The Telecom AI Platform collaboration between Jio Platforms Limited (JPL), AMD, Cisco, and Nokia revealed at last month’s Mobile World Congress 2025 may represent a significant shift in how telecom networks evolve in coming years.

The partnership focuses on developing an open AI framework for network operations, and comes as service providers worldwide face mounting pressure to improve efficiency and create new revenue streams.

Announced on March 3, the alliance brings together expertise across RAN, routing, AI data centres, security, and telecom infrastructure to create what the companies describe as a “central intelligence layer” for telecom and digital services. The multi-domain intelligence framework aims to integrate AI and automation in all network operations, with Jio serving as the first implementation case.

“We are building a multimodal, multi-domain orchestrated workflow platform […] for the telecom industry,” said Mathew Oommen, Group CEO of Reliance Jio. He highlighted the platform’s potential to transform networks into “self-optimising, customer-aware ecosystems.”

Technical foundations and AI

What sets the Telecom AI Platform apart is its technological approach. The platform will be LLM-agnostic and use open APIs, using multiple forms of artificial intelligence including agentic AI, general and domain-specific LLMs, Small Language Models (SLMs), and non-GenAI machine learning techniques.

AMD’s chair and CEO Lisa Su heralded “more secure, efficient, and scalable networks,” made possible through the platform, which uses Cisco’s Agile Services Networking and Data Centre Networking, plus Nokia’s capabilities in RAN, Core, fixed broadband, and optical transport.

India first, then global expansion

The Open Telecom AI Platform’s first customer, Jio, describes a “replicable reference architecture and deployable solution for the broader global service provider industry.”

The company hopes to position India as a front-runner in AI-driven telecom innovation. The timing of the project is significant, as telecom operators worldwide face increasing pressure to enhance network performance and offer new services beyond those of traditional telecom infrastructure.

“The initiative goes beyond automation – it’s about enabling AI-driven, autonomous networks that adapt in real-time, enhance user experiences, and create new service and revenue opportunities across the digital ecosystem,” Oommen said.

Real-world applications and benefits

Industry analysts suggest the Telecom AI Platform could drive significant improvements in several key areas:

1. Network security: Enhanced threat detection and prevention through AI-driven analysis across network layers
2. Operational efficiency: Reduced total cost of ownership through automation and predictive maintenance
3. Self-healing networks: Autonomous identification and resolution of network issues before they impact service
4. Revenue generation: Creation of new AI-enabled services and applications for enterprise and consumer segments

Potential timeline and global impact

While specific deployment timelines weren’t disclosed in the announcement, the companies indicated that development is actively underway. The platform’s open architecture design suggests its impact could extend far beyond Jio’s network in India.

The Telecom AI Platform represents a significant step toward what industry experts call “cognitive networks” – telecommunications infrastructure with embedded intelligence that can learn, adapt, and evolve autonomously. For global telecom operators watching this development, the platform could provide a blueprint for integration that addresses their most pressing challenges: reducing operational costs, enhancing security posture, improving customer experience, and developing new revenue streams.

As telecom networks continue their evolution toward 6G and beyond, initiatives like this Telecom AI Platform may well determine which operators thrive in the future – and which countries will lead the next wave of telecommunications innovation.

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Users of smartphones in areas where there is no network access may have cause for optimism, after the news that Vodafone claims to have made the world’s first video call via the satellite network.

The call was made from an area in the UK with no network coverage to the company’s CEO, Margherita Della Valie.

According to a report from Reuters, Vodafone used AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites positioned in low Earth orbits to allow the transfer of up to 120 megabits of data per second; enough, in the test, to carry a videophone conversation, like that in common apps like Apple’s FaceTime, Google Meet or Microsoft Teams. In an interview with the news agency, Della Vaile said, “You get everything form voice to text to video data transmission […]. Our objective is to bring the service to our customers as soon as possible.”

The UK-based telco giant aims to launch the technology to its European customers late 2025 through into 2026, connecting rural, mountainous, and less populous areas in the UK and on the mainland continent to the mobile network.

The technology relies on the carrier having a gateway on the ground that receives signals from the satellite network. Message packets are then transferred to the traditional cellular network. Vodafone’s success was notable due to the high volume of data that was transmitted and received concurrently.

Smartphone to satellite for all?

Unlike instances of similar technology such as that found in some Apple handsets, Vodafone claims that the communications capability will work from a standard smartphone, and requires no specialist hardware in the remote area.

There is fierce competition between mobile operators to be first to market with satellite services, each keen to fill the gap in conventional, land-based mobile coverage. At present, smartphone to satellite communication is possible, but traffic bandwidth is highly limited and only handsets with specific, satellite-capable modems can use the facility.

Apple’s iPhone models 14 and later, for instance, offer the ability to send texts in emergencies, provide geolocation data, and send limited data to selected numbers. Later models of phones by Google and Samsung offer similar features.

In the US, T-Mobile and SpaceX are racing to develop technologies similar to that showcased by Vodafone in the UK.

However, Chinese scientists announced the Tiantong project in 2024, which uses the three Tiantong-1 satellites in geosynchronous orbits over Asia. Technology on these satellites combats signal degradation to the extent that they can send and receive signals from smartphones on the ground.

The simpler smartphone future

It is worth noting that the bandwidth available to end-users of any future implementation will almost definitely not be the 120 megabits per second achieved by Vodafone. With stringent contention ratios, it seems unlikely that consumers will be making video calls from the middle of nowhere to loved ones, or watching streamed sports events on their smartphones while in remote areas. But the basics of communications like low-quality voice calls and SMS texts should be more widely available in the next few years.

A time when geographic isolation no longer means lack of communication is drawing closer, giving hope to communities not well-served by current mobile network infrastructure.

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Since its inception in 1994, Bluetooth has dominated short-range wireless connectivity, but its limitations have become increasingly apparent after three decades. With growing demands for faster data transfer, multiple device connections, and enhanced security, the ageing protocol struggles to keep pace with modern requirements. 

As IoT devices proliferate and wireless audio streaming becomes ubiquitous, China sees an opportunity to develop Bluetooth alternative technologies, citing concerns over Bluetooth protocols’ limitations. China’s Bluetooth alternative, Star Flash, is emerging as a potential game-changer in wireless communication technology, marking a significant global technological shift. The initiative, backed by Beijing’s Electronics Video Industry Association, represents more than just a technical upgrade – it’s a strategic move toward technological self-reliance.

The alternative to Bluetooth in China: the technical promise of Star Flash

The SparkLink Alliance, a consortium of hundreds of Chinese developers and manufacturers, including tech giant Huawei, is spearheading the development of Star Flash. According to Chinese IoT hardware vendor Qogrisys, the technology incorporates 5G network principles and offers several advantages over existing protocols. 

It promises enhanced multiple-device connectivity, improved power efficiency, longer battery life, and high-quality lossless stereo audio streaming capabilities. Its integration into China’s newly mandated ‘universal remote control standard’ sets Star Flash apart. It standard requires manufacturers to implement one of three communication methods: traditional infrared, conventional Bluetooth, or Star Flash. 

The strategic inclusion of Star Flash alongside established technologies provides a foundation for widespread adoption, starting with consumer electronics. 

Strategic implementation and global implications

The rollout strategy for Star Flash appears carefully orchestrated. Beginning with universal remote controls in 2025, the technology is positioned to rapidly penetrate the domestic market through mandatory implementation in televisions and set-top boxes. An article by The Register suggests that Chinese manufacturer Konka has already launched the first Smart TV compatible with the new standard, demonstrating the industry’s readiness to embrace the technology.

However, China’s ambitions for Star Flash extend beyond its borders. The SparkLink Alliance has actively promoted the technology to Japanese companies and the expanding BRICS bloc, suggesting a broader international strategy. The expansion could challenge the dominance of existing wireless protocols in emerging markets.

While developing alternative wireless technologies contributes to technological diversity and innovation, it raises questions about global tech standards and interoperability. A Star Flash success could influence how future wireless technologies are developed and adopted, potentially leading to a more fragmented wireless technology landscape, or one where the vaguaries of Bluetooth are consigned to history.

Critics raise concerns about potential surveillance capabilities (this being China), while supporters emphasise the technical advantages and the importance of diverse technological ecosystems. The reality likely lies somewhere in between—Star Flash represents both technological advancement and strategic positioning in the global tech arena.

As the wireless communication landscape evolves, the emergence of Star Flash invites us to look beyond traditional narratives of technological competition and consider how diverse or improved approaches to wireless communication might benefit global innovation. 

Whether this leads to healthy competition and innovation or further technological fragmentation remains to be seen. 

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The US Department of Commerce is said to be investigating claims that TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) has helped Chinese company Huawei make 5G chips, such as those found in the company’s latest Apple-killer Mate 60 phone.

Although a formal probe by the DoC has yet to be announced, sources close to the issue have stated in The Information that TSMC acted in contravention of 5G export controls in allowing Huawei either access to chip designs, helped Huawei in some way design its own 5G semiconductors, or sold chips to Huawei via intermediary companies.

TSMC has denied any wrongdoing, issuing a statement that it is “committed to complying with laws and regulations, including export controls.”

TSMC manufacturing in Arizona

Any proven claims against TSMC could jeopardise the company’s receipt of funding it’s received from the US as part of the package awarded April this year – some $6.6 billion – from direct CHIPS Act funding. Although headquartered in Taiwan, TSMC operates fabrication facilities in Arizona that make chips for AMD, ARM, MediaTek, Nvidia, Apple, and Qualcomm, among others. TSMC has invested more than $65 billion in the Arizona facilities.

Although the largest shareholder of TSMC remains the Taiwanese government, most of the company is owned by international investors. Highly punitive sanctions taken against the company would severely impact the bottom lines of many of the world’s biggest technology companies, and potentially put the brakes on the current supply of chips used in AI applications, communications, servers, communications infrastructure, and consumer devices.

The CHIPS Act funding given to the company was designed to promote TSMC chip manufacturing for US companies, allowing them to better compete against non-domestic offerings. According to NIST, the Department of Commerce implemented conditions for the granting of CHIPS funding that “seek to prevent CHIPS funds from being used to directly or indirectly benefit foreign countries of concern.”

China is considered by the US to be a country of concern, alongside so-called pariah states such as Iran and Russia. Rather than threatening US borders with massed troops or funding terrorist training camps, China’s perceived crimes seem to be a certain success in free market trade and popularity among consumers enamoured of the country’s cheaper-than-average exports by companies like Huawei.

Huawei hardware and technology already underpins much of the world’s telecoms networks, but has seen a rapid downturn in profitability since imposition of trade sanctions led by the US from 2021. In 2020, the company overtook Samsung as the world’s largest manufacturer of smartphones, a position that has since slipped since the sale of the Honor brand to the Shenzen regional government in China.

CHIPS Act funding in jeopardy

The embargo on the use of TSMC technology that might benefit a ‘country of concern’ puts the company’s CHIPS funding from the US into doubt, although the company has worked hard to establish fabrication facilities elsewhere in the world, a move much encouraged by governments keen not to repeat the impact of supply chain problems caused by the COVID epidemic.

In addition to the embargo on selling directly to foreign competition (in this case, Huawei) companies in receipt of US state funding are expected to demonstrate due diligence that any sales will not end up in proscribed hands via intermediary companies. Sources close to the issue have said that the US is investigating the methods employed by TSMC to vet its customers.

If found in breach of rules, TSMC could be liable to pay back the funds it’s received under the CHIPS Act, although as the second largest recipient of such funds, the invocation of any ‘clawback’ rule could jeopardise the CHIPS Act scheme and make investors in the chip sector jittery enough to relocate their interests to areas less subject to political whimsy.

“If we have any reason to believe there are potential issues, we will take prompt action to ensure compliance, including conducting investigations and proactively communicating with relevant parties,” a statement from TSMC said.

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The adoption of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) has become a strategic imperative for organisations in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, and aims to bolster cybersecurity, improve network performance and enhance business agility.

The case studies in the qualitative research commissioned by S&P Global Market Intelligence on behalf of Verizon Business Group¹ shows a timeline of APAC organisations’ journeys.

“We learned that the global pandemic was an accelerant of digital transformation that underpinned a broad spectrum of readiness and capability for customers. Initially, they were compelled to change their operating environments very rapidly, then many went through a process to understand and appreciate the value they can unlock from that transition by migrating to a SASE environment,” said Rob Le Busque, Regional Vice President at Verizon APAC.

“We see the adoption of SASE continue to accelerate among enterprise and government customers in this region for two reasons. First, there is an intrinsic cost benefit to moving to SASE architecture. Second, the cyber attack surface is increasing and becoming more complex; SASE provides the ability to containerise applications or servers under attack,” said Le Busque.

Delivering outcomes from SASE

The research revealed the value for CIOs in examining the differences between a project’s expected outcomes versus the reality. For SASE, many expect reduced risk, cost savings and improved productivity and/or user experience.

While most participants with complete (or nearly complete) SASE projects reported that they achieved their expected outcomes, they also discovered some unexpected results.

For example, a large mining and metals organisation in Singapore reported: “One unexpected benefit of a SASE framework is to have synergies and convergence of interests between infra/network and security where usually it is a fight between what performance/user experience versus security constraints will be considered (which is rare enough to be highlighted!). Here we have a common ground where both can be conciliated.”

Effects of SASE on the overall digital transformation journey

While most participating organisations in the research did not consider their SASE deployment a part of a larger digital transformation initiative, some said that SASE helped their larger transformation project by reducing risk and simplifying user experience.

“We started off with streamlining connectivity and the effort that spearheaded the related identity and access management projects are now supporting almost all the other applications as well. So, yes, there was an acceleration effect in our DX journey,” said a regional information security manager for a large IT services firm in Australia.

“We hear from our customers that SASE shortened provisioning times and access to networks on traditional VPN architectures. This solves the first principle issue of connecting dynamic users to dynamic applications. SASE provides capability and uplift to do that as organisations,” said Rob Le Busque.

Key benefits from SASE, according to the research, included:

• Unified security architecture,
• Enhanced user experience,
• Scalability and flexibility,
• Improved compliance and governance.

Identifying top SASE deployment roadblocks

Several themes emerged regarding the barriers participants encountered and expected to encounter during SASE implementation.

Technical debt was most cited as the barrier to overcome before gaining the rewards of SASE. “You need to invest time up front to fully understand all aspects, rather than piecing it all together in a troubleshooting mode during project implementation,” said a CIO of a large Hong Kong-based Insurance organisation.

The main deployment roadblocks included:

• Legacy infrastructure challenges: Legacy systems and outdated network architectures pose integration challenges during SASE adoption. CIOs should address compatibility issues, data migration complexities, and ensure integration with existing IT environments to maximise the benefits of SASE while minimising disruptions to business operations.
• Skills gap and talent acquisition: The shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals and network engineers is a significant barrier to effective SASE implementation. CIOs should invest in talent development, upskilling initiatives, and partnerships with managed security service providers (MSSPs) to bridge the skills gap and build internal expertise for managing SASE solutions effectively.
• Change management and organisational alignment: Implementing SASE often requires cultural and organisational changes to move to a Zero Trust security model, including the adoption of agile practices, and increasing collaboration between IT and business functions. CIOs must address resistance to change, communicate the benefits of SASE to stakeholders and align the organisation’s goals with security and digital transformation initiatives.

Lessons Learned from SASE Implementation

The final section of the study focused on gathering participants’ insights they gained during a SASE implementation project.

• Needs assessment: Participants noted the need for a strong requirements framework and business case development before initiating the project. They recommended taking a ‘security first’ approach and advised prospective implementors not to run SASE implementation like a network infrastructure alteration. They cited the importance of obtaining support from key stakeholders and establishing strong governance structures.
• Upskill, plan and prepare: Participants emphasised increasing internal competencies and resources in advance. A common theme was the importance of understanding the data, application and device assets involved in or affected by SASE.
• Vendor/partner selection: Study participants recommended focusing on vendor competencies, examining specific SASE requirements and comparing vendor claims versus actual competencies, although they reported this was difficult. Participants also mentioned the importance of using a tried-and-tested partner and establishing strong vendor and partner relations.
• Deployment planning: Respondents said using a standardised deployment model was particularly important, as well as planning and scheduling the rollout.

Conclusion

SASE implementation offers significant outcomes such as unified security, enhanced user experience, scalability and compliance for organisations in APAC. However, barriers such as legacy infrastructure, skills gaps, and resistance to organisational change require planning, talent development, and effective change management.

By learning from industry best practices, and emphasising user-centric design and continuous monitoring, CIOs can collaborate with CISOs to successfully navigate SASE adoption, strengthen cybersecurity resilience, and drive business agility.

Download the full report to read the findings in detail, and to talk to an expert on SASE deployment best practices and technologies, contact a Verizon representative near you.

¹ “SASE Enables Zero-Trust Networking, Improves Business Agility, Reduces Costs and Streamlines Digital Transformations”

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A change is occurring in how organisations secure their network perimeters, users, applications and data. Secure access service edge (SASE) is starting to disrupt traditional approaches to networking and security, and is giving IT professionals an opportunity to fundamentally reimagine how they design their network and security architectures.

Previously, enterprise network architecture was based on discrete silos of network and security controls, with remote access provided via virtual private networks (VPNs). These approaches are being rapidly replaced by SASE and zero-trust network access (ZTNA) architectures.

Getting SASE right can be a complex proposition that presents significant challenges. While major elements that make up SASE have been around in some form for at least 10 years, it is still an evolving technology.

A case study in SASE Success: India Insurance Company

As part of the research commissioned by Verizon Business to help companies cut through the noise to get a true picture of obstacles and opportunities in implementing SASE, S&P Global Market Intelligence conducted 10 in-depth interviews with decision makers and those purchasing SASE technology.

One successful SASE implementation case study was shared in an interview with a VP at one of the largest insurance companies in India, which we will refer to as “IIC” (India insurance company).

“The primary driver [for SASE] was the pandemic. Before, we had a traditional bricks-and-mortar office infrastructure. When the pandemic hit, everything was being provisioned by the company. There was no way to use ‘bring your own devices (BYOD) – only company-owned, hardened machines could be used […] which took 10-15 days to provision,” he said.

Suddenly, many users, particularly contractors, did not meet security requirements because controls were not designed for off-site workers. In response, IIC implemented a SASE project focused initially on data access, followed by applications.

“Now, we can fully support BYOD, which was the hardest problem to solve. We were forced to go with an agentless approach, through an outside portal […] new employees and contractors are now productive from day one instead of waiting for their machine to arrive,” said the respondent, an Executive Vice President and Head of Business Systems and Infrastructure at the IIC, which currently employs over 10,000 people..

The company could immediately improve the user experience, meet remote worker security and compliance requirements, and improve productivity by supporting BYOD, which enabled employees and contractors to begin work immediately.

What is driving SASE adoption?

Some compelling factors driving SASE adoption are the size and maturity of organisations. For more mature, technically sophisticated enterprises, SASE implementations are motivated more by business and digital transformation needs than technical requirements.

Common business drivers include improved business agility, cost reduction, support for hybrid work (office-based and remote workers), improved end-user experience, reduced threat impact and risk, improved compliance and competitive pressure.

Larger organisations, especially those with over 10,000 employees, tend to suffer from technical debt and incompatible legacy systems that slow down deployments. Conversely, smaller organisations tend to adopt solutions faster and can often source the entire SASE stack from a single vendor.

Common technical drivers include network, security, IT modernisation and simplification, and simplified management of rapidly growing networks.

Key considerations for implementing SASE

Research participants indicated a variety of deployment approaches. None indicated embarking on a “big bang” implementation: some organisations rolled SASE out to high-risk users and apps first, while others chose lower-risk users and applications.

For example, some organisations with high short term risk exposures, such as the potential for breaches or failing compliance audits, chose to solve the issue for those groups first. Others, less concerned about short-term risk, took a more conservative approach like deploying to staff already using modern cloud apps.

“It was all about basic access first to support the remote workforce. Subsequently, it was about business-critical targets and high-risk estates, with quick wins peppered in between,” said one respondent, a Regional Information Security Manager for a large Australian IT services company.

“Any users who can migrate without losing any access to unsupported apps naturally will do so. This provides a faster, better user experience that rewards the user to move to SASE. They were excited to move away from VPN and use [it] as a […] fall-back plan,” said another, a Regional CISO at a large Singapore engineering firm.

Overall SASE projects vary in duration (from initial sign-off to production) from 6-12 months to over three years. Nearly half (45%) of all respondents indicated durations of 12 months or less; another 45% fell in the 13 to 36 month range; and the remaining 10% indicated more than three years to complete a SASE implementation.

In Asia Pacific, only one-third of participants indicated that SASE was deployed as part of a digital transformation initiative, as compared with three-quarters of their counterparts in Europe.

End matters

In the next part of this article, we’ll be looking more deeply into the study’s results, and getting the thoughts of Rob Le Busque, Regional Vice President at Verizon, APAC. In the meantime, head to this page to learn from the experiences of enterprises who have already migrated to SASE, detailed in the report produced in collaboration with S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Continue your exploration of SASE adoption with Part 2 of this feature, which will cover in-depth study results and insights from Rob Le Busque. Check back in the coming weeks for the next instalment and in the meantime, you can explore the research and business impact briefs for comprehensive insights at the following links: Research | Business Impact Briefs.

The post Deploying SASE: Benchmarking your approach appeared first on TechWire Asia.

In a move set to redefine Malaysia’s digital landscape, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has forged strategic partnerships with two of the country’s leading telecommunications giants, Maxis and CelcomDigi, at the Mobile World Congress 2024 (MWC 2024) in Barcelona. The announcements mark a significant step forward in Malaysia’s local technological innovation, as the collaboration promises to unleash the potential of generative AI and 5G connectivity like never before.

By integrating generative AI into its suite of cloud services, AWS has been empowering businesses to extract valuable insights from data, enhance customer interactions, and drive innovation at scale. But perhaps most exciting of all is the potential for generative AI to democratize creativity and innovation. By providing businesses access to powerful AI tools and resources, AWS is leveling the playing field and enabling organizations of all sizes to compete globally.

Multiple Amazon AWS announcements at MWC demonstrate how telecom and technology markets are merging. Cloud/hyperscaler companies are crtical parts of telecom service providers' infrastructure #mwc24 pic.twitter.com/9sjRo3dTE8

— Ian Fogg (@ianfogg42) February 26, 2024

AWS & CelcomDigi at MWC 2024

By harnessing the power of AWS’s cloud capabilities, CelcomDigi aims to co-create innovative generative AI solutions tailored to the telecommunications industry. CelcomDigi will be tapping into Amazon Bedrock’s cutting-edge technology to revolutionize its operations. This fully managed service provides access to top-tier AI models and ensures security, privacy, and responsible AI practices. 

Through its Innovation Centre, CelcomDigi is establishing an AI Sandbox, offering its employees a playground to explore and implement generative AI solutions. This initiative isn’t just about experimentation but driving innovation across various departments, including HR, customer service, legal, and finance. 

With the combined expertise of CelcomDigi’s IT engineers and AWS AI specialists, the company is poised to unlock the full potential of generative AI and integrate it seamlessly into its operational platforms. CelcomDigi and AWS are also teaming up to provide AI training for CelcomDigi staff. 

“CelcomDigi is already integrating its knowledge-based AI chatbot with Amazon Bedrock, crafting a comprehensive platform for accessing organizational and HR data. This innovative approach streamlines workflows enhances employee experiences, and fosters a culture of continuous learning and development,” AWS said following the signing of a Letter of Collaboration at MWC 2024.

CelcomDigi is also teaming up with Amazon’s Bedrock, diving into linguistic diversity, to develop Bahasa Melayu language algorithms. Using Amazon Titan and Anthropic Claude models equipped with cutting-edge deep learning algorithms, CelcomDigi aims to create innovative solutions such as chatbots tailored to its culturally diverse customer base. 

But the collaboration continues beyond there. CelcomDigi and AWS are trying to revolutionize the Malaysian business landscape with personalized generative AI applications spanning various industries and consumer experiences.

“CelcomDigi’s collaboration with AWS is a great example of how telcos can enhance end-to-end operational efficiency and redefine the user experience for both employees and customers with the power of generative AI technology,” Pete Murray, Country Manager, Malaysia at AWS, said in a press release. Murray reckons with AWS, CelcomDigi can drive new use cases at scale with AI-optimized infrastructure and the flexibility to choose fit-for-purpose foundational models through Amazon Bedrock. 

“This collaboration also accelerates the delivery of innovative AI services to Malaysian enterprises. We are excited to support CelcomDigi in advancing its 5G and AI transformation with our upcoming AWS Region in Malaysia and our joint commitment to develop AI talent in the country,” he added. 

AWS and Maxis at MWC 2024

As for Maxis and AWS, the two took the stage at MWC 2024 to share the announcement that they are joining forces to bring cutting-edge 5G and generative AI innovations to the forefront of business. Targeting critical sectors like retail, manufacturing, logistics, and financial services, this collaboration hopes to ignite innovation, helping Malaysian enterprises to thrive in the digital age.

By integrating advanced AI technologies into real-world use cases, Maxis will offer tailored solutions designed to adapt and evolve alongside the ever-changing needs of businesses.

Central to this collaboration is the integration of generative AI and language models tailored to support the Bahasa Melayu language. This strategic move accelerates the digital transformation journey for Malaysian businesses.

The collaboration cements Maxis’ status in the realm of cloud services. As Malaysia’s first telco to achieve AWS Advanced Tier Services Partner status, Maxis is leading the charge in delivering unparalleled connectivity and cloud solutions to enterprises nationwide.

“We are pleased to expand our collaboration with AWS to bring next-generation digital capabilities to Malaysian businesses. As Malaysia’s leading integrated telecommunications provider, we look forward to enabling our customers with the power of 5G and Generative AI,” Maxis CEO Goh Seow Eng said.

Since forging their partnership in 2019, Maxis and AWS have been at the forefront of driving technological innovation in Malaysia. Through strategic collaborations and a shared vision for the future, Maxis continues to leverage the power of partnerships to meet the diverse digital needs of enterprises, ensuring they stay ahead in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. 

The post AWS strikes AI collaboration deals with Malaysian telcos at MWC 2024 appeared first on TechWire Asia.

In the dynamic telecommunications landscape, TD Tech stands as a testament to the intricate interplay of collaboration, evolution, and strategic partnerships. Established in 2005 as a joint venture between Siemens (51% stake) and Huawei (49% stake), TD Tech found its roots in the shared vision of pioneering wireless technology solutions. However, the landscape shifted in 2007 when Siemens sold half of its stake to Nokia, introducing a new player to the collaborative equation. 

That marked a pivotal moment, steering TD Tech on a new trajectory under joint ownership. Siemens gradually divested its remaining shares in 2013, leaving Nokia as the major shareholder in TD Tech. This strategic move altered the company’s ownership structure and set the stage for further developments in its market presence and product offerings.

A notable chapter in TD Tech’s narrative emerged in 2021 when the company diversified its portfolio by venturing into rebranded phones from Huawei. One such model, the M40 5G, utilized a 7-nanometer chip from Taiwan’s MediaTek instead of Huawei’s Kirin processors. Due to Washington’s sanctions, companies are prohibited from providing Huawei with advanced chips containing US-origin technology, including MediaTek processors, manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, the world’s largest contract chipmaker. 

Nokia, in the thick of geopolitical challenges, clarified that TD Tech operates independently and is not linked to Nokia’s operations or supply chains in China. A year and a half later, in April 2023, Nokia revealed plans to leave TD Tech. The Finnish telecommunications equipment giant said its decision was driven by TD Tech’s expanded business scope, which now includes handsets, modems, and other devices. That broadened scope no longer aligns with Nokia’s strategic focus as a B2B technology innovation leader.

“Nokia decided to divest its 51% stake in TD Tech for an estimated price of EUR 285 million (US$ 305.7 million), with an estimated gain of EUR 227 million (as of June 30; US$ 243.58 million), to New East New Materials, a company involved in raw materials manufacturing for the flexible packaging industry. However, the finalization of the deal was subject to conditions that included a pre-emption right (refusal of sale) of the joint venture partner, which is Huawei in this case,” Nokia said in September 2023.

New buyers from China to partner with Huawei

Over the weekend, reports surfaced that the Finnish telecom equipment giant had secured new buyers for its significant stake in a Beijing joint venture with Huawei. The deal, which faced protests from the Chinese company last year, is now back on track. Nokia’s attempt to sell its majority stake to Shanghai-listed ink maker New East New Materials in 2023 faced a hurdle when Huawei threatened to stop technology licensing to TD Tech. 

The prospective deal eventually fell apart. Analysts speculated that Huawei was likely unwilling to relinquish control of TD Tech, seeing it as a strategic asset to navigate US sanctions and enhance efficiency in specific market segments, as noted by Yang during that period. 

Now, according to a disclosure published on Friday by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), under the latest agreement, wireless technology firm TD Tech will be jointly controlled by Huawei and a group of entities that include the government-owned Chengdu High-Tech Investment Group and Chengdu Gaoxin Jicui Technology Co, as well as venture capital firm Huagai.

The equity distribution among the new stakeholders remains undisclosed, pending final government approval. Regulators said they harbor no antitrust worries about the deal and are open to public input until January 28. According to the SAMR, Huawei and TD Tech jointly oversee less than 10% of China’s smartphone market, though the specific timeframe for this data was not provided.

China’s market regulator has solicited public opinion on Huawei and Chengdu Hi-Tech Investment Group’s proposal for a complete acquisition of TD Tech.

**MARKETLYT –>** China's market regulator is soliciting public opinion on the proposed acquisition plans by Huawei and Chengdu Hi-Tech (000628 CH) to acquire TD Tech.

**Market Impact Rating –>** 89

**MARKETLYT Analysis –>**
The request for public opinion on the…

— Millan Lemoine, CFA – markets reaction analysis (@marketlyt) January 19, 2024

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Amid all the talk that Huawei Technologies Co may make a comeback in the global 5G smartphone race, the Chinese telecommunications giant quietly launched a new smartphone – the Mate 60 Pro. At first look, the Mate 60 Pro looks like any other Chinese phone, with advancements that set it apart from its predecessor. By the time local reviews started pouring in, talk was mainly focused on the phone’s shockingly impressive network speeds – speeds that match a typical 5G chip-powered smartphone.

First, it is fair to note that despite rumors, Huawei had denied planning 5G phone releases, citing US sanctions. But then the Mate 60 Pro release last week, unaccompanied by any huge teaser campaign or major event, as Huawei would usually organize for a major launch, raised eyebrows.

To top it off, Huawei declined to provide details about the handset’s processor – or whether it supports 5G mobile networks – during the launch.

Industry analysts and consumers didn’t take long before they began speculating on the embattled Chinese giant’s unlikely behavior.

The launch, intentionally or otherwise, coincided with US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo’s visit to China last week. Raimondo’s visit was the fourth high-level US official to visit China this summer, as the relationship between the nations has grown increasingly intense.

Chinese state media declared the timing of the phone announcement was a show of defiance, indicating to the US that the trade war was a “failure.” Not too long after speculation on this point began in China, there were hushed concerns in Washington, too. Countless reports suggested that the US sanctions had manifestly failed to prevent China from making a critical technological advance. 

It seemed that, for now at least, the US chipmakers were right when they warned that far-reaching sanctions would not stop China, but instead spur it to redouble its efforts to build alternatives to US technology.

Details on the Huawei Mate 60 Pro

Details regarding the device’s processor and network support were notably absent from the published spec sheet, leaving consumers and industry watchers curious about the device’s true capabilities. Yet, many local reviewers claimed that the phone reached 5G speeds. The only giveaway from Huawei, based on its statement on August 29, was a statement that the Mate 60 Pro was the “most powerful Mate model ever,” with no mention of its CPU or the handset’s 5G connectivity.

Based on tests, the Chinese benchmarking website AnTuTu identified the central processing unit (CPU) in the Mate 60 Pro as the Kirin 9000s from Huawei’s chip design unit, HiSilicon. The CPU has a 12-core configuration and a top clock speed of 2.62 gigahertz, according to AnTuTu. For context, Shenzhen-based Huawei and its chip design arm HiSilicon were added to the US government’s trade blacklist, known as the Entity List, in 2019.

Tightened US restrictions imposed in 2020 restrict Huawei from obtaining advanced integrated circuits (ICs) from major contract chipmakers, such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. or Samsung Electronics. Although HiSilicon’s website did not provide information about that CPU, the firm’s existing Kirin 9000 and 9000e chipsets support 5G connectivity and artificial intelligence applications. They are built on the advanced 5nm manufacturing process. 

The Mate 40 series, released in October 2020, was the last 5G smartphone launched by Huawei, which used the HiSilicon-designed Kirin 9000 system-on-a-chip in the device. “The new Mate’s download speeds can reach 500 megabits per second, which exceeds the 100Mbps speed requirements for 4G networks, according to independent tests run by some consumers,” the South China Morning Post (SCMP) wrote. 

China’s official broadcaster, CGTN, in a post on X, called the phone Huawei’s “first higher-end processor” since US sanctions were imposed, and said the chip it contains was made by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp, a company partially owned by the Chinese government.

Separately, Nikkei Asia reported that SMIC would be using what’s known as the “7nm process” to make the chips for Huawei, the most advanced level in China. 

In simple terms, that’s on par with the process used for the chips inside Apple’s iPhones launched in 2018. The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company made the latest iPhone chips using what is known as the 4nm process. As for the graphics processing unit in the new Mate, AnTuTu identified it as another Chinese-designed chip, the Maleoon 910.

The post Huawei Mate 60 Pro: Everything we know about the new 5G Kirin chipset appeared first on TechWire Asia.

These favorable factors have prompted businesses to expand their IT budgets. In 2021, the Philippines’ internet economy doubled to $17 billion, and it is expected to reach $40 billion by 2025, driven by various government initiatives and the continued acceleration of digital adoption.

As the country’s internet economy grows, so does the demand for data center services. Today, data center capacity in the Philippines is concentrated in the Greater Manila metropolitan area, but cities like Cebu and Davao are catching up rapidly.

The Philippines offers tremendous potential for data center operators and developers to succeed, supported by four key pillars.

1. Enabling faster cloud adoption by businesses

The Philippine digital economy is growing amid an increased adoption of cloud services by businesses looking to improve their operations, reduce their IT costs, and cater to consumer demand for novel services.

Post-pandemic, the e-commerce sector in the Philippines has experienced promising growth driven by increased smartphone adoption and internet penetration, which reached an estimated rate of 55.82 percent in 2022. As digital consumers embrace e-commerce – with 88 percent already doing so, according to e-Conomy SEA Research 2022 – business and consumer demand for robust cloud adoption continues to rise.

In addition, the government has plans to fortify and improve broadband connectivity nationwide. Data centers are a vital link between cloud adoption and economic regeneration, with each component mutually supporting the other.

Lastly, the Philippines has been actively nurturing a startup ecosystem, providing a platform for developing innovative enterprises. These startups rely heavily on data usage for various operations, from product development to artificial intelligence and user experience development.

2. Instituting favorable government policies for digital transformation 

The Philippine government has fostered a favorable regulatory environment to encourage data center growth, driven by a focus on promoting economic growth through job creation, investment flows, and a robust digital transformation agenda. Initiatives, such as the National Broadband Program and the Digital Philippines campaign, are aimed at improving the country’s digital infrastructure and supporting the growth of the IT industry, including the data center market.

Last year’s amendments to the Foreign Investments Act have played a crucial role in making the Philippines a digitally hospitable environment for people and businesses. These amendments, combined with streamlined bureaucratic processes, increase the Philippines’ attractiveness to foreign investors and position it to receive foreign direct investments. With increased resources and capital from foreign investments, businesses have a greater capacity to implement advanced cloud technologies into their operations and services.

Data centers are a vital component in supporting the government’s pursuit of a flourishing digital economy and are backed by various initiatives; these policies are aimed at driving stronger economic growth.

3. Building a renewable energy infrastructure

A steady supply of power is critical for data centers. The Philippines is making significant strides in developing its sustainable energy infrastructure and actively promoting renewable sources, such as wind and solar power. The country’s ‘National Renewable Energy Program for 2020-2040’ aims to generate half of the country’s power from renewable energy by the end of 2040. Numerous renewable energy projects are underway, projected to increase the combined solar and wind power by 15-fold by 2030. Industry players in the data center sector consider these developments crucial in maintaining the delicate balance between reliability, reducing carbon footprints, and lowering costs.

4. Developing a robust telecommunications infrastructure

The Philippines has a robust telecommunications infrastructure with an extensive fiber optic network. With ongoing subsea cable developments seven trans-pacific cables will connect the Philippines to the US by next year. Notable networks include Bifrost, Jupiter, and AAG. Furthermore, the Philippines government has collaborated with Facebook to implement the significant subsea cable Pacific Cable Light Network (PCLN), which will provide rapid internet services to the Philippines, matching the speed at which telecommunications giants operate. These developments and projects position the Philippines as a flourishing telecommunications location in the APAC region, supporting the country’s growing demand for data center services.

With Filipinos clocking in the region’s highest average of internet use per day, averaging almost four hours daily, the Philippines has the potential to become a hub of innovation and a key player in the APAC region. The country’s business environment and government policies provide a fertile ground for developing the data center industry, poised to play a crucial role in shaping the country’s digital future.

The post Cloud to the Islands: How the Philippines is positioning itself as a data center hotspot appeared first on TechWire Asia.