Four leading Malaysian telcos have bid for the nation’s second 5G network, following the government’s tender that closed on July 31, 2024. The contenders—CelcomDigi, Maxis, Telekom Malaysia, and U Mobile—aim to enhance Malaysia’s 5G landscape. The winning bidder will be announced by year-end, set to further progress the nation’s 5G infrastructure development.
EE’s rapid 5G small cell deployment, with over 1,000 active installations, marks a significant advancement in the UK’s mobile infrastructure. These small cells, strategically deployed in high-demand areas like London, enhance mobile capacity and performance. Leveraging advanced network analytics and collaboration with partners like Nokia and Ericsson, EE optimizes network efficiency, ensuring top-notch connectivity.
Recent research by Vodafone reveals significant readiness among UK companies to invest in 5G Standalone (5G SA). 39% of businesses are prepared to invest in 5G SA now, with 14% planning to do so within a year. 93% of companies see reliable data connections as vital for success, reflecting the importance of 5G SA in business transformation.
Malaysia’s telecommunications landscape is rapidly evolving as CelcomDigi submits a proposal to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for deploying a second 5G network. This move aims to bolster Malaysia’s digital infrastructure, positioning the country as a regional leader in 5G and AI development.
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.
Bharti Airtel is re-farming its mid-band spectrum to handle increased 5G network traffic. By reallocating spectrum from 4G services, Airtel aims to support growing 5G demands. This strategic move enhances both Standalone and Non-Standalone 5G modes, offering better connectivity and paving the way for innovative VoIP solutions across India.
Kontron and Amarisoft have teamed up to provide a robust private 5G solution for the Defense and Security sectors. Leveraging Kontron’s rugged ME1310 platform and Amarisoft’s software, this partnership focuses on delivering reliable 5G connectivity in challenging environments. This collaboration aims to enhance communication while simplifying 4G/5G network deployment.
Deutsche Telekom now operates 12,150 5G antennas across 920 German cities, leveraging the 3.6 GHz spectrum. This expansion enhances mobile services, adding 676 new locations. Around 97% of German households have access to Deutsche Telekom’s 5G network. The company also plans to introduce 5G Standalone in Germany this year.
Boldyn Networks is set to unveil a pioneering 5G Innovation Lab at the Port of Blyth, thanks to a £500,000 investment from the North East Combined Authority’s 5G Innovation Acceleration program. The lab will offer businesses a secure, high-bandwidth environment to test smart manufacturing technologies, boosting the region’s tech landscape.
Nokia and Bharti Airtel’s first trial of 5G non-standalone technology in India achieved over 1.2 Gbps data throughput on Airtel’s commercial network. The trial used the 3.5 GHz spectrum for 5G, leveraging Nokia’s RAN software and advanced virtualization.
