Giesecke and Devrient (G+D)— a well-known company specializing in digital security, financial platforms, and currency technology— along with China Unicom, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at this year's MWC to form a strategic partnership focusing on eSIM technology and services. The goal of this agreement is to create a strong collaboration to advance eSIM technology and discover new applications in different industries.
Technology News
True Corporation Launches AI-Powered Business and Network Intelligence Center
True Corporation, a Thai telco, announced the launch of its new Business and Network Intelligence Center (BNIC), which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to improve network reliability for True's mobile and fixed broadband network services.
Indonesian Telcos Enhance Security with New API Services
Indonesian telcos have launched new API services that aim to improve security and customer experience as part of the GSMA Open Gateway initiative. Failure to integrate APIs from the GSMA Open Gateway could have significant repercussions for Indonesian telcos. Without access to these APIs, telcos may struggle to implement enhanced security measures and deliver superior customer experiences, leaving their networks and customers vulnerable to cyber threats and dissatisfaction.
Telkomsat Set to Launch HTS Satellite
Telkom Indonesia has announced that its subsidiary, Telkomsat, will launch its 11th satellite— the first in its fleet to use High Throughput Satellite (HTS) technology. High Throughput Satellite (HTS) are advanced communication systems that utilize satellites capable of transmitting and receiving data at exceptionally high speeds and capacities. These satellites are equipped with advanced technologies such as multiple spot beams, frequency reuse, and onboard processing capabilities to maximize the efficiency of data transmission. HTS/VHTS systems offer significantly higher data throughput compared to traditional satellites, enabling them to support a wide range of applications including broadband internet access, multimedia content delivery, mobile communication services, and more. They play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for high-speed and reliable connectivity, especially in areas where terrestrial infrastructure is limited or unavailable.
Indian Government Spearheads New Indigenous Mobile Brand Initiative
The Indian government is currently working on creating a new Indian mobile phone brand according to Ashwini Vaishnaw, a minister in charge of communications. He mentioned that the government plans to develop the entire handset ecosystem within the country.
Power-Efficient Smartphones: SK Telecom, MediaTek, Nota AI Harness On-Device AI
SK Telecom has announced that— in collaboration with MediaTek (a global application processor manufacturer) and Nota AI (a startup specializing in AI lightweighting)— it has developed a smartphone power-saving technology that uses on-device AI.
SoftBank Executes Trial Run of 5G Communication Control System
SoftBank announced a field trial with a common API that uses 5G features to collaborate with telecommunications operators around the world. SoftBank hopes that this field trial will contribute to the realization of optimal communication control in a 5G environment. To conduct the field trial, SoftBank created a common API defined by the open-source project, CAMARA, and built a private 5G environment at Keio University's Shonan Fujisawa Campus.
Thailand's Ministry of Digital Economy and Society Finalizes Proposal for Cell Broadcast Emergency Warning System
Thailand's Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) is said to have finalized a proposal to deploy a cell broadcast emergency warning system later this year, which will be used during disasters, terrorist attacks, and civil unrest.
According to reports, DES Minister, Prasert Jantararuangthong, announced that the ministry will submit its plan to the cabinet for approval next month. A major concern will be the cost of implementation and who pays for it. Jantararuangthong stated that the DES may require approximately 400 million baht (USD 11 million) to establish a central cell broadcast entity. The DES proposes that the costs will be covered by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission fund.
Meanwhile, mobile operators, Advanced Info Service (AIS) and True-dtac, may have to spend 300 million baht each to build their own cell broadcast centers for the system, which could take more than six months. This delay is problematic because it prolongs the vulnerability of the population to various emergencies, including natural disasters, terrorist threats, and civil unrest. Without a robust and centralized emergency warning system in place, the effectiveness of crisis communication and response efforts is compromised. Moreover, the need for individual operators to establish their own broadcast centers introduces potential inconsistencies and inefficiencies in the dissemination of emergency alerts, hindering the system's overall effectiveness.
The cabinet would also have to decide whether the agency in charge of actually running the system during emergencies should be the DES or the Interior Ministry's Disaster Mitigation Centre. Selecting the DES could ensure alignment with technological expertise and infrastructure related to telecommunications and information dissemination. On the other hand, entrusting the Disaster Mitigation Centre may prioritize coordination with existing disaster response mechanisms and local authorities. The decision must balance technical proficiency with operational experience, ensuring seamless integration of the warning system into broader emergency management protocols.
Leveraging Cell Broadcast Technology
By leveraging cell broadcast technology, the alerts can reach a wide audience across cellular networks, ensuring timely dissemination of critical information to as many individuals as possible, including those without internet access or smartphones. The targeted messaging feature allows authorities to tailor alerts to specific geographic areas or demographic groups, enhancing the effectiveness of the warnings and reducing unnecessary panic or confusion among the population.
This proactive approach to emergency preparedness not only strengthens Thailand's resilience to disasters but also aligns with international best practices in crisis communication. By adopting a cell broadcast emergency warning system, Thailand aims to improve public safety, minimize casualties, and mitigate the impact of emergencies on communities nationwide.
TM One Launches New Labs to Drive Digitalization
TM One, Telekom Malaysia’s business solution arm, has established its Innovation Lab and Enterprise 5G Lab to accelerate the creation of innovative digital solutions and services and cater to the unique needs of large enterprises and the government sector in Malaysia.
NEC Boosts Supply Chain Security with New Technology
NEC Corporation has developed a technology intended to strengthen the safety of supply chains by identifying vulnerabilities in software through the analysis of binary code from executable files, without the need for source code.