I Bytes Telecommunication & Media industry

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I-Bytes
Telecommunication & Media
October Edition 2020
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Table of Contents
1. Financial, M & A Updates...................................................................................................................................1
2. Solution Updates................................................................................................................................................14
3. Rewards and Recognition Updates..................................................................................................................42
4. Customer Success Updates................................................................................................................................54
5. Partnership Ecosystem Updates.......................................................................................................................63
6. Environment & Social Updates.......................................................................................................................104

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Financial, M & A Updates
Telecommunication & Media Industry

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Financial, M&A Updates
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Equinix completes US $780 million acquisition of 13 Bell data centers in Canada
Equinix, Inc. the world’s digital infrastructure company, announced the completion
of its acquisition of 13 data centers1 in Canada and their operations from BCE Inc.
(“Bell”). The US$780 million2 (CA$1,041 million) all-cash transaction includes
more than 600 customers, of which more than 500 are new to Equinix, and
approximately 1.2 million gross square feet of data center space. The deal solidifies
Equinix’s position as a leading digital infrastructure provider in Canada, enabling
Canadian businesses, as well as multinationals with a presence in Canada, to leverage
a trusted platform to bring together and interconnect the foundational infrastructure
to power their success.Equinix also announced that Andrew Eppich, a six-year
veteran of Equinix originally from Toronto, has been appointed Managing Director,
Canada. In this role, Eppich will be responsible for defining Equinix’s strategic
vision to: develop the enterprise market; deliver a strong network of prospects,
customers and channel partners; provide thought leadership to accelerate new
business and revenue growth; and expand Equinix’s role as a trusted advisor to
companies as they expand their digital infrastructure.
Executive Commentary
Vice President of Marketing, Bell:“As the first Equinix Platinum Partner in
Canada, Bell is leveraging Equinix’s world-class data centre operations and our
leadership in network connectivity and cloud service innovation to enable the
digital edge transformation of our customers’ operations in Canada and around
the globe. Bell is excited to build on our joint momentum, which is already
providing major benefits for a large Canadian investment services customer in
our shared community through a migration of IT infrastructure to Equinix to
facilitate a new Open Stack environment.”
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Discovery (USA) Acquires Assets of Ad-Tech Start-Up AdSparx
Discovery, Inc., the global leader in real life entertainment, announced it has
acquired the assets of AdSparx, the ad-tech start-up offering a cloud-based
technology platform that provides server side in-stream dynamic ad insertion
(DAI) across live and on-demand streaming. As part of the acquisition of assets of
AdSparx, Discovery shall also onboard employees of Novix Media Technologies
based out of Pune, India. Novix Media Technologies works with AdSparx on their
DAI platform and have a strong team of engineers that includes Software
Engineers, QA, DevOps and Support Engineers.The acquisition brings expertise
and key capabilities in video platform engineering and will allow for the delivery
of personalized and contextual ads for a seamless consumer experience on its
expanding base of direct-to-consumer (DTC) offerings globally.Discovery also
plans to utilize AdSparx’s DAI solution to deliver personalized virtual linear
channels that are tailored to the needs of every viewer’s interest and background
for an engaging and entertaining experience.
“This acquisition is part of a larger strategy to develop a robust portfolio of
digital products, as we continue to scale-up our DTC proposition with locally
relevant video experiences in key international markets,” said, CTO, Global
Digital, Discovery. “We are also delighted to expand our footprint in India
with a strong technology organization and view the country as an emerging
key development hub in the future for our global DTC portfolio.”
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NTT DOCOMO Ventures (Japan) Invests in Legion Technologies, Inc.,
Which Offers Workforce Management Platform Using AI
NTT DOCOMO Ventures, Inc, through a fund it operates, has invested in Legion Technologies, Inc., a company providing workforce management platform using
AI.In recent years, workstyles have been increasingly diversifying, including concepts such as flextime, reduced or shifted operating hours, and split shift work.
In addition, there is a mix of employees with diverse employment forms, including full-fledged workers, fixed-term contract workers, and part-timers.
Consequently, management of employees and the creation of work schedules is increasingly complicated, placing a heavy burden on companies. Moreover, due
to challenges like the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, incidents can occur suddenly which necessitate measures such as restrictions on the number of
employees at work or replacing sick workers with substitutes. More flexible and efficient employee work management is required.Legion’s platform offers AI
analyses of various data, including records of customer service and sales engagements, sales volumes, congestion status, weather, etc. and makes it possible to
forecast customer demand and the number of personnel required in the future. In addition, it is possible to instantly create an optimal work schedule considering
various factors, including labor-related laws, budgeting including personnel costs, working arrangements, positions, or skills, and work wishes based on the
forecast data.Furthermore, the platform not only adjusts work schedule but also has a comprehensive management function. It accepts applications for
work/leave, manages employee sign-in and sign-off times or working hours, does payroll calculation, distributes information to employees, and offers a function
to chat with managers. It can be used as an integrated workforce management platform that makes increasingly complex management work efficient for
companies from various aspects.
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NTT DOCOMO Ventures (Japan) Invests in GeoSpock Ltd., Which Offers
Next Generation Data Analysis Platform
NTTDOCOMO Ventures, Inc. has invested, through its fund, in GeoSpock Ltd., a U.K.-based startup providing a powerful,
next-generation database built for high-performance analytics across any scale of data.Due to the spread of IoT and other
technologies, the amount of data generated around the world has been increasing exponentially. Although there are high
expectations for the use of big data in various corporate activities, the reality is that most of the data is abandoned without being
utilized because of bottlenecks in analysis speed and cost.GeoSpock offers GeoSpock DB, a platform that can analyze more than a
trillion records of ultra-large scale data at high speed with its proprietary algorithms, and it has been used in fields such as smart
cities and IoT platforms around the world.The solution of GeoSpock is a further growth can be expected on the basis of the future
growth in the applicable market and business expansion arising from collaboration with sales partners. Additionally, there is high
affinity between the solution businesses of individual companies of the NTT Group. NTT DOCOMO Ventures, Inc. has come to
make this investment because we believe that the investment will contribute to the creation of new values in these fields.
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NTT DOCOMO Ventures (Japan) Invests in Senseye Ltd., a Leading Provider of Machine Learning-based
Automatic Predictive Maintenance Solutions for the Manufacturing Industry
NTT DOCOMO Ventures, Inc., through a fund it operates, has invested in Senseye Ltd., a company providing automatic predictive maintenance solutions for the manufacturing
industryIn the manufacturing industry, reduction of downtime caused by plant equipment failure, which is a direct factor in lost revenue opportunities and increased maintenance
costs, has long been difficult. In recent years, predictive maintenance solutions have emerged as a new approach toward reducing downtime by predicting machine failure risks from
plant operation data. These solutions analyze various operational data of machinery and equipment by way of machine learning and predict the remaining service life, the timing of
failure and its duration while monitoring the operation automatically. However, most predictive maintenance solutions require the development of individual machine learning
models and have them learn individually. Accordingly, numerous implementation process steps have to be taken, including the preparation of teacher data for individual development
and learning. This heavy burden has discouraged many manufacturing companies from deploying a predictive maintenance solution.Senseye’s “SenseyePdM” is an automatic
predictive maintenance solution that addresses these challenges. By using the common algorithm library and failure database that Senseye has accumulated through its own research
and development, the system generates the optimal machine learning models for the machinery automatically without the need for individual teacher data. Thus, SenseyePdM can be
introduced easily without customization or extensive setup by the end user and scaled throughout the plant, allowing the customers to achieve high ROI in a short time. In July 2020,
Senseye launched industry-first ROI guarantee, “ROI Lock,” a guarantee for downtime reduction in partnership with a leading Tier One global re-insurer. Under this guarantee, the
PdM subscription fee will be refunded if the level of cost reduction agreed in advance with the client is not achieved. The new service significantly reduce the perceived risk of
investing in predictive maintenance solutions and thus further lowers the hurdles for SenseyePdM deployment. With these unique benefits, SenseyePdM have been fully appreciated
by many companies around the world across a wide variety of industries and machine-types, including those in the Fortune 500 list.
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Orange (France) wins the broadest range of frequencies in France’s 5G auction
Orange is satisfied with the results of the 3.5 GHz auction process in France, which
represents a crucial step forward that will shape the Group’s operations in France for the
years to come. The acquisition of these frequencies is an essential industrial investment
that will maintain and strengthen the position acquired by Orange as a leader in mobile
networks and to consolidate, with the deployment of a 5G network using these
frequencies, its No. 1 position for the benefit of its customers, both retail and B2B. With
90 MHz, Orange is the French operator with the broadest range of 5G frequencies.
Orange is thus strengthening its position as the No. 1 operator with the largest portfolio
of frequencies on the French market: 257 MHz of frequencies in total. The total price of
the 90 MHz acquired by Orange is € 854 million, with payments spread over 4 to 15
years depending on the block. Orange has attained this leadership in 5G frequencies for
a tightly-controlled total amount, testifying to the rigorous management of its resources.
This effort has enabled the Group to preserve its ability to invest in the deployment of
fibre networks and in the improvement of 4G coverage in rural areas, bringing very high
speed broadband across the country.
Commenting on these results, Chairman and CEO of Orange, said: “With these
auctions, we have just taken an essential step forward in making the networks of the
future a reality. We are very satisfied with the way this auction process went; the
result is well balanced and encourages operators to invest. With 90 MHz of 5G
spectrum, Orange will be able to consolidate its leadership in mobile networks and
will develop an efficient 5G network, a guarantee of attractiveness and
competitiveness in France ".
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Rogers (Canada) announces comprehensive $3 billion investment
proposal to benefit Quebec
After 35 years of building in Quebec, Rogers unveiled a $3 billion investment proposal to bring connectivity, jobs and
economic growth to Quebec should it be successful in its bid to acquire Cogeco’s Canadian assets.Building off its base of
3,000 Quebec employees and nearly two million Quebec customers, Rogers new plans would include:
Growing jobs and powering economic growth:
• Investing a total of $3 billion in Quebec over the next five years, which includes $1.5 billion in network investments;
• Ensuring 5,000 jobs in Quebec for a combined Rogers/Cogeco entity;
• Maintaining Cogeco’sheadquarters in Montreal with a Quebec President leading its business in Quebec;
• Maintaining the Cogeco brand in Quebec; and
• Continuing relationships with local suppliers and contractors.
Driving a made-in-Quebec innovation agenda:
• Expanding the rollout of 5G throughout Quebec, with a commitment to having 95% of the population covered over the
next five years; and
• Establishing a tech innovation hub in Quebec, which would create up to 300 highly skilled new technology jobs as a
Centre of Excellence in artificial intelligence, software engineering and digital technology.
Expanding rural connectivity and enhancing the customer experience:
• Building on Cogeco’s rural expansion commitments and establishing a rural connectivity partnership with the Quebec
government to reach an additional 100,000 households.
• Upgrading services for existing Cogeco customers with the roll-out of Rogers next-generation connected home services,
including Ignite Internet – the foundation of the home – that offers a personalized WiFi experience with the Ignite WiFi Hub;
leading IPTV service with Ignite TV; Ignite SmartStream, a streaming platform that incorporates the most popular apps with
voice search; and Smart Home Monitoring that allows customers to secure and control their home from anywhere.
“Rogers is deeply committed to the future of innovation and the knowledge economy in Quebec. We would be honoured
to help enhance the customer experience and bring new investments including 5G that will fundamentally reshape the
economic landscape of Quebec,” said President and CEO, Rogers Communications. “This is about the future, and helping
ensure that Quebec’s ambitions around innovation, connectivity, health and education advancements are fully realized.”
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Key Financial Highlights

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Telenor Group (Norway) divests stake in Malaysian mobile financial
services business, Valyou
Telenor Group has completed the sale of its 100 percent stake in ValyouSdn. Bhd., a wholly-owned mobile financial
services provider in Malaysia, to Merchantrade Asia SdnBhd, a fast-growing Malaysian FinTech.Merchantrade is
Malaysia’s largest Money Services Provider and a fast-emerging e-money issuer with over two million customers. For
Telenor Group this was the right time to divest, as Merchantrade is well suited to take the Valyou business forward. By
leveraging each other’s expertise, Merchantrade and Valyou will further develop the business and strengthen the money
services and digital payment landscape in Malaysia.The acquisition has received Bank Negara Malaysia
approval.Telenor Group continues to focus on creating value in the Malaysian market through its mobile operator Digi,
which is an important operation for the company.
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Telia Company (Sweden) Reaches Agreement To Sell Its Carrier Operation To
Polhem Infra And Proposes To Reinstate The Original Dividend For 2019
Telia Company announces that it has reached an agreement with Polhem Infra for the sale of
its international carrier business, Telia Carrier, for a value of SEK 9,450 million on a cash and
debt free basis. At the same time, Telia Company enters a long-term strategic partnership
with Telia Carrier, securing continuous world-leading network solutions to Telia’s
customers. The Board of Directors has also decided to propose an additional dividend of 0.65
SEK/share, bringing the total dividend for 2019 back to 2.45 SEK/share which was originally
proposed in January this year. Telia Carrier holds the top position in the global ranking of
companies with Internet backbone networks. Content, services and operator customers of
Telia Carrier account for 65 percent of global Internet routes. Its network spans across
Europe, North America, and Asia, connecting customers in more than 120 countries, with the
Scandinavian footprint being particularly strong through the so-called Scandinavian Ring –
the part of Telia Carrier’s network that connects major Baltic and Nordic cities. For 2019,
Telia Carrier reported net sales of SEK 5,388 million, an EBITDA excluding IFRS-16 of
SEK 500 million and capital expenditures of SEK 396 million resulting in EBITDA,
excluding IFRS-16, less capital expenditures, of SEK 104 million. The agreed price for Telia
Carrier equals an EV/EBITDA, excluding IFRS-16, multiple for 2019 of 18.9x. The
transaction is expected to generate a capital gain of approximately SEK 7 billion at closing.
President and CEO of Telia Company, says:”The divestment of Telia Carrier highlights
the value Telia has built in its digital infrastructure - and we are able to crystallize some
of that value. As a consequence, we can now fully concentrate on our Nordic and Baltic
footprint, while we at the same time have secured future access for our customers to Telia
Carrier's world-leading solutions, through a long-term strategic partnership. The
majority of the proceeds from the sale will be used to strengthen our balance sheet and
thereby provide a solid financial base for Telia Company and our shareholders, enabling
both investments in services and networks in our core markets as well as providing a
strong foundation for attractive shareholder remuneration. At this time, I want to thank
the whole Telia Carrier team for building such a strong customer centric business over
many years. This transaction is great testament to the value they have created for their
customers and for Telia Company’s owners. I am confident that under the continued
leadership of StaffanGöjeryd, Head of Telia Carrier, Polhem Infra will be an excellent
owner for Telia Carrier and that it will continue to go from strength to strength under
their stewardship.”
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Verizon (USA) to acquire TracFone Wireless, Inc.
Verizon announced that it has entered into an agreement with America Movil to acquire TracFone
Wireless, Inc., the leading pre-paid and value mobile provider in the U.S. The acquisition expands
Verizon’s portfolio into the value segment, bringing enhanced access to its industry-leading wireless
network and comprehensive suite of mobility products and services to a new customer base. Tracfone
is the largest reseller of wireless services in the US, serving approximately 21 million subscribers
through a network of over 90,000 retail locations nationwide. A longtime partner of Verizon, more
than 13 million Tracfone subscribers currently rely on Verizon’s wireless network through an existing
wholesale agreement. Following the acquisition, Verizon expects to bring its award-winning 4G LTE
and 5G networks and other innovative technologies to Tracfone customers, further develop Tracfone’s
distribution channels, and expand Tracfone’s market opportunities. The acquisition of Tracfone aligns
with Verizon’s growth oriented Network as a Service strategy, and will provide more U.S. consumers
seeking value wireless plans with improved experiences and enhanced services, including fixed
wireless residential broadband solutions, 5G access and expanded international calling and roaming
options.The portfolio of Tracfone brands creates a platform for growth and innovation in Verizon’s
support of the value and low income segments. Verizon will continue to offer Lifeline service through
Tracfone and further develop its core brands, products and distribution channels, including
StraightTalk, the vast majority of whose customers operate on the Verizon network.
“This transaction is aligned with what we do best: providing reliable wireless service alongside a
best-in-class customer experience,” said Chairman and CEO of Verizon. “We are excited about
the opportunity to bring Tracfone and its brands into the Verizon family where we can put the full
support of Verizon behind this business and provide exciting and compelling products into this
attractive segment of the market. We are pursuing this important strategic acquisition from a
position of strength given our very strong and prudent financial profile.”
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Red Ventures to Acquire CNET Media Group from ViacomCBS for $500 Million
Red Ventures, a portfolio of digital brands, announced that it has entered
into a definitive agreement to acquire CNET Media Group from
ViacomCBS for $500 million.CNET Media Group is a pioneer in digital
media. CNET, a leading global technology news brand, has grown over
25 years to cover all aspects of technology in our lives, including
automotive coverage at Roadshow and Spanish-language technology
coverage at CNET enEspañol. CNET paved the way for CNET Media
Group, an expansive portfolio of digital media brands that advise
consumers across leading consumer tech, business tech, gaming, and
entertainment media brands including ZDNet, a leader in B2B focused
content and Gamespot, a renowned games information brand in the US,
according to ComScore. The portfolio also includes revered
entertainment and lifestyle brands like TVGuide, Metacritic, and
Chowhound.
"Red Ventures believes in the power of premium content from trusted
brands that help people make better life decisions," said Red Ventures
CEO and Co-Founder. "Over the last 25 years CNET Media Group
has built a dynamic portfolio of brands with well-earned authority on
such topics as consumer tech and gaming that play an increasingly
important role in people's lives. Red Ventures is eager to invest in
CNET Media Group's growth with more personalized consumer
experiences that will reinvigorate CNET Media Group's brands and
unlock unprecedented opportunity for all."
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Wolters Kluwer (Netherlands) to Divest ComplyTrack
Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory announces that it has
reached a binding agreement to sell ComplyTrack, a
healthcare regulatory risk and compliance solution, to
symplr, a provider of cloud-based solutions for hospitals
and other health facilities.
“Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S. has an
ongoing strategy to focus on our digital information
solutions and software tools for law firms, corporate
law departments, and related compliance departments,”
said Senior Vice President and General Manager,
Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S. “In that light,
the ComplyTrack product line has limited strategic fit
or synergies and this divestment will help us to further
advance our strategy.”
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Wolters Kluwer (Netherlands) to Acquire XCM Solutions
Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting announces that it has entered into an agreement to
acquire XCM Solutions, a cloud-based workflow solutions provider for professional tax
and accounting firms. The acquisition offers integration opportunities with CCH®
Axcess™, our cloud-based software suite for professional firms in North America.
Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting North America has had a longstanding strategic
partnership with XCM Solutions since 2006, enabling firms to integrate XCM workflow
tools with CCH® ProSystem fx® on-premise software and, since 2012, with CCH
Axcess, our cloud-based, modular software platform. Wolters Kluwer and XCM share a
common approach to providing innovative, cloud-based solutions that drive productivity
for customers.Founded in 2002, XCM serves professional tax & accounting firms of all
sizes across the U.S. and Canada. XCM solutions help firms control their workflow
processes and allocate their resources in order to achieve greater efficiency, productivity
and profitability. The company’s main product is XCMworkflow, a cloud-based system
that aligns with a firm’s existing systems and helps them manage all types of work across
multiple clients, projects, and offices, streamlining workflows between systems and
facilitating a more open and collaborative way of working.
“Our longstanding business relationship make this combination a natural evolution.
Firms are seeking solutions that will allow them to modernize their workflows to
remain profitable, to attract talent, and to better meet clients’expectations beyond tax
compliance work. With this acquisition and our CCH Axcess Platform, we can even
better serve their needs,” saidPresident & CEO, Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting
North America. “XCM also offers technology-enabled accounting and tax
outsourcing services, which will be a great complement to the services we provide
Wolters Kluwer customers.”
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Solutions Updates

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Solution Updates
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Introducing SD-WAN Next from Altice (Netherlands) Business
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Solution Description
Altice Business provides mission-critical business solutions and cutting-edge technology to small, medium, and enterprise businesses across the country. As businesses
across every industry experience accelerated digital transformation due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the need for next-generation solutions to help businesses run more
efficiently and stay connected is more important than ever, Altice Business is proud to add SD-WAN (Software Defined Wide Area Network) to the company's portfolio
of solutions that help businesses grow and unlock their full potential.SD-WAN Next from Altice Business centralizes control and gives organizations with multiple
locations end-to-end visibility into the performance of their network. SD-WAN Next can help a business manage its bandwidth more efficiently as organizations are
increasingly reliant on cloud-based applications and are experiencing an exploding number of devices and increased traffic on their networks. This approach can help
businesses reduce costs by shifting large amounts of network traffic to lower-cost internet connections and away from dedicated circuits. Customers can rest assured that
their information is secure with SD-WAN Next, which offers best-in-class security layered throughout the network using VPN protocols.With SD-WAN Next, not only
will businesses experience increased agility in their network operations, but they will also receive the expertise and unparalleled support that Altice Business customers
experience through Altice Business’ Professional Services. For customers who are interested in implementing SD-WAN Next but don't have the in-house resources to do
so, the company will provide a dedicated support team before, during, and after deployment so that every customer is able to enjoy the greater visibility and flexibility
that SD-WAN Next enables.With network needs constantly changing, there’s no way of knowing what tomorrow will bring. Altice Business’s SD-WAN Next was made
for new horizons with adaptable software and technical support that can help businesses adjust for whatever is ahead.

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Airtel (India) launches Airtel Secure to help businesses tide over rising
cyber threats
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Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”) announced the launch of Airtel Secure – a comprehensive suite of advanced cyber security solutions for
business customers.As businesses shift processes to cloud and digital platforms to serve their customers better, they are also
encountering increasing incidents of sophisticated cyber-attacks that can come from anywhere and have the potential to severely
disrupt operations. India, which is now the world’s second largest internet market, ranks fifth globally when it comes to incidents of
cyber-attacks and frauds. In fact, the Indian cyber security market is expected to cross $13 bn* by 2025.As part of Airtel Secure, Airtel
launched its state-of-the-art Security Intelligence Centre. Located in the National Capital Region the Airtel Security Intelligence
Centre rates amongst the best in India with access to advanced technology and AI / ML tools to mitigate potential threats. This facility
will offer its tracking services to businesses of all sizes – from large enterprises to small and medium businesses on a 24/7 basis.From
end point protection, email protection to cloud DDOS protection and more, Airtel Secure has created the most comprehensive
portfolio through strategic partnerships with global leaders such as Cisco, Radware, VMWare, and Forcepoint.

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Solution Updates
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Charter (USA) Introduces Stay Connected K-12, Making it Easier for
Students and Teachers to Participate in Online Learning
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Charter Communications, Inc., announced Stay Connected K-12, a new Spectrum Enterprise solution that enables schools to offer high-speed, cable
broadband Internet access direct to their students, educators and staff in their own homes so learning and teaching are uninterrupted. Residences are not
billed for the service.Stay Connected K-12 combines the robust speeds and rich features of Spectrum Internet with simplified program management and
billing for local districts through Spectrum Enterprise and is a turnkey solution for their students and educators. Users can enjoy:
• Download speeds up to 50 Mbps to support video collaboration and large file transfers.
• In-home WiFi to connect all of the WiFi enabled devices in the residence.
• Unlimited usage with no data caps, providing schools/districts with a consistent cost per user.
• 24/7/365 technical support, relieving schools/districts of the responsibility of technical support for the end-user connections.
• Self-installation kit with modem and router that allows end-users to get connected quickly and easily, with no intervention required from
schools/districts.
• Stay Connected K-12 also maximizes flexibility for districts, allowing them to add students to the program when needed, with no minimum term
commitment on any of the connections.

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Charter (USA) Relaunches Free 60-Day Spectrum Internet &WiFi Offer to Help
Connect New Households With K-12 and College Students or Educators
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Charter Communications, Inc. announced a relaunch of its Remote Education Offer providing free Spectrum Internet – with speeds up to 200 Mbps in most markets –
and WiFi access for 60 days to households with K-12th graders, college students and/or educators. The promotion is available for customers who live in a Spectrum
market and do not currently have Spectrum Internet services. Charter first offered its Remote Education Offer in March, resulting in 448,000 new households added
through June 30, 2020 to Charter’s high-speed Spectrum Internet for two free months. In addition to the Remote Education Offer, Charter is making high-speed
broadband more accessible through Spectrum Internet Assist (SIA), its high-speed, low cost broadband program available to eligible low-income households and seniors.
SIA includes a free internet modem, high-speed data at 30 Mbps, no data caps or contracts, and optional in-home WiFi service for an additional $5/mo. SIA is available
to households in which one or more members are a recipient of assistance through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), the Community Eligibility Provision
(CEP) of the NSLP, or Supplemental Security Income (for applicants age 65+). Charter will offer two-free months of Spectrum Internet Assist (SIA) to eligible
low-income households with students or an educator not already a Spectrum customer. Charter also recently announced a doubling of its original 2020 commitment to
digital education, awarding a total of $1 million in grants to organizations providing broadband education, technology and training. With this year’s grants, Charter has
surpassed its multiyear commitment to award $6 million in cash and in-kind donations to support broadband education across the company’s 41-state service area.
Recipients across 15 states and Washington, D.C., include nonprofits working to empower disadvantaged residents in towns and cities, boost small businesses in rural
areas, provide computer assistance to senior citizens, and organizations that meet educational needs for children.

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Comcast (USA): Introducing a Faster and More Powerful xFi Pod to Deliver
Whole Home WiFi Coverage
18
Comcast announced that a new xFi Pod is available to Xfinity Internet customers as the company continues to focus on delivering the best
connectivity experience to match today’s increasingly connected homes.With maximum speeds up to 2X faster than offered by the
first-generation, upwards of 500 Mbps, the second-genxFi Pod can help customers elevate their WiFi experience by creating a wall-to-wall
mesh network that seamlessly extends coverage throughout their homes.With the introduction of the next-gen Pod, Xfinity is continuing
efforts to offer a comprehensive solution to meet the needs of today’s increasingly connected homes by combining Gigabit Internet speeds,
whole-home WiFi coverage with powerful gateways and Pods, the ability to control all of the devices connected to WiFi with xFi, and
advanced cybersecurity protection free for xFi customers with xFi Advanced Security.As streaming entertainment options continue to grow,
Xfinity Internet-only customers can also easily access their favorite streaming services and manage their connected home devices right on the
TV with Xfinity Flex, which is now included with their service. Additionally, all Xfinity customer also have access to Peacock, Comcast
NBCUniversal’s new streaming service that offers a world-class collection of the best live and on demand programming from NBCUniversal
and beyond.

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Comcast (USA): Reaches 10G Technical Milestone Delivering 1.25 Gig
Symmetrical Speeds Over a Live, All-Digital HFC Network
19
Comcast announced that it has achieved a 10G technical milestone in a trial delivering 1.25 gigabit-per-second (Gbps) upload and download
speeds over a live production network using Network Function Virtualization (NFV) combined with the latest DOCSIS Technology.At a home
in Jacksonville, Florida, technicians have installed the service which is based upon a Distributed Access Architecture (DAA) that Comcast has
deployed throughout the area. This advanced architecture includes a suite of software-powered networking technologies, including digital
fiber optics, “Remote PHY” digital nodes, and a cloud-based, virtualized cable modem termination system platform (vCMTS), enabling
delivery of gigabit-plus symmetrical speeds using existing cable connections. The technology team consistently measured speeds of 1.25
Gbps upload and 1.25 Gbps download over the connection.Comcast has been an industry leader in deploying and evolving network
virtualization and DAA, which replaces physical elements of traditional networks with software- and cloud-based technologies that provide
greater performance, increased reliability and the ability to upgrade more quickly and evolve networks without replacing physical equipment.
This technology will be key to making multi-gigabit symmetrical speeds widely available as part of Comcast’s future, next-generation
offerings.

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ITV (UK) launches Planet V
20
ITV’s premium advanced advertising platform, Planet V, will officially go live on Monday 5th October. After almost 50,000 hours of development work customising and
configuring this unique advertising proposition, Planet V will allow both advertisers and agencies control over the planning, purchasing and reporting of their campaigns
across ITV’s VOD service, the ITV Hub. Deployed as a wholly self service solution, clients will be able to optimise and monitor their campaigns in real time, 24 hours
a day, every day of the year. The platform has been developed to ITV’s specification by global technology company Amobee, leveraging its industry-leading advertising
software, following an exclusive licensing agreement for the UK and Ireland struck in 2019.Prior to external launch, Planet V has operated as an in-house ‘concierge’
solution, operated by ITV’s ad operations teams. Since this internal launch, the platform has fulfilled on almost 500 million ITV Hub impressions. Powered by ITV Hub’s
32 million strong audience, Planet V launches with new addressable audience products and data-driven features, built upon ITV's first party data and select premium data
partners. Advertisers will find an array of targeting options to suit their campaign objectives, from extending the reach of linear campaigns, and alignment with ITV
programme content, to refining audiences to suit the campaign's creative execution or target market.Earlier this year the ITV Hub saw a year on year increase in
consumption hours of 75%, while monthly reach on the platform has risen by 40%. Original commissioning on the ITV Hub has included Britain’s Got Talent Unseen
and The TOWIE Years. The ITV Hub also debuts ITVBe programming first on the service, with new episodes of ITVBe’s most popular shows going live the morning
before their evening transmission. Over the next year, updated versions of Planet V will be continuously brought to clients with the addition of inventory from other
broadcasters and premium video publishers, and enhanced features and capabilities.

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KT SAT Showcases World’s First Satellite-5G Router Connectivity
21
KT SAT Co, the satellite-operating subsidiary of KT Corporation, South Korea’s largest telecommunications company, demonstrated the world’s first
satellite-5G hybrid router transmission technology at the theSatelliteAsia 2020 exposition.The cutting-edge technology for seamless connectivity
between satellite and 5G is jointly developed by the KT Institute of Convergence Technology last November. KT SAT presentations at the global expo
are also highlighting the possibility of using satellites as communication backup networks and extending their use to broadcast communication.KT SAT
hopes to gain momentum in consolidating its position as a leading global satellite operator by showcasing its satellite resources and technology during
the event. South Korea’s sole satellite operator aims to secure a beachhead for its global outreach and expand its communication satellite business
segment.SatelliteAsia is held annually as a part of ConnecTechAsia, the largest broadcast communication exposition in the Asia-Pacific region. KT SAT
has been participating in the exposition, held in Singapore, since 2014. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s global gathering of major
satellite operators is held online from September 29 to October 1.As a powerhouse of 5G and broadcast, a current key issue in the industry, KT SAT’s
online booth at the expo is displaying a variety of contents on its satellite technology and services besides its technology for connecting satellite and
other networks. The company also actively utilizes the SatelliteAsia conference and booth displays. Visitors may engage in a real-time Q&A session
with KT SAT officials.

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Maxis (Malaysia) launches Malaysia’s first Usage-Based Internet to
maximize productivity and cost efficiencies
22
Businesses in Malaysia saw their demands shifting throughout the various MCO phases, which necessitated a balance between managing cost without
compromising on quality. To cater to their changing needs, Maxis is offering Usage-Based Internet, Malaysia’s first pay-per-use Direct Internet Access
(DIA), which allows businesses to have the flexibility they need to maximise productivity and cost-efficiency. Importantly, the proposition supports
businesses’ continued digitisation efforts as they transition to recovery mode, so that they can thrive in the new normal. Maxis’ Usage-Based Internet is
delivered with a differentiated experience through the first Software-Defined Programmable Network in Malaysia, which is MEF (Metro Ethernet
Forum) 3.0-certified. This Programmable Network enables businesses to reliably scale the capacity demand to meet the requirements of the
fast-changing IT environments while operating at consistently high performance. For businesses with changing Internet consumption during peak and
off-peak periods, or organisations with large data centre and hosting requirements, it is an ideal proposition that empowers businesses with real-time
network automation and intelligent insights.With Maxis and Malaysia’s first Usage-Based Internet service, businesses only need to pay for actual
consumption, and will be able to save up to 50% or more in operation costs, ensuring better value with no unproductive costs (ie. when staff are working
out of the office). Furthermore, they can enjoy three times more bandwidth for increased performance and experience. As Usage-Based Internet runs
on a network that is cloud-ready, customers are essentially future-proofing their business for digital growth.

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Chugai and NTT DATA (Japan) Complete Demonstration of AI-based
Clinical Trial Efficiency Solution
23
Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and NTT DATA Corporation have conducted a demonstration test of a solution for improving the efficiency of clinical trial-related document
preparation using AI technology from January to June, 2020. Clinical trial operations require the creation of a variety of documents and procedures from planning to
implementation and application for drug approval. NTT DATA has been developing a solution based on the concept of improving the process efficiency of documentation, for
example, by automatically creating clinical trial-related documents from a clinical trial protocol1). In this demonstration, Chugai and NTT DATA are collaborating by
conducting concept verification, evaluating the usefulness of this solution and identifying future system issues. Based on the results of this demonstration, NTT DATA aims to
provide commercial services of this solution in FY2021. Furthermore, based on the cooperative relationship between the two companies obtained through this demonstration,
we will collaborate and accelerate our efforts toward digital transformation of clinical development operations.New drug development is a process that involves research,
collection and analysis of clinical data in clinical trials, and evaluation of efficacy and safety. It usually takes about 9 to 17 years on average to launch a new drug2). Both
pharmaceutical companies and medical institutions participating in clinical studies have expended so much effort to ensure the quality of clinical trial activities and data. In
addition, efficient development of high-quality clinical trial-related documents is a common challenge among pharmaceutical companies.NTT DATA is developing a
cross-pharmaceutical company/clinical site total solution platform for clinical trials to connect a wide range of clinical trial processes through the most advanced IT technology
to help accelerate new drug development.Under the goal of optimization of all value chains, one of the basic strategies of CHUGAI DIGITAL VISION 20303), Chugai aims at
further acceleration of clinical trial processes. Chugai supports NTT DATA's initiative and conducted the demonstration test jointly with NTT DATA to develop a new solution
using AI technology, leveraging Chugai's extensive experience.

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DOCOMO (Japan) Launches Inbound 5G Roaming with AT&T
24
NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced that it has launched an inbound 5G roaming service to allow foreign operators and their
customers visiting Japan to roam on DOCOMO's 5G network, effectively immediately, initially for customers of AT&T Mobility,
DOCOMO's partner mobile operator in the United States. DOCOMO is the first mobile operator in Japan to offer an inbound 5G
roaming service. Going forward, DOCOMO plans to expand its inbound 5G roaming service with mobile operators around the
globe.NTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 80 million subscriptions, is one of the world's foremost
contributors to 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Beyond core communications services, DOCOMO is challenging
new frontiers in collaboration with a growing number of entities ("+d" partners), creating exciting and convenient value-added
services that change the way people live and work. Under a medium-term plan toward 2020 and beyond, DOCOMO is pioneering
a leading-edge 5G network to facilitate innovative services that will amaze and inspire customers beyond their expectations.

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NTT Com (Japan) Demonstration Test to Link GAIA-X Platform's "IDS
Connector" Technology and SDPF based on Data Trust®
25
NTT Communications Corporation, the ICT solutions and international communications business within the NTT Group, announced that beginning October 1 it
will collaborate with the International Data Spaces Association (IDSA)1 in a demonstration test as the first phase of contributing to the development of a secure,
global data-management platform that assures interoperability between data platforms built and managed in countries worldwide. The test environment for sharing
highly confidential data securely will include IDS Connectors3, the core technology of GAIA-X4, a federated data infrastructure for Europe, and NTT Com's
Things Cloud® IoT platform and Smart Data Platform (SDPF)5, the later incorporating Data Trust®6 policies. The demonstration, in addition to assessing the
practicality and operability of a new structure for appropriately controlling the access rights of each data based on related laws and contracts, will shed new light
on the requirements, etc. of platforms designed for international data management. The results are expected to lead to the establishment of global data management
platforms that smoothly link local data platforms in countries across the globe. In the demonstration, a test environment will be built to test various cases of
international data sharing, such as remote monitoring of machines overseas, etc., to verify the practicality and operability of data sharing. Initially, in collaboration
with the NTT Software Innovation Center,7 IDS Connector and SDPF will be deployed in a test environment in Japan to test system interoperability and the
management of specific data-usage rights. The test environment in Japan will then be connected to IDSA's test environment in Germany and a separate test
environment at the Swiss nonprofit Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne8 to test the system's practicality and operability in controlling data access rights
internationally via NTT Com's networks.

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NTT Ltd. (Japan) announces new data center expansion project in South
Africa
26
NTT Ltd., a world-leading global technology services provider and Dimension Data, the South African systems integrator and managed
services provider which represents the NTT Ltd. business in the Middle East and Africa, announced that construction works for their
Johannesburg 1 Data Center has commenced. The data center design is based on tier 3 standards and will be constructed in two phases.
When fully built it will deliver a total of 6,000 sqm of IT space and 12 MW of IT load. The first phase of the site is scheduled to become
operational beginning of 2022. Dimension Data already operates 11 data centers with up to 10 MW of IT load across Africa. Together
with the new Johannesburg 1 Data Center, the NTT data center platform in Africa will provide more than 20 MW of IT load capacity. This
demand for capacity is driven by local and international clients’ strong need for robust colocation infrastructure across Africa, and will
enable Dimension Data to meet the increasing requirements of its clients across the continent and Middle East. The expansion in
Johannesburg is part of the growth strategy of the Global Data Centers division of NTT Ltd. which operates one of the largest data center
platforms in the world. With over 160 data centers spanning more than 20 countries and regions, NTT Group’s clients and partners have
access to a powerful digital ecosystem with global reach and local expertise.

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NTT Com (Japan) to Enhance Cloud Offerings in Japan and Worldwide
27
NTT Communications Corporation, the ICT solutions and international communications business within the NTT Group, announced that it will enhance its cloud
business offerings to provide a one-stop service aimed at meeting a broader range of client needs and supporting their digital transformation. In Japan, NTT Com’s private
cloud service Enterprise Cloud, provided via the company’s Smart Data Platform, which enables clients to collect, store, and analyze data, will be updated to deliver even
greater security, facilitating migration of clients’core systems to the cloud. In overseas countries and regions, NTT Com will enhance its lineup of cloud services in order
to be able to respond more rapidly and flexibly to clients’ evolving business needs. The updated ECL service is also scheduled to become fully compliant with the
Japanese government's Information System Security Management and Assessment Program (ISMAP). This program evaluates the security provisions of private sector
suppliers, including their anti-malware capabilities and implementation of prescribed encryption functionality. NTT Com's acquisition of ISMAP certification will verify
it as a safe and secure cloud environment, thereby contributing to the digitalization of government business as well as that of the private sector. In overseas countries and
regions, NTT Com will provide its Enterprise Cloud hybrid cloud environment in conjunction with Microsoft Azure, a feature-rich public cloud service. Clients can apply
online for immediate use and scale their cloud environment up or down as their business evolves, enabling them to quickly and flexibly respond to the opening of new
offices or to the consolidation or elimination of branches. In addition, a Private Cloud for Enterprise service will offer clients more flexible customization of their cloud
environment. Concurrent with these updated service offerings, applications for existing ECL1.0 and ECL2.0 services outside Japan will close on October 31, and the
services themselves will be withdrawn in March 2022 and March 2023 respectively.

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NTT Ltd. (Japan) expands its hyperscale data center footprint in India
28
NTT Ltd.’s Global Data Centers division announced the expansion of its line of data center facilities with the launch of a new high-density and hyperscale data
center in Mumbai, the financial capital of India. The Mumbai 7 Data Center operates with 375,000 sq.ft of colocation space, and will offer the capacity to host 5000
racks and over 30 MW of load. The new Mumbai 7 Data Center facility will expand NTT Ltd.’s data center capacity (server room) in India by 30 percent. NTT
plans to invest around 2 billion dollars on the expansion of data centers, networks and solar power projects in India. This current data center footprint expansion
in India is part of the ongoing growth strategy of the Global Data Centers division which operates the third-largest data center platform in the world, with over 160
data centers spanning more than 20 countries and regions. The Mumbai 7 Data Center is operational with some marquee anchored customers on-board already.
The Mumbai 7 Data Center is the third hyperscale data center in Chandivali campus and is well connected by fiber from all four sides. Together NTT’s Mumbai
hub of data centers makes the Chandivali campus India’s first and largest operational hyperscale Data Center Park, which totals over 1,000,000 sq.ft., 13,000 racks
and 100 MW of load capacity.With NTT reinforcing their commitment to following sustainable best practices while growing their data centers platform, Global
Data Centers and Cloud Infrastructure division in India has launched its first 50 MW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Solapur, Maharashtra, which is built
in partnership with Tata Power, one of India’s largest integrated Power Company. The company’s new Solapur power plant is aimed at meeting 83% of the power
needed by the Mumbai data centers. The capacity can be expanded to generate another 50 MW solar power in the future.

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DOCOMO (Japan) Develops 5G X-Border Platform to Directly Connect
DOCOMO's Cloud with 5G Networks Overseas
29
NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced its new 5G X-Border Platform (5G-XBP) that directly connects the DOCOMO Open Innovation Cloud® platform with 5G networks
overseas using a dedicated network for closed communication walled off from the open Internet, allowing customers to use cloud services with confidence in secure
cross-border environments. DOCOMO will initially use the new platform to offer a global version of the AceReal® solution on a limited-time pre-service basis in
Thailand, which will allow technicians in Japan to remotely support worksites in Thailand beginning October 15. The solution will be provided via a dedicated cloud
network for secure, stable and high-quality communications. DOCOMO will collaborate with local mobile operator Advanced Info Services Public Company Limited
(AIS) to provide the service in Thailand.Thai-based workers wearing augmented-reality (AR) smart glasses will transmit images and sound to Japan in real time. In turn,
support technicians in Japan will provide highly detailed instructions, including manuals, images, checklists and other information, which the workers will view with
their smart glasses.The AceReal® global version solution includes the cloud-based AceReal Apps business-support application, AR smart glasses, communication lines
and the Cloud DirectTM service, which directly connect devices to DOCOMO's cloud platform via an optimized path for secure, stable, 5G communications. AceReal
Apps is offered via the DOCOMO Open Innovation Cloud platform.Later, DOCOMO will expand the 5G X-Border Platform globally to other markets and for other
solutions. Japanese companies are expected to use the solution to provide their onsite and local employees with support from Japan while avoiding the difficulties of
international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Primary applications will likely include support for product maintenance in the manufacturing sector and electricity
and gas facility inspections in the infrastructure sector.

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NTT Ltd. (Japan) accelerates Secure by Design Solutions
30
NTT Ltd., a world-leading global technology services provider, announced it is expanding its existing security services portfolio and reference
architectures with Cisco, to provide enhanced secure networking to organizations around the world. During the global pandemic and now into the
expected recovery phase, organizations need to move quickly to ensure their infrastructure, which was designed to support one way of working,
can now keep a new remote and distributed workforce connected, productive and secure. This requires a Secure by Design approach to ensure
agility, while at the same time not compromising the organization’s security posture.NTT Ltd.’s managed security services incorporate a Secure
Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture, which leverages the cloud-delivered firewall, now available with Cisco Umbrella, combined with
Cisco’s SD-WAN (Software Defined Wide Area Network). NTT Ltd. will continue to support Cisco’s on-premise Next-Generation Firewall
(NGFW) product and Firepower series appliances, across three global security services platforms: Threat Detection, Enterprise Security
Monitoring and Device Management. Enhanced by Cisco’s latest technologies, NTT Ltd.’s managed security services provide additional
protection by detecting unknown malicious activity through NTT Ltd.’s unique threat intelligence and AI detection capabilities. This will support
alert correlation activity, optimize security controls, and enable organizations to prioritize their vulnerabilities.

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Healthcare Providers Can Better Detect and Triage COVID-19 Cases
with NTT DATA’s AI Image Diagnostic Solution
31
NTT DATA, a recognized leader in global technology services, announced a solution to help the healthcare industry train artificial
intelligence (AI) to detect COVID-19 and accelerate care triage using AI for image diagnostic support. This solution is free to NTT
DATA clients and registered researchers who are using chest imaging to help identify asymptomatic patients and track disease
progression.NTT DATA’s Nucleus for Unified Clinical Architecture (UCA), one of the world’s largest hybrid cloud-based imaging
archives, allows providers around the world to contribute anonymized COVID-19 studies to promote research and development of
image diagnostic technologies with the use of AI. This data collection effort is an important step toward removing bias in AI training
and algorithm evaluation to increase accuracy, detect COVID-19 anomalies and understand pathological properties.This repository
of images is predicated on UCA’s Advocate AI offering, a solution designed to accelerate scientific discovery for developers and
providers so they can evaluate AI in all types of clinical imaging. Healthcare providers benefit from this solution which brings
together registered users for training and evaluation of AI tools through high quality curated public imaging studies and licensed
anonymized studies.

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JCB and NTT Com (Japan) to Demonstrate Multifunctional Mobile
Wallet App
32
JCB Co., Ltd., Japan's only international payment brand, and NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com), the ICT solutions and international communications
business within the NTT Group, announced that they will conduct a demonstration test for JCB Mobile Wallet (tentative name), a one-of-a-kind feature1 that guarantees
the original foreign currency exchange rates for a certain period. JCB and NTT Com personnel will participate in the test, which will be conducted until the end of
November, prior to the scheduled launch of commercial services in Japan and other Asian markets next year. The multifunctional app, which enables users to instantly
create JCB brand virtual prepaid cards, provides a range of useful services, including cashless payments, mobile remittances, account settings and map-based searches
for JCB merchants, for the convenience of international students, businesspeople and international residents in Japan. Features include:
Multi-Currency
Users can exchange home currency to 22 other currencies, with the choice of either a real-time rate or a guaranteed period rate. Guaranteed period rates are a
one-of-a-kind feature. Any currency not used within fourteen days is exchanged back at the original rate.
Multi-Account
Multiple sub-accounts are offered for families and businesses. For example, a parent could charge up the sub-account of a child studying abroad with money whenever
needed, 24/7. For corporate accounts, companies can easily manage the balance of sub-accounts when employees travel overseas on business.
Multi-Service
Many useful services are bundled with the app, such as reserving restaurants and taxis.

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Orange Campus Africa, Orange’s new African e-learning platform
33
Orange announces the launch of its online training platform "Orange Campus Africa" in partnership with the Virtual University of Senegal (UVS) during GSMA
Thrive Africa. Hosted at its data centre in Côte d’Ivoire, it was designed to bring together content from renowned partners in education and training in one place.
Since the beginning of the health crisis, Orange Middle East & Africa (Orange MEA) has stepped up its e-learning initiatives. From March to June, 15 of its
subsidiaries made mobile connections to selected courses provided by international and African partners free of charge.The advantages of this platform are the
adaptation of training to local contexts (cultural, economic, etc.), optimised access via a smartphone, mobile payment in local currencies for additional or premium
services (tutoring or certification, for example).African universities can rely on this platform to teach new topics, particularly related to technology and the digital
economy, which are essential for developing countries and to generate jobs. The platform also enables universities to monitor their students online, and even to
supplement training with virtual classes. This online and classroom teaching is an asset that should help increase the number of students and remove obstacles
related to the students’ geographical remoteness. Companies can also train their employees using training courses from universities or other companies (partners,
product suppliers, etc.).Orange Campus Africa offers courses from the virtual universities of Tunis and Senegal, the French digital universities UNIT (Engineering
and Technology) and AUNEGE (Economics and Management), the training firm Finafrique and EPITA Graduate School of Computer Science. A dozen other
European and African institutions have confirmed their desire to distribute their training very soon. In addition, Orange Labs offers training on the basics of
programming and the GSMA (the mobile operators’ association) also offers content on internet literacy to combat the digital divide.

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Proximus (Belgium) supports the eSIM from today
34
Proximus Enterprise customers who use phones that are compatible with the eSIM will no longer need to insert a physical SIM card to access the
network. As for residential customers, they will be able to activate the eSIM from October 19th. As its availability increases, the eSIM will make it
possible to streamline logistics processes and reduce plastic waste considerably.The eSIM is a SIM card that is integrated directly into a mobile phone
or another connected device such as a computer, tablet, watch or other wearable device. Once activated by Proximus, it works just like a regular SIM
card.The eSIM opens the door to all sorts of new customer experiences and in the future, it will be possible to offer a multitude of services for new
equipment ranges that integrate the eSIM.The eSIM can contain several profiles, which makes it possible to use several mobile phone numbers (e.g. a
private and a professional subscription, a subscription abroad, etc.). For phones that have the space for a physical SIM card and the eSIM, the latter can
be used as a second SIM, which is very convenient for users wishing to keep a private number separate from the business number, or for tourists.The
eSIM is now starting to be available on some last-generation devices. Here is a non-exhaustive list of devices that are already compatible:
• Apple: iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2020) & iPad 10.2.
• Samsung: Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G & Galaxy Z Flip.

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SES (Luxembourg) Advances Digital Transformation with Cloud-First
Strategy, Expanded Agreement
35
SES announced plans to significantly advance its digital transformation across its enterprise, operations and development of new services for the
cloud-scale era. As a cornerstone of the strategy, SES signed a multi-year agreement with Microsoft to be an Azure Orbital partner as well as to
accelerate and expand the use of Microsoft Azure across its operations and jointly develop cloud-based video and data connectivity managed services.
As an Azure Orbital partner, SES will be co-locating and managing O3b mPOWER gateways with Microsoft Azure locations so its customers are
always only “one-hop” away from their Azure cloud services anywhere in the world. In addition, SES customers will enjoy improved network
performance, speed-to-market, flexibility and scalability to route over Microsoft’s global network and inject value-added, cloud-based managed
services such as enhanced security, SD-WAN, and other network functions into the service chain. Additionally, to support customers migrating to the
cloud, SES has established a corporate cloud cross-functional team responsible for driving cloud adoption within its own enterprise and operations, and
defining, developing and launching seamless cloud, content and connectivity solutions across all of the company’s key market segments. These
cloud-based solutions will enable SES customers to enjoy the agility, flexibility and cost-optimisation they require in capitalising on new revenue
opportunities. Under the corporate cloud initiative, SES is also moving its IT systems and operations to cloud-based automated services and
applications.

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Singtel (Singapore) launches Singapore’s first 5G standalone trial
network for enterprises
36
Singtel has deployed the nation’s first 5G standalone (SA) trial network at its 5G Garage testing facility. The network, which utilises 3.5GHz spectrum
and Ericsson’s advanced Massive MIMO (Multiple-input multiple-output) technology to deliver ultra-fast speeds and low-latency or response times,
provides enterprises with early access to 5G to develop and trial 5G solutions.Global cloud gaming provider, Ubitus, is the first enterprise to use
Singtel’s 5G SA network for a 5G cloud gaming trial. The trial demonstrated a 5G cloud gaming experience that consistently delivered 85% lower
latency of between 8 to 11 milliseconds compared to cloud gaming on 4G. It was conducted on Singtel’s multi-access edge computing (MEC) platform
which integrates 5G’s ultra-low latency and high bandwidth capabilities with powerful cloud computing performance. This allows rich graphics to be
processed on dedicated servers and transferred directly to devices, significantly cutting lag times, which is critical to the gaming experience.5G and
MEC’s ability to integrate with technologies such as Internet of Things, analytics, robotics, artificial intelligence and augmented, virtual or mixed reality
enables enterprises across industries to leverage the low latency in applications requiring little or no lag times. These include remote surgery, smart
manufacturing, autonomous driving, remote robotic repair and maintenance and virtual reality-enabled live concerts. By removing the need for data to
be sent all the way to public clouds to be processed and sent back, MEC is not only able to better serve mission critical data connectivity, it also enables
enterprises to optimise their total cost of ownership for hosting, dedicated link provisioning and data transfer.

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SKT and Microsoft Launch SKT 5GX Cloud Game Powered by Xbox
Game Pass Ultimate
37
SK Telecom and Microsoft launched ‘SKT 5GX Cloud Game’powered by Xbox Game Pass Ultimate in Korea, making the country the first Asian market to offer Xbox’s cloud
gaming service.‘SKT 5GX Cloud Game’ powered by Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, is a sub__scription service that allows users to play more than 100 great games in the Xbox
Game Pass catalog for a monthly fee of KRW 16,700.The sub__scription will enable gamers to play the games they want, with the people they want, anywhere they want by
accessing the cloud server via Android phones or tablets. Users can also download and play Game Pass titles on their PCs and Xbox consoles as part of their sub__scription.
The service is also available to subscribers of other mobile carriers in Korea.SKT and Microsoft carried out the Project xCloud preview in Korea for about a year and found that
55 percent of users played cloud games at their homes via Wi-Fi connectivity, while the remaining 45 percent did so outside of their homes via mobile connectivity.SKT has
launched a bundled service named ‘Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Controller Pack,’ which provides a 12-month payment plan to purchase an Xbox dedicated controller along with
12 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership, priced at KRW 22,000 per month.Alongside the launch of Xbox’s new Xbox Series X and S console devices in November
2020, SKT will also begin offering Microsoft’s Xbox All Access (XAA) Bundle that provides access to a new next-generation console, combined with a 24-month Xbox Game
Pass Ultimate membership, via a more affordable monthly payment. SKT's 5G network, which offers super-fast speeds and ultra-low latency, will optimally support cloud
gaming services, turning them into one of the most popular services in the 5G era.The company has been developing and applying diverse innovative technologies to provide
a differentiated gaming experience through its 5G network.Earlier this year, the company applied pre-scheduling technology to its 5G network to maintain low network latency
by dramatically reducing initial access time so that users can enjoy cloud gaming in real-time.In addition, to seamlessly support cloud gamers who play while on the move, SKT
has been developing and applying 5G network optimization solutions that can reduce latency when hand-over occurs between base stations.

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Telstra (Australia) launches Adaptive Networks: the future of Data & IP
38
Telstra launched Adaptive Networks, a new suite of Enterprise network products that will change the way business customers think about data
connectivity. A key part of Telstra’s T22 strategy to build simplicity and flexibility into its products, Adaptive Networks will see Telstra release new
solutions including:
• Adaptive Connectivity: Flexible month-to-month, no-lock-in contracts with a choice of network and connectivity options, allowing customers to
adapt their technology at speed as their needs change.
• Adaptive SD-WAN: Investment in Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) capabilities to help customers harness the potential of hybrid
networking, and smart integration of 4G and 5G with fixed networks.
• Adaptive Core Networks: Investment in Telstra’s core networks, including expansion of Telstra’s flagship Next IP fibre network, Telstra
Programmable Network, NBN connectivity and 5G to enable a move toward API-based flexible IT infrastructure.
As companies around Australia grapple with the accelerating need to digitise every aspect of their organisation, their network – and increasingly
SD-WAN – are key enablers of transformation. Telstra Enterprise Group Executive Michael Ebeid said the benefits Adaptive Networks will give
customers – simplicity, choice and flexibility – have been made even more important due to the accelerated digital disruption triggered by the pandemic.

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New Inseego 5G MiFi hotspot delivers breakthrough performance on
Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband network
39
Verizon and Inseego announced the launch of the Inseego MiFi® M2100 5G UW mobile hotspot, built to deliver blazing-fast speeds across Verizon’s 5G Ultra
Wideband1 and 4G LTE network. This powerful combination of 4G and 5G connectivity plays a critical role in unlocking new and flexible connected experiences
required for today’s business and consumer applications.The MiFi M2100 5G UW is now available at Verizon for $16.66 per month for 24 months on Verizon
Device Payment (0% APR, $399.99 retail).Inseego’s proprietary, advanced antenna design, combined with the powerful Qualcomm® Snapdragon® X55 5G
modem, delivers a robust 5G connection to consumers and businesses accessing Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network. The Inseego MiFi M2100 will also support
Verizon’s 5G Nationwide network launching later this year.Superior connectivity with Wi-Fi 6: For households and businesses with multiple users vying for
bandwidth, the MiFi M2100 addresses Wi-Fi bottlenecks with the next generation of Wi-Fi technology, Wi-Fi 6, which provides a 4x increase in data throughput
per user, compared to Wi-Fi 5. The MiFi M2100 connects up to 30 devices over Wi-Fi and the option for a direct tethered connection using the USB-C port, so you
can bring 5G to your tablets, laptops and smartphones.Enterprise-grade security: Designed and developed in the USA, the MiFi M2100 provides multiple layers
of enhanced security to help protect your private data and defend against malware. IT departments can easily configure and control the settings for their
users.Charge up quickly for all-day connectivity: With a powerful 3500mAh removable battery for all-day performance, the MiFi M2100 can also be used as a
battery bank to charge a phone, tablet or other connected device. Power users will love the 8500mAh accessory battery (sold separately and available later this
year) for extended use.

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Verizon Media (USA) launches new platform capabilities designed to
evolve the live streaming experience
40
Verizon Media has announced a series of new Media Platform enhancements designed to evolve the live streaming experience. These include several
new capabilities that provide deeper fan engagement for live sports and services that address every streaming need. Additionally, the company has
launched Smartplay Prebid’s first integration with the Verizon Media Ad Platforms’ OTT Smart Auction.Verizon Media has partnered with Phenix Real
Time Solutions, marrying Verizon Media's global network, edge computing, and ad insertion expertise with Phenix's real-time streaming technology to
enable sub-second latency for live sports at scale. This capability has been critical in developing new services required by broadcasters, rights owners,
sports teams and leagues to deliver live sports in the stadium and to people’s homes.First, multi-camera viewing makes remote sporting events more
like in-venue experiences with the ability to see plays from any angle, immersing fans into the action. Real-time streaming also provides viewers with
brand new ‘watch together’ social experiences, such as co-viewing synchronized live streams, in-game trivia, and even wagering, allowing fans to host
virtual watch parties with family and friends. Yahoo Sports is an early example of a Verizon Media customer using these real-time streaming
features.Verizon Media has also announced the general availability of channel scheduling and syndication publishing, enabling media organizations to
schedule and curate channels, which can then be syndicated directly to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Twitch. With syndication, content owners have
access to even more significant audience reach through a single simplified workflow.

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Verizon (USA) and AWS bring Mobile Edge Computing to Atlanta,
New York and Washington D.C.
41
Starting, businesses and developers can build and deploy applications with AWS Wavelength at Verizon’s 5G Edge in three new
locations: Atlanta, New York and Washington, DC. Verizon and AWS launched the mobile edge computing (MEC) platform last
month in Boston and the Bay Area and plan to add five more cities by year end.Mobile edge computing moves the data and processing
done by the applications and services we use closer to the end user at the edge of the network. This shortens the roundtrip data needs
to travel, reducing lag time, or latency. By moving AWS compute and storage services to the edge of Verizon’s 5G Ultra-Wideband
network, innovators can develop applications with ultra-low latencies that will support next generation use cases ranging from
self-driving cars to autonomous industrial equipment. Customers are already testing their edge solutions in AWS Wavelength zones
at the edge of Verizon’s 5G network in multiple locations.Zixi’s Software-Defined Video Platform (SDVP) enables live
broadcast-quality video delivery over any IP network. The company’s currently testing how a major broadcaster’s 4K live broadcast
feed can be delivered over 5G using AWS Wavelength. The end game is to test how content providers can distribute live streams
across broadcast media workflows with super-low latency without the need for satellites.

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DISH (USA) named #1 in “Overall Customer Satisfaction” by J.D. Power
for third consecutive year
42
DISH earned the J.D. Power award for being #1 in “Overall Customer Satisfaction,” making it the third year in a row DISH has earned J.D. Power’s
national award in the “U.S. Residential Television Service Provider Satisfaction Study.” In addition, DISH is the most awarded brand nationally for
customer satisfaction with TV service by J.D. Power.In addition to earning #1 in “Overall Customer Satisfaction,” DISH ranked #1 in four of the key
study factors, including “Performance and Reliability,” “Cost of Service”, “Billing and Payment,” and “Customer Service.”DISH continues to update
its award-winning Hopper whole-home DVR platform with innovative features, such as incorporating Google Assistant technology into the DISH voice
remote, a Google Nest integration, and built-in apps, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, YouTube Kids and Pandora. DISH also offers more
than 80,000 on-demand titles in addition to DISH Anywhere, which gives customers streaming access to premium live, on-demand and recorded
content included with their service.Over the past few years, DISH also has introduced customer service features like “MyTech,” an online appointment
tool available via the MyDISH app, where customers receive personalized information about their service appointment, including the picture, name and
location of their DISH technician. The company also expanded its home entertainment installation services available to DISH customers, including TV
mounting, audio and in-home wireless network setup, cameras and smart-home devices.
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IPG (USA) Named Most Effective Holding Company at 2020 U.S. Effie
Awards
43
Interpublic Group announced that the company took top honors at last night’s virtual Effie U.S. Summit & Awards Gala.
For the fourth year in a row, IPG was recognized as Holding Company of the Year.Interpublic is values-based, data-fueled,
and creatively-driven. Major global brands include Acxiom, Craft, FCB (Foote, Cone & Belding), FutureBrand, Golin,
Huge, Initiative, Jack Morton, Kinesso, MAGNA, McCann, Mediahub, Momentum, MRM, MullenLowe Group,
Octagon, R/GA, UM and Weber Shandwick. Other leading brands include Avrett Free Ginsberg, Campbell Ewald,
Carmichael Lynch, Deutsch, Hill Holliday, ID Media and The Martin Agency.
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S. Korea’s KT Corp. Wins Top Global Awards in Telecom Industry Again
44
KT Corporation, South Korea’s largest telecommunications company, won the Greatest 5G Innovation and Telecom Service Innovation categories in annual awards
honoring the best telecom companies in the world.The recognition came at the 11th annual awards ceremony of Informa Telecoms & Media, a London ICT research
organization. The coveted global awards cite companies which have displayed extraordinary achievements and innovations. There are 14 categories in
telecommunications technologies and services, and network control, automation and security.The 5G World 2020 Awards reaffirmed KT’s prowess as a global leader in
the next-generation information and communications technology. In addition to Telecom Service Innovation and Greatest 5G Innovation, KT’s operations were high
enough to earn nominations in five other categories, including the Most Successful 5G Consumer Service, Most Innovative 5G Enterprise Partnership/Trial and Best
Network Automation Technology.In the Greatest 5G Innovation award for 2020 KT was honored for its Cloud Autonomous Driving. The category selects the most
innovative product that can lead the 5G industry through the use of new technologies and services in next-generation networks.KT’s Cloud Autonomous Driving,
developed as part of the government-initiated “Giga KOREA” project, enables real-time self-driving by uploading in real time the vehicle sensor data to KT’s cloud
platform and delivering the platform’s control information to the vehicle. This is a new service __create__d by integrating network slicing and edge computing to
self-driving. It satisfies the requirements for driverless driving through arithmetic operation performed by the platform, instead of vehicles.KT’s Global Epidemic
Prevention Platform (GEPP) earned it the Telecom Service Innovation award this year. The category brings to light outstanding novel solutions for resolving social issues
by means of innovative service using mobile technology, which can be easily benchmarked by peer companies.
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NTT (Japan) named as leader in IDC MarketScape for Worldwide
Managed Security Services 2020
45
NTT Ltd., a world-leading global technology services provider, has been named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Managed
Security Services (MSS) 2020 Vendor Assessment. The report emphasized the ease of doing business with NTT, and recognized NTT’s
threat intelligence and accurate threat detection capabilities. The report, which evaluated NTT Ltd. along with 17 other MSS providers,
noted that NTT has combined its resources and platform into one, with MSS offerings aligned to business-specific objectives and
cornerstone in the full life cycle of services. The IDC MarketScape highlights NTT’s modular approach, enabling NTT to tailor services
to client requirements and ultimately deliver value; support for hybrid IT and OT environments; and advanced analytics detecting the
proverbial needle in the haystack. Looking forward the IDC MarketScape also noted NTT’s continuous investment in R&D and
automated platforms.With a global footprint of Security Operations Centers (SOCs) and R&D centers, and a comprehensive view of the
dark web, NTT Ltd. is recognized for its visibility into a vast portion of the world’s internet traffic. This gives NTT Ltd. access to log,
event, attack, incident and vulnerability data, allowing threat intelligence gathering to help clients detect, mitigate and respond to
breaches quickly.
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NTT Communications (Japan) Honored in Two Categories by the Frost &
Sullivan 2020 Asia Pacific Best Practices Awards Program
46
NTT Communications Corporation, the information and communications technology (ICT) solutions business within the NTT Group, announced that it was
recognized as the award recipient for 2020 Japan IoT Service Provider of the Year and 2020 Japan Data Center Service Provider of the Year by the Frost & Sullivan
2020 Asia Pacific Best Practices Awards program.the Frost & Sullivan Asia-Pacific ICT Awards are now combined to the Frost & Sullivan Asia-Pacific Best
Practices Awards program and this recognizes companies in a variety of regional and global markets that demonstrate outstanding achievement and superior
performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. To identify best practices in respective
industries each year, industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary
research.NTT Com was named 2020 Japan IoT Service Provider of the Year for the second year in a row. NTT Com supports the digital transformations of
customers through its Things Advisory™ service for consulting on IoT implementation and data utilization/analysis, Things Coordination™ service for designing
and building IoT systems tailored to each customer, Things Management™ service for one-stop IoT system management based on NTT Com's unique know-how
as an ICT services provider, and Things Cloud® IoT platform service for customized visualization and functions/templates for IoT implementation.2020 Japan
Data Center Service Provider of the Year award is understood to acknowledge NTT Com's efforts to support customers with Nexcenter™ data center services,
managed services and Flexible InterConnect, secure connections to various clouds, as well as the company's newly opened Nexcenter Lab™ where customers and
partners can collaborate on new business creation.
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NTT Ltd. (Japan) recognized in 2020 Splunk Global Partner Awards
47
NTT Ltd., a world-leading global technology services provider, announced it has received the 2020 Global Alliance
Partner of the Year award for exceptional performance and commitment to Splunk’s Partner+ Program. The 2020 Global
Alliance Partner of the Year award recognizes a global Splunk partner who exemplifies the true meaning of partnership
and alliance. Technical integrations, joint selling, unique offerings, joint marketing, and demonstrated customer
satisfaction are key elements in determining Splunk’s Alliance Partner of the Year. The Splunk Partner Awards recognize
partners of the Splunk ecosystem for industry-leading business practices and dedication to constant collaboration. All
award recipients were selected by a group of the Splunk executives, theater leaders and the global partner organization.
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Singtel (Singapore) named Employer of Choice in Asia
48
Singtel has been recognised as the Employer of Choice in Asia at the recent HR Fest Awards 2020 for being an all-rounder in its HR practices. The company was lauded for its
excellent work-life balance initiatives, rewards schemes, diversity and inclusion policies, talent management, succession planning and training and development
programmes.Singtel, which has a 24,000-strong workforce, takes a holistic approach to professional employee development. The company is investing more than S$45 million
over three years to deepen its employees’ digital skills and launched #CURIOUS, a digital learning platform, that provides employees with a customised learning experience at
their convenience with access to more than 100,000 courses covering topics like technology, management and personal growth. Professional Conversion Programmes have
helped over 600 employees in the past two years upskill and move on to new roles in the rapidly evolving work landscape. In addition, Singtel invests in attracting talent with
diverse experience and capabilities, and nurturing high-calibre employees for future management roles.Singtel also places emphasis on the importance of work-life balance.
The company has a range of comprehensive medical services, recreational and wellness activities that focus on supporting employees’ physical, mental and emotional
well-being. When COVID-19 hit and work-from-home provisos were implemented, Singtel organised virtual activities and townhalls, and took its annual learning festival
online so that employees continued to stay engaged and connected even though they were apart. It also launched the ‘EXperience’ platform to take pulse checks on employee
sentiment to help identify areas of concern as part of the ongoing employee communications. Singtel has been measuring and building employee engagement, recognising its
correlation to customer satisfaction and ultimately business results. Its unflagging efforts and initiatives to improve the Singtel employee experience across the board and
respond to employee feedback have been reflected in low absenteeism, increased training hours per employee and declining turnover rates in the past two years.
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ElevenPaths achieves Microsoft’s Gold Security Competency status
49
ElevenPaths, the cybersecurity company part of Telefónica Tech, announced that it has achieved Microsoft Gold Security Competency status. By attaining the Security
Competency, ElevenPaths validates that it has deep technical and managerial competence as well as the skills, experience, and credibility necessary to design, engineer,
implement, and manage its customers’information security programs based on Microsoft solutions to guard against today’s sophisticated cyberthreats. Data security threats and
regulatory compliance requirements are more challenging than ever, and talent adequately skilled in security is important. That means many organizations will count on partners
to secure their business-critical systems and data. That’s why Microsoft introduced in 2019 the Security Competency in Partner Center, to recognize partners who have
demonstrated advanced skill and capability in delivering security solutions on the Microsoft platform—and continue to enhance that capability. The Security Competency
distinguishes partners who are best prepared to help customers protect information, implement identity and access management, and defend against cybersecurity
threats.Earning Microsoft’s Security Competency status builds on ElevenPaths partnership with Microsoft and the new global framework for strategic collaboration between
Telefonica and Microsoft. Last month ElevenPaths was awarded for the second consecutive year by Microsoft Iberia as Best Security Partner in Spain, as part of Microsoft
2020 Partner of the Year Awards at Microsoft Inspire annual event. Moreover in February of this year, Microsoft Corp. and Telefónica announced plans to further expand their
global strategic partnership to accelerate digital transformation for public and private entities of all sizes. And six months after this strategic agreement to open a data center
region in Spain to help accelerate the country's digital competitiveness, the two multinationals have already defined the first joint services that they will implement to help
remove the entry barriers that Spanish SMEs face when they begin to digitize.
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Telefónica (Spain) Awarded at Amazon Business Exchange Awards for
driving sustainability in its supply chain
50
Telefónica received the Sustainable Procurement Award at the Amazon Business Exchange Awards 2020, celebrated at the Amazon Business Exchange
(ABX2020) online event. These awards are aimed at leaders and organizations that are driving exceptional change and digital transformation, optimizing supply
chains, helping teams implement more modern ways of working to save costs, removing barriers and creating inclusive environments in their procurement. This
award is granted to Telefónica for promoting sustainability in its supply chain, which makes it stand out as a benchmark in this area. In recent years, Telefónica has
gone from a relationship focused on requiring its suppliers to comply with certain standards, to a relationship based on a mutual commitment to sustainability, with
the conviction that this represents a benefit for the entire society. Thus, it establishes a collaboration with its strategic suppliers that promotes innovation in terms
of sustainability. This is the case of its program to reduce by at least 30% the emissions in the supply chain per euro purchased before 2025 (in the last three years
they have decreased by 24%). In addition, Telefónica, together with its suppliers, also promotes the circular economy by sharing a digital system for waste
management or promoting the eco-design of equipment and devices, among others.It is also important to highlight in Telefónica's sustainability policy its support
for local suppliers as a fundamental element of the economic recovery. Specifically, last year it awarded them 83% of its purchase volume - about 20,000 million
euros. In parallel, Telefónica works to make its processes more efficient, relying on new technologies and end-to-end digitization of the entire purchasing process
(source to pay). Among other initiatives, this year it has launched a pilot with Amazon Business in Spain and Germany, for specific low-value purchases.
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Three awards for Telenor’s Digital Birth Registration project
51
Telenor’s Digital Birth Registration project has been awarded three prizes at the recent Ad Stars 2020 Awards. In addition
to receiving the Gold Award for Innovate Use of Mobile Devices, the project also won Bronze and Crystal in the Human
Rights and Crystal in Public Service & Awareness categories respectively.Telenor Pakistan launched the Digital Birth
Registration project in collaboration with UNICEF and local government in 2016. The express aim of the project is to
digitally enhance the conventional birth registration process, giving Pakistani children the right to identity and improving
their access to essential services and securities. The program empowers unregistered children with legal documentation,
opening doors of inclusion and opportunities. To date, almost 1 million unregistered Pakistani children have been digitally
registered through the project.
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Mobilink Microfinance Bank Wins Best MicroFinance Bank of the Year
at CFA Society Pakistan
52
VEON Ltd., a leading global provider of connectivity and digital services, announces that Mobilink Microfinance Bank Limited
(MMBL), part of mobile operator Jazz, has won the Best MicroFinance Bank (Digital) of the Year Award from the CFA Society in
Pakistan. The award was the result of a stringent process that involved a panel of judges from the CFA Society ranking the bank across a
number of criteria. MMBL is Pakistan's largest digital bank with over 20 million registered and over 8 million monthly active digital
wallets. The bank started operations in April 2012 and launched branch-less banking operations under the brand name JazzCash in
partnership with Pakistan's largest telecom operator Jazz, one of VEON’s operating companies, in November 2012. The award was
announced at the 17th Annual Excellence Awards Ceremony, held last Friday in Karachi. The event was attended by Dr. Reza Baqir,
Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, as the Chief Guest, who presented the award to Mobilink Microfinance Bank. Previously
Mobilink Microfinance Bank also won the “Bank of the Unbanked” award consecutively for two years 2018 and 2019 from The Institute
of Banking Pakistan (IBP)
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Verizon (USA) recognized as leader in Managed SD WAN Services
Worldwide in IDC MarketScape report
53
International Data Corporation (IDC), the premier global provider of market intelligence, recognizes Verizon as a leader in the IDC MarketScape:
Worldwide Managed SD WAN 2020 Vendor Assessment report1. Software-defined wide area networking (SD WAN) is a way for companies to create
secure network connections utilizing a wide variety of underlying network technologies - commercial internet, wireless, private IP, etc.Verizon has been
a global innovator in SD WAN since the inception of the technology. Verizon was first to market with a global SD WAN offer and a viable virtualized
only approach to network function deployment across cloud and uCPE. The IDC MarketScape noted Verizon’s demonstrated commercial success with
a well-rounded portfolio and that Verizon is at the forefront in innovation related to virtualized network architectures. That commitment to innovation
and ability to deploy globally was key to Verizon’s five year partnership with Bayer to connect and manage 700 sites in 91 countries with SD WAN and
world class MPLS. Verizon's vision for the technology includes extending SD WAN over 5G and into mobile edge compute to enable emerging edge
use cases and new services for customers.In the latest RootMetrics’ 1H 2020 US State of the Mobile Union report, Verizon’s network was awarded best
overall and won or tied six of seven award categories, including overall network performance, reliability, data, call and text as well as the brand new
“network accessibility” category.
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Bell (Canada) expanding rural broadband to more locations with faster
speeds
54
Bell announced a further acceleration of its Wireless Home Internet rollout in rural Canada, including an expansion of enhanced
50/10 speeds to even more locations.Bell is on track to deliver WHI coverage to almost 50% of our target footprint by the end of 2020
with service for an additional 80,000 rural homes. More than 350,000 homes will have immediate access to enhanced 50/10 Internet
access speeds (50 Megabits per second download/10 Mbps upload).Exclusive to Bell, the innovative WHI service leverages Bell's
fibre and wireless networks to efficiently deliver broadband Internet access to smaller towns, rural communities and other
hard-to-reach locations. WHI is already available to approximately 400,000 households in Ontario and Québec and is expected to
ultimately reach a million homes in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Québec,
Ontario and Manitoba.In response to COVID-19, Bell accelerated its WHI rollout plan to 137,000 more locations than originally
planned. In July, Bell also announced it was doubling WHI download speeds to 50/10 this fall for approximately 300,000 homes and
beginning our rollout in Atlantic Canada.
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Charter (USA) Launches Wireless Internet Backup for Spectrum
Business Customers
55
Charter Communications, Inc. announced the launch of Wireless Internet Backup for Spectrum Business customers throughout the company’s 41-state
footprint. Designed to enhance and protect internet service for small- and medium-sized businesses, Wireless Internet Backup helps businesses stay
connected in the event of the uneAvailable as an add-on solution for all standard Spectrum Business Internet speeds, Wireless Internet Backup provides a
redundant LTE connection, protecting against disruptions in internet connectivity that can happen during a power outage.In the event of a network disruption,
the system automatically activates to seamlessly deliver a wireless connection with unlimited usage and no overage fees, allowing businesses to maintain use
of critical devices, such as point-of-sale systems and other necessary applications.xpected.Charter Communications, Inc. is a leading broadband connectivity
company and cable operator serving more than 30 million customers in 41 states through its Spectrum brand. Over an advanced communications network,
the company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.For small and
medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to
enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum
Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The company also distributes award-winning news coverage, sports
and high-quality original programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals.
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DISH (USA) chooses Nokia cloud-native, 5G standalone Core software to
build U.S. 5G network with scale, performance, and efficiency
56
Nokia announced that DISH Network has chosen Nokia’s cloud-native, standalone Core software products to help it build the most
advanced, disruptive, fully-automated, cloud-native 5G network in the U.S. with high-level scale, performance, and efficiency.The
deal follows months of joint testing as Nokia and DISH proved their respective “any cloud” capabilities in multiple cloud
environments, along with Nokia’s ability to integrate and deliver a fully cloud-native, containerized, end-to-end solution.The
agreement includes subscriber data management, device management, packet core, voice and data core, as well as integration
services. Nokia will also deliver additional cloud-native products that will provide 4G, 5G standalone and Voice over Wi-Fi access to
core network functions.These products will provide DISH the speed, agility, intelligence, and security to deliver new 5G-era services,
while cost-effectively managing its network with near zero-touch automation and adherence to Service Level Agreements.Nokia
leads the market in core network deployments, with 25 of the top 40 communication service providers relying on Nokia Core network
products.
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Polish police implements deaf-friendly communication system thanks to
cooperation with NTT Ltd.
57
NTT Ltd., a world-leading global technology services provider announced it has implemented in Poland a system for sign language speakers, so
that they easily communicate with police officers. The videoconferencing system, which is part of the recently completed project of modernization
of key communication systems in the Polish Police, allows disabled people to ask for help, give statements or explanations in a convenient way.
Communication services dedicated to deaf people are based on personal video devices available in each territory and municipal police unit.
Through the e-services portal, a connection with the on-duty officer can be established from anywhere - all you need is a computer or a phone with
a camera. In the connection, in addition to the officer, a sign language interpreter is involved, communication takes place in real time. For people
with disabilities, it is a significant change. From now on, deaf people do not have to physically show up at the local police station, all matters can
be dealt with remotely. This also applies to submitting explanations or interrogations as the calls are protected against unauthorized access, and
call recording allows for their re-enactment.The project of modernization of the OST112 communication system of the Police enabled the creation
of an integrated portal of electronic services, allowing for faster and more effective contact with officers. Reporting cases by deaf people with the
participation of a sign language interpreter is also possible directly in the above-mentioned Police units.
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NTT Ltd. (Japan) upgrades network infrastructure for Smartfren in
Indonesia to deliver Next-Generation connectivity
58
NTT Ltd., a leading global technology services company announced the completion of an end-to-end network consolidation project for Smartfren
Telecom (Smartfren), a telecommunication services provider headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia. The telecommunication company’s legacy network
infrastructure was straining to meet the demands for ultra-low latency connections and needed network solutions that scale with bandwidth demands
and improve time-to-market. To address the challenges, NTT Ltd. conducted a thorough assessment before integrating a software-defined network
(SDN) optimized routing platform from Cisco ASR 9000 series and F5 Intelligent DNS. With industry leading bandwidth capacity, Cisco ASR 9000
series is designed to help service providers to be 5G ready and distribute 5G services and applications at the edge. F5 Intelligent DNS scale reference
architecture complements by providing a strong DNS foundation to respond faster and provide hyperscale on demand. It considers a variety of network
conditions and distributes requests for optimal application and network performance. From provision to deployment and integration, NTT Ltd. managed
the full lifecycle of the project and provided post-implementation support. Upon completion, the Managed Services team then facilitated a smooth
transition to take over system operations and maintenance. The successful implementation provided Smartfren with the capacity to scale and built a
roadmap to futureproof its business to cater to future demands. The flexible consumption model also helps lower operational costs for Smartfren, while
accelerating service agility.
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Proximus (Belgium) selects Nokia and Ericsson as partners to roll out its
mobile network of the future
59
Proximus announces that Nokia has been selected to upgrade the Mobile Radio Access network (RAN) equipment. Ericsson has been selected as Proximus’ main partner
for the modernization of its Mobile Data Core network. This new-generation equipment will enable Proximus to consolidate its position as the undisputed leader in
mobile networks in Belgium and to build the 5G network of the future. Last year, Proximus started the process on the foreseen renewal of its Mobile RAN and Core
equipment, with the objective to ensure its leading position in mobile networks, and in the future. For the RAN part, Nokia has been selected to progressively modernize
Proximus’ existing 2G/3G/4G network by 2023. In parallel, Nokia will be a key partner in the deployment of the 5G network. For the Mobile Data Core part, Ericsson
has been selected as it stands out with its dual-mode 5G Core. This state-of-the-art solution is cloud native by design and supports 5G NR Stand-Alone (SA) and
Non-Standalone (NSA), 4G, 3G and 2G technologies. The choice for Nokia and Ericsson follows a thorough competitive selection process, based on technological,
operational, financial and environmental criteria.Proximus is the first and only operator in Belgium to have launched a public 5G network. Six months after launch, 5G
is available at 110 different sites in 62 cities and municipalities, mainly in Flanders, with a further extension foreseen in the coming months. Simultaneously, Proximus
actively explores the possibilities of 5G for industrial applications in different industries, supported by the temporary licenses allocated mid-summer by the regulator,
and working with different partners including Port of Antwerp, Brussels Airport and public broadcaster VRT. In order to further accelerate the development of 5G use
cases, Proximus is also launching a dedicated 5G innovation platform where it will collaborate with the different players in the market, both local and international, to
develop relevant innovative solutions that answer today’s societal and business needs.
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Canada’s First and Largest 5G Network Continues to Expand, Reaching
Five New Cities and Towns in Ontario
60
Rogers Communications announced it has launched 5G on Canada’s most trusted and reliable network in Ajax, Burlington, Grimsby, Oakville and Whitby,
Ontario, bringing consumers and businesses the very best in mobile wireless technology to their own neighbourhoods and business parks. Rogers 5G, powered by
Ericsson, is the largest 5G network in Canada, now reaching 25 cities and towns in Ontario and more than 60 across Canada2. These expansions build on the
company’s January roll out of 5G in downtown Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver.Expected to be the most transformative technology since wireless
services were introduced in 1985, 5G will make real-time connectivity a reality, accelerating the transition to a truly digitally connected world. Rogers 5G is
currently accessible to customers on Rogers Infinite plans and unlimited business wireless plans with select 5G-ready devices. More than two million Canadians
are now on Rogers Infinite unlimited data plans, representing the most customers of any wireless provider in Canada with no overage fees. Customers can purchase
new devices at $0 and 0% interest with device financing.Over time, 5G will introduce new capabilities that are significantly more advanced than previous
generations of wireless technology. With ultra-low latency, the lag between sending a request and the network responding will theoretically drop to one
millisecond, 400 times faster than the blink of an eye. This will allow for a massive increase in the number of connected devices and a range of capabilities and
applications that require quick responsiveness. From network slicing to give first responders a dedicated network, to wireless sensors that monitor farmers’ soil
conditions saving them time and money, to using virtual reality that enhances the retail customer experience, to multi-player lag-free gaming on the go – 5G will
deliver a world of possibilities.
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Rogers (Canada) and City of Fredericton Launch First 5G Network in
Atlantic Canada
61
Rogers Communications and the City of Fredericton announced 5G is now available on Canada’s most trusted and reliable network in Fredericton, New
Brunswick. Rogers 5G network, powered by Ericsson, is the largest in Canada, now in more than 60 cities and towns across the country and reaching more markets
by year-end. Rogers has also partnered with Ignite Fredericton on providing 5G to its Innovation Lab at the Cyber Centre in Knowledge Park, which will be run
by CyberNB.Building on the company’s national roll out, Rogers 5G network will bring consumers and businesses the very best in wireless technology to
neighbourhoods and business parks.Expected to be the most transformative technology since wireless services were introduced in 1985, 5G will deliver real-time
connectivity leading to a truly digitally connected world. Rogers 5G is accessible to customers on Rogers Infinite plans and the Rogers for Business Unlimited
Data plan with select 5G-ready devices. More than two million Canadians are now on Rogers Infinite unlimited data plans, representing the most customers of any
wireless provider in Canada with no overage fees. Customers can purchase new devices at $0 and 0% interest with Rogers Device Financing.Over time, 5G will
introduce new capabilities that are significantly more advanced than previous generations of wireless technology. With ultra-low latency, the lag between sending
a request and the network responding will theoretically drop to one millisecond, 400 times faster than the blink of an eye. This will allow for a massive increase in
the number of connected devices and a range of capabilities and applications that require quick responsiveness. From network slicing to give first responders a
dedicated network, to wireless sensors that monitor farmers’ soil conditions saving them time and money, to using virtual reality that enhances the retail customer
experience, to multi-player lag-free gaming on the go – 5G will deliver a world of possibilities.
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Healthcare services use BlueJeans by Verizon (USA) to accelerate
telehealth and improve patient outcomes
62
BlueJeans by Verizon announced that customers including the University of Louisville, Amicus Therapeutics, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation
Trust and Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust are deploying BlueJeans to drive healthcare transformation. Using BlueJeans video
conferencing for telehealth services, patient-to-family communication, internal collaboration, education and patient advisory boards, hospitals,
healthcare and life sciences organizations are able to help improve patient outcomes through providing care remotely in a manner that helps support
adherence to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or similar patient privacy requirements.In direct response to customer
demand, BlueJeans worked with Epic APIs to engineer a BlueJeans integration with Epic. Now in the Epic App Orchard, the BlueJeans integration with
Epic seamlessly connects healthcare providers and patients into a secure video session, launched directly from MyChart or MyChart Mobile. The use
of high-definition video and Dolby Voice audio improves the clarity of visual and spoken communications. In addition, with enhanced privacy measures
such as meeting passwords, locked meetings, and enterprise-grade encryption, BlueJeans helps provide peace of mind for patients and providers.
Initiated through Epic's Context-Aware Link (CAL) workflows, where available, this engineered method supports a variety of endpoint experiences to
allow healthcare providers and patients to readily meet in a unique and secure telehealth visit over the internet—from virtually any device, time and
location.
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Sky Broadband becomes Official Broadband Partner of Call of Duty®: Black
Ops Cold War
63
Sky Broadband is the Official Broadband Partner of Call of Duty®: Black Ops Cold War, giving all Sky Broadband and TV customers access to the
game’s much-coveted Beta codes and exclusive goodies via Sky VIP, Sky’s free to join loyalty programme.With average download speeds of 59 Mbps,
Sky Broadband Superfast is perfect for gamers, and with a Speed Guarantee as standard, they’ll get the speed they were promised, or money back. All
Sky VIP customers can get special access to the Multiplayer Beta game and be some of the first people in the UK to experience the latest Call of Duty
action by registering in the Sky VIP section of the My Sky app. Any Sky customers who aren’t already a Sky VIP member can download the My Sky
app and join Sky VIP for free.With the full game launching on 13th November, the #1 selling series in Call of Duty history will return to fans around
the globe with the all-new Call of Duty®: Black Ops Cold War, set in the early 1980s, Black Ops Cold War will bring Cold War weapons and equipment
into the next generation of Black Ops Multiplayer combat, and an all-new co-operative gameplay experience with Zombies.Sky VIPs will also get a
chance to win great gaming prizes when the game is released in November, including games console bundles, premium and standard copies of the game,
and COD Points for the top performers.Sky customers can register for their Beta code now from the Sky VIP section in My Sky app, ahead of the Beta
going live in October. Beta codes will be released by 8th October and are available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.
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Spectrum Enterprise Powers New Esports Arena for St. Mary’s University
64
St. Mary’s University has teamed with Spectrum Enterprise to power the cutting-edge new home of the Rattlers’ varsity Esports program. The
partnership announced establishes the Spectrum Esports Arena and expands the role Spectrum Enterprise services have played on the campus for
nearly a decade. Spectrum Enterprise has provided the arena with a dedicated Fiber Internet Access (FIA) circuit to meet the demands of
data-intensive video-streaming applications and optimize the gaming experience.The Rattler Esports Program will begin competition in the fall,
competing in intercollegiate varsity play under Head Coach Kaitlin Teniente. A long-standing esports leader, Teniente was named the team’s Head
Esports Coach in March, making her the first woman heading up a collegiate varsity esports program in Texas.Spectrum Enterprise has provided
St. Mary’s new resources to bolster connectivity and increase internet speeds for the campus community, offering an additional 2 gigabits per
second bandwidth link that will soon increase to 5 gigabits per second allocated for the Spectrum Esports Arena.St. Mary’s is actively looking to
complete its inaugural varsity roster for the fall 2020 semester. Casual gaming and intramural opportunities will also exist for students to enjoy the
Spectrum Esports Arena. The Spectrum Esports Arena is located in the heart of the St. Mary’s campus in the University Center.
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Comcast (USA) NBCUniversal, BUILD.org Partner on Digital Curriculum
for Under-Resourced Students
65
BUILD and Comcast NBCUniversal are introducing a new virtual digital curriculum to help teachers and out of school providers as students struggle to adapt
to remote learning across the country.BUILD's COVID-19 Virtual Design Challenge will inspire high school students nationwide to leverage technology to
create entrepreneurial solutions for today's challenges. BUILD and Comcast are committed to using their resources to level the playing field for all students,
regardless of zip code or income. To increase open opportunity nationwide, they are asking educators, mentors, and nonprofits to sign up for the challenge
and for everyone to share the curriculum with their network.This new curriculum is a key part of BUILD's new partnership with Comcast. As a media and
technology company, Comcast believes in the power of the technology to facilitate economic opportunity.The challenge expands upon BUILD's expertise in
creating experiential learning for students, complete with the guidance of facilitators and trainings offered to schools, nonprofits, and teachers in search of
engaging, culturally responsive, project-based digital content that inspires innovation with Black and Latinx youth.In response to the lack of quality culturally
relevant digital content, the curriculum invites the user to explore the real stories of people in under-resourced communities of color who have been most
impacted by the effects of COVID-19. The website is mobile app enabled, allowing students to access through either their Chromebook or cell phone.
Additional educator support includes a Teacher's Guide, a back-end Google Classroom and Teacher Orientation Sessions to assist with facilitation of the
challenge to students.
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Universal Pictures Announces First-Look Production Partnership With The
Springhill Company
66
Universal Pictures announced the studio has entered into a four-year first-look production agreement with The SpringHill Company, the global consumer and entertainment
brand built by NBA superstar LeBron James and co-founder Maverick Carter. The announcement was made by Donna Langley, Chairman, Universal Filmed Entertainment
Group.Universal has been collaborating with James, Carter and The SpringHill Company team, which includes Jamal Henderson, Chief Content Officer, and Spencer Beighley,
Head of Film, for several years already and have multiple projects in various stages of development. The studio and SpringHill’s partnership started on theUntitled LeBron
James Project, which is based on the book “Shooting Stars” by James and Buzz Bissinger and other events in James’ life. The film adaptation of “Shooting Stars,” which The
SpringHill Company is producing with Terence and Rachel Winter, will be directed by Chris Robinson and was written by Frank E. Flowers with current revisions by Tony
Rettenmaier&Juel Taylor. Taylor is an alumnus of the Universal Writers Program that identifies up-and-coming and experienced screenwriters with unique points of view that
build upon the Studio’s commitment to telling stories and creating films that reflect the vast diversity of its audiences. Additional SpringHill projects include New Kid, based
on the first graphic novel to win the Newbery Medal by Jerry Craft, and the newly announced Catch the Wave, based on an original pitch by Ali Kinney.The SpringHill
Company is a global consumer and entertainment brand created to empower greatness in every individual. The SpringHill Company unites three companies built by James and
Carter: UNINTERRUPTED, the athlete empowerment media and consumer product company, SpringHill Entertainment, the premium scripted and unscripted film and
television production company and The Robot Company, the brand and culture consultancy. With a dynamic and diverse team committed to creating the most culturally inspired
brands, entertainment and products, The SpringHill Company is built to be the defining brand for a new generation.
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NBC Olympics and Twitter Extend Content Partnership to Include Both
Tokyo and Beijing Olympics
67
NBC Olympics and Twitter have extended the innovative content partnership both parties announced in 2019 to include the postponed Tokyo Olympics set for the summer of 2021 and the Beijing Olympic Winter Games
in February 2022.Most elements of the extension mirror the original agreement, which was announced solely for Tokyo 2020 in July 2019.Now, both parties will work together to amplify NBC Olympics’ vast coverage
of both Tokyo and Beijing by creating daily, original programming on Twitter live from the host city, a daily poll that will allow fans on Twitter to choose one live look-in to NBC’s Primetime or Primetime Plus broadcasts
each night, and real-time video highlights throughout each competition day.Through these initiatives, NBC Olympics and Twitter will connect Twitter’s engaged audience in the United States to the Olympic athletes, the
host city, and the Games’ most unforgettable moments while simultaneously driving them to NBC Olympics’ massive multi-platform presentation of the Summer and Winter Games.As with the original agreement, NBC
Olympics will lead the sales process for this unique two-Games content, with Twitter providing sales resources, giving advertisers another avenue to connect to its coverage of the Games and to Twitter’s valuable audience.
Highlights of the agreement include:
• Original Live Studio Program: Every morning from Tokyo, NBC Olympics will produce a 20-minute original studio program live from the host city, exclusively on Twitter, that will focus on highlights, athlete
interviews, and the happenings in and around the host city, as well as some of the best reactions to the Games on Twitter. NBC Olympics will also produce a similar daily program for Twitter, with elements live from
Beijing.
• Daily Live Look–Ins Powered by Twitter Vote: For the first time, Olympic fans will have the opportunity to watch a daily live look-in of NBC Olympics’ Primetime or Primetime Plus coverage on Twitter — and
even decide which athlete, sport or moment they’d like to watch by voting in a daily Twitter poll announced during the morning’s live show.
• Real-Time Highlights: During the both Summer and Winter Games, NBC Olympics will clip many of the most memorable and engaging moments of the day and publish them on Twitter throughout each competition
day, including some Spanish-language clips. Highlights will include medal-winning moments as well those from the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
• Pre-Games Content: Beginning in June 2021 and counting down until the Tokyo Opening Ceremony on July 23, 2021, NBC Olympics will provide Twitter with real-time highlights of its Olympic sport coverage,
including the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. A similar countdown will be used for Beijing 2022.
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Dentsu(Japan) and Toyota Launch New Companies for Marketing Innovation
and Mobility Business Creation
68
Dentsu Inc. announced that further to the agreement reached between Dentsu Group Inc. and Toyota Motor Corporation to launch a new business structure, effective from
January 2021 (scheduled), it will work together with Toyota and Toyota's subsidiary Delphys Inc. to promote and accelerate Toyota's marketing innovation and business
creation.With advances in such areas as CASE (connected, autonomous, shared, electric) and Mobility as a Service (MaaS), we are approaching an era in which all of
the things and services that support people's lives are connected by information. Toyota is looking ahead to this era and currently is taking on the challenge of creating
business models that bring new value and happiness to its customers.Dentsu, meanwhile, has provided a large number of people-based integrated marketing
communications and digital domain solutions to various industries both in Japan and overseas. The new business structure to be launched will integrate the strengths of
Delphys, which specializes in automotive marketing and in the domain of retail centered on automotive sales, with Dentsu's knowledge and know-how in order to
speedily promote the transformation of Toyota's business model. As a result, it will pursue Toyota's: innovation of communication toward brand-building that generates
exceptional customer trust, innovation of marketing that anticipates changes of the times, such as the advancement of a digital society, and 3) challenge of executing
business in a mobility society. Instead of using conventional methods, the aim is to go beyond the realm of automobile manufacturers and advertising agencies by
accurately grasping information such as customer situations and needs, developing new businesses, and proposing them to the world.Dentsu will participate in the new
business structure as a "business growth partner" and will promote marketing and the business transformation of client companies.
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The Explorers Club & Discovery (USA) Announce First Wave Of Grants To
Fund An Array Of Scientific Expeditions
69
The Explorers Club and Discovery Channel announced the award of approximately a quarter of a million dollars to five exceptional explorers,
researchers, and scientists who are planning expeditions in the fields of marine and conservation biology, archaeology, anthropology, and planetary
science across the globe. The announcement is the first of multiple grants being awarded yearly through a new partnership with Discovery.Spanning
the globe and from a diverse cross-section of explorers, the thrilling expeditions focus on everything from the impact of plastic on sharks of the
Mediterranean, the “real-life” Tom Sawyer shipwreck, the Nenets reindeer herders on the Siberian tundra, the thousands of bats that dwell in El Salitre
cave in Mexico, and using drones to search for the chemistry of life in a Mars-like Arctic field site.Dozens of proposals from all six continents were
vetted by The Explorers Club scientific community, ensuring the highest standard of expedition projects and scientists. Those selected represent a new
era in exploration where local and indigenous cultures are included in the planning and implementation of fieldwork.The content from these
Discovery-funded expeditions, as well as films, documentaries, and social media highlighting the work of The Explorers Club members, will be
featured on the Discovery Channel and its digital platforms, promoting The Explorers Club mission on a global scale.The six grantees who comprise
the first class of recipients will receive approximately $250,000 collectively to fund their expeditions.
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NFL Network and DISH (USA) reach new multi-year carriage agreement
70
NFL Media and DISH Network Corporation announced that the two parties have reached a new carriage agreement for NFL Network and NFL RedZone.
Distribution of both networks has been restored on DISH TV and SLING TV (as part of the Sling TV Blue package) in time for the first Sunday of the 2020
NFL regular season.Completion of the agreement provides DISH TV and SLING TV subscribers nationwide with the chance to tune into the very best of
NFL programming around the 2020 NFL Season.NFL Network brings year-round NFL content to fans including live exclusive games, popular live studio
shows such as Good Morning Football, NFL GameDay Morning, NFL Now and NFL Total Access, plus award-winning original content series such as NFL
360 and America's Game.NFL content continues to dominate the media landscape. According to the Nielsen Company, 183 million people tuned into the
2019 NFL regular season representing 69 percent of all television homes and 59 percent of potential viewers in the U.S. NFL games accounted for 47 of the
50 most-watched TV shows among all programming in 2019.DISH Network Corporation is a connectivity company. Since 1980, it has served as a disruptive
force, driving innovation and value on behalf of consumers. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides television entertainment and award-winning
technology to millions of customers with its satellite DISH TV and streaming SLING TV services. In 2020, the company became a nationwide U.S. wireless
carrier through the acquisition of Boost Mobile. DISH continues to innovate in wireless, building the nation's first cloud native, OpenRAN-based 5G
broadband network.
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DISH (USA) selects Blue Planet automation software to accelerate 5G services
71
DISH has chosen inventory and service order management software from Blue Planet, a division of Ciena, to intelligently
automate its 5G wireless network.As DISH builds the nation's first cloud-native, OpenRAN-based, virtualized 5G network, Blue
Planet's software will help provide a completely automated solution to drive operational efficiency.To support end-to-end
automation, Blue Planet seamlessly integrates into DISH's network slices, which reduces OpEx and better ensures customer
satisfaction.DISH Network Corporation is a connectivity company. Since 1980, it has served as a disruptive force, driving
innovation and value on behalf of consumers. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides television entertainment and
award-winning technology to millions of customers with its satellite DISH TV and streaming SLING TV services. In 2020, the
company became a nationwide U.S. wireless carrier through the acquisition of Boost Mobile. DISH continues to innovate in
wireless, building the nation's first cloud-native, Open RAN-based 5G broadband network. DISH Network Corporation is a
Fortune 250 company.
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ITV (UK) Studios and Something Special partner up
72
ITV Studios, the global creator, producer and distributor of world-leading programmes, and Something Special, Korea’s first ever format
and creativity-led, global content, development, production and distribution company, have agreed a deal which will see the two
companies work together to create and develop new formats to take to the international market.Something Special is a new company
which brings the very best Korean creativity to it international partners, and the agreement will see them working with both ITV Studios’
Global Creative Network and Armoza Formats to create two brand new formats for global exploitation, with Something Special
representing the shows in Asia and ITV Studios representing the international rights.ITV Studios is a creator, producer and distributor of
world-leading programmes that people can’t get enough of. We connect millions of people every day and shape and reflect the world they
live in, we are More Than TV.ITV Studios is home to some of the best creative minds, crafting over 8,400 hours of original programming
across 55 production labels. Our global footprint spans 13 countries including the UK, US, Australia, France, Germany, The Nordics, Italy
and the Netherlands and our global distribution business sells our catalogue of 46,000+ hours to broadcasters and platforms around the
world.
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Maxis (Malaysia) adopts Google Cloud to accelerate data analytics, AI and
Machine Learning capabilities with 100% data on cloud ambition
73
Bringing together the best of technology to help people, businesses and the nation to Always Be Ahead in a changing world, Maxis has accelerated its
data analytics capabilities to help deliver an Unmatched Personalised Experience for its customers.Maxis is working with Google Cloud to integrate
data analytics into every facet of its business – from consumers to enterprise, network, retail channels and employees. The company’s digital analytics
transformation programme entails transitioning 100% of its business intelligence, data analytics and machine learning on-premise workloads to the
cloud to deliver timely and secure insights, making Maxis one of the first in the Southeast Asian region to achieve this. At the same time, Maxis has
also established its Big Data and Advanced Analytics and AI Center of Excellence with deep skilled data scientists and commitment
programmes.Initiated as the organisation’s Data Analytics cloud partner of choice, Maxis is leveraging the latest and best-in-class Artificial Intelligence
and Machine Learning (AI/ML) innovation from Google Cloud, as well as a plethora of Google Cloud partners’ technology solutions. The platform’s
scalable cloud platform provides a cost-effective approach for future expansion to support Maxis’ growing business needs, especially in managing the
massive surge of data faster.Google Cloud and Maxis will also work together to roll out a curated career development programme to build deep
technical knowledge and in-house expertise, and significantly grow the number of Google Certified Data Engineers within the organisation.
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Maxis (Malaysia) and MDEC collaborate to foster corporate innovation,
empowering businesses in digital economy
74
Maxis and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) are collaborating to promote corporate innovation among businesses in Malaysia – from startups or large
corporations – to stimulate the ecosystem and spur the country’s digital economy. The partnership was formalised with both parties signing a Memorandum of
Understanding detailing the framework for its mutual cooperation.Through the year-long collaboration, Maxis and MDEC will jointly develop mentorships and
programmes to provide coaching to startups and corporates embarking on their digital transformation journeys. Additionally, both parties will facilitate events and
engagements that will foster a conducive environment for networking and collaboration between startups as well as larger corporations to generate business leads for the
industry and accelerate corporate innovation.As the first of their joint initiatives, Maxis and MDEC will be launching a digital Design Thinking workshop for MDEC’s
corporate partners in October. The two-week workshop aims to promote the use of Design Thinking as a methodology to deeply understand problem statements of
companies and challenge assumptions in an attempt to solve them in a creative and innovative way.Maxis and MDEC have been collaborating on several fronts since last
year, with a shared goal of accelerating the digitalisation of the businesses in Malaysia in line with the Government’s digital economy agenda. Some of its key initiatives
include the ecosystem development of IoT in May 2019, which saw the launching of the immensely popular Maxis IoT Challenge and the launch of its second installation
on 4 September. MDEC was also a key partner for Maxis’ Market Access Day, the largest pitching session that provided a platform for 100 startups to showcase their
ideas to approximately 70 of Malaysia’s leading corporates, venture capitalists and angel investors, for business matching and networking opportunities.
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Maxis (Malaysia) is Penang’s Trusted Technology Partner for Smart State
ambitions
75
Maxis, the leading converged solutions company in Malaysia, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Penang State Government to be the State’s trusted technology partner. The MoU, which was signed by both parties,
was witnessed by Yang AmatBerhormat Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, the Chief Minister of Penang.The collaboration focuses on two areas in line with the Penang2030 blueprint to strengthen the connectivity and digital infrastructure of the State in
the coming years.For the second focus area, the Penang State Government will establish an IoT Innovation Lab in Penang, supported exclusively by Maxis’ IoT connectivity. The Lab will be the testing ground and collaboration site for start-ups,
developer communities and solution providers for their IoT solutions. Together with local ecosystem partners such as innovation agencies and academia, Maxis and Penang will spearhead initiatives which facilitates knowledge sharing or
co-creation workshops. Through these initiatives, local startups can be equipped with the latest know-how in leveraging IoT solutions as the State prepares to be 5G-ready.While it continues to educate the public on the potential of 5G and its
capabilities through its use cases, Maxis remains fully committed to the Government’s JENDELA action plan announced recently. JENDELA is a shared aspiration for the whole country, where the industry will be working together with MCMC
and other agencies at the federal, state, and local council levels. All initiatives of JENDELA will aim towards providing seamless digital connectivity for all Malaysians in line with the country’s digital economy.
MTN (South Africa) and Telecom Infra Project in partnership
MTN Group and Telecom Infra Project (TIP) have joined forces to support the evolution of MTN’s communication transport infrastructure, which will become a platform for future revenue growth and profitability.Through the partnership,
communication transport capacity will be deployed to support traffic growth over the next three years. In addition, it will provide support for new services as part of the evolution of 5G and new enterprise services. It will also reduce the time to
market through more focused agile service provisioning.The TIP community, which aggregates members across the whole transport network value chain, is a key tool for MTN to build its future transport infrastructure.To achieve the objective
of increasing network efficiency, MTN has identified a set of requirements named CASSI that will support its work by:
• Convergent and congestion free: Delivering on the capacity requirements from all network access technologies, including the most demanding, like accesses to fibre, next-generation radio systems, enterprise and consumer requirements.
• Always on: Implementing a fully automated resilient transport network, to support high availability as demanded by advanced digital services.
• Scalable: Allowing for an easy / efficient capacity expansion, able to accommodate fast growing traffic demands at a lower cost.
• Simplified: Making use of standardised network configurations and open protocols, to drive lower unit costs and increase capital expenditure efficiencies.
• Intelligent: Automation of the network operations by using software to optimise network resource planning and management, achieving higher operational efficiencies by enabling use cases such as smart planning, auto provisioning, network
visualisation and forecasting and network slicing among others.
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NTT Ltd. (Japan) and Thales join forces to secure the hybrid and
multi-clouds
76
NTT Ltd., leading global technology services company announced to partner with Thales to bring a joint value proposition to protect users, data and applications, thus enforcing
the cloud shared responsibility model. With the COVID-19 global pandemic, enterprises accelerated their digital transformation to enable remote access to IT resources from
the corporate network and beyond redeploying data and workload to the cloud. However, while digital transformation can provide tremendous value, it also comes with a drastic
change of the surface of attacks, and tougher data privacy regulation. In today’s world, to connect users to corporate assets in the hybrid IT, organisations deploy security
controls uniformly across on-premises and multi cloud platforms. Such controls also deliver the principles of the cloud shared responsibility model endorsed by the Cloud
Security Alliance (CSA) and all major Cloud Service Providers (CSP) that define the split of responsibility of the cloud (CSPs), and in the cloud (Cloud Users). Combining
forces, NTT Ltd. brings a coherent and comprehensive security practise with consulting, integration capability and managed security services including traditional security
solutions (network, vulnerability, end point). Thales brings next generation “distributed” security solutions such as cloud user access across multi applications (IAM, Identity
and Access Management), cloud data classification and protection across multi environments (BYOE, Bring Your Own Encryption) and segregation of cloud controls across
multi cloud (BYOK, Bring Your Own Key).NTT Ltd. is a leading global technology services company. Working with organizations around the world, we achieve business
outcomes through intelligent technology solutions. For us, intelligent means data driven, connected, digital and secure. Our global assets and integrated ICT stack capabilities
provide unique offerings in cloud-enabling networking, hybrid cloud, data centers, digital transformation, client experience, workplace and cybersecurity. As a global ICT
provider, we employ more than 40,000 people in a diverse and dynamic workplace that spans 57 countries, trading in 73 countries and delivering services in over 200 countries
and regions. Together we enable the connected future.
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NTT DATA (Japan) and NTT Ltd. (Japan) welcome UK-Japan Free Trade
Agreement’s focus on service sector and digital trade
77
NTT DATA and NTT Ltd. together welcome the signing of a new Free Trade Agreement between the governments of the United Kingdom
and Japan. The new agreement ensures a promising future of reciprocal, close economic ties following the United Kingdom’s departure
from the European Union. This includes key provisions for the services sector, with an ambitious new framework for digital trade to drive
innovation in both countries. NTT Ltd. and NTT DATA represent a sizeable investment in UK operations by a Japanese headquartered
business. Together they are ready to seize the opportunity presented by this agreement to build a successful future for UK technology and
building on our strong Japanese heritage. The advanced data mobility provisions set out in the agreement look set to ensure the continued
free flow of ideas and innovation between Japan and the UK in the post-Brexit period, enabling a close working partnership with Japan
and best leveraging NTT’s Japanese R&D.For NTT, the free trade agreement means we are able to make the best use of NTT’s
considerable R&D efforts in Japan. Leveraging our combined R&D will not only accelerate the development of cutting-edge technologies
in areas such as artificial intelligence and health technology, it will also secure the position of both nations as global technology leaders.
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DOCOMO(Japan), Fujitsu and NEC Achieve World's First Carrier Aggregation
Using 5G Frequency Bands on Multi-Vendor Radio Access Network
78
NTT DOCOMO, INC., Fujitsu Limited and NEC Corporation announced that they have achieved what they believe to be the world's first carrier
aggregation using 5G frequency bands in a multi-vendor radio access network (RAN). Interoperability with different vendors' 5G base station
equipment was achieved in compliance with specifications established by the Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) Alliance, an international group
working to create more open and intelligent next-generation radio access networks. Carrier aggregation was achieved using the 3.7GHz and 4.5GHz
bands designated for 5G networks. In addition to this dual connectivity achieved by bundling LTE bands, downlink speeds of 4.2 Gbps will be
achievable, enabling ultra-fast data transmission. DOCOMO already provides commercial 5G services in Japan through a multi-vendor RAN that
connects baseband units and remote radio units manufactured by Fujitsu and NEC based on O-RAN's open fronthaul specifications. The same system
configuration was used to achieve this 5G carrier aggregation.The results of the interoperability verification were presented between September 25 and
30, during the O-RAN Plugfest web conferences organized by the O-RAN Alliance. Plugfest was held concurrently in Japan, China, India, Europe and
North America, facilitating proofs of concept and interoperability tests of O-RAN products and solutions.Going forward, DOCOMO, Fujitsu and NEC
will continue working toward the early introduction of commercial 5G carrier aggregation services.
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Fujitsu, FANUC and NTT Communications (Japan) Establish a Joint Venture to
Accelerate Digital Transformation in Manufacturing
79
Fujitsu Limited, FANUC CORPORATION, and NTT Communications Corporation announced the establishment of DUCNET Co., Ltd. a new
company that will offer a cloud service to support digital transformation (DX) first in the machine tool industry and subsequently in the broader
manufacturing industry. DUCNET will open for business in November 2020. Faced with increasing uncertainty caused by the spread of the COVID-19
pandemic, as well as current trends such as Industry 4.0 and Society 5.0, manufacturers are urgently seeking ways to strengthen their global
competitiveness and resilience. This has prompted new demands for digital technology that drives efficiencies in internal operations, creates new value
and improves service for customers, while accelerating the development of a service-led business model. To this end, in September 2019 the three
companies announced Digital Utility Cloud, a services platform initiative for driving DX in the manufacturing industry, which paved the way for the
commencement of this joint venture. DUCNET will commence operations in November 2020 and is scheduled to start providing cloud services in April
2021. Going forward, DUCNET will contribute to further strengthening the manufacturing capabilities of companies that use Digital Utility Cloud with
the aim of building an ecosystem in which each participating company, including machine manufacturers, machine users, trading companies, and IT
vendors, can be a service provider and a service user.
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Establishment Of Joint Venture Company Between Tokyu Group And NTT Urban Development Corporation (Japan)
And Start Constructing The “Midori Park The Glory” Condominium In Binh Duong From December 2020
80
In July 2020, BECAMEX TOKYU CO., LTD. - a subsidiary of TOKYU CORPORATION together with NTT URBAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (mentioned below as
“NTT Urban Development) established a joint venture company, “H9BC INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED” in Binh Duong Province, Vietnam, and will start a new
condominium project “MIDORI PARK The GLORY” in Binh Duong New City from December 2020. The Project consists of 24-floor buildings which is around 1,000 high quality
apartment units. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2023, followed by handover. With the concept of “ Large-scale residence for the upper middle class customers who
want to spend relaxing time with their families”, BECAMEX TOKYU is developing a building that has “a variety of common facilities” as well as the “elegant design”. Moreover,
cloud Wi-Fi system provided by NTT e-Asia Corporation, a member of NTT Group, (mentioned below as “NTT e-Asia”) will be installed in the common facilities, adapting all types
of working style. This is the very first apartment in Vietnam that provides a “co-working space” for the residents. Binh Duong is the province with a population of 2.4 million people,
adjacently situated north to Ho Chi Minh City which is the largest city in Vietnam. Binh Duong is one of the provinces which actively attracts foreign investment in Vietnam and is
placed 3rd for its more than 4,000 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects, after Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Noi. As the factories by foreign companies increase, the population grew
accordingly. During 8 years from 2012, TOKYU is developing an urban project "TOKYU Garden City" in Binh Duong New City (total area of around 1,000ha) fusing the local’s
culture and customs with their experience from their project "TOKYU Tama Garden City" in Japan. Until now, in addition to developing 4 residential projects, 2 commercial zones,
attracting schools and medical facilities, constructing transport system via operating public bus routes since 2014, to make it a fully functional urban, BECAMEX TOKYU also hold
several community events to bring the liveliness to the city. The company plans to operate more bus routes connecting with Ho Chi Minh City in the future, to further develop Binh
Duong New City and promote the movement of people.
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NTT Ltd. (Japan) named as the first Global Infinity Partner for Check Point
Software Technologies
81
NTT Ltd., a world-leading global technology services provider, has been named as the first Global Infinity Partner for Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd., a leading provider
of cyber security solutions globally. In addition, NTT is the first managed security services provider to obtain a five star status in all countries where NTT and Check Point operate.
Five star is the premier tier of Check Point partner relationships, enabling NTT to deploy the latest Check Point technologies within client-centric solutions, driving value for
enterprises. The companies’ combined capabilities enable clients to protect their infrastructure, applications, and intellectual property on a ‘Secure by Design’ basis. The companies
have also announced the immediate availability of four new bundled solutions, combining Check Point’s Infinity full consolidated cybersecurity architecture, which protects business
and IT infrastructure against Gen V mega cyber-attacks across all networks, endpoint, cloud and mobile, with NTT’s managed security services, recently recognized as a “Leader” in
IDC’s Worldwide MSS Marketscape Vendor Assessment 2020. These solutions include an Check Point Infinity Enterprise License Agreement (ELA) with selected gateways for 500,
1500, 2500 and 5000+ users, NTT support and maintenance, device management, threat detection and remediation services, with additional options including consulting and
implementation professional services. With a global footprint of Security Operations Centers (SOCs) and R&D centers, and a comprehensive view of the dark web, NTT is recognized
for its visibility into a vast portion of the world’s internet traffic. This gives NTT access to log, event, attack, incident and vulnerability data, allowing threat intelligence gathering to
help clients detect, mitigate and respond to breaches quickly. Check Point’s Infinity architecture responds to clients’ real-world challenges in the current distributed workforce
environment: too many ‘point’security products, products that don’t share information, an increasing security skills shortage, vulnerability to complex attacks, and unpredictable costs.
Combined with NTT’s consulting-led approach and managed security services suite of monitoring, threat detection, vulnerability management, and device management services,
clients can reduce risk and manage their security profile on a flexible, cost-effective basis.
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Orange (France) and Schneider Electric Run Industrial 5G trials in French
Factory
82
Schneider Electric, a leader in digital transformation, energy management and automation, and Orange, a global telecoms operator and leader in digital
services, announced the first deployment of indoor 5G in the industrial sector in France on experimental frequencies as part of a trial. Operating since March,
this first co-innovation project in the Le Vaudreuil factory aims to use 5G in a modern industrial environment to build reliable, scalable and sustainable
connectivity solutions for future industrial needs. Thanks to its low latency, very high throughput and – over time – network slicing, 5G will be a competitive
lever for companies, as it will bring noticeable improvement in industrial processes and working methods, especially through mixed reality (augmented and
virtual). In the Industrial sector, 5G will help synchronize in real time large amounts of data, which are key to boost performance, facilitate remote working,
and ensure optimal production efficiencies. The indoor 5G-enabled trials will support two use cases: augmented reality applied to maintenance technician
activities and the implementation of a telepresence robot for remote visits. Nokia radio AirScale and core equipment has been selected and the experimental
frequencies have been allocated by the French regulatory authority. Five indoor 5G antennas were installed inside a part of the factory, covering close to 2,000
m2 of production space with download speeds beyond 1 Gbps, on an experimental network architecture allowing local data processing with edge computing
technologies. Building on its co-innovation ecosystem, Orange has proposed to use the recently launched Dell technologies 5G-ready Latitude 9510 business
PC to deliver these use cases. This allows Schneider Electric to benefit from the laptop’s embedded computing power, wherever the user is located.
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Orange (France) becomes Premium partner to the Paris 2024 Olympic and
Paralympic Games
83
Four years ahead of the Games, Orange has become Premium partner and official supplier to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The partnership was
announced by Orange’s Chairman and CEO Stéphane Richard and Paris 2024’s President Tony Estanguet, in the presence of the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo. Orange
will be leveraging its expertise for the world’s greatest sports event, starting and over the years to come.This partnership agreement is the result of intense cooperation
between Orange’s and Paris 2024’s teams. The very high-speed broadband networks that will be installed in all venues will enable everyone around the planet to share
the full excitement surrounding the event. As official supplier, Orange will treat fans and broadcasters to optimal quality of service.Orange and Paris 2024 are taking on
an all-new technical, technological and human challenge. About 4 billion viewers gathered to enjoy the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London in 2012, and fans
made more than 20 million calls within the venues. In 2024, people will be sharing more photos and videos than ever. To address these needs, Orange will connect all
the Games venues with fibre optic and mobile networks. It will connect its first site under this partnership, the future head office of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee
for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, in Saint-Denis, in early 2021.Paris 2024 and Orange are determined to hold responsible Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Orange’s environmental commitments include placing its networks’ energy efficiency at the core of its infrastructure rollout strategy.Orange is a standard-setting partner
to large-scale international events including the UEFA Euro 2016, Tour de France and Roland-Garros. Its expertise and technical solutions cover the full spectrum of
telecommunications services. Paris 2024 is thus teaming up with a trailblazer that will be able to adapt to evolution in technology and people’s expectations regarding
connectivity.
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Orange (France) collaborates with Smart Africa and announces new investments
in Africa to improve the quality of service and data security for end-users
84
Orange, a platinum member of the Smart Africa Alliance, supports the One Africa Network (OAN) project which has the aim of reducing the cost of communication and keeping
the traffic generated and destined for Africa within Africa. The Smart Africa Secretariat has emphasised the need to collaborate effectively with the private sector and create
synergies with existing infrastructure. Smart Africa warmly welcomes Orange’s collaboration on the initiative. For many years, Orange has provided infrastructure through its
African subsidiaries to directly interconnect African operators. The Group will pursue this strategy by localising voice and roaming data hosting and transport on the continent.
To this end, Orange announces the creation of two new international voice points of presence (PoP) in Lagos, Nigeria, as well as the hosting of roaming data for its African
customers at a data clearing house in Africa. These initiatives will help boost quality of service and data security for all users across the continent.In order to always better serve
the needs of all customers on the continent and play a role in digital inclusion by allowing direct connections between African countries, Orange is working to:
• facilitate voice traffic connections between regions in Africa, with the creation of two new Voice Tier-1 Points of Presence (PoP). Through these PoP, Orange offers a diverse
range of services to all African mobile operators, allowing the routing of traffic across Africa.
• expand internet data network coverage thanks to an ambitious IP and IPX Tier-1 Points of Presence (PoP) deployment plan in Africa. Orange has announced the creation of
a new IP PoP in Accra, Ghana (end of September 2020). These PoP ensure a local connection to African and international content for its customers, as well as the exchange of
roaming data.
These new PoP, combined with the IP points of presence, as well as all points of presence which Orange operates through its 17 subsidiaries, will allow it to host and route all
voice traffic in Africa between connected operators.
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Ruralwave joins Rogers Communications (Canada) to connect more local families
and businesses in rural communities
85
Ruralwave and Rogers Communications announced that Ruralwave, an independently owned and locally operated company based out of
Little Britain Ontario has become a subsidiary of Rogers.Ruralwave currently provides Internet services to 2,400 customers throughout the
townships of Ramara, Scugog, Brock, the City of Kawartha Lakes and the Municipality of Clarington. The company will continue to lead the
day-to-day and provide the great customer service that they do.Delivering dependable, high-speed broadband is important to Rogers and
Ruralwave. Over the coming months, the companies will work together to identify opportunities to offer local customers additional Internet
and entertainment services, including Rogers leading IPTV service, Ignite TV™. Rogers is committed to helping Ruralwave on its home
expansion plans to connect even more neighbourhoods now, and in the future.Ruralwave has been providing fast, reliable and affordable
Internet connectivity to rural residents and businesses in Eastern Ontario since 2003. As an established Internet provider and champion of
broadband expansion in Durham Region, Kawartha Lakes, Simcoe County and York Region, Ruralwave provides high-speed Internet
connectivity using a variety of available technologies including Fibre to the Home, Fibre to the Curb, Fibre to the Tower, Hybrid Fibre Cable
and Fixed Wireless.
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Canada’s Broadcasters and Industry Leaders Stand Together in Unprecedented Collaboration to Take Meaningful
Action Against Systemic Racism in Screen-Based Industries with Launch of HireBIPOC Initiative
86
Canada’s broadcasters and industry leaders, in partnership with BIPOC TV & FILM, are working together to eradicate systemic racism in the media and
entertainment industries with HireBIPOC, an industry-wide initiative to create meaningful change around hiring practices and ensure a more inclusive
workforce. Launching, with over 500 members already registered, the online roster is an unprecedented collaboration between 20+ Canadian media
organizations and signals a landmark commitment to change and action.Canadian broadcasters Bell Media, CBC/Radio-Canada, Corus Entertainment, and
Rogers Sports & Media are Foundational Partners. Bell Media, Corus Entertainment and Rogers Sports & Media have committed to making the use of
HireBIPOC a specific condition of greenlight for original productions, ensuring that the site is used by internal groups and external companies.
CBC/Radio-Canada urges all producers to use resources such as HireBIPOC and similar industry sites that are dedicated to amplifying talent from Black,
Indigenous and People of Colour communities.HireBIPOC is an initiative created by BIPOC TV & FILM and Bell Media in consultation with BIPOC
members and support of community groups. The site has been designed and developed by the Bell Media Digital Team under the direction of Judy Lung on
behalf of BIPOC TV & FILM.HireBIPOC will facilitate and increase BIPOC hiring in the country’s screen-based industries (television, film, digital),
whether Canadian or shot-in-Canada, in roles at all levels, across all areas of the industry, including production, behind the scenes, executives,
communications & marketing, and on-air.
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SES (Luxembourg) Becomes Microsoft Azure Orbital Founding Connectivity
Partner
87
SES announced it has joined as the medium Earth orbit (MEO) connectivity partner for Microsoft Azure Orbital, Microsoft’s new managed service enabling network
operators to communicate and control their satellite capacity, process data, and scale their operations directly within Azure. The integration is part of a multi-year
agreement between the two companies that accelerates and expands SES’s use of Azure to significantly advance the digital transformation of the company’s services and
operations as part of its cloud-first strategy. As pioneers in Microsoft’s new cloud ecosystem in space, the two companies will make joint investments in Azure Orbital
ground stations that SES will deploy and manage for the MEO and Earth Observation segments. The first MEO and Earth Observation gateways will be located in the
United States; in Phoenix, Arizona and Quincy, Washington respectively. In anticipation of O3b mPOWER, SES’s next-generation MEO communications system, SES
and Microsoft will seamlessly co-locate several telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) systems and data ground stations with Microsoft’s Azure edge sites. The
integration of both SES and Azure networks will provide O3b mPOWER customers with “one-hop” access to their Azure cloud services. The option to route over
Microsoft’s global network and inject value-added, cloud-based managed services such as enhanced security, SD-WAN, and other network functions into the service
chain will mean that SES customers can enjoy improved network performance, speed-to-market, flexibility and scalability they need to capitalise on new revenue
opportunities. O3b mPOWER is SES’s next-generation MEO communications system. It is currently under construction and on track for launch in 2021. The
high-throughput and low-latency satellites as well as automated and intelligence-powered ground infrastructure will deliver managed services of hundreds of Mbps up
to multiple Gbps per second to customers.
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Isotropic Systems Signs Contract with SES GS to Initiate Multi-Orbit Trials
of Next-Gen Multi-beam Antenna Technologies for U.S. Military
88
SES Government Solutions (SES GS), a fully-owned affiliate of SES, and Isotropic Systems, a leading developer of transformational broadband terminal technologies,
announced a two-phased antenna evaluation contract with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, working in close collaboration with the U.S. Army Research Engineering
Team, for tests of Isotropic Systems’ multi-beam terminal over SES’s O3b Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) constellation to ultimately unleash next-gen connectivity across the
battlefield. It is the first customer contract between Isotropic Systems and SES Government Solutions and follows on from the significant developmental partnership currently
ongoing between the two companies to produce scalable, cost-effective terminals capable of providing government, military, and commercial access to the existing O3b
constellation and the groundbreaking O3b mPOWER system set to launch late next year. The U.S. Air Force and Army, through the innovative Defense Experimentation Using
Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI) program, will review a prototype of Isotropic Systems’ optical beamforming antenna and its ability to connect simultaneously with two
satellite constellations at GEO and MEO. The unique multi-beam capability will enable the armed forces to deliver data at the tactical edge by leveraging capacity from multiple
commercial satellites and a military satellite over a single antenna platform. First phase over-the-air (OTA) is scheduled to be completed by early fall, followed by the phase
two in early 2021 where the Isotropic Systems optical lens technology will be utilized to demonstrate a two full performance beam connection. One beam will link with an SES
geostationary (GEO) satellite, while another full performance optical beam will establish a simultaneous connection with SES’s O3b MEO satellite constellation. The biggest
user of satellite capacity in the world, the U.S. Department of Defense, is exploring new ways to more effectively and efficiently utilize both existing and new capacity coming
online in GEO, MEO and LEO orbits. Isotropic Systems’ optical multi-beam terminals bring key advantages to government markets, including the flexibility to meet
performance, cost, and power consumption requirements specific to defense.
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SK Telecom (South Korea) Forms Global Cooperation for 5G NFV
Technology Evolution
89
SK Telecom announced that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Samsung Electronics, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and Intel for
cooperation in the commercialization of an evolved 5G network functions virtualization (NFV) platform.Under the MOU, the four companies will jointly
develop evolved NFV technologies for 5G network infrastructure, establish a standardized process for adoption of NFV, and develop technologies that can
harness the capabilities of the virtualized network.Together, the companies will be able to reduce the time required to validate and integrate technologies from
various vendors as well as verify them within the network. This will result in a more rapid introduction of new innovative technologies that enhance end user
experience.Mobile operators will be able to benefit from a significantly reduced time-to-market for the latest 5G services such as augmented reality (AR) and
virtual reality (VR) through the NFV platform. Previously, they had to install each new hardware equipment or upgrade existing ones to introduce a new
service.The four companies will realize an evolved 5G NFV platform by applying Samsung’s 5G solution based on technologies from Intel and HPE to SK
Telecom’s 5G network.To this end, Intel will provide its latest technologies, including Intel Xeon Processors, Ethernet 800 Series Network Adapters and
Solid State Drives, and HPE will provide HPE ProLiant Servers to Samsung Electronics for early development and verification purposes. SK Telecom plans
to establish a process for 5G network virtualization, which includes interconnecting its 5G core network to Samsung’s virtualized 5G solutions.
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SK Telecom (South Korea) Joins Hands with Korea Gas Safety Corporation
to Realize Quantum Sensing Solution for Gas Safety
90
SK Telecom announced that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Korea Gas Safety Corporation, Quantum Sensing and Korea Plant
Maintenance to cooperate in the commercialization of next-generation gas safety solution based on quantum sensing* technology.Named Quantum Gas
Imaging, the quantum sensing-based gas safety solution detects gas leaks and measures gas concentration by illuminating the target with laser and
analyzing reflected wavelength, and notifies the control center of possible risks in real time.The existing infrared gas leak detectors have a short
detection range and cannot measure the concentration of gases. In addition, since they lack the ability to detect small gas leaks, inspectors have to
physically visit the suspicious site to check for gas leakage while exposed to the danger of explosions.The Quantum Gas Imaging solution can visualize
gas leaks and concentration at large-scale gas facilities located up to 150 meters away, thereby enabling the control center to make an immediate
response based on the accurate location of the gas leak. SK Telecom and Korea Gas Safety Corporation plan to test the solution by applying it to a
large-scale gas facility in Korea within this year.Moreover, SK Telecom plans to develop a drone-based Quantum Gas Imaging solution to enable gas
leak detection in hard-to-reach areas, and further upgrade the solution by applying 5G and AI for enhanced data analysis. The company is also
considering linking the solution with physical security services of ADT Caps, its security subsidiary.
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Swisscom, Ericsson and Qualcomm join forces to find the world's most
innovative 5G applications
91
Swisscom, one of Switzerland’s leading ICT companies, is joining forces with Ericsson and Qualcomm CDMA Technologies GmbH to identify the world’s most innovative
start-ups and research teams working on 5G applications. The five winners of the Swisscom Start-up Challenge will be invited to Switzerland in spring 2021 for an Exploration
Week during which they will have the opportunity to carry out extensive testing on their prototypes in Swisscom’s live 5G network and take them to the next level. They will
have access to the Swisscom 5G lab, its live network and to 5G devices, and will receive the support of experts and mentors from Ericsson, Qualcomm CDMA Technologies
and Swisscom. The deadline for applications is 11 October 2020.With its ultra-fast, robust broadband connections and low latency, 5G – the latest generation of mobile
communications – opens up a whole host of new possibilities. A worldwide battle is raging to be among the pioneers building the first networks to take advantage of this
technology at an early stage. In April 2019, Swisscom was the first European provider – and the fifth in the world – to go live with its 5G network and it continues to constantly
expand it. The winners will benefit from this head start: Swisscom is now joining forces with its partners Ericsson and Qualcomm CDMA Technologies to launch the Swisscom
5G Start-up Challenge and is inviting the winners to carry out extensive testing on their applications in the live 5G network and take them to the next level.Launched in 2013,
the Swisscom Start-up Challenge is focusing entirely on 5G in 2020, and this year, for the very first time, is open to start-ups and research teams from around the world. In the
past seven years, the winners of the challenge, including Ava, Exeon Analytics, Futurae and Sentifi, have each travelled to Silicon Valley for a week-long Acceleration
Programme. This year, Swisscom and its partners will invite the winners to spend a week in Switzerland, where they will have the opportunity to carry out extensive testing on
the latest mobile generation's most innovative applications and take them to the next level – in the Swisscom network.
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Rakuten Mobile and Telefonica (Spain) sign MoU to cooperate on OpenRAN
92
Rakuten Mobile, Inc., and Telefónica, S.A. announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate on a shared
vision to advance OpenRAN, 5G Core and OSS (operations support systems).Under the terms of the MoU, Rakuten Mobile and
Telefónica plan to collaborate on the following:
• To research and conduct lab tests and trials to support OpenRAN architectures, including the role of the AI (Artificial Intelligence) in
the RAN Networks.
• To jointly develop proposals for optimal 5G RAN architecture and OpenRAN models as part of industry efforts to achieve quicker time
to market, new price-points, and the benefits of software-centric RAN.
• To collaborate in building an open and cost-effective 5G ecosystem, based on open interfaces, that will help accelerate the maturity of
5G with global roaming.
• To develop a joint procurement scheme of OpenRAN Hardware and Software that will help increase volumes and reach economies of
scale, including CUs, DUs, RRUs, and other necessary network equipment and/or software components.
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Telefónica (Spain) doubles the capacity of its secure connection service to help
companies protect spanish SMBS
93
Telefónica has expanded its partnership with Allot and McAfee to duplicate the infraestructure and resources needed to protect Spanish SMEs through the Movistar
Secure Enterprise Connection Service. This solution, managed by ElevenPaths, the cybersecurity company of Telefónica Tech and which Works as a platform
installed at the heart of Telefónica´s network, helps to prevent the employees from visiting websites reported as dangerous and inappropiate for their content, the
identity theft of one site by another, and the capture of data fraudulently. It also helps to safeguard employees’ fixed and mobile devices in the event of loss and
theft, even when connected to the Internet from outside the corporate network. The agreement will add the new versión of McAfee MultiAccess that includes
privacy control capabilities for between 5 and 10 devices by usage licenses and the latest evolutions of the Allot platform, which features a new user portal with
more capabilities.So far in 2020, the number of SMEs in Spain that has subscribed to the service thas tripled, exceding the forecasts of the companies and has
enables them to expand the platform almost 3 years earlier than initially planned. Since the end of March, despite de economic constraint imposed by the pandemic,
customer demand has continued to grow at double-digit monthly rates.During the toughest period of confinement, in March and April, companies were more than
ever dependent on their data networks, avoiding cybersecurity incidents thanks to this solution, such as downloading more than 1 million computer virus
downloads, 168,000 malware downloads, and 1.2 million-page locks. Many of these attacks used as a claim, the demand for information on Covid-19.
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Aena partners with Telefónica (Spain) Empresas to launch the ‘AenaMaps’
guidance platform for inside its airports
94
Aena is partnering with Telefónica Empresas to launch ‘AenaMaps’, a map-based guidance tool which will assist passengers at all the stages of their journey from
planning to the flight itself, with particular emphasis on the time they spend at the airport. The tool will show passengers their location, conduct searches and confirm
movements on the map, guide them to a specific point in the airport, calculate the journey time or distance, and display the facilities’ services and points of interest such
as boarding gates, shops, restaurants, toilets, etc. The guide can be used at the airport on the Aena app for Android and iOS and will suggest the selected routes both
visually and also by voice. The maps and the routes can additionally be viewed on Aena’s corporate website by choosing a starting point and a destination inside the
airport. The tool will gradually evolve to help passengers with reduced mobility and cater for accessibility needs while also providing other salient information such as
real-time transit times in security checkpoints. The app will additionally be integrated with other location tools outside the airport to provide the complete route from
anywhere. The service will initially be available at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport before being progressively rolled out at other airports in the network.In addition
to Telefónica Empresas, Aena has also teamed up with CartoDB, the world’s leading location intelligence platform, and Situm Indoor Positioning, a specialist in indoor
location and navigation, to develop the app. The former has been involved in the cartographic enrichment of Aena’s airport maps/plans, route development and in the
logic and coordination of the entire solution in general, while the latter has provided the technology components and geopositioning inside the airports.This is one of the
projects in the digitalisation process which Aena and Telefónica Empresas are jointly undertaking to deliver innovative solutions to passengers. The telecoms operator is
supporting the airport manager’s Digital Transformation project as one of the mainstays in its Strategic Plan.
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Telstra-Microsoft partnership signals new generation digital foundations for
Australian businesses
95
Microsoft Corp. and Telstra have extended their long-standing strategic partnership to focus on accelerating the development and release of innovative and sustainable
cloud-based solutions across multiple industries driving efficiency, amplifying decision making capability and enhancing customer experiences. The partnership is founded on
Telstra and Microsoft’s shared understanding that cloud, combined with 5G, will enable intelligent devices to be securely deployed on a much greater scale. Combining
Microsoft Azure and Telstra’s network also supports Australian developers and independent software vendors (ISVs) as they develop solutions that leverage AI, low latency and
increased resilience. This will help enterprises build end-to-end digital processes and enable completely new transformative business models that leverage data to accelerate
smart decision making, maximise business opportunities and grow revenues. Telstra and Microsoft will partner to:
• Harness IoT, Edge, AI and digital twin capability to develop important new industry solutions in areas such as asset tracking, supply chain management, telematics and smart
spaces;
• Leverage Azure as preferred cloud for Telstra’s ongoing internal digital transformation.
• Explore and pursue technology and data-driven solutions to advance our sustainability and climate commitments and
• Build ground-breaking, nationally important solutions that leverage the Telstra Data Hub.
The companies will partner on digital twins for Telstra customers as well as for Telstra’s own commercial buildings and selected other infrastructure – which when fully
deployed will be one of the largest Azure-based digital twins in Australia. Telstra’s digital twin will map physical environments in an online virtual setting, to create models that
provide at-a-glance understanding of what is happening in the real world, and support improved what-if scenario planning.
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Telstra(Australia), together with Ericsson and Ciena, increase transport
network capacity by 400% per wavelength
96
Telstra, Ericsson and Ciena announced the successful commercial launch of wavelength services based on 400G technology. This achievement significantly
increases Telstra’s network capacity whilst reducing power consumption, footprint and time to market for customers. With this upgrade Telstra is now able
to deliver 400G wavelengths in its optical transmission network and between data centres, providing for an enhanced customer experience. This upgrade
responds to the unprecedented capacity requirements that have been seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring Telstra can quickly and efficiently scale
the core network capacity to meet capacity uplifts, whilst preparing Telstra’s network for the next generation of technology demands, including those from
5G, network slicing and edge compute. The higher bandwidth services can now quickly be delivered with a single card, offering on-demand capacity, from
100G up to 400G. This upgrade increases Telstra's optical network capacity by 400% per wavelength, allowing Telstra to deliver high capacity services to
its customers in a shorter period of time as well as the ability to quickly and efficiently scale the transmission network for future needs. This upgrade
coincides with the successful trials in Telstra’s live network in August to deliver 800G wavelengths between two metropolitan data centres, paving the way
for even further efficiencies and additional bandwidth for Telstra's transmission network. Building on this success, 700G per wavelength was also achieved
between Melbourne and Sydney during that trial – a distance of greater than 1,000km.Ericsson provides Ciena’sWaveLogic Ai and WaveLogic 5 Extreme
solutions to satisfy surging traffic requirements across Telstra’s network along with associated local professional services for optical transmission.
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Thomson Reuters (Canada) MENA announces commercial partnership with
Informatics Development (iDEV) in KSA
97
Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of data and solution software for the legal industry, and iDev, the well-known Saudi Arabian
knowledge solutions company, have joined forces to expand legal digital transformation in the Saudi Arabian market. As one of
the world’s most trusted provider of answers, Thomson Reuters offers a wealth of software solutions. The new partnership with
iDev will ensure an incredible depth of expertise and targeted legal intelligence for customers in Saudi Arabia. The joint initiative
represents an expansion of first class legal information and technology solutions and will provide exceptional service for legal
professionals in governments, corporates, law firms, and academic institutions. At a time of rapidly increasing global demand for
reliable and sophisticated online services, the initiative will provide valuable options for the local legal sector. It will help to
accelerate the adoption of legal technology and advanced legal information solutions within the legal community.The partnership
will also mean an expansion of ‘on-the-ground’ support for local customers using local talent, which will ensure a strengthened
experience for our customers.
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Thomson Reuters (Canada) names EY as Strategic Implementation Services Provider for
Alteryx to bring innovative tax technology transformations to life with ONESOURCE
98
Thomson Reuters announced EY as Strategic Implementation Services Provider of Alteryx workflows in conjunction with the ONESOURCE Tax Suite. In partnership
with Alteryx, a leader in analytic process automation (APA), this will help customers unleash the power of their ONESOURCE solutions as tax departments face an
increasing need for efficient processing, automation and analytical insight. EY is a Diamond-Tier Certified Implementer of ONESOURCE solutions and holds deep
experience in Alteryx implementation and onboarding assistance. In teaming together, EY and Thomson Reuters have deployed connected Alteryx and ONESOURCE
product solutions to help drive heightened automation and analysis in end-to-end tax processes. Multinational corporations will now be able to simplify tax reporting
processes, lower operating costs and efficiently execute the compliance challenges of multiple jurisdictions. Thomson Reuters and EY will bring together EY Tax
Technology and Transformation (TTT) services along with Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE global tax technology. This alliance will streamline historically
cumbersome processes such as source data cleansing and harmonization, complex state and international computations, and wrangling large datasets for diagnostic and
strategic analytics.Tax accountants have never had more opportunity to grow their skillsets and assert their value. The pace of regulatory change and technology
disruption continues to reaffirm the critical need for insights delivered by Tax. The ability to stay in front of this demand can only be accomplished with the right set of
technology and processes. Thomson Reuters and EY are excited to expand on their existing alliance relationship by announcing EY as an Implementation Services
Provider for Alteryx. In the world’s leading organizations, intelligent automation is the difference between keeping up with compliance and wielding insights to drive
savings and strategy.
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Beeline Kazakhstan signs network sharing partnership in support of rural
broadband initiative
99
VEON Ltd., a leading global provider of connectivity and internet services, announces that its operating company in Kazakhstan, KaR-Tel, which
provides mobile services under the Beeline brand, has entered into a network sharing partnership that unites the nation’s three mobile telecom
providers in the delivery of high-speed internet to rural communities. The agreement brings Beeline together with Kcell and Tele2 in support of
the nation’s 250+ project, which aims to extend high-speed internet to all villages with a population of 250 or more. Once complete, the project
will see almost 1,000 rural settlements with a combined population of 600,000 offered 3G and 4G connections by all three operators. The 250+
initiative will enable rural residents to receive mobile services on competitive terms and select a service provider of their choice. In turn, each
mobile operator will enjoy equal access to the shared network.The 250+ project, the infrastructure deployment for which will start immediately,
will transform the digital connectivity of rural communities and provide access to a range of new services. These will include distance learning,
telemedicine, mobile financial services and access to a variety of government digital resources. Over time, the extension of high-speed internet into
rural areas is expected to accelerate the economic development of the Kazakh countryside, driving e-commerce in the regions and facilitating the
adoption of IoT (Internet of Things) technologies in agriculture.
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Verizon Media (USA) partners with the NFL to innovate the fan experience
this season
100
Verizon Media, a leader in innovation, content and commerce, announced the launch of two new Yahoo features, “Watch Together” and “Yahoo Sports
PlayAR.”The new Yahoo feature Watch Together, is a co-viewing experience designed to innovate live events by providing fans the ability to co-watch,
interact and immerse themselves in entertainment events ranging from sports to music. Leveraging Verizon Media’s technology, Watch Together creates a
personalized fan community of friends and family. The NFL is the first launch partner for Watch Together. This co-watching experience will be available on
the Yahoo Sports app.At this unprecedented time in sports, Watch Together for NFL Live on Yahoo Sports will give fans the ability to invite up to three family
and friends to watch live local and primetime NFL games on their phones through a synchronized livestream, creating an interactive, virtual experience that
lets viewers feel like they are watching the game together. Watch Together will debut during 2020 NFL Kickoff on September 10 as the Super Bowl LIV
Champions Kansas City Chiefs host the Houston Texans at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.NFL Live on Yahoo Sports delivers a robust digital lineup of live NFL
in-market and national games during the regular season, playoff games and Super Bowl LV for free on users’ phones and tablets on Verizon Media mobile
properties including the Yahoo Sports app, Yahoo Fantasy Sports app and AOL app. For the first time this season, Yahoo Mail users will also benefit from
NFL Live on Yahoo Sports. A brand-new Videos tab on the Yahoo Mail iOS and Android app will feature the NFL live local and primetime NFL games right
from your inbox.
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Verizon (USA) named official 5G partner of the National Hockey League
101
Verizon and the National Hockey League (NHL®) are bringing the power of 5G to center ice with an exclusive, multi-year deal that will
make Verizon the League’s Official 5G Partner, Official Wireless Services Partner and Official Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) Partner
in the U.S. Verizon also becomes an Official Technology Partner for the League. Additionally, as a Season-Long Fantasy Partner of the
NHL, Yahoo Sports will have the opportunity to offer game highlights and other official NHL-produced content to its fantasy players.
Yahoo Sports will also receive an Official Sports Betting Partner designation and associated promotional rights for use in connection with
its strategic partnership with BetMGM.With the focus of the partnership on 5G, Verizon will have opportunities to work with arena
operators to install Verizon 5G in select U.S. NHL arenas and to offer consumer demonstrations of this cutting-edge technology at NHL
events. Verizon will also pilot the development of a MEC use case for in-venue applications which could include real-time access to video
highlights enabled by Verizon 5G technology.This partnership with the NHL, a recognized leader in technology innovation throughout all
of sports, is the latest proof point in Verizon’s use of 5G to help shape the future of sports and entertainment.
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Verizon (USA) named official 5G and wireless partner of Prudential Center
102
Verizon is bringing the power of 5G to the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center through a multi-year partnership, making Verizon
the Exclusive 5G and Wireless Partner of each. Via the agreement, Verizon will bring 5G innovation to Prudential Center and GRAMMY
Museum ExperienceTM Prudential Center; this makes the home arena of the Devils the first indoor arena equipped with 5G technology
in the State of New Jersey.Verizon will additionally create a 5G Gaming Center experience within Dignitas’ East Coast Studio adjacent
to Prudential Center, providing a high bandwidth meeting place and training ground for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment’s
competitive esports organization.Verizon will work with arena operators to install Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband, providing Devils fans and
live event attendees access to this cutting-edge technology during the 175 live events that traditionally play and perform at Prudential
Center annually. This opens the opportunity for next generation fan experiences utilizing the high bandwidth and low latency of 5G Ultra
Wideband.Rewards program Verizon Up, will offer members exclusive access at Prudential Center and New Jersey Devil events,
including VIP entrance access, complimentary food and beverage, merchandise credit, and exclusive on-ice photo opportunities.
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Verizon Business (USA) and Cisco bringing 5G-enabled, MEC solutions to
sports and entertainment venues
103
As sports and entertainment venues begin reintroducing fans back to stadiums, arenas and event spaces, Verizon Business and Cisco announced they
are working together to offer solutions combining Verizon’s 5G network and 5G Edge to provide a safer in-person experience.To bring people back to
in-person, large crowd entertainment, new measures are needed in order to help make the experience more secure and enjoyable including contactless
physical access, social distancing, crowd management, wayfinding and seamless payments.Powered by Verizon 5G Ultra-Wideband with mobile edge
computing (MEC) capabilities, 5G Edge interfaces with the Cisco Sports and Entertainment portfolio. The joint solution integrates with a variety of
Cisco innovations including: Cisco DNA Spaces for secure location analytics, Cisco switching and data center technology, connected venue analytics
and more. The 5G and MEC environments will help deliver near real-time enablement and experiences.Together, Verizon and Cisco intend to bring
stadiums a digital, future-ready infrastructure that helps solve pressing challenges and provides new capabilities to:
• Leverage analytics to estimate wait times associated with lines at check in, restrooms and concession stands; interfaces with digital signage and
mobile applications to direct patrons to alternative locations with shorter lines
• Identify crowd density and manage crowd flows with the use of digital signage and messages to venue staff to help maintain social distancing
standards
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Environment & Social Updates

Environment & Social
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Telstra (Australia) and Samsung Electronics Australia donate tablets to keep
hospital patients connected to loved ones
104
Hospitals across Melbourne and Victoria have received 140 tablet devices to ensure elderly and vulnerable patients can stay connected to loved ones during
COVID-19 restrictions. In a unique partnership, Telstra and Samsung Electronics Australia are working together and have donated 140 Samsung Galaxy Tab
Active Pro tablets into 20 hospitals to allow patients to make video and voice calls. The devices will be provided with pre-paid mobile plans already activated and
paid for as part of the donation.At least two devices will be given to each hospital in the program, ranging up to 25 devices depending on the need, the number of
patients and the number of COVID-19 wards.The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Austin Hospital, Alfred Hospital, Ballarat Health Services, Eastern Health including
Box Hill, Maroondah and Wantirna, Northern Hospital group including Epping, Broadmeadows and Bundoora, Western Health including Footscray and Sunshine
Hospitals, Barwon Health including Geelong Hospital, Monash Health including Monash Medical Centre, Dandenong Hospital and Casey Hospital, Mercy Health
including Werribee and Heidelberg, and St Vincent’s Hospital will all receive devices.Telstra and Samsung Australia began distributing the devices last week and
they will be gifted to hospitals to determine how and where they’ll be put to best use. The cost of the devices is being covered by Telstra and Samsung Australia
and the connection to the Telstra mobile network is being covered by Telstra.The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro has been specially chosen because of its rugged
design that makes it possible to sanitise, allowing them to be cleaned between use to minimise the risk of spreading infection inside wards.
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