KDDI and Okinawa Cellular, in partnership with Starlink, have launched au Starlink Direct — Japan’s first direct-to-device satellite service. Starting April 10, 2025, au users can enjoy seamless connectivity even beyond network zones, enabling emergency alerts, location sharing, and AI-powered assistance, all at no extra cost.
In response to a significant tariff hike, Apple has flown five cargo planes of products from India to the U.S. to avoid steep new taxes. This costly decision reflects the urgency U.S. companies face amid trade tensions. As tariffs rise, consumers worry about price hikes, while tech firms like are grappling with increased costs.
The Philippines’ NTC has denied NOW Telecom’s appeal to extend its mobile license after the company failed to meet rollout targets—deploying just 6 of 2,306 promised base stations. Regulatory non-compliance and unpaid spectrum fees totaling PHP 3.57 billion further sealed its fate.
The UK’s major mobile operators are challenging Ofcom’s proposed changes to spectrum annual license fees. Despite a proposed 21% reduction in fees for the 900MHz and 1800MHz spectrums, and a 12% increase for the 2100MHz band, operators argue the fees are still too high.
Nokia, Telia, and the Finnish Defense Forces achieved a world-first by successfully demonstrating seamless 5G standalone slice handover across borders. Conducted during a Nordic defense exercise, the trial proved the potential of secure, uninterrupted communications for mission-critical operations.
Anatel has approved Starlink to launch 7,500 more satellites in Brazil, expanding its network. While boosting internet coverage, the decision raised regulatory concerns. Amid tensions with Brazilian authorities and global contract setbacks, Starlink also faces rising costs from U.S. import tariffs.
Apple is fighting a UK government demand to weaken its encrypted cloud services, sparking a landmark legal battle. A tribunal ruled the case must be public, rejecting secrecy claims. Privacy advocates hail the decision as a win for digital rights, warning that forced backdoors threaten global security.
Vodafone has reached 200 million IoT connections, doubling its numbers from five years ago. This milestone includes innovations like connected heart monitors and smart technology used in various sectors, from healthcare to environmental monitoring.
At NAB Show 2025, Verizon and NVIDIA unveiled a portable private 5G network powered by edge AI and accelerated computing. Designed for live broadcast workflows, the system uses real-time AI to prioritize key video moments, boosting viewer engagement and production efficiency—anywhere from stadiums to remote sites.
Vodafone Business’s recent report highlights the dire impact of cybersecurity lapses on UK SMEs, with a staggering £3.4 billion lost annually due to cybercrime. SMEs are struggling against evolving cyber threats such as phishing and ransomware, particularly with constrained budgets. Vodafone emphasizes the importance of enhancing cybersecurity measures to mitigate these risks.
