I-Bytes Telecommunication & Media Industry

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I-Bytes
Telecommunication & Media
June Edition 2020
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Table of Contents
1. Financial, M & A Updates...................................................................................................................................1
2. Solution Updates..................................................................................................................................................5
3. Rewards and Recognition Updates...................................................................................................................13
4. Customer Success Updates................................................................................................................................17
5. Partnership Ecosystem Updates.......................................................................................................................18
6. Miscellaneous Updates.......................................................................................................................................31

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Financial, M & A Updates
Telecommunication & Media Industry

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Financial, M&A Updates
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Naspers Foundry (South Africa) invests R100 million in agritech business, aerobatics
Naspers announced a R100 million investment in agritech business Aerobotics,
through its early-stage business funding initiative Naspers Foundry. Aerobotics
is a subscription-based artificial intelligence company that provides intelligent
tools for the agricultural industry to manage its crops. Aerobotics, founded by
James Paterson and Benji Meltzer in 2014, is a leader in the application of
artificial intelligence in agriculture. The insights Aerobotics provides to its
clients include tree counts, the identification of missing trees, and the size and
health of trees. The company has progress its technology to engineer fruit
counts, and to provide data on fruit size and colour. Farmers use the intelligence
to manage their farms, trees and fruit more efficiently. Aerobotics delivers the
insights through their proprietary Aeroview platform and Aeroview InField
mobile app. Naspers Foundry, which was announced at the end of 2018, is a
R1,4 billion initiative aimed at strengthening the South African technology
sector by providing funding to talented and ambitious technology founders and
entrepreneurs. Last year, the initiative invested R30 million in online home
cleaning services business, SweepSouth. Naspers Foundry backs talented local
technology founders building businesses that improve people’s daily lives and
show great potential to scale.
Executive Commentary
Aerobotics co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, said, “The intersection of
agriculture and technology has always been my passion and it has been
incredible to work with a talented team, and leading agricultural groups, to
contribute towards the future of agriculture. We are proud to be building
quality technology in South Africa and delivering it to customers around the
world.”
Description
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Mitsubishi Corporation and NTT (Japan) complete investment in HERE Technologies
Mitsubishi Corporation and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation announced
that they have completed the acquisition of a 30% stake in HERE Technologies through
a holding company which MC and NTT newly established in the Netherlands in
December 2019. HERE is the world’s leading company in the location-based services
field. Building on its strong position in the automotive industry, the company has in
recent years expanded its location platform to serve several other sectors, such as
transportation and logistics, media and telecoms. HERE data and technology are also at
the heart of a growing array of use cases that employ artificial intelligence to enable
better real-world outcomes for enterprises and their customers. In December 2019, MC
and NTT agreed to form a business alliance with the aim of transforming industrial
value chains and creating new value through digital transformation, and are continuing
to study the specifics. As one of the core technologies of DX, which both companies
are promoting, MC and NTT will utilize the technological foundation of HERE to
promote the development of location services in logistics, urban transportation, retail,
finance and other areas. MC and NTT are jointly working to develop services that
provide optimal routes in logistics by utilizing HERE’s world’s largest and most
accurate location information database to visualize vehicle locations and operation
conditions. In addition, in smart city projects in regional cities, new mobility services
are attracting attention, and MC and NTT will partner with local transportation
operators to integrate HERE’s location information to develop the most appropriate
means of transportation for operators and users.
“We welcome Mitsubishi Corporation and NTT as new strategic investors,
supporting our long-term growth ambitions. Both companies recognize the
enormous potential for location data and technology to fuel innovation, boost
efficiency and sustainability, and ultimately make the world a better place,” said
CEO, HERE Technologies.
Description
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SK Telecom (South Korea) Increases Investment in Nanox to Accelerate Innovation in
Medical Imaging
SK Telecom announced that it will make an additional investment of
USD 20 million in Nanox Imaging, an Israel-based medical imaging
technology company, to become the second largest shareholder. SK
Telecom has initially invested USD 3 million in Nanox in 2019. As the
first company to introduce commercial-grade digital X-ray technology
based on a proprietary silicon MEMs semiconductor technology, Nanox
developed the innovative Nanox System, which is composed of the
Nanox.Arc, a novel digital X-ray device and the Nanox.Cloud, a
companion cloud-based software. The Nanox System will enable
medical imaging systems to be built at significantly lower costs to
promote early detection of medical conditions that are discoverable by
X-ray and X-ray based imaging modalities such as 3D Tomosynthesis,
fluoroscopy and others. Moreover, SK Telecom and Nanox signed a
collaboration agreement aiming to deploy 2,500 units of the Nanox
System in Vietnam and Korea. The two companies are also discussing
plans to establish Nanox’s subsidiary in Korea to scale up the
production of Nanox X-ray source semiconductor by leveraging SK
Telecom’s expertise in the area of semiconductors.
“As a company that focuses on creating social value based on
cutting-edge ICT, SK Telecom supports Nanox’s efforts to make
medical imaging more accessible and available globally, said CEO of
SK Telecom. Through collaboration with Nanox, SK Telecom will
drive innovations in the post-COVID-19 era by merging
next-generation medical imaging with advanced ICT such as 5G and
AI.”
Description
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Verizon (USA) network investment on its way to 22 Upstate communities
Verizon has secured agreements from 22 communities in New York that will
allow the company to invest heavily in its 4G LTE network and build out its
next-generation wireless networks. The cities of Auburn, Binghamton,
Corning, Poughkeepsie, Schenectady, Syracuse, White Plains and Yonkers,
the towns of Camillus, Cicero, Gates, Irondequoit, Manlius, Niskayuna,
Sweden, the villages of Arcade, Minoa, Naples Phoenix, Port Dickinson, and
Webster, and the County of Erie, have all approved agreements with Verizon
to allow the company to begin deployment of new infrastructure necessary to
support increasing capacity for 4G LTE and building out next-generation
wireless technology – all at no cost to taxpayers. In world, fast and reliable
wireless service has become a crucial part of everyday life—for businesses
and consumers alike. As mobile technology has become more widely
available and affordable, consumers are using their smart devices more than
ever before. Email, video-chatting, posting to social networks, streaming
music at home or on-the-go, and managing business operations on smart
devices from almost anywhere are all part of today’s mobile society. Ongoing
development of new technologies that are dependent on mobile broadband
such as smart city applications, public safety interoperability, telemedicine
and in education are part of the rapid and ever-expanding evolution of
services to the public.
"We're excited that these New York communities have seen the benefits
that a robust wireless network can bring to their residents and
first-responders, said Verizon vice president for the New York region. Our
investment in local infrastructure ensures good jobs and state-of-the-art
wireless technology. These communities have recognized the economic
and consumer benefits of wireless investment and competition”.
Description
4

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Solutions Updates

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Solution Updates
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Airtel (India) launches ‘Work@Home’ - India’s First Enterprise Grade Work
from Home Solution for Businesses
5
Solution Description
Airtel Business, the B2B arm of Bharti Airtel launched Work@Home solutions for enterprises. Airtel Work@Home is
India’s first enterprise grade solution designed to enable employees operate efficiently and securely from their homes.
With a range of connectivity options – wired & wireless, immersive collaboration tools, and security solutions that adhere
to Indian regulatory norms, enterprises can now safely embrace the open, borderless new world of work.
Key advantages of Airtel Work@Home:
• Flexibility to bundle a wide range of services based on employee specific remote connectivity requirements and bulk
procurement on a company paid model
• Combines the strength of Airtel’s robust pan-India network offerings – 4G mobile, FTTH broadband, MPLS and VPN
for secure remote access with industry leading collaboration and productivity tools
• Service Assurance and faster deployment. Dedicated call centre and fault resolution teams

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Solution Updates
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Comcast (USA) Announces That Xfinity xFi Is Now Available in Spanish
6
Comcast announced that the Xfinity xFi platform is now available in Spanish, giving Spanish-speaking Xfinity Internet
customers a better way to manage their home WiFi network and the connected devices in their home, as well as block
cyber security threats on their home network through xFi Advanced Security. xFi is a simple, digital dashboard for Xfinity
customers to control their home WiFi network. Spanish-speaking customers will now have unprecedented visibility and
control over one of the most important technologies in their lives – with the fastest speeds, the best coverage, and ultimate
in-home control. With xFi, they can now set up personalized profiles for all the people and devices in their home so they
can to organize, monitor and personalize their home WiFi experience. Spanish-speaking customers can also now take
advantage of the xFi parental control features like pausing WiFi and screen time scheduling, as well as leveraging content
filters that ensure younger children can only access age-appropriate content, which is especially important with family’s
home spending more time online. It requires no software download or additional set-up other than logging into xFi via the
mobile app or online, making it simple and easy to protect wired and WiFi connected devices in the home; including smart
TVs or thermostats, or devices without keyboards or screens like security cameras or smart speakers. Comcast is the only
provider to offer this service at no additional cost – a $72 annual value.

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Solution Updates
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Xfinity Mobile (USA) Introduces 5G Data Options
7
Comcast announced that Xfinity Mobile is launching new data plans with 5G services included free, regardless of how customers
choose to pay for data, whether it’s unlimited or by the gig. Xfinity Mobile now offers 5G speeds across all new data plans at no
additional charge. Further, no other provider gives consumers the freedom and flexibility to modify their data plans throughout
the month between 1GB, 3GB, 10GB or Unlimited, all now with 5G capabilities. Xfinity Mobile customers already have access
to the fastest Internet at home with Xfinity Internet service, and starting today, Xfinity Mobile customers can access 5G when they
are ready to safely be out on the go. Existing Xfinity Mobile customers can opt-in to a 5G data option through the Xfinity Mobile
app through an all-digital experience. 5G phones like the Samsung Galaxy S20+ and Galaxy S20 Ultra are already available for
purchase on xfinitymobile.com, and additional devices will continue to be added in the future. Xfinity Mobile’s 5G service is
available in 34 major cities across the U.S., including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Memphis, Miami,
Minneapolis, Spokane, St. Paul, and Washington, D.C. with access to 5G to expand nationwide in the future. Xfinity Mobile is
available to Xfinity Internet customers and includes up to five lines of unlimited nationwide talk and text, no activation fees, and
no phone line access fees.

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Solution Updates
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NTT DATA's (Japan) AI-based Diagnostic Imaging Support Solution Aiding
COVID-19 Diagnoses
8
NTT DATA, a leading IT services provider, and its Indian partner firm DeepTek Inc. have launched an initiative at the Ruby Hall
Clinic2 in India to utilize a diagnostic imaging support solution based on AI technology to aid in diagnosing cases of COVID-193.
This solution uses AI technology to analyze a patient's medical images in order to assist doctors with their diagnoses, while also
enhancing the efficiency of triage and other management practices. NTT DATA has previously conducted such PoC assessments
at hospitals around the world. NTT DATA has developed an AI-based diagnostic imaging algorithm that uses actual medical
images of COVID-19 patients, based on algorithms to detect a variety of lung ailments using existing imaging analysis
techniques. This system compares the medical image to be examined against a healthy sample, and indicates areas of possible
abnormality on the medical image and with text. This enhances the diagnostic work of radiologists using X-rays and CT scans,
aiding the diagnosis by a doctor. Specifically, the system highlights on the screen the areas it has identified in yellow or white,
and outputs text describing what it has identified. In addition, by supporting the overall diagnostic workflow of doctors, such as
issuing an alert to the patient list, the system is also expected to provide general support for doctors to determine the status of
COVID-19 infections.

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Solution Updates
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Singtel (Singapore) and NBCUniversal International Networks launch
DreamWorks on Singtel TV and CAST in Singapore
9
Singtel and NBCUniversal International Networks announced the launch of DreamWorks, the 24-hour channel dedicated to kids
and family entertainment, on Singtel TV and on Singtel’s CAST video streaming app. DreamWorks offers quality animation and
storytelling in its kids and family content. Young viewers on Singtel TV and CAST can join panda cubs save the world on Kung
Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny, as well as explore cultures and navigate obstacles worldwide in Where’s Wally?. Signature
DreamWorks TV shows include Trolls: The Beat Goes On! from the blockbuster film Trolls, The Adventures of Rocky and
Bullwinkle, Dawn of the Croods, Tales of Arcadia: Trollhunters by Guillermo del Toro, The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show and
Turbo FAST.  Singtel TV customers can sign up for the Family Starter pack pack at singtel.com/TV or by calling 1609.
Subscribers can stream DreamWorks by signing up for the Singtel CAST learning plus pack at $5.90 per month with no contract.
Singtel customers signing up can enjoy the first 3 months’ subscription for free.  Available in 383,000 households, Singtel TV is
the pay-TV market share leader in Singapore and offers a total of 221 channels currently. Singtel CAST streams live channels and
on demand entertainment on mobile devices. Subscribers can choose from 7 content packs across sports, lifestyle, Chinese
entertainment, English entertainment, children’s learning and education genres.

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Solution Updates
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SK Telecom (South Korea) Introduces 5G-Powered Autonomous Robot to
Help Fight against COVID-19
10
SK Telecom announced that, together with Omron Electronics Korea, it developed a 5G-powered autonomous robot to enable a
systematic and efficient response against the corona virus. Built with cutting-edge technologies, including 5G, AI, autonomous driving
and IoT, the robot carries out diverse activities such as contactless temperature screenings for visitors and disinfection of the building.
Upon detecting visitors, the robot automatically moves towards them to check their body temperatures using a thermal imaging camera.
In case the measured temperature is 37.5°C or higher, it sets off an alarm and alerts the control center. Based on this data transmitted over
5G network in real time, SK Telecom will be able to take necessary measures like prohibiting people with suspicious symptoms from
entering the building, etc. In addition, equipped with UV lamps and two automatic floor disinfectant sprayers, the robot automatically
disinfects the building. It can achieve 99.9 percent disinfection of 33 square meters of surface areas in just 10 minutes. Applied with SK
Telecom’s self-developed AI-based video analysis solution, the 5G robot will also able to identify places where people are gathered and
then move to the location to play a message stressing the importance of social distancing. It will also identify people who are not wearing
face masks and request them to wear one. Moreover, SK Telecom will ensure greater efficiency in both operation and management of the
robot through the application of its big data analytics solution Metatron. SK Telecom and Omron Electronics Korea plan to deploy the
5G-powered robot at their headquarters first and will officially launch the device in Korea this year and in global markets next year.

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Solution Updates
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SK Telecom Unveils World’s First QRNG-Powered 5G Smartphone
11
SK Telecom announced that it will present the Galaxy A Quantum, the world’s first 5G Smartphone equipped with a quantum random
number generator in cooperation with Samsung Electronics and ID Quantique. The company will open pre-order for the Galaxy A
Quantum from May 15 to 21, 2020 and officially launch the device on May 22, 2020 in Korea. The release of the Galaxy a Quantum
carries a significant meaning as it enables individual consumers to experience the benefits of quantum security technologies in their
everyday lives. The Galaxy a Quantum is equipped with the world’s smallest QRNG chipset measuring 2.5mm by 2.5mm. This QRNG
chipset allows Smartphone holders to use selected services in a safe and secure manner by generating true random numbers that cannot
be hacked. Customers will also benefit from advanced protection while making payments via the SK Pay app at offline affiliate stores
such as convenience stores and restaurants. Going forward, SK Telecom plans to expand the feature to the mobile apps of SK Pay affiliate
stores. By choosing ‘SKT 5GX Quantum’ when storing their biometric authentication information in the SK Pay app, customers will
receive an alert that says “SK Pay is being protected by SKT 5GX Quantum” at the top of the screen, assuring that they are making
payments in a safe and secure manner. Moreover, with the application of quantum security, Initial will offer an added layer of security by
creating an encrypted ‘quantum wallet’ when users store their personal certificates in Initial.

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BPO Services from Swisscom (Switzerland) now available on the Inventx
Open Finance Platform
12
Swisscom and Inventx, the banking business services of Swisscom are to be made available on the Open Finance Platform "as a Service".
Customers of Inventx will benefit from the fact that they can "industrialize" their back office activities in an even more convenient,
scalable and therefore cost-effective manner. This will enable them to concentrate on innovative business models that help them to
differentiate themselves from the competition. Swisscom offers banks Business Process Outsourcing for payment transactions, securities
data management and securities processing, as well as capture services. These services can now also be obtained in the form of "BPO as
a Service" via the Inventx Open Finance Platform. Inventx can therefore offer its ix.OpenFinancePlatform customers a significant
increase in added value. Inventx does not provide Business Process Outsourcing services itself, but can now make them available on its
platform to financial institutions in the growing third-party eco system. Financial service providers, who want to industrialize their back
office activities thanks to BPO, and therefore make them more efficient, are provided with these services in a flexible, scalable and
cost-effective manner via standardized interfaces. This solution allows them to focus on their own value-adding, competitive strengths
and innovate their business models.

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Rewards & Recognition Updates

R & R Updates
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OMD (USA) Named a Global Media Agency Leader in Independent Research
Firm Report
Omnicom Media Group agency OMD Worldwide announced that is has been named a Leader in the recent Forrester Wave™ evaluation of top global
media agencies. Leader is the highest of the four categories - Leaders, Strong Performers, Contenders and Challengers – identified by Forrester, a
leading research and advisory firm, in the report. The Forrester Wave™: Global Media Agencies, Q2 2020 evaluated the offerings of the 10 most
significant media agencies based on 29 criteria across current offering, strategy, and market presence. OMD Worldwide is the world's largest media
network with more than 13,000 people working in over 100 countries. Named Adweek's Global Media Agency of the Year in 2019 and 2020, OMD,
an Omnicom Media Group agency, is currently ranked the world's most effective media agency network in the Effie Effectiveness Index. Omnicom
Media Group is the media services division of Omnicom Group, Inc, the leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications
company, providing services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries. Designed to assist CMOs find the right agency for their needs, the
report suggests that selection should be informed by an agency's ability to:
• Scale creative content with audience precision
• Integrate marketing technology, media, and creative execution.
• Blaze the automation and AI trail for execution and operations
• Enhance the centralized resources of their holding companies.
R&R Description

R & R Updates
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TBWA (USA) Wins 2020 ADC Awards Network of the Year for the Second
Year in a Row
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TBWA Worldwide was named network of the Year at the 99th Annual ADC Awards in New York, with the global collective
taking home two Best of Discipline Awards, as well as eight Gold, seven Silver and 13 Bronze. TBWAMedia Arts Lab was
recognized as Agency of the Year, with "Bounce" for Apple's AirPods receiving the coveted Black Cube for Best in Show, two
Best of Discipline honors, four Gold Cubes and three Silver Cubes, with Apple awarded Client of the Year. Additionally,
TBWAMedia Arts Lab won a Gold Cube for "Wonderful Tools," in Motion/Film/Gaming Craft, and TBWAMedia Arts Lab's
"AirPods Pro" won a Gold Cube in Spatial Design, among other honors. A number of other TBWA agencies showed up strong
this year, contributing to the collective's Network of the Year honor. TBWAIndia won a Gold Cube and two Bronze for
NeuroGen Brain and Spine Institute's "One Mindful Mind," and was the only agency from India to be recognized at the ADC
awards. HEIMAT Berlin won Gold and Silver Cubes for "Cultural Heirs: Voice of the Wall," created for Die Kulturellen Erben,
as well as a Bronze Cube for home improvement retailer HORNBACH and the German Cancer Aid society.
R&R Description

R & R Updates
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Publicis Groupe’s (France) Epsilon Named a Leader for Email Marketing Services Highest Ranked in
Current Offering category and cited as having Strongest Professional Services in the Study
15
Publicis Groupe announced that Epsilon®, a global leader in interaction management, was named a Leader in report “The
Forrester Wave™: Email Marketing Service Providers, Q2 2020” by Forrester Research, Inc., which evaluated the Epsilon
PeopleCloud Messaging* platform. According to Forrester, data integration, artificial intelligence and professional services
differentiate and “today’s marketers care about how immediately they can segment off of myriad data types; if AI helps
optimize process, not just creative; and if the vendor provides a level of professional services that suits their needs.” In the
report, Epsilon ranked highest in the current offering category and received the highest scores possible in the analytics, artificial
intelligence, data integration and privacy and security criteria. Epsilon also received the top score in the services criterion.
Positioned at Publicis Groupe's core, Epsilon is a leader in interaction management, empowering brands to transform ordinary
customer experiences into meaningful, human experiences. Through a connected suite of products and services, Epsilon
combines leading-edge identity management, industrial strength data and technology expertise with big brand acumen gained
over five decades working with the industry’s top brands. Our human-powered, data-led marketing delivers unmatched depth,
breadth and scale to help brands turn meaningful human interactions into exceptional business outcomes.
R&R Description

R & R Updates
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Thomson Reuters (Canada) Named a Finalist for 2020 SAP® Pinnacle Award for Cloud
Integration Partner of the Year
16
Thomson Reuters announced that it has been recognized as a finalist for the 2020 SAP® Pinnacle Award in the Cloud Integration Partner of
the Year category. This award recognizes leading SAP partners that have excelled in developing and growing their partnership with SAP and
helping customers meet their goals. Earlier this year, Thomson Reuters announced that its ONESOURCE US Tax Integration 1.0 for SAP
S/4HANA® Cloud engine was SAP-certified for integration with SAP S/4HANA Cloud. This certified integration enables real-time,
end-to-end tax integrations for determination, calculation and validation of U.S. sales and use taxes. The rapid pace of change around sales
and use tax makes it increasingly difficult for companies to maintain in-house tax engines. Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE US Tax
Integration 1.0 for SAP S/4HANA Cloud helps companies automatically calculate tax without the headache of managing and maintaining
an in-house tax engine or reporting system. The engine contains extensive tax content that Thomson Reuters updates as tax rules change,
helping to ensure that businesses get their tax right the first time, every time. Thomson Reuters has been a long time SAP partner and was
awarded the 2019 SAP Pinnacle Award for Global Partner of the Year in the Integration category. Thomson Reuters worked with SAP to
develop ONESOURCE Determination for SAP Ariba, which enables businesses using SAP® Ariba® solutions to make purchases with
accurate and real-time sales, use or value-added tax, while helping to improve efficiency and reduce risks from miscalculated taxes.
ONESOURCE Determination for SAP Ariba is available on SAP App Center, the digital marketplace for SAP partner offerings.
R&R Description

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Customer Success Updates

Customer Success Updates
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Verizon (USA) and Los Angeles Unified to enable distance learning for
more students
17
Los Angeles Unified School District and Verizon announced they have amended their original agreement1 from
March of this year to help other school districts in California enable distance learning. The original agreement with
Verizon enabled Los Angeles Unified to provide internet access at no cost to students whose families could not
otherwise afford it. The digital divide is very real in urban and rural communities where students do not have the
devices and lack the internet access they need to be connected with their school community. This connection has
always been important but it’s never been more important than during this pandemic. Last month, with California
Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Verizon announced its support for the State of
California Department of Education’s mission to help bridge the digital divide by committing unlimited internet
connectivity at a discounted rate for underserved students in California.
Description

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Partner Ecosystem Updates

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Altice USA and Optimum Introduce #HeyNeighbor Campaign to Spotlight Those
Going Above and Beyond to Support and Connect Their Communities
18
Altice USA and Optimum unveil a new campaign called #HeyNeighbor, which showcases local businesses and individuals across the New York tri-state area who are going
above and beyond to keep their neighborhoods connected and spreading hope in unique ways, big and small. #HeyNeighbor kicks off this week by sharing a variety of
uplifting stories from neighborhoods throughout the New York tri-state area, from a children’s music performer who is providing free concerts online to a car service
chauffeuring first responders and essential workers free of charge. The stories can be viewed online at Optimum.com/HeyNeighbor and will also be shared through a variety
of tactics, including TV spots, social media, the hyperlocal social networking service Nextdoor, digital advertising, and via hyperlocal news network News 12.
Their first round of inspiring neighbors includes:
• Hudson Valley: Dan Griffith of Ramblin’ Dan’s Freewheelin Band is keeping the music going. See how he’s entertaining families at home during quarantine here.
• Westchester: Broadway actress Ali Ewoldt is bringing the theater to Pleasantville. See how she’s bringing her neighborhood together and supporting The Actor’s Fund with
her sing-a-long video here.
• Long Island: Huntington photographer Bob Mitchell of Blu Fotographics and Colleen Perfetto are getting people out of the house with a smile on their face. See how
they’re cheering up the community here.
• The Bronx: Best Deal Car Service is taking first responders for a ride, for free. See how the company is supporting local heroes in the area here.
• New Jersey: Glen Rock designer Laura Occhipinti found a simple way to rally her neighbors in support of frontline workers. See her inspiring story here.
• Brooklyn: Brooklyn Balloon Girls is taking over local businesses, one balloon bomb at a time. See how this Park Slope event decorator is brightening up the neighborhood
here.
• Connecticut: Italian Kitchen in Fairfield is supporting frontline workers the best way they know how: by feeding them. See how this local restaurant is helping the
community here.
Description

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Bell Canada selects Ericsson as 5G network equipment supplier
19
Bell Canada announced that Ericsson will provide radio access network equipment for Bell's national 5G wireless networks, including
for the unique Wireless Home Internet service Bell has developed to bring high-speed Internet access to rural Canada. An existing
supplier of 4G LTE wireless and other technology to Bell, Ericsson has to date signed 92 commercial 5G agreements with telecom
providers worldwide and is the first company to enable commercial 5G networks on 4 continents. While Bell has focused fully on
ensuring Canadians would remain connected and informed throughout the COVID-19 crisis, the company is poised to launch initial 5G
as the economy opens up. As with previous wireless and wireline network deployments, Bell is working with multiple equipment
suppliers for its 5G rollout. This multi-vendor strategy has been key to delivering Canada's best national mobile network with Bell 4G
LTE, now available in every province and territory to more than 99% of the national population. Independent studies have found that
Canadian 4G LTE networks like Bell's rank with the fastest in the world – and even rival data speeds offered by initial 5G networks
already available in countries like South Korea. Bell's initial 5G service will offer faster top-end data speeds than LTE at launch, and
capable smartphones are already available from Bell including the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G series, LG V60 ThinQ 5G Dual Screen and
Motorola Edge+. Bell 5G will continue to grow in speed, capacity and coverage as additional 5G wireless spectrum becomes available,
including in the federal government's 3.5 GHz spectrum auction later this year. Ericsson will also support Bell's rollout of 5G-enhanced
Wireless Home Internet service to more small towns and rural locations in future.
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Bell (Canada) expanding fibre Internet connections in 18 rural communities in
Québec
20
Bell announced new projects to bring high-speed Internet to unserved regions of Québec in partnership with the Québec
government's Régions branchées program. The projects announced by Québec Minister of Economy and Innovation Pierre
Fitzgibbon, will provide all-fibre Internet connections to approximately 7,000 homes, businesses and other organizations in 18
communities across Québec. Bell also recently announced the acceleration of its unique Wireless Home Internet service rollout
in rural communities to bring access to approximately 137,000 more homes than anticipated by the end of April, in a direct
response to the COVID-19 crisis. Delivering Internet speeds of up to 25 Megabits per second now with the potential for even
faster connections in future, WHI is specifically designed to bring broadband access to homes in rural and other hard-to-reach
locations. Fully funded by Bell, WHI is currently available to several hundred thousand households across Québec and Ontario,
and is expected to ultimately cover approximately 1 million homes in Québec, Ontario, Atlantic Canada and Manitoba.
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City of Morden joins Bell (Canada) MTS all-fibre broadband network
21
Bell MTS announced an investment to bring its next generation all-fibre network to approximately 3,300 residences and
business locations throughout the City of Morden. The network expansion will provide the fastest consumer Internet speeds in
Canada to the Pembina Valley community. Fully funded by Bell MTS, the Morden fibre network expansion is part of the Bell
MTS $1 billion investment plan to deploy the most advanced fibre and wireless broadband networks throughout Manitoba.
Building on the Bell MTS all-fibre network that is connecting over 30 Manitoba municipalities, the Morden expansion will
deliver home Internet speeds of up to 1.5 Gigabits per second, the fastest available in Canada. Bell MTS is also bringing direct
fibre connections to homes and businesses in La Salle, Flin Flon and Churchill this year. Morden has a population of
approximately 9,000 residents and is located in the Pembina Valley region of southern Manitoba. Explore a vibrant community
with extraordinary experiences that will inspire your senses. Morden has something new around every corner, and even
underground. Bell MTS is part of BCE, Canada's largest communications company, and provides advanced broadband wireless,
TV, Internet and business communication services throughout Manitoba. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company
with leading television, radio, out of home and digital media assets in Manitoba and across Canada.
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Nodwin Gaming and Airtel (India) announce partnership to take Esports in India
to the next level
22
Bharti Airtel, India’s largest integrated telecommunications company, and NODWIN Gaming, South Asia’s leading esports
company announced a partnership to further grow E-sports in India. Given India’s large youth population and rapidly growing
internet penetration, E-sports has the potential to become a large part of the country’s mainstream sporting culture. It is
estimated that by 2021, online gaming will become a USD one billion plus market in India with over 620 million gamers. The
partnership has been kicked off with the launch of Airtel India Esports Tour, which is the first and largest property of its kind in
this segment. It will also have a national ranking and awarding system for Indian Esports players based on their year-long
performance across top tournaments will be used as a base to create a points table for all participants. Airtel India Esports Tour
will initially cover all NODWIN tournaments across gaming titles of PUBG Mobile, CS: GO, Clash of Clans, FIFA, etc. The
coverage will extend to all iconic NODWIN tournaments such as the India Premiership by NODWIN, Dreamhack India, The
Northeast Cup, KO Fight Nights and PAN Fest. This will also cover NODWIN operated tournaments such as the PUBG Mobile
Pro league in India. Post the culmination of the annual tour, the final leaderboard across games will be presented to recognize
and reward the winners at an awards show celebrating the key players in the ecosystem. The broadcast of the Airtel India
Esports Tour will be available on Airtel’s digital platforms and help with taking this emerging format to newer audiences.
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Airtel (India) Payments Bank and Mastercard to develop customized financial
products for farmers and SMEs in India
23
Airtel Payments Bank, India’s first Payments Bank, has partnered with Mastercard, leading technology company in the global
payments industry, to develop customized products catering to customers across the under banked spectrum including farmers,
small and medium enterprises and retail customers. As part of the Government’s vision of Digital India and Banking for every
Indian, both entities have been working towards driving adoption of formal banking and digital payments in the country. The
collaboration will bring together Mastercard’s global and local experience in developing advanced financial solutions and Airtel
Payments Bank’s strong distribution network to reach the last mile and its large customer base. The collaboration aims at building a
digital platform which provides farmers with knowledge about advanced farming techniques and connection to marketplaces, while
simultaneously enabling them to receive payments directly in their Airtel Payments Bank account. Combined with 500,000 banking
points of Airtel Payments Bank, the platform will provide farmers with access to neighborhood banking, earnings stability and
income growth. This will be a significant move towards building a cashless economy. Both partners will also work together to
create customized solutions for millions of small businesses across the country. These solutions will empower small and medium
scale enterprises, who have limited access to finance, to make assisted payments, manage their financial & transactional processes,
and also avail working capital in these times of crisis. Finally, Airtel Payments Bank and Mastercard will work together to create
differentiated card solutions, including solutions for contact less payments via NFC (Near Field Communication) for customers and
merchants.
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KT (South Korea) announces collaboration on ICT-based Epidemic Preparedness
24
KT and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have entered into an agreement to fund KT’s pandemic response solutions based on
AI and Big Data to prepare for pandemics such as COVID-19. The 10-million-dollar project stems from the recognition of South
Korea’s advanced information and communication technology as well as its proven ability to cope with the ongoing corona virus
pandemic. The three-year research collaboration builds off discussions between the Gates Foundation and KT in 2019 and the
research will be conducted in South Korea, which possesses a high mobile phone penetration rate and 5G infrastructure. The
collaboration between KT and the Gates Foundation on improving global health has its origins at the data innovation working
group by the World Economic Forum in 2018. Since then, the organizations have discussed collaboration on innovative epidemic
response using ICT. In April 2019, KT introduced its Global Epidemic Prevention Platform, which is to prevent the spread of
infectious diseases using mobile data, at the ICT forum hosted by Research Investment for Global Health Technology Fund, South
Korea’s first funding agency dedicated to the Global Health R&D through the partnership between the Korean Government, Life
Science companies, and the Gates Foundation, and the RIGHT Fund facilitated the discussions between the parties resulted in this
three year partnership.
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Maxis (Malaysia) collaborates with Selangor Government on solutions to enable
Ramadan e-bazaar
25
Maxis collaborated with Menteri Besar Incorporated, the Selangor Government’s investment arm, to help promote Platform
Selangor, an e-Bazaar initiative to aims to help small businesses and bazaar hawkers digitalise and operate during the Conditional
Movement Control Order period. In supporting the platform, Maxis provided communications support via 500,000 eSMS to
residents in Selangor over duration of one month during Ramadan.
• Collaborated with Selangor Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI) to support the promotion of PLATS, the Selangor State’s e-Bazaar
initiative to help SMEs digitalise and operate around the ‘new normal’
• Provided communication support with 500,000 eSMS to residents in Selangor to promote PLATS
• Part of Maxis’ support for the Government in easing the burden of SMEs during these unprecedented times
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City of Austin Partners with NTT (Japan) to Accelerate Smart City Technologies
26
The City of Austin and NTT Corporation announced their intention to partner on an Accelerate Smart pilot project that will use new
technologies to analyze traffic patterns, ease congestion and support community planning in Austin. NTT’s Accelerate Smart data
platform, as well as modular data center infrastructure for edge deployments, will monitor traffic-related issues downtown using
Internet of Things devices deployed at the intersections of Cesar Chavez Street and Trinity Street and Neches Street and 8th Street.
The smart city project will collect traffic-related and mobility data through vehicle counting and classification, as well as wrong
way vehicle occurrences, to provide real-time notifications and better inform how to implement appropriate solutions to fit traffic
patterns. Using IoT, NTT will deliver the City real-time alerts and traffic statistics that improve predictions and outcomes for the
City of Austin. The Accelerate Smart service will collect and detect data, including vehicle counts and occurrences of wrong-way
driving, to enable the City to make informed recommendations for effective transportation planning aligned with the Vision Zero
initiatives. The pilot program is designed to provide automated deployment and operation of necessary information and
communications technology resources from devices and networks to the cloud. This will allow the City to focus on improving
traffic conditions through analysis and process data more efficiently without worrying about deployment and optimization issues.
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The University of California, Berkeley Partners with NTT (Japan) to Accelerate
Smart Technologies
27
The University of California, Berkeley and NTT Corporation announced a connected campus pilot project that will leverage
technology to transform the UC Berkeley Parking and Transportation Department by analyzing patterns, easing traffic congestion
and increasing pedestrian safety in the Bancroft Way area of campus. The pilot will incorporate NTT’s Accelerate Smart data
platform and Dell Technologies’ modular data center infrastructure for edge deployments of high-definition optical sensors and IoT
devices that monitor traffic-related issues. These smart technologies will provide data to facilitate enhanced traffic management and
mobility. As a first step in their “Connected Campus” initiative, UC Berkeley will leverage vehicle counting and classification to
make informed decisions and develop specific solutions. As part of the pilot, NTT and Dell Technologies will implement smart IoT,
safety and security innovations that support UC Berkeley’s Parking and Transportation Department, such as real-time alerts and
traffic statistics that improve predictions and outcomes. With quantifiable data, UC Berkeley can curb congestion caused by events,
ride share traffic, delivery vehicles and transit operations. The pilot program is designed to provide automated deployment and
operation of necessary information and communications technology (ICT) resources from devices and networks to the cloud. The
solution will ensure UC Berkeley can focus on improving traffic conditions through analysis and process more efficiently without
worrying about ICT deployment and optimization issues.
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SK Telecom (South Korea) Joins Hands with Myanmars National Cyber Security
Center to Strengthen the Nation’s Cyber Security
28
SK Telecom announced that it signed a contract with Myanmar’s National Cyber Security Center to provide cyber security solutions and consulting
services aimed at improving Myanmar’s prevention and defense against cyber security threats. As an agency under the Ministry of Transport and
Communications of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the National Cyber Security Center is tasked with safeguarding national intelligence
against cyber threats, including hacking and distributed denial-of-service attacks, and protecting the nation’s information and communication
networks. Under the contract, SK Telecom will dispatch a team of cyber security experts to Myanmar to offer consulting services for design and
establishment of a Security Operation Center for NCSC until the end of July 2020. In particular, the expert team will use SK Telecom’s ‘Smart
Guard’ solution to diagnose security vulnerabilities of the NCSC’s existing cyber security infrastructure, and share SK Telecom’s expertise and
know-how in ICT infrastructure security management that allows for a rapid and efficient response to cyber threats. SK Telecom will also provide
‘Security Information & Event Management’, a security solution developed by a Korean security company named Igloo Security, after optimizing the
solution to the NCSC’s environment. SIEM collects and analyzes information - e.g. logs, errors, hacking, etc. - generated by diverse systems
including servers, network equipment and applications, and immediately notifies the security administrators. Starting with the export to Myanmar,
which serves as a strategic hub connecting the emerging ASEAN markets, SK Telecom expects to expand its security business to other Southeast
Asian countries, including Vietnam and Thailand.
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Telia (Sweden) in Partnership on 5g-Connected Vehicles for Future Public
Transport
29
Telia In Partnership On 5g-Connected Vehicles For Future Public Transport. The projects are backed by Vinnova and Drive Sweden.
The goal is to explore how a system for remote monitored 5G-connected vehicles can facilitate the safe introduction of self-driving,
electric vehicles in urban areas. Cities in the future will benefit from digitalization and new technologies by making them smarter and
more sustainable, thereby improving and simplifying way of life. Efficient public transport that is accessible to many is an essential part
of a smart city. Autonomous electric buses can help meet the demand for such a transport system. The pilot projects will deploy and test
5G-connected, remote-monitored self-driving minibuses at different locations in Stockholm, starting in the tech suburb Kista. The 5G
network's unique technical features, including extremely high data speeds combined with low latency, means that the connected buses
can respond in real time to commands from the centralized control tower, a prerequisite for safely remote controlling vehicles and an
important step to be able to move the driver from the bus the control tower. The initiative will also look at what role connected
infotainment systems and apps can play in autonomous vehicles, to update travelers about trips, schedules, the location of busses and
other important information.
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Verizon (USA) and NCMEC team up to fight child exploitation
30
Verizon announced a new partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. In addition to being a
corporate sponsor of NCMEC, Verizon will donate more than $1 million in online advertising on Verizon Media’s internet
properties. The ads will seek the public’s assistance in bringing missing children home and will begin on May 25 in support
of National Missing Children’s Day. As part of the launch, the Yahoo and AOL mail sign in pages, which are visited by
millions of users every single day, will feature NCMEC ads exclusively. The new partnership is the latest chapter in
Verizon’s long history of support for NCMEC. Verizon, including its iconic internet brands Yahoo and AOL, has been
working to make the internet a safer place for children for more than two decades. NCMEC has been an essential partner in
this work from the very beginning.
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Miscellaneous Updates

Miscellaneous Updates
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SK Telecom (South Korea) Opens TEAC Applications Seeking Strategic Partners
for Post-COVID-19 Era
31
SK Telecom opened a new wave of TIP Ecosystem Acceleration Center program applications to develop new growth drivers through
innovative 5G edge services to prepare for the post-COVID-19 era. TIP Ecosystem Acceleration Center is a global ecosystem that attracts
both startups and investors to work together to achieve breakthroughs in the telecom industry. SK Telecom has been operating TEAC in
Korea since 2017, while DT and BT are operating TEACs in Germany and the UK respectively. The global spread of the COVID-19
pandemic is pushing the demand for non-face-to-face solutions –e.g. online learning, cloud games, online concerts, etc. – that require
ultra-low latency enabled by 5G edge cloud. To accelerate its innovations in 5G and edge computing, the company invites aspiring startups
with expertise in 5G edge services/infrastructure and non-face-to-face solutions. SK Telecom will enable the recruited startups to test and
advance their new technologies on its commercial mobile networks; identify business opportunities in the global market; and attract
investment from venture capitals. In addition, the company plans introduce these startups at the next TIP Summit event, and provide
opportunities for them to collaborate with TIP member companies. SK Telecom has so far supported a total of six startups through its TEAC
program and contributed to their success. Startups can apply for the program at https://openapi.sk.com.
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