Nations demand tech firms tackle scammers

Governments from around the world have called on telcos and tech giants to strengthen their efforts in combating fraud conducted over their networks and platforms.

The calls were made at the inaugural Global Fraud Summit held at Lancaster House in London this week. Ministers and representatives from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, the UK, and the US attended the summit.

UK Home Secretary James Cleverly said:...

14 March 2024 | Legislation & Government

ASIO chief warns of critical infrastructure sabotage threat

Mike Burgess, Director General of Security at Australia's Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), has raised concerns over the potential for sabotage targeting critical infrastructure.

Speaking at ASIO's annual threat assessment, Burgess emphasised the persistent efforts of adversaries to exploit vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure—with a specific focus on disrupting essential services during critical moments.

"The sabotage threat has receded in recent...

29 February 2024 | Networks

Google will help deliver two new transpacific subsea cables

In a bid to bolster digital connectivity and enhance the resilience of Pacific networks, Google has unveiled its ambitious South Pacific Connect initiative.

The project aims to lay down two groundbreaking transpacific subsea cables – Honomoana and Tabua – facilitating digital communications between the US, Australia, Fiji, and French Polynesia.

This venture – a collaboration with partners including Fiji International Telecommunications, Office of Posts and...

26 October 2023 | Broadband

UK joins leading nations to strengthen telecoms security and innovation

The UK has teamed up with key global players – including Australia, Canada, Japan, and the US – to enhance telecom security, resilience, and innovation.

The initiative, named the Global Coalition on Telecommunications, was officially launched today. The collaboration aims to safeguard critical communications networks in the face of challenges such as supply chain disruptions and cyberattacks.

Michelle Donelan, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and...

5 October 2023 | 6G

Australia’s NBN secures further $1.5B for its full-fibre rollout

The Australian government has announced a further $1.5 billion (AUS$2.4 billion) for the NBN to support its full-fibre rollout.

NBN (National Broadband Network) is an Australian national wholesale open-access data network that is operated by the NBN Co.

The state-owned NBN Co was established in 2009 and had connected 6.7 million homes and businesses as of February 2020. However, Australia’s largest infrastructure project has been widely perceived as failing to offer...

21 October 2022 | Broadband

Five Eyes warn of Russian cyberattacks on critical infrastructure

A joint cybersecurity advisory issued by members of the Five Eyes alliance warns of increased attacks on critical infrastructure from Russia.

The Five Eyes alliance consists of the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Members cooperate in signals intelligence.

Canadian academic Srdjan Vucetic believes the Five Eyes’ originated from Winston Churchill's Iron Curtain speech in 1946, in which the British PM warned of open conflict with the Soviet Union unless the...

21 April 2022 | Legislation & Government

UK-Australia ‘network of liberty’ to combat malign cyber actors

The UK and Australia have agreed to develop a “network of liberty” to combat malign cyber actors.

Western alliances are being renewed in the face of increasing aggression from countries like Russia and China. Few alliances have as much history as the one between the UK and Australia.

“Britain and Australia share one of the oldest and strongest defence and security alliances,” said UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.

“Operating and exercising side by...

21 January 2022 | Legislation & Government

Nokia launches the world’s first live 5G standalone 700MHz service

Nokia has launched the world’s first live 5G standalone 700MHz service in Australia in partnership with TPG Telecom.

The low-band service will help to cover wide outdoor areas in addition to deep indoor urban environments, making it particularly useful for IoT deployments.

Barry Kezik, Executive General Manager Mobile and Fixed Networks at TPG Telecom, said:

“We’re excited to be the first network in the world to realise the true potential of low-band 5G...

5 July 2021 | Networks

Inmarsat helps the Australian Defence Force to become a satellite operator

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is now using Inmarsat’s satellites for its operations following an AUS$221 million contract.

As a virtual satellite operator, the ADF is able to control its service use directly. Inmarsat says it has enabled the ADF to increase efficiency by 300 percent while reducing operating costs by 70 percent.

Brigadier Gregory Novak, Commander of the ADF’s Defence Strategic Communications Branch, said:

“Inmarsat has supported ADF...

29 March 2021 | Networks

NBN sets a world record for mmWave 5G transmission distance

NBN Co and its partners have set a new world record for long-range mmWave 5G transmission.

The Aussie network operator teamed up with Ericsson, Qualcomm, and Casa Systems to achieve the feat.

Gavin Williams, Co-Chief Development Officer, Regional and Remote at NBN, said:

“The NBN fixed wireless network plays a vital role connecting Australians right across regional and rural parts of the country. We face some unique challenges, not least vast distances and...

14 January 2021 | Networks