The UK Competition and Markets Authority has extended the deadline for its £15 billion Vodafone-Three merger investigation to 7 December. This delay highlights the broad scope and technical complexity of the inquiry. Vodafone-Three merger promises significant benefits, such as enhanced competition and transformation of the UK’s digital infrastructure.
Vodafone launches LTE-M, an LPWAN technology for IoT devices with low data and power needs. Converge ICT partners with Ribbon to triple its fiber network capacity. Nokia partners with BxA to enhance its Network as Code platform for healthcare applications. Hayo launches a global IoT platform for MNOs and enterprises, enhancing efficiency and connectivity with cloud-native technology and AI.
Qualcomm has launched the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2, an affordable 5G chipset designed to boost its market presence. Featuring a Gigabit-capable modem but fewer high-end features, it’s aimed at budget-friendly 5G smartphones. Qualcomm’s new chip targets a growing market of cost-conscious consumers, with Xiaomi set to release the first device using the new platform.
ARG’s AI-Enabled Communications Market Insights & Decision Guide, reveals that businesses expect AI to impact their roles. A survey by Next DLP found that 73% of security professionals used unauthorized SaaS apps. The University of Sheffield’s National 6G Radio Systems Facility aims to establish the U.K. as a leader in 6G technology. Brazil’s telecom regulator Anatel has issued 66 licenses for private 5G networks.
Korean carrier SK Telecom and Singaporean firm Singtel signed an MoU to develop next-gen telecom networks, focusing on AI and network virtualization. The collaboration aims to create foundational technologies for 6G systems, improve edge-AI infrastructure, and enhance 5G capabilities.
Singtel has announced a strategic partnership with Hitachi Digital to accelerate industrial AI solutions using Singtel’s Paragon platform. This collaboration focuses on integrating Hitachi’s AI applications with Singtel’s 5G, edge computing, and cloud services. The initiative aims to boost quality assurance, workplace safety, and pre-emptive maintenance, enhancing enterprise connectivity and productivity significantly.
Accenture has announced its agreement to acquire Fibermind, an Italy-based network services company specializing in fibre, 5G network deployment, and infrastructure engineering. This acquisition aims to bolster Accenture’s capabilities and extend its network services to clients in telecoms, utilities, and transportation sectors.
Three UK has achieved a significant milestone in network sustainability through its collaboration with Ericsson, employing advanced AI-powered hardware and software. Over the past 18 months, the partnership has focused on modernizing Three UK’s network, significantly enhancing energy efficiency with cutting-edge technologies.
UK-based telecom giant Vodafone is poised to divest its 21.5% stake in Indus Towers, according to undisclosed sources cited by Reuters. The company plans to execute the sale through block deals, involving transactions of at least 500,000 shares valued at a minimum of INR100 million ($1.2 million) per trading window.
T-Mobile has secured a significant $2.67 billion defense contract, positioning itself as the primary wireless solutions provider for the U.S. Navy over the next decade. This contract, known as Spiral 4, succeeds the earlier Spiral 3 agreement, which expired in May. The new arrangement allows all U.S. Department of Defense agencies to access T-Mobile’s wireless services and equipment until 2034.
