• O2 Telefónica says “selected customers” will be able to benefit from the cloud core when using the operator’s standalone 5G network

• The operator aims to move “at least 30-40%” of its customer base by 2025-2026

• A Reuters report suggested that O2 Telefónica first worked with AWS and Sweden-based Ericsson, and then swapped to Nokia and AWS

Telefónica Deutschland (O2 Telefónica) hailed what it described as a first for an existing telecoms operator: the launch of a new 5G core network that is built entirely in the cloud, specifically the AWS cloud. O2’s 5G Cloud Core uses cloud-native 5G core architecture from Finland-based Nokia and is run in the AWS cloud computing environment.

While a small handful of greenfield operators are building cloud-native 5G networks from scratch, namely 1&1 in Germany, Dish in the United States, and Rakuten Mobile in Japan, moving an existing network and customers to the cloud is a somewhat different proposition for more established operators.operators

According to O2 Telefónica, “selected customers” will be able to benefit from the cloud core when using the operator’s standalone 5G network, dubbed 5G Plus. Around 1 million 5G customers will be moved to the cloud core in the first phase.

“With the new 5G Cloud Core, we are moving away from traditional architectures and instead focusing on modern, high-performance, and efficient network technologies. In doing so, we are relying on the quality and global expertise of Nokia and AWS,” commented by Mallik Rao, chief technology and information officer of O2 Telefónica.

Raghav Sahgal, president of cloud and network services at Nokia, also noted that deployment is the “first of its kind for an existing communications service provider” and enables “greater network agility and service offerings.”

Writing on LinkedIn, Fabio Cerone, general manager telecom EMEA at AWS, said this was a “big day” for AWS in the telecoms industry. “It will bring O2 Telefónica the ability to dynamically scale and allocate 5G network capabilities to meet customer needs, as well as the needs of the new applications that will run on top of the new core,” he said.

AWS vice president Jan Hofmeyr told Reuters that the cloud services provider wants to “make it a business to run telco workloads” and expects more deals with other operators in the next 12 months.

In a blog, AWS said it is increasingly seeing more telecom operators “recognizing the value of moving network workloads to the cloud.” It pointed to the announcement by NTT DoCoMo earlier this year that it will work with AWS to commercially deploy its 5G open radio access network (RAN) in Japan, and also noted it is working with Dish.

Mix it up

Also in an interview with Reuters, Rao said he aims to move “at least 30-40%” of the O2 Telefónica customer base by 2025-2026, once the cloud core had been “working for at least one to two quarters.” The operator has around 45 million mobile customers in Germany.

The Reuters report additionally suggested that O2 Telefónica first worked with AWS and Sweden-based Ericsson, and then swapped to Nokia and AWS.

Indeed, in 2020 the operator had announced it was working with AWS to virtualize its 5G core and would rely on 5G core and orchestration components from the Swedish vendor.

However, O2 Telefónica said there was no collaboration with Ericsson and AWS regarding the 5G cloud core, so there had been no swap.

The operator noted that Ericsson is the supplier of its classic 5G core network, and pointed to 5G cloud core network tests with Ericsson and Google, as well as a cooperation between O2 Telefónica and Ericsson on the RAN as part of a joint cloud RAN/open RAN test.

Overall, O2 Telefónica said it is pursuing a multi-cloud and multi-vendor strategy. Indeed, the operator just launched its first virtual RAN and open RAN site in collaboration with Samsung.

HAMBURG : Ocean Network Express (ONE) announced that together with their long-term partner Ancotrans, they will deploy state-of-the-art Volvo FH e-trucks, to serve the transportation needs of ONE’s customers, marking a significant step in reducing carbon emissions. Since becoming ISO 14001 certified for inland operations in 2021, global shipping line, Ocean Network Express (ONE) has been offering their customers greener transport options.

One of the first deployments of FH e-trucks in the Hamburg region, the new trucks boast high-performance 540 kW batteries, with a range of 320 km and can be charged overnight at Ancotrans’ facilities using 100% renewable energy. As an example, ONE’s customer Yamaha can transport cargo from the Port of Hamburg to nearby location, Sittensen with a minimum 50% reduction in CO2 emissions – when the trucks are charged on the road, increasing to 100% when charged at Ancotrans facilities.

Takahiro Kikuchi, Managing Director and Region Head of Ocean Network Express (Europe) Ltd said, “We are dedicated to making supply chains greener for our customers. Through working together at all points of the supply chain we can collectively make a big difference in reducing carbon emissions. The use of e-trucks is just one of the many steps on ONE’s journey to achieve net zero by 2050. We thank Ancotrans and our customers for taking these steps with us.”

Arne Kraeft, Country Manager, Ancotrans Germany, says: “Embracing a more sustainable future, we sincerely thank ONE for joining us in the electrification journey. As we electrify our fleet, we are not only embracing innovation but collectively contributing to a greener future. ONE’s commitment to join us in this transition aligns with our shared vision for a more environmentally conscious transportation industry. Together, we’re on the road to reduction, creating a better future, one container at a time.”

ONE’s goal to achieve net zero by 2050 includes scope 3 emissions from external suppliers. This can only be achieved in close cooperation with all members of the supply chain. ONE looks forward to continued collaboration with their partners and customers to make journeys greener for all.

Apple iPhone 15 Series Will Be Manufactured By Tata Group In India

Homegrown conglomerate Tata Group could become the fourth assembler for Apple iPhone 15 series in India. The other assemblers of the iPhone 15 lineup will be the biggest Apple contract manufacturer Foxconn along with Luxshare and Pegatron while the fourth manufacturer will be Tata Group, the first local Indian manufacturer, according to market research firm TrendForce. Tata Group will assemble a small chunk of the iPhone 15 series models in India. The conglomerate has recently acquired Wistron, so it has now got the company’s India iPhone production line. Tata Group, therefore, will reportedly become the new contract partner for iPhone manufacturing in India, and the fourth manufacturer for Apple after Foxconn, Pegatron, and Luxshare, the TrendForce added.

Click here to read the full story.

WhatsApp May Bring 12 New Updates Soon

Meta-owned WhatsApp is likely to bring as many as 12 new updates that will include multiple features, in a bid to improve user experience, on the world’s most popular messaging platform. According to WABetaInfo, the Meta-owned company is currently testing these features under beta. These features are likely to make their way to WhatsApp users soon. It should be noted that the Meta-owend platform is working on a new feature called “Channels” for broader communication with more people, which is going to come with 12 new, elaborate features. This is likely to be similar to Instagram Channels and Telegram Channels.

Click here to read the full story.

Apple Supplier Foxconn Invests $500 Million In Telangana

Biggest Apple iPhone maker and supplier Foxconn is set to invest a whopping $500 million to set up manufacturing facilities in the southern Indian state of Telangana, news agency Reuters reported on Monday. Foxconn’s investment in the state is likely to give way to 25,000 jobs in the first phase, according to Telangana’s IT minister KT Rama Rao announced on Twitter. “Demonstrating the “Telangana Speed”, I am happy to announce the groundbreaking of first of Foxconn’s plants in Telangana at Kongar Kalaan today With an investment of over $500M it will create 25,000 direct jobs in first Phase #Telangana #Foxconn,” the minister announced.

Click here to read the full story.

Apple May Launch Newer Macs With M3 Chip By End Of 2023

Apple is likely to unveil newer Macs with the upcoming M3 chips by the end of this year, according to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. This tip about MacBooks comes ahead of the upcoming Apple WWDC 2023 annual conference. According to Gurman, the tech giant is likely to launch the next-generation Macs with the new M3 chip before the year ends.

Click here to read the full story.

Meta Apologies For Glitch That Sends Unwanted Friend Requests

Meta, has reportedly issued an apology for a technical error that caused inconvenience to Facebook users. As reported by The Daily Beast, according to a spokesperson for Meta, the glitch occurred due to a recent app update, resulting in unintended friend requests being sent out. However, the issue has been addressed and rectified to prevent further occurrences. “We fixed a bug related to a recent app update that caused some Facebook friend requests to be sent mistakenly. We’ve stopped this from happening and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused,” the spokesperson said. It’s worth noting that this glitch occurred during a period of restructuring within Meta, Facebook’s parent company. Meta has recently undertaken significant layoffs, reducing approximately 13 per cent of its workforce, equating to more than 11,000 employees being let go.

Click here to read the full report.

5G Connections In Asia-Pacific To Grow Up To 3.2 Billion In 2025

According to a recent report by market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC), the number of 5G connections in the Asia-Pacific region, including both mobile subscribers and Internet of Things (IoT) connections, is projected to soar from 574 million in 2021 to 3.2 billion in 2025. This represents a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 87.9 per cent. The deployment of 5G services in the region is being driven by various factors, with the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) being a significant contributor.

Click here to read the full story.

Mining company Sigma Lithium inked a deal with Nokia and systems integrator Alcon to install a private LTE campus network to support its operations, a deployment expected to improve worker safety and productivity.

The network will be used to connect 200 employees and support a range of industrial applications at a mining site in Brazil, with the aim of boosting productivity and creating operational efficiencies.

Workers will be connected to the network through certified rugged devices and use a range of applications based-on industrial edge computing to improve safety and increase productivity. Apps to be supported include voice and video communications and smart badge systems.

Nokia claimed the deployment represented the first LTE private network in the Americas to support Lithium mining, while highlighting the importance of the metal in battery production for the likes of electric vehicles and solar energy storage.

Sigma Lithium is aiming to produce next-generation electric vehicle batteries in a carbon neutral way; the Finnish vendor claimed this would be aided by the installation of the network.

Your phone is dead. Your luggage was sent to the wrong airport. These sound like nightmares, but they can be a reality when you’re traveling. These mishaps are simply a part of the adventure, but you can be prepared with the help of travel tech gadgets. 

Whether you’re traveling a few hours away or across the globe, there are travel gadgets that can help make your trip easier, safer and (mostly) headache-free. We spoke to a travel expert, tried a few products ourselves and sorted through hundreds of top-rated products on Amazon to find the best tech to pack for your next trip. 

SKIP AHEAD The best travel tech

Our top picks

How we picked the best travel tech essentials

To figure out what types of travel tech are worth bringing along on your next trip — and which gadgets to skip — we spoke to several experts who have spent years traveling all around the world. Here’s what they recommended keeping in mind: 

• Size: As you consider travel gadgets, it’s important to evaluate their size and weight, especially if you have limited space in your carry-on or suitcase. If you’re planning to bring something oversized, be sure it’s worth the real estate in your bag. For instance, cameras are a popular item to bring while traveling, but many experts suggest leaving them behind because they’re bulky: “Cell phone cameras are so advanced now that you can take phenomenal photos on your mobile,” says Tom Marchant, co-founder of luxury travel company Black Tomato.
• Convenience: Whether you’re taking a car, plane, train or bus, the best travel tech gadgets provide convenience when you’re on the road, ensuring you’re comfortable and prepared for common travel issues. Almost all of the experts we spoke to recommended a power bank as their top travel accessory. Marchant explains that these devices are a convenient way to charge electronics in airports, on airplanes (or other modes of transportation) and while exploring your destination. 
• Peace of mind: The right technology can also help reduce stress while you travel, allowing you to make the most of the experience. For this reason, our experts highly recommend devices like Bluetooth trackers, personal safety devices and noise-canceling headphones. “I always put AirTags in every piece of checked luggage, especially if making multiple transfers, as it can greatly save headaches and stress,” explains Marchant. 

The best travel tech gadgets on Amazon to buy

Using the guidance of travel experts, we sorted through hundreds of popular travel tech gadgets on Amazon. The following are best-selling devices that are highly rated by thousands of shoppers, and you may want to grab a few of them for your next trip. 

Twelve South AirFly SE Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter

4.4-star average rating from over 8,300 reviews

This wireless audio transmitter plugs into the in-flight entertainment system on airplanes and sends the audio directly to wireless Bluetooth headphones. This allows you to listen to movies or other content without being tethered to the seat by a cord. The transmitter can also be used on gym equipment, televisions or gaming devices, and it lasts for up to 20 hours per charge, according to the brand. 

Apple AirTag 

4.7-star average rating from over 126,700 reviews

For iPhone users, AirTags are an inexpensive way to keep tabs on your luggage, keys or other belongings while traveling. The location of these Bluetooth-powered trackers can be monitored through the Find My app. If the AirTag is within Bluetooth range of your phone, its Precision Finding feature will point you toward it, or you can see its location on a map if you’re further away.

Fyy Travel Cable Organizer

4.5-star average rating from over 13,100 reviews

You can keep electronics and all their accessories neatly organized with this travel pouch. It comes in 11 colors, and there are two compartments inside with various pockets to store charging cables, power banks and more. The cable organizer is compact enough to put in a carry-on or handbag, and the exterior is water-resistant to protect its contents, according to the brand. 

Conair Handheld Travel Garment Steamer

4.3-star average rating from over 19,000 reviews

It’s inevitable that your clothing will get a bit wrinkly while traveling, but you can remove creases with this top-rated travel garment steamer. It heats up in less than a minute, and its high-velocity steam will help smooth wrinkles on shirts, dresses, and other clothing — important if you’re traveling for work. It has an adjustable steam head that lets you hold it at any angle, and the device is even dual-voltage for international trips. 

Kindle Paperwhite

4.7-star average rating from over 34,000 reviews

If you like to read while traveling, this popular e-reader is a worthwhile investment. It has an 8GB storage capacity, allowing you to download dozens of books, and the glare-free display is comfortable to read even in direct sunlight. It’s lightweight and more compact than your average paperback novel, and it can last for weeks on a single charge, so you don’t have to bring a charger with you, according to the brand.

Tile Pro 

4.5-star average rating from over 10,800 reviews

Apple AirTags only work for iPhone users, so if you have an Android phone, you may want the Tile Pro instead. These trackers work similarly to AirTags, using Bluetooth to collect location data. You can make the Tile ding if you’re within Bluetooth range, or its last location will be displayed within the Tile app if the tracker is farther away. It also works in reverse — you can make your phone ding using the Tile, which can be helpful if you misplace it. 

Philips One by Sonicare

4.5-star average rating from over 23,700 reviews

This electric toothbrush is designed specifically for traveling. According to the brand, the toothbrush can last for up to three months on a single AAA battery, and it comes with a case that protects the brush head. The brush uses micro-vibrations to help clean your teeth, and it has a built-in two-minute timer that vibrates at 30-second intervals to let you know when to move to a different area of your mouth. 

iWalk Mini Portable Charger

4.3-star average rating from over 22,400 reviews

Our experts highly recommend portable chargers for traveling, and this popular model is roughly the size of a tube of lipstick, making it compact enough to fit in a carry-on, purse or your pocket. It has a built-in lightning connector for iPhones, eliminating the need for a charging cable, and its 3350mAh capacity can charge most iPhone models one full time. However, it can’t be used with Android phones. 

Yogasleep Rohm Portable White Noise Sound Machine

4.3-star average rating from over 12,600 reviews

If you have trouble sleeping in noisy hotels, this portable sound machine has three white noise audios to drown out background noise. The gadget is 3.5 inches in diameter and weighs a few ounces, allowing you to tuck it in your suitcase or backpack, and the brand says that it can be used overnight on a single charge. It charges via USB cable, and you will generally need to bring along the charger on multi-night trips. 

GL.iNet Mango Mini Pocket VPN Router

4.2-star average rating from over 10,100 reviews

This pocket VPN router can convert any public Wi-Fi network into a private network for more secure browsing. The device needs to be plugged into your laptop or a charging bank for power, and it supports more than 30 popular OpenVPN service providers, as well as Wireguard. The router is small enough to tuck in a carry-on bag or suitcase, and it’s designed to provide an extra layer of security if you’re working on the go. 

Brita Insulated Filtered Water Bottle

4.6-star average rating from over 13,200 reviews

This reusable water bottle has a filter built into the straw, and it’s designed to reduce the taste of chlorine if you fill it up at a public water fountain, according to the brand. The stainless steel bottle holds 32 ounces of water, and the brand claims it can keep your beverage cold for up to a full day.

Hicober 3-in-1 Charging Station

4.6-star average rating from over 3,000 reviews

If you travel with your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods, this 3-in-1 station is a convenient option for keeping your electronics charged. Instead of bringing individual chargers for each device, you can use this all-in-one station, which has designated spots for all three products. It also folds up into a compact flat form for easy storage. 

Lightimetunnel Sleep Headphones

4.2-star average rating from over 17,700 reviews

You can block out the world around you while traveling with these Bluetooth-enabled sleep headphones. They’re shaped like a sleep mask, with light-blocking eye covers and the headband strap has comfortable flat speakers that will play audio for just you to hear. You can connect the device to your phone to play podcasts, music or just white noise, and the brand says that the headphones offer up to 12 hours of playtime per charge. 

Etekcity Luggage Scale

4.7-star average rating from over 57,000 reviews

There are hefty fees for overweight luggage, so it’s always a good idea to weigh your baggage before you head to the airport. This luggage scale has a maximum capacity of 110 pounds, and you simply hook your bag onto the braided belt to check its weight. The digital scale is compact and lightweight, so you can tuck it into the pocket of your suitcase to take along on your trip.

MiiKare Airplane Phone Holder

4.5-star average rating from over 3,000 reviews

You’ll be able to watch movies or play games comfortably on long flights with this airplane phone holder. It can be slotted into the back of an airplane seat or clamped to a tray table, and it’s compatible with most iPhone and Android phones. You can even rotate your phone 360 degrees while it’s in the stand for the optimal viewing angle. 

Miroposs Rechargeable Travel Makeup Mirror

4.7-star average rating from over 2,300 reviews

This lighted makeup mirror can help you get ready in dark hotel rooms. According to the brand, its rechargeable battery offers around 180 minutes of use per charge, and you can choose from three light settings with adjustable brightness levels. The mirror’s cover doubles as a stand, and you can adjust its angle to suit your needs. It also comes with a removable 10x magnifying mirror for more detailed tasks. 

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

4.7-star average rating from over 10,600 reviews

Travel adapters are essential when you’re going to a different country, and this universal model includes four plugs — types A, C, G, and I — that can be used in more than 150 countries. The adapter has four USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and one AC socket, supporting up to six devices at once. Just keep in mind that it’s not a voltage adapter, so AC-powered devices need to support dual-voltage operation to work in certain locations. 

Airglo Flex Flap Cell Phone Holder

4.5-star average rating from over 3,700 reviews

This cell phone holder has a metal core that’s wrapped in a faux leather cover, and you can bend it into any shape to hold up your phone or tablet. It can be used on tabletops, airplanes or even in the car, and the flat design will take up minimal space in your luggage. 

Ntonpower Travel Power Strip

4.8-star average rating from over 1,000 reviews

This power strip will give you more outlets to charge your electronics while on the road — it’s especially useful on cruise ships where outlets are limited. It has a 4-foot extension cord that wraps around the plug for compact storage, and the strip has two three-prong outlets, two two-prong outlets and three USB-A ports. There’s also extra space between the outlets to accommodate larger plugs, such as camera or laptop chargers. 

Pocketalk Classic Language Translator Device

4.0-star average rating from over 1,100 reviews

This translation device can be used to translate 82 languages, helping you to communicate in foreign countries. It has a built-in two-year mobile data plan with a global SIM card that can be used in 133 countries, and the brand says its average translation time is only 0.6 seconds, allowing you to keep up with conversations in real-time. The translator lasts for up to 240 hours per charge, and it has a simple touchscreen for operation.

Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 

4.7-star average rating from over 77,000 reviews

You’ll be able to recharge electronics several times using this large-capacity power bank. Its 20,000mAh cell capacity can charge an iPhone 11 more than four times, and the brand says it charges iPhones 20% faster than other models. It has two USB ports to charge multiple devices at once, and there’s also a trickle charging mode for low-power gadgets. 

Beats Studio Buds

4.4-star average rating from over 71,400 reviews

Noise-canceling headphones are useful in loud environments if you’re trying to relax or focus on work. These wireless earbuds have active noise cancellation technology that helps to block out background noise, as well as built-in microphones that eliminate wind and other sounds when you’re on the phone. 

Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

4.5-star average rating from over 9,500 reviews

If you’re traveling alone, this personal safety alarm can provide peace of mind. It’s activated by pulling the top out of the base, and the device emits a loud siren and flashing strobe light to attract attention. It has a loop that can easily be attached to a keychain, and the alarm is reusable — just reinsert the top pin to turn it off.  

Jisulife Portable Handheld Fan

4.6-star average rating from over 11,500 reviews

This portable fan is a useful accessory if you’re traveling during the summer. It folds up into a small form that can be tucked into any bag, and the brand says that it can run for up to 21 hours per charge, depending on the setting. It has two speeds, as well as a small built-in flashlight and it can also be used as a power bank to charge electronics in a pinch. 

Braun MobileShave Electric Razor

4.2-star average rating from over 6,800 reviews

If you don’t want to take your everyday electric razor on a trip, this small model is designed for traveling. It has a swiveling cover to protect the blade in your bag and it’s powered by two AA batteries. The razor has a slide-out precision trimmer on one side, and you can wash it under running water for easy maintenance on the go. 

Lewis N Clark Travel Door Alarm

4.3-star average rating from over 2,300 reviews

This travel alarm can provide peace of mind in your hotel room or rental. The alarm is designed to hang on the doorknob, and its sensor has two metal prongs that you slide between the door and door frame. If the door is opened, the brand says that the device will sound a 91-decibel alarm to alert you. The device can also be used on your windows if needed. 

JBL Clip 4

4.8-star average rating from over 23,100 reviews

If you’re planning a hiking or camping trip, this Bluetooth speaker will provide entertainment without taking up too much space. It’s designed to clip onto a bag using its integrated carabiner, and it’s water- and dust-resistant. The speaker can play audio from your phone for up to 10 hours on a single charge, according to the brand, and it has a simple control panel that lets you start or stop the music or adjust the volume. 

Meet our experts

At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Tom Marchant, co-founder of luxury travel company Black Tomato.

Why trust Select?

Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and editor who has previously covered travel lifestyle stories, along with reviewing tech gadgets like the Apple AirTags.