In a major technological breakthrough, Nokia and Orange have announced the successful completion of an unprecedented 800Gbps per wavelength transmission over Orange’s acclaimed 6,600km Dunant transatlantic route. This milestone was achieved using Nokia’s PSE-6s super coherent optics integrated into the Nokia 1830 Photonic Services Interconnect – Modular (PSI-M). The groundbreaking trial, conducted under real-world network conditions, underscores Orange’s capability to enhance its existing optical network capacity, facilitating the support of end-to-end 400GE and cutting-edge 800GE services.
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.
Vodafone’s potential sale of its Italian operations to Fastweb amid TIM’s anticipated network sales sets the scene for a transforming Italian telecom landscape. Amid these changes, Fastweb’s potential merger or acquisition of Vodafone appears rational due to current market dynamics. Nonetheless, political wrangling, rival suitors, and ever-changing regulatory landscapes act as potential roadblocks to this merging of forces. The news underlines the need for strategic shifts amongst Italy’s leading telecom operators amidst significant changes.
In a strategic move to meet the escalating demands of the 5G era and burgeoning broadband connectivity in India, Nokia has joined forces with Bharti Airtel for a significant overhaul of the optical network infrastructure. The project aims to deliver ‘massive capacity,’ enhanced reliability, and cost efficiency for enterprises, operators, and hyperscalers in the region.
After a challenging negotiation period, TPG Telecom’s endeavour to sell a range of assets to Vocus has reached an impasse. The stumbling block largely revolves around the valuation of the diverse telecom assets. TPG, however, intimates interest in reviving talks at a smaller scale, bearing interest from strategic investors in mind.
In a bold amalgamation move, Orange and MasMovil are set to combine their Spanish telecom operations in a €19 billion deal. European regulators, however, have expressed concerns, fearing a spike in consumer costs due to a potential market monopoly. To address these apprehensions, Orange and MasMovil are shedding some assets, with Romanian telecom Digi earmarked to acquire parts of the business, paving the way for a more competitive landscape. Californian tech enthusiasts, early adopters and IT professionals are keenly observing this development, which is seen as a yardstick for regulator sentiment towards large-scale telecom consolidation in Europe.
CityFibre’s new, True Gig provides a 1.2 Gbps wholesale service, aiming to clear the haze in UK telecommunications advertising and help ISPs deliver gigabit broadband services to their customers. This offering not only circumvents stringent advertising regulations but also supports CityFibre’s vision of an honest high-speed fibre network. The question posed is, will this clear the muddy waters of broadband advertising while promoting a fibre revolution in the UK?
Telecommunication giant BT, in collaboration with Nokia and MediaTek, is exploring the potential of 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Recently conducted trials at BT’s research centre aimed at uncovering new use-cases for this technology, which, simplified and less complex than 4G, promises a more efficient IoT ecosystem. As suggested by BT’s Chief Networks Officer, Greg McCall, the RedCap technology could “unlock a new wave of innovation” within the 5G landscape.
As Vocus’ exclusive negotiation period with TPG Telecom for the proposed fiber business acquisition concludes, talks remain in motion. Delays in due diligence hint at finance-related stumbling blocks, though TPG stays open to other potential bargains, igniting a scenario of anticipation and suspense within the telecom domain.


