Today’s telecom news includes announcements on FirstLight, Netcracker, Verizon, IBM, Google, Anthropic, Microsoft, OpenAI, Airtel Africa, among others.
FirstLight Taps Netcracker to Speed Fiber Expansion
U.S. fiber provider FirstLight has selected Netcracker Digital OSS to modernize network operations and support continued fiber expansion as its customer base grows. The platform will provide an AI-native operational foundation designed to improve service activation, assurance and network management across FirstLight’s expanding fiber footprint. The deployment is intended to help the operator streamline operations while scaling services more efficiently for residential and business customers. Netcracker’s software will support greater automation and operational visibility, aligning FirstLight’s network growth with digital transformation priorities. The agreement highlights how fiber operators are increasingly adopting AI-enabled OSS platforms to manage more complex networks, accelerate provisioning and improve customer service as demand for high-speed connectivity continues to rise.
Verizon Commits $70 Million to Nationwide AI Training
Verizon will invest $70 million in a nationwide initiative to provide AI training for job seekers, small businesses and educators as the U.S. workforce adapts to rapid technological change. The telecom operator plans to work with nonprofit organizations including Goodwill Industries and provide training resources from IBM, Google, Anthropic, Microsoft and OpenAI. The program aims to reach hundreds of thousands of people and expand access to AI skills. Verizon said the effort is designed to help workers and businesses prepare for AI-driven changes across the economy. The investment builds on Verizon’s earlier $20 million commitment to AI training for departing employees and expands the company’s workforce-skilling efforts to a broader audience.
Airtel Money Plans Major London IPO
Airtel Africa’s mobile money arm, Airtel Money, plans to file for a London initial public offering. The IPO is expected to involve a secondary share offering with at least a 10 percent free float, while detailed terms are due in October. Reuters reported that a source said the offering could raise about $800 million and value Airtel Money at $8 billion to $9 billion. Airtel Money provides mobile financial services through agents and kiosks across 13 African markets and serves about 53 million people. The company has around 53 million users and operates across key African markets, including East Africa, Nigeria and French-speaking countries.