The Digital Digest: a birthday episode special featuring breaking deals, open RAN advances, private networks in mines, and a VIP sharing GCA nomination tips

In this episode of the Digital Digest, we roundup the biggest
stories of the week from merger approvals to attending business
events during a pandemic.


Natalie brings us the breaking news on the O2/Virgin merger,
explaining how and why the CMA made its decision. Elsewhere in
telecoms, Jio is launching two new subsea cables; Arc and BSO
have interconnected their networks for on-demand connectivity;
and gaming is on track to become a $6 billion opportunity in the
Middle East.


Alan brings us a Hollywood-inspired explainer on AT&T's
about-turnon content and why former activist investor, Elliott
Management, could now be smiling. Following news this week from
NEC and Rakutenwe catch up on the latest open RAN developments
and, after a survey quantifies private network deployments, Alan
explains why manufacturing and mining are driving the demand for
private networks.


In the world of data centres, Natalie talks new builds,
acquisitions and micro edge following the news this week on
Microsoft's $500 million Chicago build and DCI's $54 million
Adelaide project. Also in data centres, Digital Colony has
acquired Landmark Dividend in a $972 million deal and Schneider
Electricsays it's all about the micro edge in Europe.


Joining the conversation for our anniversary episode we welcome
Capacity VIP Carl Roberts, partner at Hadaara Consulting, and
head judge at the 2021 Global Carrier Awards. Carl has been on
the ground at Capacity Middle Eastthis week and so reports back
on the return to physical events, while also introducing the
Global Carrier Awards 2021. Carl talks about the categories and
judging process, and shares his nomination tips for this year's
entrants.


Don't forget to catch up with the April/May issue of Capacity
magazine and  sign up to our newsletters.


Season 2, episode 17 is presented by deputy editor Melanie
Mingas, and features editor-at-large Alan Burkitt-Gray, senior
reporter Natalie Bannerman and special guest Carl Roberts.