Get the latest announcements from MEF Members across the mobile ecosystem globally in this weekly review of member news…
Interop Technologies Implements Basic RCS Across Global Messaging Network
Interop Technologies, a global leader in advanced mobile messaging technology, today announced the availability of a Basic RCS (Rich Communication Services) solution across their global messaging network. This solution provides mobile operators with an introduction to RCS Business Messaging (RBM) functionality for their enterprise clients.
Basic RCS leverages Interop Technologies’ leading RBM platform to facilitate branded, authenticated, and encrypted bidirectional RCS communications without the need to upgrade existing SMS messaging ingress methods. This enables mobile operators to seamlessly offer branded RCS functionality in a traditional SMS A2P message prior to a full RBM deployment. The enterprise message originates using all existing SMS protocols. If the end-user device is RCS capable, then the message is wrapped in an RCS envelope that includes pre-determined associated branding and it is delivered as an RCS message. If the end-user device is not RCS capable, then the message is delivered using the normal SMS delivery path.
“In seamlessly blending traditional SMS techniques with branding, encryption, and bidirectional communication, we empower enterprises to enhance customer interactions and accelerate RBM adoption. Consequently, we also equip operators to immediately improve A2P messaging and prepare for increased revenue potential in the enterprise market,” said Steve Zitnik, CTO and EVP at Interop Technologies.
During MEF’s RCS World event held in Paris in October, Google announced that the number of monthly active RCS users has grown to over 1.2 billion, up from approximately 800 million at the start of the year.
Zitnik added: “RCS is without a doubt the fastest growing application suite in the messaging ecosystem, and it is positioned to become a world-class communication channel. Leveraging this channel to expand and enhance enterprise to consumer communication will prove critical to operators, enterprises, and consumers alike.”
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Telenor and Ericsson join forces to pioneer the usage of AI and Machine Learning Research for a Sustainable and Smarter Future
In a step towards advancing the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies within the telecommunications industry, Telenor and Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a three-year partnership that aims to explore, develop, and test cutting-edge AI/ML solutions towards enhancing energy efficiency without compromising on the quality of connectivity in mobile networks.
Mobile networks are increasingly becoming programmable. AI and ML are advanced forms of software that will enable more powerful decision-support and touch-free operations in customer-facing network domains. At the same time, energy efficiency is and will be a fundamental expectation for communication service providers, as will be the development and deployment of secure and robust AI systems.
Ieva Martinkenaite, Senior Vice President & Head of Telenor Research & Innovation, said, “AI adoption is essential for Telenor to unlock our customers’ potential. We expect this collaboration to break new ground when it comes to leveraging AI and automation to help address the complexity of 5G networks, drive energy efficiencies, improve customer experience – and make Telenor an AI-first company.”
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BICS and Telcofan partner to streamline private networks
The collaboration will make it easier for enterprises to adopt private networks, removing complexities like provisioning SIM cards and enabling device roaming.
International connectivity and 5G enabler BICS has partnered with Telcofan, a leading consultancy and system integrator, to support the delivery of private networks for businesses. The partnership will solve many technical challenges associated with connecting IoT devices to private networks, such as initial setup and ensuring consistent connectivity for travelling devices.
By collaborating with BICS, Telcofan will be able to provide customers with SIMs and eSIMs for their connected devices, such as smart factory components or tracking chips for shipping pallets. Thanks to an accompanying SIM management platform, organisations will be able to flexibly set up and manage multiple connected devices in real-time. BICS and Telcofan are also empowering eSIMs to more easily roam between public and private networks as well as to use national public networks as a backup. The collaboration means organisations can more easily implement use cases that require end-to-end connectivity, such as asset tracking and mission-critical applications.
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Telefónica Tech incorporates Alejandro Ramos as ‘country manager’ of Brazil
With more than twenty years of experience in cybersecurity, Ramos will strengthen Telefónica Tech’s capabilities in the Americas, playing a key role in the provision of advanced protection services to organisations.
Telefónica Tech has a team of more than 300 professionals in Brazil, who work in coordination with the more than 6,200 professionals that make up Telefónica Tech worldwide, and with a Security Operations Centre from where the security of customers is ensured.
Telefónica Tech has hired Alejandro Ramos, a renowned cybersecurity expert who was part of Telefónica between 2016 and April 2023, to take on the role of country manager of the technology company in Brazil. With this signing, Telefónica Tech continues to strengthen its capabilities in the Americas to consolidate its position as a key player in the digital transformation of local organisations and a benchmark in the provision of cyber security services.
Alejandro Ramos has more than twenty years of experience in the world of cybersecurity. After starting his professional career at SIA International and ING Spain and Portugal, Ramos was part of the Telefónica team between 2016 and April 2023 holding various positions of responsibility. Among them, he was CISO and in 2019 he joined the newly created Telefónica Tech as global director of cyber security operations. Now, after a period at El Corte Inglés as CISO, he returns to Telefónica Tech to embark from January on an international project in one of the Group’s main countries, Brazil.
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Assurant Again Earns Top Score in Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index
Assurant, a leading global business services company that supports, protects and connects major consumer purchases, proudly announced that it received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index, the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. Assurant joins the ranks of 545 major U.S. businesses that also earned top marks this year.
“Our culture is a key differentiating factor for Assurant and it’s grounded in our values and commitments, including building diverse, winning teams,” said Assurant President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Demmings. “Earning this recognition for the fifth consecutive year, even with rising expectations, is a testament to our shared dedication to protecting the rights and opportunities of all our employees. With this recognition, we renew our commitment to a diverse workforce, equitable treatment, and an inclusive culture that enables everyone to achieve their full potential while bringing their whole self to work.”
