In a first for Canada, Rogers Communications trialed 5G Cloud-Radio Access Network technology during a live event on Monday. Held during a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game at Rogers Centre, the trial highlighted the telecom's network partner Ericsson's Cloud RAN solution. “Cloud-native technology is a critical component in the next generation of wireless networks,” and builds on Rogers’ stand-alone 5G network, said Ron McKenzie, the company's chief technology officer.

The EU isn't on track to meet its 2030 digital transformation targets, the European Commission said in its second report on the state of the digital decade. It found gaps in investment at EU and national levels in digital skills, high-quality connectivity, AI take-up and data analytics by enterprises, semiconductor production and startups. The report pressed EU governments to "be more ambitious," saying reaching digital decade goals is critical for the bloc's continuing prosperity and social cohesion. In addition, the report found 5G networks reach just 50% of the EU's territory and don't perform well enough to deliver advanced 5G services. Other concerns include European companies' uptake of AI, cloud and/or big data are well below the target of 75%, and that the spread of digital technologies is limited outside big cities. Moreover, the report noted, digital skills targets "are still far from being achieved, with only 55.6% of the EU population having at least basic digital skills." EU members have until Dec. 2 to adjust policies to align with the targets of the digital decade program.

Finland’s Nokia is acquiring California-based Infinera for $2.3 billion to bolster its optical networks business, a late news release said Thursday.

America Movil (AMX) will acquire a controlling interest in ClaroVTR, its joint venture with Liberty Latin America, subject to approval from the Chilean National Economic Prosecutor’s Office. The two providers combined their Chilean operations into a JV in 2022, but going forward AMX will control approximately 91% of equity, LLA 9%. David Hajj, CEO of AMX, expects to close the deal in Q3, establishing “a converged connectivity provider” in Chile.

Hikvision representatives met with FCC Office of Engineering and Technology staff seeking guidance on the commission’s information disclosure rules, said a filing last week in docket 21-232. Representatives explained that ownership of the China-based company is complicated. “OET acknowledged the challenges of gathering the information and Hikvision advised that it would update its disclosure as it obtains additional information,” the filing said.

Dahua Technology fired back at IPVM as the two continue fighting about Dahua USA’s request for confidentially on its compliance plan with FCC supply chain security rules (see 2405310033). “IPVM’s latest filings continue the organization’s pattern of presenting misrepresentations, baseless speculation, and outright falsehoods about Dahua USA to the Commission as fact,” a filing posted Wednesday in docket 21-232 said: The FCC should “disregard IPVM’s irrelevant and inaccurate claims.”

Vodafone Group completed Zegona Communications' acquisition of Vodafone Spain for $5.4 billion, Vodafone said Friday. The U.K.-based company announced the sale in October. Spanish regulators recently approved the deal (see 2405150022).

USDA's Rural Utilities Service added countries to its list of those eligible for purchases by telecom and electric program award recipients, said a notice for Thursday's Federal Register. The announcement comes after the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative published a list in September determining which countries' products receive "the same treatment as manufactured and unmanufactured products" made in the U.S.

Mexico's 5G auction, set for 2025, “faces hurdles as high spectrum fees deter operator interest,” GlobalData told investors Thursday. The auction will offer licenses in the 600 and 1427-1518 MHz bands, including some covering small geographic areas, and unused licenses in the 800 MHz, 1.7/2.1 GHz, 1.9 GHz and 2.5 GHz bands, the firm said. “Concerns linger as past spectrum license returns highlight the financial strain on operators, potentially impacting the auction's outcome,” GlobalData said.

Spanish authorities approved Zegona Communications’ buy of Vodafone’s Spanish operations, Vodafone said Tuesday. The deal was valued at $5.41 billion. A combination of debt and equity will finance the transaction. The U.K.-based company announced the sale in October.