era

    NEC’s answer to these forthcoming challenges is its Open Optical Network Solution. This new-generation data center interconnect model is built for openness and sustainability in the AI era. The strategy lays emphasis on disaggregation and modularity, enabling operators to scale as per their requirements, thereby boosting cost efficiency and agility.

    Key components include multi-vendor whitebox transponders to alleviate supply chain risks, comprehensive multi-vendor system integration, and world-first Linux-based network operating systems that provide server-like operability. Features such as zero-touch provisioning, programmability via TIP MUST controllers, and integrated server-network management aim to streamline operations while optimizing performance.

    Sustainability by Design

    Sustainability was another cornerstone of Hideo’s presentation. NEC’s disaggregated solutions are engineered to support eco-friendly AI data centers, especially in scenarios constrained by power and space. Hardware longevity through modular upgrades and network and power optimization services were underscored as key to minimizing environmental impact while attending to growing AI workloads.

    Hideo concluded his keynote by reinforcing NEC’s strategy through real-world deployments. With global centers of excellence and extensive expertise in multi-vendor, multi-layer integration, NEC is dedicated to continuing the advancement of optical networks to amplify human potential in the forthcoming AI-driven decade.

    Questions & Answers

    What is NEC’s Open Optical Network Solution?
    NEC’s Open Optical Network Solution is a new-generation data center interconnect model designed for openness and sustainability in the AI era. It emphasizes disaggregation and modularity, allowing operators to scale as they grow, therefore improving cost efficiency and agility.

    What are the three stages of progression towards an AI-extended society as proposed by NEC?
    NEC proposes three stages towards an AI-extended society: the rise of agentic AI in 2025, AI becoming pervasive in everyday life by 2027, and AI fully enhancing human potential by 2030 through accelerated innovation.

    How does NEC’s vision for optical networks align with the IOWN concept?
    NEC’s vision aligns with the IOWN concept, which is built on three pillars: the all-photonics network, a cognitive foundation, and digital twin technologies. These elements together aim to provide ultra-low latency, high-capacity, and intelligent network operations to meet AI-driven demands.

  • Singtel Slapped with $774K Fine after Major Service Disruption Impacts Half a Million Customers

    Singtel Slapped with $774K Fine after Major Service Disruption Impacts Half a Million Customers

    The Singaporean telecommunications giant, Singtel, has been hit with a hefty fine of SGD1 million, equivalent to US$774,000, by local authorities over a significant voice service disruption in 2024 that negatively impacted roughly 500,000 customers.

    Impact of the Service Disruption

    The communications interruption also affected the public’s ability to reach customer service departments for numerous government bodies, healthcare entities, banks, corporations, and critical emergency call services, according to the Infocomm and Media Development Authority (IMDA).

    Ng Tian Chong, Singtel Singapore’s CEO, has openly accepted the ruling and monetary punishment from IMDA. He admitted the severity of the interruption to the fixed voice service in the previous October, reiterating his apology for the inconvenience and disruption experienced by the affected populace.

    Justification of the Fine

    The IMDA explained that the scale and the impact of the outage, coupled with the duration to restore the services to normal, were the critical elements taken into consideration while imposing the penalty. The regulatory body categorized the incident’s impact as “significant” and highlighted that the potential ramifications concerning public safety and security could have been very serious.

    The IMDA’s examination found deficiencies in Singtel’s monitoring systems, which lacked “adequate filters” to protect the hardware from high-intensity traffic on October 8, 2024. This inadequacy caused the voice system’s firewall to malfunction and operate intermittently. Consequently, calls were dropped intermittently as traffic alternated between the malfunctioning and functioning voice systems.

    Prior Incidents

    Before this event, Singtel experienced another setback in September when an emergency service outage from its subsidiary, Optus, led to three fatalities in Australia. This event was succeeded by a smaller mobile outage from Singtel on November 18, where more than 1,600 disruption reports were logged.

    Singtel, the largest mobile network operator in Southeast Asia, serves a massive customer base of 800 million customers worldwide.

    Questions & Answers

    What was the reason behind the fine imposed on Singtel?
    The fine was levied due to a significant voice service disruption in 2024, impacting approximately 500,000 customers.

    What was the magnitude of the fine imposed on Singtel?
    Singtel was fined SGD1 million, equivalent to US$774,000, by the Infocomm and Media Development Authority (IMDA).

    What was the major fault found in Singtel’s systems that led to the service disruption?
    The IMDA’s investigation discovered that Singtel’s monitoring systems lacked “adequate filters” to protect the hardware from high-intensity traffic, resulting in the malfunction of the voice systems’ firewall.

  • Huawei Unveils Snow-Capped Mountain Inspired WiFi 7 Router: A Blend of Artistic Design, AI Intelligence, and Blazing Performance

    Huawei Unveils Snow-Capped Mountain Inspired WiFi 7 Router: A Blend of Artistic Design, AI Intelligence, and Blazing Performance

    Huawei has raised the bar for Wi-Fi routers with the introduction of its new product, the Huawei Wi-Fi Mesh X3 Pro. This device, which serves as a central hub for home internet connections, combines functional excellence with a stunning aesthetic design.

    An Artistic Masterpiece

    The Huawei Wi-Fi Mesh X3 Pro is endowed with an artistic design that embodies the beauty of a snow-capped mountain. This artistic look is further enhanced by lights that illuminate the router and mimic the radiant glow of sunset and sunrise. The device’s lighting system is designed to adjust automatically based on the time of day and prevailing weather conditions. It’s also customizable, allowing users to tap it on or off at will.

    A Fusion of Beauty and Power

    While the Wi-Fi Mesh X3 Pro is visually captivating, it is also a powerhouse of efficiency and cutting-edge technology. The router, equipped with the state-of-the-art Wi-Fi 7 technology, offers tremendous capabilities for a seamless and superior internet experience. It fully leverages the high-speed capabilities provided by gigabit+ fiber networks, enabling users to download large 4K/8K video files nearly instantly, enjoy lag-free 3A game streaming, and maintain simultaneous connections across multiple devices even in busy households.

    Extending Coverage and Enhancing Connectivity

    To ensure extensive coverage, the Wi-Fi Mesh X3 Pro comes with an extender that shares the router’s exceptional design. It operates using Huawei WiFi Mesh+ technology to keep devices connected to the strongest available signal as users move around the house. This ensures seamless roaming with very low latency below 50ms.

    The Huawei WiFi Mesh X3 Pro Suite, which includes the router and the extender mesh network, provides adaptable coverage suitable for various apartment layouts. It delivers up to 120+ square meters of whole-home Wi-Fi coverage, ensuring a strong signal in all rooms.

    The device supports Wi-Fi 7, which offers speeds of up to 3.6Gbps. Huawei has also incorporated advanced features such as Multi-Link Operation (MLO) for dual-band connections and 4K-QAM for efficient data transfer. Completing the device’s impressive feature set is a 2.5GE port that delivers speeds 2.5 times faster than standard Gigabit Ethernet.

    Smart Performance

    The performance of the Huawei Wi-Fi Mesh X3 Pro is powered by the first-party Gigahome SoC. The router’s operation is further optimized through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities, ensuring the network is smooth and efficient. This, combined with a powerful processor and 4-channel signal amplifiers, allows the router to maintain a reliable connection through multiple concrete walls.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the design inspiration for the Huawei WiFi Mesh X3 Pro?
    The Huawei WiFi Mesh X3 Pro is designed to resemble a snow-capped mountain and includes an automatic lighting system that emulates the glow of sunsets and sunrises.

    What are some of the advanced features of the Huawei WiFi Mesh X3 Pro?
    The Huawei WiFi Mesh X3 Pro comes with Wi-Fi 7, which delivers speeds of up to 3.6Gbps. It also features Multi-Link Operation for simultaneous dual-band connections and 4K-QAM for efficient data transfer, and a 2.5GE port for faster connectivity.

    How does the Huawei WiFi Mesh X3 Pro ensure extensive coverage?
    The device includes an extender that uses Huawei WiFi Mesh+ technology to maintain a strong signal throughout the home. The suite provides up to 120+ square meters of Wi-Fi coverage with a strong signal in every room.

  • Revolutionizing Thai Industries: TrueBusiness Unveils ‘True AI Hub’ for Seamless AI Integration and Accelerated Transformation

    Revolutionizing Thai Industries: TrueBusiness Unveils ‘True AI Hub’ for Seamless AI Integration and Accelerated Transformation

    TrueBusiness is pledging to serve as a dependable ally for Thai businesses navigating the complexities of digital and AI transformation. The company has unveiled True AI Hub, an exhaustive AI platform engineered to address the AI needs of businesses both big and small. The platform is scalable to accommodate the needs of small, medium, and large enterprises, aiming to amplify their capabilities, expedite results, keep costs in check, and bolster competitiveness in an increasingly AI-centric business environment.

    The Innovation of True AI Hub

    True AI Hub is a revolutionary platform that makes AI adoption more accessible by offering superior performance, precision, and adaptability. It caters to a broad spectrum of business needs by granting access to over 50 AI models sourced from more than 10 premier AI platform providers. The hub was designed with user-friendliness in mind, boasting a web interface and an intelligent recommendation system that proposes the most fitting AI model and capability in accordance with the business’s objectives. This enables users to conveniently access a variety of AI models all in one place.

    One of the key features of the platform is its commitment to data security. It incorporates Algorithm Guardrail, a top-tier security mechanism designed to offer robust data protection. In addition, it includes an enterprise management system with features such as centralized monitoring, cost control, and security governance, all managed via a dashboard. True AI Hub presents an affordable monthly subscription model, with prices starting at only THB 399 per user per month, thus eliminating the need for hefty initial investments.

    A Word from the Chief Business Officer

    According to Dr. Teeradet Dumrongbhalasitr, Chief Business Officer at True Corporation Plc., working closely with businesses of all sizes has given TrueBusiness deep insights into their needs and challenges in business transformation and hastening AI adoption. These challenges often require investment in effective technologies capable of producing the right outcomes. As he explained, a single AI model is not enough to tackle today’s multifaceted business issues as each model has its strengths and weaknesses, whether in terms of data-type accuracy, processing speed, or creative capabilities.

    For this reason, TrueBusiness launched ‘True AI Hub’, an all-in-one AI platform that consolidates top-tier AI capabilities in a single location. Dr. Dumrongbhalasitr went on to say that, in conjunction with EGG Digital, Thailand’s foremost big data analytics provider, they utilize AI-driven technologies to analyze data with a deep contextual understanding of consumer challenges. This approach enhances True AI Hub’s ability to truly comprehend the unique context of Thai businesses, offering tailored AI solutions that precisely, effectively, and realistically meet their specific needs across all industries. He expressed confidence that True AI Hub will emerge as a powerful instrument that catalyzes and expedites comprehensive, end-to-end transformation for businesses in the AI era.

    Questions & Answers

    What does the True AI Hub aim to offer?
    True AI Hub is a comprehensive and scalable AI platform designed to meet the AI needs of small, medium, and large enterprises. It provides access to over 50 AI models, offers robust data protection, and features an enterprise management system.

    What makes True AI Hub user-friendly?
    True AI Hub features a user-friendly web interface and an intelligent recommendation system that suggests the most suitable AI model and capability based on business objectives.

    How does True AI Hub ensure data security?
    True AI Hub incorporates Algorithm Guardrail, an enterprise-grade security mechanism, to offer robust data protection. The platform also includes an enterprise management system with centralized monitoring, cost control, and security governance.

  • StarHub and NeutraDC Collaborate on Quantum-Secure Connectivity, Boosting Regional Digital Ecosystem

    StarHub and NeutraDC Collaborate on Quantum-Secure Connectivity, Boosting Regional Digital Ecosystem

    StarHub, in partnership with NeutraDC, a division of Telkom Indonesia specializing in data centers, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement is set to improve their joint efforts on quantum-safe connectivity solutions, which incorporates quantum-resistant encryption, post-quantum cryptography, and secure network infrastructure for the next generation. The intention behind these efforts is to bolster the digital services ecosystem in the region.

    Enhancing Regional Connectivity

    As part of their strategy to enhance regional connectivity, StarHub plans to establish a point of presence (PoP) at NeutraDC’s SNG-3 location in Singapore. This entails the integration of StarHub’s Low-Latency Data Centre Connect solution within NeutraDC’s digital infrastructure network. The result of this would be the enablement of enterprises to enjoy low-latency interconnectivity between data centers, cloud platforms, and essential business applications.

    This joint effort further bolsters Singapore’s role as a regional digital hub, providing enterprises with seamless, efficient, and secure access to data resources across Southeast Asia.

    Low-Latency Data Centre Connect Solution

    In the current digital economy, enterprises require a high-performance data exchange system between multiple data centers, cloud platforms, and applications. StarHub’s Low-Latency Data Centre Connect solution offers ultra-low-latency interconnect in Singapore, featuring a path with less than one millisecond to cable landing stations (CLS) for extensive regional reach.

    Quantum Security Adoption

    With the rise in security threats, quantum security is progressively being adopted as a substitute for current encryption standards. The collaboration between StarHub and NeutraDC aims to encourage the broad adoption of quantum-encrypted connectivity.

    Through the PoP at NeutraDC’s SNG-3, customers can benefit from direct CLS connectivity. This includes a fully comprehensive regional access route from data center to CLS to subsea cable, as well as software-defined networking (SDN) features like network slicing, multi-tenancy portals, and bandwidth-on-demand for dynamic scalability with data-intensive workloads. Additionally, quantum-safe encryption using post-quantum cryptography offers future-proof data protection, along with service orchestration that enables faster service provisioning and improved network agility.

    Tan Kit Yong, Chief of Regional Enterprise at StarHub, said, “Enterprises are currently facing unprecedented data demands. They require infrastructure that can match their growth pace. By collaborating with NeutraDC, we aim to simplify the process for businesses to move, protect, and scale their data. This will help them gain real performance advantages and expedite their digital transformation across the region.”

    NeutraDC Singapore’s CEO, Sendang Praptomo, expressed excitement about the collaboration with StarHub. He stated, “This strategic initiative strengthens NeutraDC’s strategy of providing seamless, secure, and cloud-ready connectivity to our regional Neutra Compute GPU clouds. Quantum-secure connectivity represents the new frontier of security, overcoming the limitations of current encryption standards. This will empower our customers to stay ahead of emerging threats and meet evolving business requirements.”

    Questions & Answers

    What is the aim of the MoU signed between StarHub and NeutraDC?
    The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to enhance collaboration on quantum-safe connectivity solutions, with a focus on quantum-resistant encryption, post-quantum cryptography, and next-generation secure network infrastructure.

    How will the collaboration between StarHub and NeutraDC benefit enterprises?
    The collaboration will provide enterprises with low-latency interconnectivity between data centers, cloud platforms, and critical business applications. This will effectively strengthen Singapore’s role as a regional digital hub and offer efficient and secure access to data resources across Southeast Asia.

    What does the quantum-safe connectivity solution entail?
    Quantum-safe connectivity includes quantum-resistant encryption, post-quantum cryptography for future-proof data protection, and service orchestration for faster service provisioning and enhanced network agility.

  • Australia Paves the Way: Unprecedented Legislation for Nationwide Mobile Coverage

    Australia Paves the Way: Unprecedented Legislation for Nationwide Mobile Coverage

    The Australian government has put forth a draft bill that would mandate leading mobile carriers, including Telstra, Optus, and TPG, to ensure baseline outdoor mobile coverage countrywide. The bill, known as the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligations (UOMO), is meant to extend voice and SMS services to regions currently devoid of such amenities.

    An Innovative Method for Broadening Mobile Coverage

    The proposed legislation, hailed as a pioneering endeavor by the government and interested parties, suggests blending present terrestrial networks with direct-to-device (D2D) services transmitted via low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The desired outcome is to stretch mobile services to remote and regional zones where commercial mobile services have previously been nonviable.

    It is projected that UOMO would extend to an area of up to 5 million square kilometers of Australian territory. Baseline services under this legislation would commence with voice calls and SMS. The possibility of integrating data services in the future has not been ruled out, contingent on technological advancements and market dynamics.

    Benefits to Remote and Regional Australians

    The draft bill outlines a proposed commencement date of December 1, 2027. The introduction of UOMO promises to enhance access to vital services and emergency assistance for Australians in regional and remote districts. It also aims to foster competition in the satellite-aided mobile services industry.

    Anika Wells, the Minister for Communications, stated, “The Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation, in ensuring Australians receive a mobile signal almost anywhere they can see the sky, proves that no Australian should be left behind. It will offer regional and remote communities better connectivity, access to essential services, and ensure safety for Australians by providing emergency aid when necessary.”

    Kristy McBain, the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government, and Territories, also voiced her support, stating, “This significant reform will enhance connectivity for individuals in regional and remote Australia. Mobile connectivity dead zones can not only be annoying but also obstruct basic tasks. Improved connectivity not just keeps people connected, but it also ensures safer roads, stronger businesses, and easier access to services.”

    Stakeholders, such as the National Farmers’ Federation, have applauded the initiative, recognizing its potential to enhance connectivity, safety, and productivity in rural communities. Hamish McIntyre, the National Farmers’ Federation President, emphasized that “Mobile connectivity is not a luxury for farmers and regional Australians; it’s a necessity for safety, businesses, connecting families, and staying safe in emergencies. Improved outdoor mobile coverage will help bring regional Australians in line with their urban counterparts. If we get this right, Australia could become the gold standard for regional communications.”

    However, the bill remains in draft form, and successful execution will hinge on the successful deployment and functioning of satellite-based technologies.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the primary goal of the UOMO bill?
    The primary goal of the UOMO bill is to extend mobile coverage to remote and regional parts of Australia that lack access to such services, using a blend of terrestrial networks and satellite technology.

    What services will the UOMO cover initially?
    The UOMO will initially cover voice calls and SMS services. The inclusion of data services may be considered in the future, depending on technological and market developments.

    What is the proposed start date for the UOMO?
    The proposed start date for the UOMO is December 1, 2027.