This week in tech news: Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison has committed a personal guarantee of US$40.4 billion to support Skydance’s hostile takeover bid involving Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. Meanwhile, annual spending on private 5G networks is projected to reach US$5 billion by 2028, driven by demand for ultra-low latency in critical sectors, according to SNS Telecom & IT. In Mexico, the National Antitrust Commission (CNA) confirmed the removal of restrictive clauses in Google’s contracts with smart mobile device manufacturers.
More news below:
Oracle Founder Pledges US$40 Billion to Back Paramount WBD Bid
Larry Ellison, Co-Founder, Oracle, has committed a US$40.4 billion personal guarantee to support the Paramount Skydance hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), aiming to resolve financing concerns raised by the board of directors. The intervention by Ellison follows a formal rejection by the board of directors of WBD, which characterized the previous proposal as “illusory” due to a lack of verifiable capital. “Paramount has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to acquiring WBD,” says David Ellison, Chairman and CEO, Paramount Skydance. “Our US$30 per share, fully financed all-cash offer was on Dec. 4, and continues to be, the superior option to maximize value for WBD shareholders”.
Private 5G Networks Posed for US$5 Billion Growth by 2028
Annual spending on private 5G networks is projected to reach US$5 billion by 2028, driven by the demand for ultra-low latency in critical sectors, according to SNS Telecom & IT. These networks offer a viable alternative to wired systems for manufacturing, mining, and logistics operations. According to GlobalData, 93% of companies implementing private networks recover their investment in less than a year. Benefits include a 10% productivity increase, reduced emissions, and improved collaborative workflows. Private networks remain independent and controlled by the organization, allowing for tailored configurations to ensure security, reliability, and high performance.
Mexico Lifts Google Contract Curbs on Non-Android Devices
Mexico’s National Antitrust Commission (CNA) confirmed the removal of restrictive clauses in Google’s contracts with smart mobile device manufacturers, allowing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to produce and distribute hardware running alternative operating systems to Android without facing contractual penalties. The regulator said the decision aims to dismantle barriers to entry that have limited diversification in Mexico’s mobile ecosystem. By removing these restrictions, the CNA expects to expand options for manufacturers, reduce costs associated with multiple technological configurations, and address competition concerns identified during the investigation through commitments presented by Google.
Sheinbaum Cancels 8% Tax on Violent Video Games
The Mexican federal administration cancelled the implementation of an 8% tax on violent video games for 2026, citing the technical impossibility of establishing objective fiscal classification criteria. The executive branch will instead transition toward a prevention strategy based on awareness campaigns and peace-building initiatives. The decision responds to the operational complexity of segmenting software catalogs under punitive content criteria.