SAMENA Telecommunications Council

Cisco has announced the release of Splunk’s latest research, The Hidden Costs of Downtime, revealing the aggregate cost of unplanned downtime for Global 2000 companies has surged to $600 billion annually – a 50% increase in just two years.

In partnership with Oxford Economics, the Splunk study shows that the financial toll of an outage is immediate, severe, and potentially long-lasting. Downtime has become a systemic business crisis that threatens revenue, brand equity and shareholder value, costing an organization $95 million in lost revenue annually. This is nearly twice the level seen in 2024.

“Downtime is inevitable; prolonged disruption is not,” said Kamal Hathi, SVP and GM, Splunk, a Cisco company. “The most resilient organizations are not the ones with the most tools or the biggest vision for AI. They are the ones that align technology with business outcomes, empower people with context, and design systems that bend, but do not break, under pressure.”

The Business Impact of Downtime

Technology executives increasingly view the consequences of an outage as more severe. Publicly disclosing a data breach is now considered the most severe hidden cost, with 71% of technology executives rating it as very or prohibitively disruptive, up from 23% in 2024. Furthermore, downtime triggers a chain reaction of hidden costs, including:

Financial and Market Erosion: The study found that the average cost of downtime has reached $15,000 per minute. In addition, organizations see an average 3.4% drop in stock price following a downtime event.
Customer Churn: Eighty-one percent of technology leaders cite the loss of customers as a consequence of downtime, with 47% admitting customers are often or very often the first to detect service degradation or outages.
Escalating Ransomware Costs: Ransomware payouts have nearly tripled since 2024, now reaching $40 million on average, making them one of the most significant direct financial burdens.
Regulatory Exposure: Regulatory fines have reached an average of $51 million per organization, with 57% of technology executives now viewing these penalties as very or prohibitively disruptive.
Operational Drag: A staggering 89% of tech leaders cite the need for large numbers of personnel to fix issues. Nearly all (90%) tech leaders report increased demand for customer support with 76% of finance and 74% of marketing executives feeling the pressure as well.
Brand Recovery: Nearly 20% of marketing professionals report that it takes an entire quarter to recover brand health following remediation.
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MTN Group has begun rolling out MTN One TV, a new entertainment proposition designed to make digital video content more accessible, relevant, and flexible for customers across African markets. Introduced in line with MTN’s Ambition 2030 strategy, MTN One TV brings together local storytelling, live channels, international programming, and market-specific viewing options tailored to how customers across the continent access and pay for digital entertainment.

The proposition is designed to give customers greater choice in how they watch content, with viewing models that may vary by market and can include free-to-view content, advertising-funded experiences, pay-as-you-watch access, and subscription offerings. Depending on local availability, customers may also be able to pay through airtime, Mobile Money, and other locally supported payment methods, helping to reduce common barriers to streaming access.

Beyond enhancing customer experiences, MTN One TV creates new opportunities for African creators, broadcasters, advertisers, and ecosystem partners by helping connect content to wider audiences through MTN’s scale across connectivity, payments, and digital services. By bringing together a broad mix of content experiences under a single proposition, MTN aims to support greater content discovery, broader audience reach, and sustainable growth across Africa’s digital entertainment ecosystem.

Anchored in MTN’s strategic platforms of Connectivity, Fintech, and Digital Infrastructure, MTN One TV forms part of the Group’s broader ambition to build digital experiences that create value for customers while enabling participation and growth across Africa’s digital economy.
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Vodafone has announced the successful completion of a trial using Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud infrastructure to run key Internet of Things (IoT) voice and data network applications operating on Nokia core systems.

Cloud technology helps Vodafone automate network expansion and scale capacity where customers need it most. Vodafone aims to add extra capacity in days using a cloud-based architecture that scales with demand, further extending the company’s global reach with additional points of presence to deliver services to more customers worldwide.

In phase one, Vodafone, Nokia, and AWS deployed a proof of concept of Nokia’s mobile data core and voice core on AWS cloud infrastructure in Frankfurt, Germany, integrating with network components in Vodafone data centres across several European countries.

The wide-ranging trial included support for IoT services on Nokia’s IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) for voice applications such as emergency calling in vehicles and elevators, and on Nokia’s Packet Core for data services such as smart metering for utilities. Both voice and packet core’s cloud-native network functions were hosted on AWS cloud infrastructure. The next phase will address security and sovereignty ahead of commercial trials later this year.

The option to incorporate large cloud provider infrastructure into its future architecture will allow Vodafone to further strengthen its global managed IoT connectivity platform, which currently has over 240 million connections worldwide.

Marco Zangani, Director of Network Strategy and Architecture, Vodafone, said: “Our multi-cloud strategy gives Vodafone greater agility to capitalise on advances in technology like the rise of Agentic AI to enhance the customer experience. By validating AWS as an effective infrastructure option for network functions, we can introduce services faster, leaving more time for experimentation and innovation.”

Vodafone, Nokia and AWS assessed lifecycle management, integration with Vodafone’s existing systems, and operational performance. They also evaluated costs and potential new business opportunities enabled by using AWS public cloud for Vodafone’s global managed IoT connectivity platform.

The collaboration supports Vodafone’s multi-cloud strategy by leveraging Nokia’s cloud‑native network functions operating on AWS infrastructure. This includes Amazon’s cloud platform Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS) for managing containers that bundle and run applications, and Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) for compute workloads. The architecture was designed to deliver the elasticity, scalability, and operational agility that modern telecommunications networks require.
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Eutelsat (ISIN: FR0010221234 – Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL) and Tototheo Global, a leading provider of maritime technology and connectivity solutions, have signed a new partner agreement for Eutelsat’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) connectivity services.

Under the agreement, Tototheo Global will deliver Eutelsat’s LEO services to maritime customers worldwide and serve as a key partner for Enterprise, Civil and Military Government connectivity requirements across Greece and Cyprus.

Headquartered in Cyprus, Tototheo Global, is a leading provider of advanced connectivity and technology solutions, supporting organisations operating in demanding and mission critical environments across maritime, enterprise and government sectors. By partnering with Eutelsat, Tototheo Global strengthens its connectivity offering to enable safe and resilient operations. With four decades of expertise, Tototheo Global delivers tailored, future-focused solutions that enhance performance and long-term operational excellence.

Eva Bisgaard, President of Eutelsat’s Connectivity Business Unit, said: “We are delighted to partner with Tototheo Global, whose deep expertise in maritime connectivityand strong technical capabilities make them a natural partner for bringing LEO connectivity to mission-critical applications. With our OneWeb LEO services, we are enabling customers to strengthen network resilience and benefit from secure, low-latency connectivity in environments where dependable communications are essential.”
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https://www.samenacouncil.org/samena_daily_news?news=110937

AT&T and Rivian are expanding their work together to bring 5G connectivity to the Rivian R2, helping deliver a more responsive, connected driving experience as the next generation of Rivian vehicles comes to market.

With AT&T 5G connectivity built into the R2, drivers and passengers will benefit from faster, more reliable access to the vehicle’s core digital features. This includes seamless over-the-air software updates, enhanced infotainment, and real-time services designed to improve performance and personalization over time. The result is a vehicle experience that can continuously evolve long after it leaves the factory.

As vehicles become more software-defined, connectivity plays a critical role in supporting how features are delivered and updated. AT&T’s network helps enable the speed, low latency, and reliability needed to support these capabilities, from delivering updates more efficiently to enabling more responsive in-vehicle applications.

This latest milestone builds on the relationship announced in 2023, when AT&T became the connectivity provider for Rivian vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, supporting connected experiences across its lineup. That foundation continues with the R2, extending advanced connectivity to Rivian’s next generation platform.

“Connectivity is increasingly central to how vehicles are designed, delivered, and improved,” said Matt Harden, vice president, Connected Solutions, AT&T. “Our ongoing relationship with Rivian is built around that shift, and with 5G in the R2, we’re helping create a platform for continuous innovation across the vehicle lifecycle.”
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https://www.samenacouncil.org/samena_daily_news?news=110936

AT&T has been named a Leader in the 2026 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Managed IoT Connectivity Services, Worldwide. We believe this recognition highlights AT&T’s proven scale and continued progress as IoT evolves beyond connectivity toward platform- and intelligence-driven solutions.

AT&T’s IoT portfolio brings together global connectivity, unified management platforms, and managed services to help enterprises turn connected devices into operational insight at scale. With capabilities such as the AT&T IoT Console Single Pane of Glass and the AT&T IoT Marketplace, AT&T enables customers to manage devices, connectivity, and services across complex, multi‑network environments while simplifying onboarding, automation, and lifecycle management. Recent innovations, including Global SIM Advanced, AT&T Connection Manager, and AT&T’s work on the Cisco AI Grid with NVIDIA to deliver network-driven edge AI, further support multinational deployments by enhancing global SIM flexibility, subscription management, and cloud-native connectivity orchestration.

Security remains foundational to AT&T’s IoT strategy. With secure connectivity options, private and custom APNs, integrated threat detection, and enterprise‑wide security governance, AT&T helps customers protect devices, data, and applications across the IoT lifecycle.

“IoT is entering a new era where intelligence, security, and scale must work together,” said Cameron Coursey, vice president, AT&T Connected Solutions. “Our focus is helping organizations move beyond simply connecting devices to securely delivering insight and action at the edge of operations so that they can innovate with confidence across complex, distributed environments.”
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Zain Kuwait has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Kuwait Technical College (ktech) and Canadian College of Kuwait (CCK), marking a strategic collaboration aimed at strengthening the connection between academia and industry, while creating practical opportunities for students and youth across Kuwait.

The announcement was made at the Zain Innovation Campus (ZINC), joined by Waleed Al-Khashti, Chief Corporate Affairs and Relations Officer at Zain Kuwait; Meshari Ayman Boodai, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Kuwait Technical College (ktech); Othman Ayman Boodai, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Canadian College of Kuwait (CCK); Professor Dr. Ayman Sulaiman Al Zayed, College President at Kuwait Technical College (ktech); Abdulrahman Abdulqader Al Ajeel, Vice President of Finance & Administration at Kuwait Technical College (ktech); and Dr. Amani Hajji Hasan, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Canadian College of Kuwait (CCK), along with team members from the three partners.

The MoUs reflect Zain’s ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability, youth empowerment, and national capability development. Through this partnership, Zain will work closely with the two academic entities on initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, digital transformation, student development, knowledge exchange, and sustainability-driven projects that help prepare young talents for the evolving needs of the future economy.

The agreements will support the development of practical and innovation-focused experiences for students, including workshops, training opportunities, mentorship initiatives, guest lectures, hackathons, internships, and future collaborative programs. These initiatives are designed to connect classroom learning with real-world industry exposure, helping students build stronger employability, technical, creative, and entrepreneurial skills.

Waleed Al-Khashti said: “At Zain, we believe that meaningful collaboration between industry and academia is essential to preparing young people for the opportunities of tomorrow. Our MoUs with ktech and CCK reflects a commitment to empowering students with practical exposure, future-ready skills, and access to innovation-driven platforms that help them turn ideas into impact.”

Al-Khashti added: “This partnership builds on Zain’s long-standing role as a national enabler of education, youth empowerment, and digital innovation. By working closely with leading academic institutions like ktech and CCK, we aim to support Kuwait’s broader vision for developing national capabilities, encouraging entrepreneurship, and creating inclusive opportunities that enable young talents to contribute to the country’s sustainable growth.”
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https://www.samenacouncil.org/samena_daily_news?news=110897

Eutelsat (ISIN: FR0010221234 – Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL) and Anuvu, one of the world’s leading providers of inflight entertainment (IFE) and high-speed inflight connectivity (IFC) technologies for airlines, VIP/VVIP aircraft, and other mobility markets have signed a new multi-year agreement for capacity on the EUTELSAT 10B satellite.

Under the agreement, Anuvu will leverage high-throughput Ku capacity on EUTELSAT 10B to enhance its in-flight connectivity services, including for a major global airline.

In service since July 2023, EUTELSAT 10B is located at 10° East, an orbital position that offers unique visibility spanning from the Americas to Asia. A state-of-the-art all-electric satellite, EUTELSAT 10B embarks a powerful fifth generation digital transparent processor, enabling capacity allocation flexibility and optimal spectrum use, and carries multi-beam HTS Ku-band payloads specifically tailored to the mobile connectivity sector.

The satellite is part of a suite of high-performance in-space assets within the Eutelsat fleet, including EUTELSAT 3B, EUTELSAT 172B and KONNECT VHTS, and in Low Earth Orbit, with the OneWeb constellation, all providing compelling solutions to address the aviation connectivity market as part of a multi-technology, multi-orbit landscape which is evolving to address the global demand for ever-more efficient in-flight connectivity.

Thierry Polycarpe, VP Aero and Maritime Connectivity at Eutelsat said, “We are pleased to partner with Anuvu on this multi-year agreement, leveraging the advanced capabilities of EUTELSAT 10B to deliver high-performance, scalable in-flight connectivity worldwide. This agreement underscores the continued strategic importance of GEO within our multi-orbit architecture, enabling us to meet the evolving needs of the aviation market with flexibility, resilience and efficiency.”
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On May 15, 2026, the 2026 Global AIDC Industry Summit & Huawei AIDC Strategy and Product Launch was held in Dongguan with the theme "Power the AI Era Forward." The summit brought together nearly 1,000 global leaders, technical experts, and core ecosystem partners from the energy, intelligent computing and carrier sectors. They shared insights on the next-generation AI data center (AIDC) architecture evolution and cutting-edge technological innovations, and witnessed the launch of Huawei's grid-interactive AIDC strategy. The sessions on AIDC power supply, AIDC liquid cooling, AI for DC operations and maintenance (O&M), and new AIDC construction mode were also held, exploring pathways to lead the industry into the AI era.

2026 Global AIDC Industry Summit & Huawei AIDC Strategy and Product Launch Ceremony

Hou Jinlong, Director of the Board of Huawei and President of Huawei Digital Power, delivered an insightful keynote speech at the event. According to Mr. Hou, the booming AI industry, widely adopted large models, and numerous AI agents are creating huge energy demands. Energy is the foundation for long-term AI development. Computing and electricity will empower each other, building an integrated framework that brings together new power systems and AI infrastructure. Grid-friendliness is vital for long-term, reliable, and stable operations. High-voltage, DC, and power-electronic architectures are critical to support ultra-high-density computing loads. Additionally, liquid cooling has become mandatory for ultra-high-density computing. Reliable liquid cooling solutions and full-lifecycle intelligent O&M are key. Moreover, the essence of AIDC is a computing power production system, where delivery speed is closely tied to business benefits and investment returns.

Hou Jinlong, Director of the Board of Huawei and President of Huawei Digital Power

Huawei Digital Power deeply integrates bit, watt, heat, and battery (4T) technologies, and focuses on key fields such as new power systems and AIDC. It has established comprehensive capabilities in renewable power generation, grid forming, high-density computing power supply, liquid cooling, and computing-electricity synergy. Amidst significant industry transformation opportunities, Huawei Digital Power is committed to becoming an AIDC innovation leader and a long-term, trusted strategic partner. By cooperating with global customers and partners, it aims to promote high-quality, sustainable, and innovative development of the AIDC industry to achieve greener watts, more tokens per watt, and lower costs per token.

Bob He, Vice President of Huawei Digital Power, delivered a keynote speech entitle "Building Grid-Interactive AIDC, Maximizing Tokens Per Watt." According to Mr. He, the global AI industry is booming, causing token demand to surge. High-density and diversified computing poses great challenges to the power density, scale, and load fluctuation of AIDC. Moreover, the growing pe*******on of renewable energy intensifies power grid fluctuations, while the frequent heavy-load fluctuations of AI services further compound AIDC reliability challenges.
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https://www.samenacouncil.org/samena_daily_news?news=110818

Cisco announced the release of Splunk’s latest research, The Hidden Costs of Downtime, revealing the aggregate cost of unplanned downtime for Global 2000 companies has surged to $600 billion annually – a 50% increase in just two years.

In partnership with Oxford Economics, the Splunk study shows that the financial toll of an outage is immediate, severe, and potentially long-lasting. Downtime has become a systemic business crisis that threatens revenue, brand equity and shareholder value, costing an organization $95 million in lost revenue annually. This is nearly twice the level seen in 2024.

“Downtime is inevitable; prolonged disruption is not,” said Kamal Hathi, SVP and GM, Splunk, a Cisco company. “The most resilient organizations are not the ones with the most tools or the biggest vision for AI. They are the ones that align technology with business outcomes, empower people with context, and design systems that bend, but do not break, under pressure.”

The Business Impact of Downtime

Technology executives increasingly view the consequences of an outage as more severe. Publicly disclosing a data breach is now considered the most severe hidden cost, with 71% of technology executives rating it as very or prohibitively disruptive, up from 23% in 2024. Furthermore, downtime triggers a chain reaction of hidden costs, including:

Financial and Market Erosion: The study found that the average cost of downtime has reached $15,000 per minute. In addition, organizations see an average 3.4% drop in stock price following a downtime event.
Customer Churn: Eighty-one percent of technology leaders cite the loss of customers as a consequence of downtime, with 47% admitting customers are often or very often the first to detect service degradation or outages.
Escalating Ransomware Costs: Ransomware payouts have nearly tripled since 2024, now reaching $40 million on average, making them one of the most significant direct financial burdens.
Regulatory Exposure: Regulatory fines have reached an average of $51 million per organization, with 57% of technology executives now viewing these penalties as very or prohibitively disruptive.
Operational Drag: A staggering 89% of tech leaders cite the need for large numbers of personnel to fix issues. Nearly all (90%) tech leaders report increased demand for customer support with 76% of finance and 74% of marketing executives feeling the pressure as well.
Brand Recovery: Nearly 20% of marketing professionals report that it takes an entire quarter to recover brand health following remediation.
The Intersection of Security and Downtime

About one-third (36%) of security leaders admit that downtime is often or very often misclassified as an IT issue, which can give attackers a critical head start. A lack of shared context complicates resolution, as only 38% of technology executives report consistently identifying the root cause of a downtime incident. The perceived frequency of cybersecurity-related downtime caused by SaaS and other third-party application issues has nearly tripled since 2024, with 56% of security leaders now experiencing these issues often or very often. Maintaining basic cyber hygiene and modernizing legacy infrastructure to replace outdated, unpatchable technology remain foundational to preventing unplanned downtime.
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https://www.samenacouncil.org/samena_daily_news?news=110817