SoftBank and Nokia have partnered to research cutting-edge communication technologies, focusing on AI-RAN and 6G innovations. By leveraging Nokia’s Cloud RAN and conducting field tests, they aim to transform digital society. This collaboration underscores the critical role of AI in telecommunication, promising scalable and reliable communication networks essential for smart cities.
MasOrange, Spain’s leading mobile operator, is set to reduce Chinese equipment in its 5G network to mitigate geopolitical risks. From 2024, Huawei’s share will drop as Ericsson’s increases, targeting a full elimination by 2029. This transition ensures a robust 5G expansion, bolstering coverage across 100% of municipalities over 10,000 residents.
CelcomDigi has launched its AI Experience Center, AiX, in Malaysia to drive digital solutions across various industries. Located in Subang Jaya, AiX offers interactive simulations and showcases real-world applications in sectors like healthcare and logistics. Supported by global tech giants, this initiative underscores Malaysia’s commitment to advancing 5G and AI technologies.
Germany has officially banned critical components from Chinese telecom firms Huawei and ZTE in its 5G network infrastructure, citing security concerns. German telecommunications companies must eliminate Chinese equipment from core networks by 2026 and from 5G access and transport networks by 2029.
The sale of Vodafone Spain to Zegona Communications has been finalized following approval from Spanish regulators. This landmark deal, valued at €5 billion, includes €4.1 billion in cash and €0.9 billion in redeemable preference shares. Initially announced last October, the transaction received regulatory approval earlier this month. Zegona hailed the deal as the “largest ever reverse takeover.”
In a letter addressed to Congress, Rosenworcel highlighted that the Reimbursement Program would require approximately $4.98 billion to cover all “reasonable and supported” cost estimates in approved applications. This starkly contrasts with the current appropriation of $1.9 billion, resulting in a notable deficit.
In a pioneering initiative, passengers traveling on a high-speed rail route in Southern China are now enjoying faster and more reliable 5G connectivity, thanks to the innovative use of digital twin technology. ZTE and China Mobile’s Yunnan Branch have collaboratively developed a detailed 3D model of the railway’s surrounding infrastructure, significantly enhancing network performance along the challenging terrain of the KunchuDali railway.
Nokia unveiled specialized, private AI models for the telecom sector to improve network operations and customer service. A coalition of 10 governments agreed on principles for secure 6G networks. IBM and the GSMA have launched a global AI training initiative to bridge the AI knowledge gap among telecom operators. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X80 modem chip introduces 5G-Advanced support with up to 10 Gbps speeds and six-carrier aggregation.
Global mobile core network market’s slowest quarterly growth since 2017, according to Dell’Oro, is attributed to tough political and economic conditions and slower 5G network rollouts. Distinctively unstable trends mark the sector, with Huawei holding the lead in provider rankings for Q3.
Nepal’s move into 5G has hit a deadlock due to geopolitical tensions, resulting in halted trials. Interestingly, at the heart of the issue is the importation of necessary equipment from Chinese firms amid corruption allegations and international contentions over security. The telecom industry in Nepal fears this impasse may set back tech enhancements, revealing global tensions’ significant impact on local infrastructures.
