Cloudflare handed USD 14 mln anti-piracy fine in Italy
Italian communications watchdog Agcom has fined web infrastructure company Cloudflare a total of USD 14 million for breaching online copyright protection regulations in what is the first major fine handed down following the entry into force of 2023 legislation on the protection of copyrighted content. In the decision, Cloudflare was accused of "failing to take any measures to combat the use of its services for the dissemination of illegal content."
Cloudflare handed USD 14 mln anti-piracy fine in Italy
Italian communications watchdog Agcom has fined web infrastructure company Cloudflare a total of USD 14 million for breaching online copyright protection regulations in what is the first major fine handed down following the entry into force of 2023 legislation on the protection of copyrighted content. In the decision, Cloudflare was accused of "failing to take any measures to combat the use of its services for the dissemination of illegal content."
UK pushes ahead with mobile, Wi-Fi sharing in upper 6 GHz band
The UK is moving ahead with plans to allow mobile and Wi-Fi services to share the upper 6 GHz band. Regulator Ofcom has issued a detailed proposal on how sharing the spectrum between Wi-Fi and mobile services would work, and said it expects to allow low-power Wi-Fi applications in the frequency range before the end of this year. The proposal is open for public comment until 20 March.
UK pushes ahead with mobile, Wi-Fi sharing in upper 6 GHz band
The UK is moving ahead with plans to allow mobile and Wi-Fi services to share the upper 6 GHz band. Regulator Ofcom has issued a detailed proposal on how sharing the spectrum between Wi-Fi and mobile services would work, and said it expects to allow low-power Wi-Fi applications in the frequency range before the end of this year. The proposal is open for public comment until 20 March.
TikTok inks deal to create dedicated FIFA World Cup 2026 hub
FIFA has signed an agreement to convert TikTok into its first-ever "Preferred Platform" to boost global access and fan engagement ahead of this summer's World Cup football tournament. The deal strengthens ties first formed during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 and will give TikTok a central role in delivering original content, highlights and interactive experiences to fans during the tournament across North America.
TikTok inks deal to create dedicated FIFA World Cup 2026 hub
Orange Poland runs promotion for VoLTE smartphones after 3G switch-off
Orange Poland has introduced a promotion for VoLTE smartphones aimed at customers handing in obsolete devices after the operator switched off its 3G network in December. Orange is sending messages about the promotion to postpaid customers who are using smartphones that only support GSM/3G services. Customers can obtain a discount of up to PLN 500.
Orange Poland runs promotion for VoLTE smartphones after 3G switch-off
French data centres could see 3.7-fold increase in energy use by 2035 – study
France's environment agency Ademe has published a study on electricity consumption by data centres, including forecasts on how this demand could evolve in the medium to long term under different scenarios. Among the key findings, the study shows that the electricity needs of French data centres amounted to 9.91 TWh in 2024. This could rise to 36.73 TWh by 2035 and 63.58 TWh by 2060 under the trend-based scenario.
French data centres could see 3.7-fold increase in energy use by 2035 – study
UK's Teleauora picks Airspan mmWave radio for FWA deployments
Teleauora announced a new collaboration with Airspan Networks to use the latter's radio equipment for providing fixed-wireless access in the UK. Airspan will provide Teleauora with its latest Air5G 7200 mmWave radio, enabling the deployment of high-capacity fixed-wireless networks in challenging and hard-to-reach environments. The operator will target several identified sites across the UK where reliable, high-speed connectivity has historically been limited or unavailable.
UK's Teleauora picks Airspan mmWave radio for FWA deployments
Corero Network Security appoints head of channel sales from Sonicwall
DDoS protection provider Corero Network Security has announced the appointment of Michelle Ragusa-McBain as global channel chief and VP of channel sales. She has more than 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, SaaS and SMB-to-enterprise IT, including leadership roles at Cisco, SonicWall and CompuCom. According to her LinkedIn profile, her most recent role was as VP for global sales and strategy at SonicWall. She serves with sector organisations including the Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA).
Corero Network Security appoints head of channel sales from Sonicwall
ACES and BSNL supply connectivity for Noida International Airport with NOC-SOC from Tech Mahindra
ACES India and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) have announced an agreement to deploy telecoms and digital connectivity infrastructure at Noida International Airport. Last month, Tech Mahindra unveiled a deal to set up and run a Network and Security Operations Centre (NOC-SOC) for Noida airport, which is expected to handle between 60 million and 120 million passengers by 2050.
ACES and BSNL supply connectivity for Noida International Airport with NOC-SOC from Tech Mahindra
Digi Spain to air Australian Open in 4K at no extra cost
Digi Spain has announced that all subscribers to its Digi TV service will be able to watch matches from the forthcoming Australian Open grand slam tennis tournament at no extra cost starting 18 January. The most important games will be available in 4K quality on the Eurosport 4K channel (dial no. 10), with remaining matches plus analysis, debates and other competition-related content shown on additional Eurosport channels.
Digi Spain to air Australian Open in 4K at no extra cost
Belgium drops plans for 26 GHz auction after little market interest
The Belgian mobile operators are not interested in the 26 GHz band, despite the EU naming this one of the pioneer bands for 5G. The latest market consultation by regulator Bipt found only Proximus interested, but then only if licence prices were much lower and the limits on electromagnetic radiation were relaxed in Brussels and Wallonia regions. Telenet and Orange Belgium said they did not see a need yet for the 26 GHz band, and Citymesh did not respond to the consultation which closed in November.
Belgium drops plans for 26 GHz auction after little market interest
VodafoneZiggo works on customer service automation with DeepDesk
VodafoneZiggo has improved its customer service in a cooperation with the Amsterdam-based company Deepdesk. According to an interview posted by the companies, this has supported automation of 20 percent of customer contacts, a 15 percent reduction in the time to handle customer queries and a total savings of some 36,000 man hours. Customer satisfaction also improved, the company said.
