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Category: Telecom

  • ITU Kaleidoscope 2024 kicks off showcasing global tech innovations

    ITU Kaleidoscope 2024 kicks off showcasing global tech innovations

    Mumbai: The 15th ITU Kaleidoscope Academic Conference, themed ‘Innovation and Digital Transformation for a Sustainable World’, has commenced today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, spotlighting India’s role in shaping the global digital landscape. Organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the event will run from 21-23 October 2024, featuring discussions on 5G, AI, IoT, quantum communications, and other groundbreaking technologies, with more than 140 record-breaking paper submissions highlighting the world’s growing interest in digital infrastructure and telecommunications standards.  

    The top three selected papers will each be awarded CHF 2000 in recognition of their contributions to advancing the field of telecommunications. These winning papers, chosen by an expert panel, cover pivotal topics including quantum communication, network security, and 5G applications.  

    In a move to foster the next generation of researchers, ITU will recognise young authors from the selected papers with certificates of excellence, reaffirming its commitment to encouraging fresh talent in the field of telecommunications research.  

    The conference will feature numerous technical sessions and panel discussions covering diverse topics such as 6G network architectures, AI in healthcare, IoT for smart cities, and quantum cryptography. Key stakeholders and industry leaders will tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies, providing thought leadership on the future of telecommunications.  

    As part of the World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA-24), the event will emphasise the need for international collaboration in setting global standards for next-generation technologies. Kaleidoscope 2024 aims to ensure these technologies are developed inclusively, securely, and sustainably.  

    On 23 October, two important panel discussions will take place. The first will address connecting the remaining 3 billion, while the second will explore the role of youth in global standards development, focusing on enhancing participation in telecommunications and technology standards.  

    By hosting Kaleidoscope 2024, India continues to assert its leadership in the global digital ecosystem. With initiatives like ‘Digital India’ and ‘Make in India’, the country positions itself as a hub for innovation in digital infrastructure, highlighting advancements in 5G deployment and the development of indigenous technologies for global markets.  

  • Airtel expands network in UP West, Uttarakhand for better connectivity

    Airtel expands network in UP West, Uttarakhand for better connectivity

    Mumbai: Bharti Airtel has turbocharged its network in Uttar Pradesh (West) and Uttarakhand, providing customers with superior voice and data connectivity across all 40 districts. The company announced on 18 October 2024, that it has successfully deployed additional spectrum acquired in July 2024, enhancing its 5G and 4G network capacities.

    The deployment of 5MHz on the 2100 band will significantly improve data speeds and indoor coverage for customers in urban and rural areas. Residents in cities such as Agra, Aligarh, Meerut, Bareilly, Moradabad, and Dehradun can now enjoy faster browsing speeds and improved call connectivity. Airtel’s enhanced services will also benefit those traveling along highways and rail routes, providing broader coverage and meeting the growing demand for connectivity in rural regions.

    Bharti Airtel, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, CEO, Sovan Mukharjee stated, “Airtel’s commitment to superior network performance is unwavering. With the integration of this new spectrum, customers across the state can now enjoy enhanced call connectivity, faster data speeds, and an overall improved experience.”

    Airtel secured 97 MHz of spectrum during the recent auction, solidifying its position as a leader in India’s telecommunications landscape. This deployment allows the company to expand its sub-GHz spectrum, consolidating fragmented spectrum blocks into a continuous spectrum, and positioning itself to meet growing data demands with its 5G and 4G services.

  • Tanla Platforms faces growth hurdles amid mixed Q2 FY25 performance

    Tanla Platforms faces growth hurdles amid mixed Q2 FY25 performance

    Mumbai: Tanla Platforms’ second-quarter results for the fiscal year 2025, disclosed on 17 October 2024, reveal a business grappling with mounting expenses and stagnant revenue. Despite a series of strategic efforts, including the recent ValueFirst acquisition, the cloud communications company encountered a modest revenue decline compared to the previous year, alongside increased operational costs that pressured profitability.

    The company’s revenue from operations dipped to Rs 1,00,072.28 lakh, a slight reduction from Rs 1,00,859.22 lakh in the corresponding quarter last year. Total consolidated income remained nearly flat at Rs 1,01,098.10 lakh, showing only a minimal increase from Rs 1,01,493.34 lakh in Q2 FY24. Meanwhile, expenses surged to Rs 85,025.81 lakh, driven primarily by higher service costs and employee benefits, eroding the gains made from cost-control initiatives earlier in the year.

    “Our continued focus on enhancing operational efficiency has yielded some positive outcomes, but the evolving market dynamics present formidable challenges,” stated Tanla Platforms, chairman and CEO, D. Uday Kumar Reddy. The company’s service costs grew by 0.9 per cent, indicating the struggle to optimise expenses while sustaining the quality of operations.

    Tanla reported a profit before tax of Rs 16,072.29 lakh for the quarter, down from Rs 17,872.33 lakh a year earlier. Net profit attributable to shareholders also declined to Rs 13,021.15 lakh from Rs 14,254.99 lakh in Q2 FY24. The company’s earnings per share fell to Rs 9.70 from Rs 10.60, highlighting the strain on shareholder returns amid rising operational pressures.

    A deeper look at the expenses reveals an escalation in employee benefits, which rose 23 per cent to Rs 5,437.11 lakh, reflecting the cost of retaining talent in a competitive market. Additionally, depreciation and amortisation expenses increased by 3.8 per cent to Rs 2,344.08 lakh, indicating substantial investments in technology and infrastructure.

    The results also underscore Tanla’s ongoing strategic efforts, such as the acquisition of ValueFirst, which are yet to fully realise the anticipated synergies. The financials for the half-year ended 30 September 2024, showed a revenue increase to Rs 2,00,292.77 lakh from Rs 1,91,970.43 lakh in the same period last year, largely attributable to consolidating ValueFirst’s operations. However, profit before tax for the half-year saw a modest decline, signalling potential headwinds ahead.

    Tanla’s current assets increased to Rs 2,24,991.07 lakh, up from Rs 2,03,782.46 lakh as of March 2024, driven by higher trade receivables and cash reserves. This bolstered liquidity provides some buffer, but also raises questions about cash flow management, as trade receivables growth may indicate delayed collections.

    With the CPaaS market becoming increasingly competitive, Tanla faces the challenge of reinvigorating its growth trajectory while managing costs. The company’s reliance on expanding its client base and introducing new product offerings will be pivotal in driving future performance. Investments in digital infrastructure and potential acquisitions may further strain margins in the short term, but could pay off with stronger growth in the long term.

  • International Conference of Telecom Regulators begins in New Delhi

    International Conference of Telecom Regulators begins in New Delhi

    Mumbai: Minister of state for communications, Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani inaugurates the International Conference of Telecom Regulators, setting the stage for pivotal discussions on the future of telecom regulation. The one-day conference, organised by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), takes place alongside the ITU World Telecom Standardisation Assembly (WTSA-24) and India Mobile Congress (IMC-24), bringing together global industry leaders, policymakers, and technology partners in New Delhi.  

    Pemmasani emphasises the rapid growth of India’s ICT sector, particularly the swift deployment of 5G services and the widespread adoption of digital technologies. “The growth of the digital economy and a favourable regulatory environment have played significant roles in this transformation,” he states.  

    The event also features remarks from prominent industry figures, including International Telecommunication Union (ITU), secretary-general, Doreen Bogdan-Martin and GSMA, director-general, Mats Granryd. TRAI chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti notes TRAI’s active participation in global telecom forums such as ITU and regional organisations like APT, SATRC, and ASEAN.  

    In a message read by TRAI secretary Atul K. Chaudhary, minister of communications Jyotiraditya Scindia highlights the role of regulators in protecting consumer interests while adapting to evolving technologies. He urges regulators to “craft frameworks for OTT communication” and explore the potential of non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) in expanding communication capabilities to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).  

    The conference focuses on “Emerging Trends in Regulation,” covering critical topics such as regulatory perspectives in standardisation, satellite communication, and OTT communication services.  

  • Global Standards Symposium 2024 concludes, paving way for digital progress

    Global Standards Symposium 2024 concludes, paving way for digital progress

    Mumbai: The fifth Global Standards Symposium (GSS-24) wraps up in New Delhi, making history as the first time the event has been held in the Asia-Pacific region. Organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and hosted by the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, GSS-24 gathers a record 1,500 policymakers, innovators, and experts to chart the future of digital transformation. The event emphasises the critical role of international standards in enabling emerging technologies to drive sustainable global development.  

    Minister of state for communications and rural development, Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani delivers a closing address lauding India’s transformation under prime minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “The standards we establish are more than just technical standards, but they are moral compasses, guiding us towards a future of shared global progress. India is ready to take this journey not alone, but with all of you as partners,” Pemmasani states, advocating for an inclusive, democratic approach to international standards.  

    The symposium’s theme, “Charting the Next Digital Wave: Emerging Technologies, Innovation, and International Standards,” highlights the need for cohesive, forward-looking governance and standardisation in digital technologies. It serves as a platform for high-level dialogues on crucial issues like AI governance, open-source technologies, blockchain-based authentication, and the impact of AI and the Metaverse on public services.  

    Union minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia underscores India’s role as a global telecommunications and digital innovation hub. He describes India as “a land of science, innovation, and rules aiding in the prosperity of the world.”  

    The key discussions focus on bridging the standards gap between developed and developing countries, emphasising equitable access to technology for all. The AI Standards Summit, held as part of GSS-24, illustrates how consensus-based standards can ignite innovation across multiple sectors, driving technological advancements.  

    Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT), CEO, Rajkumar Upadhyay chairs the symposium, marking India’s first time leading the event. The symposium’s outcome document lays the groundwork for discussions at the World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA-24), taking place from 15-24 October 2024, in New Delhi.  

  • Jio Platforms reports 23 per cent surge in Q2 profit amid tariff hikes

    Jio Platforms reports 23 per cent surge in Q2 profit amid tariff hikes

    Mumbai: Jio Platforms Limited (JPL) has announced a robust 23.4 per cent year-on-year increase in net profit for the second quarter of FY25, reaching Rs 6,539 crore. This growth is primarily attributed to recent tariff hikes and a boost in digital service demand.

    Jio solidified its dominance in 5G, transitioning 148 million users to its ‘True5G’ network, which now handles 34 per cent of the company’s wireless data traffic. The telecom giant’s subscriber base expanded to 479 million, showing a 4.2 per cent increase from the previous year. Average revenue per user (ARPU) climbed to Rs 195.1, up 7.4 per cent from the last quarter. “The full impact of the tariff hike will flow through in the next two to three quarters,” the company stated, indicating that the financial benefits of its pricing strategy are still unfolding.

    Revenue from operations surged by 18 per cent year-on-year to Rs 31,709 crore, driven by both the tariff adjustments and the expansion of home and digital services. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) reached a record Rs 15,931 crore, up 17.8 per cent from last year.

    Engagement metrics remained strong with per capita usage climbing to 31GB per month increasing total data traffic by 24 per cent year-on-year and voice traffic up by 6.4 per cent uptick to 1.42 trillion minutes.

    Jio’s rapid growth in fixed wireless services was highlighted by over 2.8 million JioAirFiber connections established since its launch, with the company aiming to connect 100 million homes across India at an accelerated pace. In alignment with its ambition to embed artificial intelligence across operations, Jio introduced ‘JioBrain’—a comprehensive AI suite offering real-time data-driven insights and automation.

    Reliance Jio Infocomm chairman, Akash M Ambani commented on the company’s strategic direction: “Right from inception, Jio has focused on deep tech innovation to create customer and shareholder value. The ongoing transformation created by Jio True5G and JioAirFiber in India’s digital landscape is a testament to this approach.”

     

  • PM Modi to inaugurate ITU-WTSA 2024 and India Mobile Congress in Delhi

    PM Modi to inaugurate ITU-WTSA 2024 and India Mobile Congress in Delhi

    Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the International Telecommunication Union – World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA) 2024 at Bharat Mandapam on 15 October 2024, at 10 AM. He will also launch the eighth edition of India Mobile Congress 2024 during this significant event.

    This marks the first time India and the Asia-Pacific region host the ITU-WTSA, a pivotal global conference that convenes every four years to guide the standardisation work of the International Telecommunication Union, a United Nations Agency for digital technologies. The assembly will bring together over 3,000 industry leaders, policy-makers, and tech experts from more than 190 countries, representing telecom, digital, and ICT sectors.

    WTSA 2024 will serve as a vital platform for countries to discuss and decide the future standards for next-generation critical technologies such as 6G, AI, IoT, big data, and cybersecurity. Hosting this event in India offers the country a unique opportunity to influence the global telecom agenda and shape the trajectory of future technologies. Indian startups and research institutions will gain essential insights into developing Intellectual Property Rights and Standard Essential Patents.

    The India Mobile Congress 2024 will showcase India’s vibrant innovation ecosystem, where leading telecom companies and innovators will highlight advancements in quantum technology and the circular economy, along with a focus on 6G, 5G use cases, cloud and edge computing, IoT, semiconductors, cybersecurity, green tech, satcom, and electronics manufacturing.

    Regarded as Asia’s largest digital technology forum, the India Mobile Congress has established itself as a premier platform for showcasing innovative solutions, services, and state-of-the-art use cases for industry, government, academia, startups, and other stakeholders in the technology and telecom ecosystem. This year’s event will feature over 400 exhibitors, around 900 startups, and participation from over 120 countries, showcasing more than 900 technology use case scenarios and hosting over 100 sessions with discussions featuring over 600 global and Indian speakers.

  • Airtel Business partners with Zscaler for Airtel Secure Digital Internet

    Airtel Business partners with Zscaler for Airtel Secure Digital Internet

    Mumbai: Airtel Business, the B2B division of Bharti Airtel, partners with Zscaler, a global cloud security leader, to launch ‘Airtel Secure Digital Internet’. This groundbreaking initiative represents India’s first fully managed Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)-based cyber protection solution, meticulously designed to shield enterprises from various cyber threats.

    ‘Airtel Secure Digital Internet’ strengthens enterprise cybersecurity by combining Airtel’s Internet Leased Line (ILL) connectivity with Zscaler’s advanced cloud security technology and Security Service Edge (SSE) technology. The solution provides robust security features, including comprehensive threat protection, SSL inspection, a cloud firewall, and secure access to cloud applications. Built on the principle of ‘never trust, always verify’ regarding users, devices, and networks, this solution empowers Indian enterprises to navigate the digital landscape effectively, scalably, and cost-efficiently.

    Airtel Business CEO, Sharat Sinha expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to partner with Zscaler to launch ‘Airtel Secure Digital Internet’ ‐ a holistic solution for safeguarding enterprise networks. The cutting‐edge solution will ensure that every internet interaction is rigorously verified, authenticated and authorised to deliver a robust layer of security that protects enterprises from evolving cyber threats. Together with Zscaler, we will offer a seamless and secure experience for businesses across India, enabling them to operate with confidence in today’s complex digital environment”

    Zscaler, area vice president, India & SAARC, Anant Nag added, “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Airtel Business To create a solution to help the growing needs of our customer base. Cybersecurity is a critical business priority and enterprises across the market are doubling down on implementing zero trust solutions to keep their organisation secured. The inception of this joint solution stemmed from the market needs and growing demand and we are looking forward to helping our customers in their cloud security transformation journeys together with Airtel.”

    India is experiencing a technology innovation surge, with enterprises of all sizes leading on a global scale. However, this rapid growth has also attracted cybercriminals targeting local entities. Zscaler ThreatLabz reports that Indian enterprises have faced over 79 million phishing attacks and more than 5 billion encrypted attacks in the past year, placing India among the top three most targeted markets globally. Therefore, enhancing cybersecurity while managing multi-vendor security stacks, budget constraints, skill gaps, and time-to-market issues is more crucial than ever for organisations in India.

    The Zero Trust Architecture of ‘Airtel Secure Digital Internet’ minimises attack surfaces while simplifying security management through centralised policy enforcement. Its cloud-native security delivers consistent protection for users across all locations. The scalable, cloud-based platform reduces reliance on costly hardware, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and lowering total cost of ownership.

    To optimise network performance and reduce latency, Airtel has strategically enhanced its Internet Points of Presence (PoPs) by integrating Zscaler’s advanced security stack. As a distinguished Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) partner of Zscaler, Airtel is well-equipped to provide comprehensive managed services that encompass the entire security lifecycle—from initial deployment to ongoing premium-grade support. Enterprises can leverage Airtel’s extensive pan-India Internet Leased Line (ILL) connectivity to ensure secure and consistent connectivity across all their office locations. Additionally, enterprises can procure Zscaler SSE as a standalone solution, bundled with Airtel’s managed services, tailored to meet their unique requirements.

  • Ericsson secures multi-billion dollar 5G deal with Bharti Airtel

    Ericsson secures multi-billion dollar 5G deal with Bharti Airtel

    In a significant boost to India’s telecom landscape, Ericsson has clinched a multi-billion dollar contract with Bharti Airtel to supply advanced 5G equipment. This partnership signals a pivotal moment in the rollout of next-generation mobile connectivity across the nation. As demand for high-speed internet and seamless connectivity skyrockets, this collaboration promises to enhance Airtel’s network capabilities, positioning it at the forefront of the telecom revolution.

    Ericsson’s latest deal with Bharti Airtel aims to strengthen the latter’s 5G infrastructure, enabling improved network performance and expanded coverage. The announcement comes at a crucial time as both companies gear up to meet the growing consumer demand for faster and more reliable mobile services.

    “Ericsson’s extensive experience and innovative technology will significantly enhance our 5G offerings,” said a spokesperson from Bharti Airtel. “This partnership not only reaffirms our commitment to delivering top-notch connectivity but also strengthens our position as a leading telecom provider in India.”

    Industry experts view this contract as a strategic move, further solidifying the collaboration between the two telecom giants. With Ericsson’s advanced network solutions, Airtel aims to offer enhanced user experiences and drive digital transformation in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and entertainment.

    This contract aligns with the Indian government’s vision of transforming the country into a global digital hub, boosting economic growth and innovation. As Airtel rolls out its 5G services powered by Ericsson’s technology, customers can expect a leap in internet speeds, latency reductions, and innovative applications tailored to meet their evolving needs.

    Ericsson’s success in securing this contract underscores its strong foothold in the Indian market, further solidifying its reputation as a leading provider of telecom infrastructure. With the ongoing rollout of 5G technology, both companies are poised to play a significant role in shaping India’s digital future.

  • Airtel Business and Sparkle sign Blue-Raman capacity agreement

    Airtel Business and Sparkle sign Blue-Raman capacity agreement

    Mumbai: Bharti Airtel’s B2B arm Airtel Business has signed an agreement with Sparkle, the first international service provider in Italy and a top global operator, for additional capacity on a diversified low latency route between Asia and Europe.

    Under the agreement, Airtel will take capacity from Sparkle on the Blue-Raman Submarine Cable Systems, which will connect India to Italy. With this additional capacity, Airtel will further diversify its global network across multiple international submarine cable systems to serve the growing demand for data services in India and neighbouring countries.

    The two companies will also work together on the development of new business opportunities and projects in the Indian sub-continent, leveraging their respective cable infrastructures.

    Airtel Business CEO – global business, Vani Venkatesh said, “We are happy to partner with Sparkle as we further consolidate our leadership in global connectivity. This partnership will further diversify our network with large integrated capacities to meet the ever-growing connectivity needs and data demand of our customers.”

    Sparkle CEO Enrico Bagnasco added, “We are very pleased with this agreement, based on the new solution provided by Blue & Raman, that supports the digital growth of the region and strengthens our historical partnership with Bharti Airtel.”

    Airtel Business is a provider of ICT services, with submarine cables, satellite networks, and global networks spanning over 400,000 Rkms across 50 countries and five continents. The company has over 1,200 global carrier partnerships, allowing it to connect customers worldwide, including in remote areas. In India, Airtel Business provides a range of solutions, including secure connectivity, cloud and data center services, cyber security, IoT, and cloud-based communications to enterprises, governments, carriers, and small and medium businesses.