Hello, ITU News Weekly readers!

After a short hiatus, we are back in action. This week, we take a look at China's rise as a leader in artificial intelligence (AI), how some of the top trends in software-defined networking (SDN) will impact telcos -- and a recap from the ITU's recent Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) in Nassau, Bahamas.

Spotlight

'Living in a world of digital opportunities' Want to learn more about how regulation can help improve digital financial inclusion -- and boost development? Then don't miss the latest ITU News Plus 'Snapshot Report' on the 17th GSR, held earlier this month in the Bahamas!

ICT Trends

Regulating cryptocurrencies: The United States' Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) concluded this week that organizations offering or selling digital assets using blockchains or distributed ledgers may be subject to securities laws. This is important, in part, because it would include the 'initial coin offerings' (ICOs) that tech startups are increasingly using to help grow their businesses. The Republic of Korea's government is also keeping an eye on cryptocurrency speculation.

Network management: Service provider investments in software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV) will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 46% between 2016 and 2020, accounting for over USD 18 billion in revenue by the end of 2020, projects a new report. [How will SDN/NFV impact telcos? Read our Top 5 trends to watch.]

China, world leader in artificial intelligence (AI)? Why it may happen sooner than you think.

NEW! Global ICT Regulatory Outlook 2017 opens a series of reports tracking market and regulatory trends in the ICT sector and their implications across the economy. A key resource on smart, inclusive and forward-looking ICT regulation, with useful insights and a clear perspective on current trends and challenges. The first report is on sale. BUY NOW!

Why cities need guidelines to monetize Big Data: The first meeting of the new ITU-T Focus Group on Data Processing and Management (DPM) last week affirmed that 'data is the new oil.' Read this ITU News piece for four key takeaways from the meeting.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...

Better Internet: Google to work with Liberian ISPs to improve internet services
2G shutdown: Australian operator, Optus, will turn off its 2G network across Australia completely on 1 August.
Cybersecurity: For the 20th edition of the annual Black Hat information security conference this week, CRN has compiled its list of the event's Top 10 hacks over the years.
Competition in India: Airtel registered 14% revenue fall amid price disruption in India. Meanwhile, India's 4G startup Jio is said to suffer capacity bottleneck.
Goodbye, Flash! Adobe announced this week that it will phase out its famous Flash multimedia software platform by 2020.
Artificial Intelligence: Facebook to hire (human) AI editor. (Warning: Contains humor.)

Insights

Homegrown solutions for Africa's digital future "If we’re going to solve local problems, then we should also look locally for the solutions, and support them," writes Erik Hersman, the CEO of BRCK, in ITU News.

Low-quality lidar will keep self-driving cars in the slow lane, writes Jamie Condliffe in MIT Tech Review.

Keep up to date with ITU

UPCOMING EVENTS

- ITU Workshop on "Security Aspects of Intelligent Transport Systems"; ITU Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland on 28 August 2017.

- ITU Telecom World; Busan, Republic of Korea, 25-28 September.

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