Eurobites: Sparkle adds quantum tech to network-as-a-service

Sparkle, the international services arm of Telecom Italia (TIM), says it has successfully completed a network-as-a-service (NaaS) trial of what it calls a "quantum-safe Internet use case." The trial, which also involved Adtran, Arqit Quantum, Intel and fellow TIM subsidiary Telsy, was carried out on Sparkle's metro fiber network in Athens, Greece. By integrating connectivity functions with Arqit quantum-safe encryption into an Intel-powered NetSec accelerator card used as universal customer premises equipment, Sparkle tested the implementation of an NaaS solution, drawing on Adtran's Ensemble cloud-based orchestration and automation software. The commercial launch of Sparkle's NaaS/Quantum-Safe Internet (NaaS/QSI) product is planned for later this year.

Vodafone is continuing its share buyback program with another €500 million (US$545 million) worth in its sights. In a statement to investors, Vodafone said the "sole purpose of the Programme is to reduce share capital." The program is being handled by Goldman Sachs International.

Ericsson has won a Red Dot design award for the user-friendly interface of its rApps, which are O-RAN Alliance-based RAN automation applications intended to optimize user experience and improve network performance.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a directive to mobile operators telling them to simplify their tariff plans, bundles and promotional offers. As part of the directive, operators must publish a comprehensive table clearly showing the various features of their various plans and bundles.

Deutsche Telekom has signed up to the Bridge Alliance, a grouping of mobile operators in Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The German operator's initial focus will be on business opportunities in the IoT sector – it is hoped the partnership will provide a launchpad for both electric vehicle manufacturers seeking connectivity globally beyond Asian shores and European automakers looking to expand their connected car business in the Asia-Pacific region.

Polish IT company Comarch has joined BREKO, the German broadband association. Orange, Telefónica, T-Mobile, Vodafone have all used Comarch at one time or another.

UK cable operator Virgin Media is offering those of its TV customers who don't currently subscribe to its Premier Sports channels access to them at no additional cost during August. The Premier Sports channels, which usually cost £12.99 ($16.49) per month, offers, among other options, La Liga soccer and MMA.