Apple and Google partner on contact tracing
Apple and Google released software that will enable app developers working for government agencies and health organisations to use it to build their own contact tracing apps.
“Wi-Fi 6” for new IoT deployments
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) opened up 1,200 MHz of spectrum in the 6 GHz band for unlicensed Wi-Fi use. This spectrum will be used on a shared basis mainly to connect internet of things (IoT) devices and to expand broadband access in rural and underserved areas of the US.
Dish announces ‘the world’s largest cloud-native OpenRAN 5G network’
Dish, a satellite pay TV provider, is moving forward with its greenfield, nationwide 5G network deployment. Dish’s 5G network build-out will likely follow an unconventional path.
Bridging internet divides during the pandemic
Connecting the unconnected has become a compelling challenge for public authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multilateral organisations have mobilised to offer advice and support.
Disney+ expands into Europe
Disney launched its new streaming service Disney+ in Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK. Other European countries, including Belgium, the Nordics, and Portugal, will follow in the coming months.
Data protection reform in Brazil is delayed
The entry into force of the new Brazilian data protection law has been postponed from August 2020 to May 2021. The postponement was made by the president in an unrelated law on emergency measures regarding the COVID-19 lockdown in the country.
Telemedicine and contact tracing apps on the rise
After years of low demand, since the COVID-19 outbreak use of telemedicine has become more common in some countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). A few contact tracing apps are also starting to emerge, but approaches vary.
Facebook invests US$5.7bn to grow in India
Facebook’s acquisition of 9.99% of Jio Platforms, a company that is part of the Reliance Industries conglomerate also controlling India’s largest mobile network operator, makes Facebook the largest minority shareholder in the company.
First 5G launches in Japan. Rakuten deploys cloud-native network
Japan’s three established mobile network operators launched 5G services in selected locations across the country. E-commerce giant Rakuten, in the meantime, launched low-cost 4G services, while deploying a greenfield 5G network based on OpenRAN.
5G services and handsets’ growth perspectives
In April 2020, South Korea recorded 5.8m 5G subscribers, becoming the country with the highest 5G penetration in the world. However, growth perspectives in the 5G services and handsets market look uncertain.
