Author: Akin Naphtal

Viasat, Inc, a global leader in satellite communications, in partnership with India’s telecommunications provider BSNL, has successfully demonstrated direct-to-device satellite connectivity in India for the first time. The milestone was showcased at the India Mobile Congress, one of Asia’s largest technology fairs, marking a significant step in expanding satellite-powered communication services. During the demonstration, Viasat engineers showcased two-way messaging and SoS capabilities using a commercial Android smartphone with non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity. Messages were transmitted over 36,000 kilometres via one of Viasat’s geostationary L-band satellites, proving the feasibility of satellite-based connectivity for Indian consumers and businesses. Direct-to-device connectivity is an…

In a strategic collaboration, Vodafone, Sumitomo Corporation’s Economy of Things business, and Mastercard have announced a new service that will allow machines to trade and make payments on behalf of fleet, freight, shipping, and logistics operators. The service is designed to simplify operations by enabling direct, authorized payments through connected devices. The new system links Vodafone’s Pairpoint platform with Mastercard Gateway, allowing vehicles to make payments at charging stations and freight companies to cover pre-approved costs along shipping routes, including port charges, storage, and handling fees. This collaboration aims to streamline logistics, enhance efficiency, and reduce human intervention in routine…

The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful (MP) has said digital equity is a cornerstone of a prosperous digital future. She made this statement at the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. According to her, It is imperative that we address the digital divide by ensuring affordable and accessible internet and digital literacy for all, particularly in marginalized and rural communities. “This vision includes investing in digital skills training and promoting inclusivity in the tech industry to foster innovation that reflects diverse perspectives”, she added. WTSA is a global platform that sets the standards…

In today’s hyper-connected world, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. As digital transformation accelerates, the vulnerability to cyberattacks grows, posing an ever-present threat to individuals, businesses, and entire nations. The role of technology in cybersecurity is not merely preventive; it is also responsive. Intrusion detection systems, data encryption, and automated threat monitoring can reduce the impact of breaches when they occur. However, technological defenses are only as strong as the people managing them and the processes guiding their use. At the heart of a robust cybersecurity strategy are three fundamental pillars: People, Processes, and Technology. Together, these elements form…

ServiceNow, a leading AI platform for business transformation, has confirmed plans to invest $1.5 billion (£1.15 billion) into its UK operations over the next five years. This investment will fuel the company’s growth by expanding office space and significantly increasing its workforce beyond its current 1,000 employees. The announcement, made during the International Investment Summit hosted by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, underscores ServiceNow’s commitment to AI innovation in the UK. The company will also expand its London and Newport data centers, integrating Nvidia GPUs to support local processing of large language models (LLMs) and launching skills programs to reach 240,000…

Verizon Business announced a new sales model, Digital Agent, created to bolster new business opportunities for existing and new partners in the Verizon Partner Network. Digital Agent enables channel partners to sell Business Internet, connected laptops, and tablets with no deal registration, opportunity or lead required. Partners on the platform can sell on behalf of Verizon Business in a new way designed to help facilitate seamless sales with greater benefit to the customer. “Digital transformation is at the core of increasing efficiencies and creating simplicity in our business, especially when it comes to enabling our partner ecosystem with new tools…

BlueConic, a leading data operating system provider, has launched Real-Time Sync, a new solution offering immediate access to data stored in Snowflake. This innovation is designed to enhance personalization and streamline decision-making processes by ensuring data is instantly available, marking a significant step in BlueConic’s push towards a more comprehensive composable data ecosystem. Leo Carbonara, BlueConic’s VP of Product, highlighted the importance of this advancement, stating, “Recent innovations like Snowflake’s hybrid tables allow us to embrace a composable future that caters to the real-time needs of our customers. Real-Time Sync is just the beginning of our efforts to support these…

In a significant development for Egypt’s tech sector, Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG) has teamed up with Huawei to introduce AI-powered cloud services in the country for the first time. The strategic partnership was formalized with an agreement signed in Shenzhen, China, with the goal of enhancing TMG’s Noor City project through Huawei’s advanced cloud technologies. The collaboration focuses on developing cloud data centers and AI solutions to support smart city development. Through “NOOR Cloud,” TMG plans to offer innovative cloud services tailored to the needs of urban communities. Mohamed Hisham Talaat Moustafa, TMG’s Chief Recurring Income Officer, expressed excitement about…

The Chief Executive Officer of Safaricom, Peter Ndegwa, shared key insights on how the company is navigating market challenges, expanding M-PESA, targeting new markets, supporting local startups, and its focus on sustainability. Ndegwa acknowledged that Safaricom faces economic challenges, including inflation, geopolitical shocks, and complex regulatory environments. He emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation, which helps cushion customers from these difficulties. Safaricom also maintains strong relationships with regulators and governments, focusing on inclusive economic development to navigate regulatory pressures. M-PESA, a mobile payment system pioneered by Safaricom, is evolving beyond payments. Ndegwa revealed plans to introduce wealth management, credit, and…

A cluster of UK government departments has chosen Workday as its new HR and finance software provider, shifting away from established vendors like Oracle and Microsoft. The “Matrix” cluster, consisting of central government departments and arm’s length bodies, aims to modernize its ERP systems and improve shared services with this software update. Cognizant has been selected as the systems integrator to oversee the implementation. According to a procurement notice from the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT), the total contract value for both vendors could reach up to £144.3 million. The Workday software contract is expected to last 10…