Mitratel is significantly expanding its telecom mast portfolio with the purchase of 803 towers from Gametraco Tunggal, marking a strategic move beyond Java Island. This $113 million acquisition not only increases Mitratel’s infrastructure landscape but also welcomes 1,327 new tenants. The company’s ongoing investment in fiber optic networks aims to enhance tower operations, and crucially support the anticipated deployment of 5G networks in Indonesia.
In an ambitious collaboration, Ericsson is partnering with Concordia University, the University of Manitoba, and the University of Waterloo to bolster cybersecurity for 5G networks, utilizing AI and automation solutions. Their objective: foreseeing and mitigating network breaches for both current 5G and upcoming 6G networks while navigating increasing network stress and complex security requirements.
The Global Coalition on Telecommunications (GCOT), launched by the UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, and the US, intends to revolutionize telecommunications through joint R&D, funding alignments, and standard development. Offering insights into the initiative’s broad scope, TMT partner Julian Cunningham-Day highlights the coalition’s focus on supply chain diversification and market competition through Open RAN. Despite the promising advantages, potential vulnerabilities may arise from industry-wide open standards. Additonally, GCOT’s emphasis on yet to be realized 6G technology signals its proactive stance towards future complexities.
Ofcom has cemented plans to propel UK’s 5G coverage by introducing the nation’s first millimetre-wave (mmWave) spectrum auction. This will span the robust 26GHz and 40GHz spectrum bands, targeting faster 5G speeds across 68 UK towns and cities. Interestingly, mmWave 5G promises impressive speed and capacity upgrades, but struggles with range and penetrability, making it ideal for densely populated areas. The auction awaits a verdict on a key industry merger before commencement.
Dell’Oro Group’s RAN 2030 Advanced Research Report hints at long-term growth in the RAN market, suggesting investments could surpass $40 billion by 2030. Despite challenges like short-term boosts due to new technologies, infrastructural opportunities in Fixed Wireless Access and private networks might augment growth. The report also anticipates macro RAN deployments leading the 6G era. However, the analysis remains mindful of potential obstacles clouding this optimistic outlook.
At the Global Mobile Broadband Forum 2023, Ken Hu of Huawei underscored the impressive growth of 5G networks worldwide, signaling a transformative shift. With 260 5G networks serving almost half the global population, 5G is identified as the catalyst of synergistic growth in the B2B market. However, realization of its full potential will base on consistent network investment, as reiterated by Bruce Lam—CEO, Consumer, at Hong Kong Telecommunications.
Explore EE’s new ‘everything app’, aiming to centralize device sales and manage subscriptions. This all-encompassing platform offers the ability to purchase gaming accessories or trade devices. Alongside this, EE has introduced enhanced broadband and mobile packages, and a focus on personalized customer service. As the company confidently adjusts to its innovative role within the telecommunications landscape, competitors are left needing to pick up the pace.
Huawei champions the development of 5.5G technology, anticipating significant steps in network infrastructure. Advocating for evolution and readiness, Huawei focuses on 5G-Advanced as a cornerstone of future telecom progression. However, global implementation poses challenges, with promising 5G speeds needing considerable network densification and negative trends in capital expenditure. As such, Huawei and other vendors are pivoting to cater to the enterprise market, favouring an immersive approach in changing market needs, instead of simply relying on network infrastructure investment.
The European Commission is urging member states to conduct shared risk assessments in key tech realms including advanced semiconductors, AI, quantum tech, and biotech. Amidst the cloud of geopolitical tech skirmishes, EU stands poised to protect sensitive technologies and is resolved not to preemptively decide on any corrective measures. Only time will reveal the Commission’s next steps after risk assessments.
The UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, has finalized plans to auction off mmWave spectrum for mobile services, with an eye on potential effects a pending Vodafone/Three UK merger might have. This move underscores the regulatory body’s diligent efforts to enhance 5G spectrum allocations, allocating citywide licenses to 68 major UK locations. Despite the anticipated delay due to the merger’s evaluation, Ofcom plans to award licenses on a first-come, first-served basis in less densely populated areas, promising a balanced landscape for both telecom giants and early adopters.
