As the US government shutdown reaches its 34th day, Iranian-linked hackers have taken advantage by launching a DNS-hijacking cyberattack against federal networks. The shutdown, caused by disagreement over President Donald Trump’s request for $5.6bn for a border wall with Mexico, is now the longest in US history. Because funding has not been approved, many federal … Read more

“I honestly don’t think that mobile payments will ever fully replace cards or cash,” admits Paolo Rizzardini, VP of mobile payments at Infobip. It’s a striking comment from a leader in the mobile payments sector, but it reflects a practical perspective: mobile payment options add convenience, yet they are unlikely to entirely displace established payment … Read more

When people think of internet video streaming services, Netflix often comes to mind first—and with good reason. For several years it has been the dominant player in the market, but growing competition from well-funded rivals is reshaping the industry. As broadband speeds reach new highs, an increasing number of viewers are turning to streaming services … Read more

While many of us watch our signal bars waiting for 3G to become 4G, China-based Huawei is already focusing on the next generation — investing $600 million in 5G research. Don’t expect widespread commercial services immediately: functioning networks are not anticipated until around 2020. This investment continues a research program that began in 2009. At … Read more

Italy has reportedly intervened to block a proposed 5G supply agreement between Huawei and Fastweb, the Swisscom-owned telecommunications operator. Multiple sources speaking to Reuters say the Italian government stepped in to stop Huawei from providing core 5G network equipment to Fastweb. If confirmed, the move would align Rome with other European countries that have restricted … Read more

(c)iStock.com/pawel_p Commercial venues must provide certain essentials to customers: heat, light, water—and increasingly, reliable Wi‑Fi. In many places, offering a fast, secure, and free wireless connection is now as important as the physical environment and the quality of service. Whether it’s a bar, restaurant, shopping centre or airport, customers expect Wi‑Fi as a basic amenity … Read more

Most people realize that 4G will significantly change how we access mobile data, but fewer consider how it will reshape the competitive landscape among mobile network operators (MNOs). An independent report from the Yankee Group examines these effects and outlines strategic implications for operators, consumers, and the broader market. The race to launch 4G services … Read more

Media tycoon Rupert Murdoch’s proposed takeover of Sky has hit a significant setback after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) provisionally concluded the deal would not be in the public interest. The decision raises fresh concerns about media plurality and the potential for concentrated media ownership to influence public debate and political agendas. Murdoch controls … Read more

Zimbabwe has ordered a shutdown of internet services as security forces violently crack down on protests sparked by fuel price increases. Econet, the nation’s largest mobile operator, reported it had been instructed to cut off services. Access to widely used platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter has been intermittent since protests began on Monday. … Read more

(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/AndreyPopov) When telecom operators review their performance, they often find that roughly ten cities in a country generate about 60% of their revenue. Focusing only on those major cities—where competitors also concentrate—leaves significant untapped revenue in smaller towns and suburban areas. In a fiercely competitive market, that neglected potential can make a large … Read more