In a groundbreaking move, Iliad and Vodafone are set to join forces in a strategic merger that has gained unanimous support from Iliad’s board of directors and its primary shareholder, Xavier Niel. The proposal aims to amalgamate Iliad’s ‘innovative approach to connectivity, affordability, and digital inclusivity’ with Vodafone’s expertise in the business-to-business (B2B) sector.
Nokia’s augmentation of its Drones-as-a-Service venture promises new opportunities in North America by providing industries with various business solutions using drone technology. Options range from purchasing to leasing or sharing drones, creating opportunities for revenue streams in a broad spectrum of industries. These robust drones, deployed via 4G/LTE or 5G connections, can perform diverse tasks like remote surveillance and hazardous area inspections.
In a testament to the synergy of shared innovation, Huawei and Sharp enter an intellectual property cross-licensing agreement. Such alliances underline the value of IP rights while enabling competitive market offerings. However, details like the deal’s duration and financial aspects remain undisclosed – a recurrent practice in the telecom sector.
EPB, the city-owned broadband provider, has launched a new 2.5-gig residential internet service, expanding its symmetrical speed offerings on the fiber optic network. Priced at $97.99 per month, the 2.5-gig service comes with the installation of EPB’s Wi-Fi 6e router and is available across the service area. VP Katie Espeseth emphasized EPB’s commitment to diversifying network options, with an eye on providing service up to 25-gig.
Vi, India’s foremost telecom operator, has joined forces with Anritsu to enhance VoLTE call experience. Overcoming complex network challenges, they successfully improve call connectivity and sound quality. Anritsu delivers invaluable insights into VoLTE subsystems, facilitating swift customer-issue resolution.
Launched in September, Nokia’s Network as a Code aims to help operators optimize their 5G resources. By granting developers extensive network access, this platform unlocks opportunities for new application creation. With the advantage of 5G’s inherent software-based architecture, such innovative companies like BT Group are exploring unsuspected capabilities for enhanced network quality.
ITU announced a 6G framework, advancing global standards with a focus on spectrum bands, capabilities, and use cases. Eutelsat OneWeb and Imperial College are teaming up to transform space weather monitoring. Google launched Gemini AI model with flexibility to process diverse data types. SoftBank acquires 51% of Cubic Telecom, forming a strategic partnership for software-defined connected vehicles.
In a groundbreaking move, AT&T has selected Ericsson as the primary supplier for its Open RAN equipment, set to handle 70% of its wireless traffic by the close of 2026. The five-year agreement, valued at an impressive $14 billion, signals a significant shift in the North American telecommunications landscape. Under the deal, Ericsson will replace some of Nokia’s equipment in specific areas of AT&T’s network.
Malaysia’s 5G space sees major collaborative efforts as five mobile network operators (MNOs) each nets a 14% equity stake in Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), forming a total 70% share. The remaining 30% will rest with the government. This bolstering of DNB’s finances aims to facilitate the evolution from the current Single Wholesale Network model to a more efficient Dual Network one.
The rapid adoption of embedded SIMs (eSIMs) is poised to revolutionize the cellular Internet of Things (IoT) landscape, causing significant market disruption and driving growth, according to insights from GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

