Editor’s note: The telecommunications sector continues to evolve rapidly, driven by advancements in 5G, the emergence of 5G Advanced, the growing adoption of Open RAN and the integration of AI into network operations. Given the high volume of industry developments, the RCR news brief highlights some of the key announcements shaping the future of global connectivity, infrastructure and innovation.
Meta starts rollout of Meta AI across 41 European countries
Meta said its Meta AI offering will begin rolling out across 41 European countries, including those in the European Union, as well as 21 overseas territories – marking the largest global expansion of Meta AI to date.
Starting with an intelligent chat function in six European languages, this is the first step in Meta’s efforts to bring more intuitive AI to people in Europe, the company said.
“Looking ahead, it’s our ambition to make AI products available to more people around the world. We’ve continued to add new intelligent functions in the US – including personalization and memory – as well as extended creative features such as AI Studio to more markets globally,” Meta added.
Virgin Media O2, Mavenir trial O-RAN tech at the Allianz Stadium
U.K. carrier Virgin Media O2 said that the government-backed 5G MoDE (Mobile O-RAN for Highly Dense Environments) project has successfully delivered a temporary O-RAN Cell on Wheels at the O2 Blueroom, located outside Allianz Stadium (Twickenham) in London.
The trial, which has been delivered by Virgin Media O2 and Mavenir, took place during the England-Italy Six Nations rugby match and showcased how O-RAN solutions can help manage connectivity and ensure robust mobile networks during major events.
As part of the deployment, the temporary O-RAN Cell On Wheels was deployed in the fanzone before and after the match. The telco noted that the trial highlighted that O-RAN can enhance users’ mobile experience in busy areas. The solution reduced network congestion and demonstrated how open interface technology can complement existing infrastructure in high-demand environments, the telco added.
Argentine government preventively suspends the acquisition of Telefónica by Telecom Argentina
The Argentine government announced a preventive measure seeking to suspend Telecom Argentina’s acquisition of rival operator Telefónica, claiming the pending merger could lead to excessive market concentration.
The acquisition was announced on February 24 in a transaction worth $1.245 billion.
According to a government statement, the measure is based on the recommendation of the National Commission for the Defense of Competition, which indicated that “the merger of both companies would significantly increase their market share.”
The government noted that a new entity formed by the acquisition would have a market concentration of 61% in the mobile telephone sector, 69% in the fixed line segment and up to 80% in residential internet services in some areas of the country.
Telecom Argentina said it plans to cooperate with local authorities and hand over all relevant information needed to assess the transaction.
Sunrise to start 5G SA deployment in Switzerland
Swiss telco Sunrise claimed to be the first provider in Switzerland to introduce 5G Standalone (5G SA) to its mobile network.
Sunrise customers will be able to use 5G standalone in the course of this year, depending on certification by device manufacturers and the delivery of a firmware update, the telco said.
“For us, 5G standalone is the foundation that will allow us to develop 5G offerings that enable new communication and entertainment experiences, and new business solutions. Even though it will be a little while before customers can benefit from these advantages in their everyday digital lives, 5G standalone is sure to drive digitization further – both in business and society,” said Elmar Grasser, CTO of Sunrise.
Sunrise noted that 5G SA uses the same frequency bands as the previous 5G offering, which are 900 MHz and 3700 MHz.
