The FCC recently reiterated its denial of Starlink’s bid to gain nearly $900M in support from the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund program. Despite Starlink’s impressive technology, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel questioned the wisdom in subsidizing the still evolving tech until 2032. Starlink had initially received the lofty sum in a 2020 auction but was later deemed inadequate in verifying its capabilities.
DIDWW, a leading telecom operator delivering top-tier SIP trunking and SMS services for businesses and telco carriers worldwide, has recently secured their membership of the Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC). As a global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing information and communications technology (ICT) in the Asia-Pacific region, the PTC has 3,500 representatives from over 40 countries and more than 150 member companies.
Imagine a search and rescue mission in remote rural areas, being empowered by the wings of a drone, beaming down 5G connectivity. This very scene is unfolding in Warwickshire, UK, thanks to Virgin Media O2’s innovative approach. The drone, armed with a petite mobile base station, creates a nimble communication network, offering vital real-time data to rescuers.
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 collaborative effort organized by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), major Japanese companies DoCoMo, NTT, Sky Perfect JSAT, and Space Compass are set to pioneer direct-to-device (D2D) services utilizing flying base stations.
Unveiling a transformative pact in the maritime industry, Spain’s Sateliot and maritime container tracking leader T42 aim to revolutionize container tracking and monitoring with 5G-IoT technology. This exceptional venture will deploy thousands of 5G-IoT sensors linked to Sateliot’s LEO satellite constellation, promising unparalleled oversight over sea-borne goods.
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT), NTT DOCOMO, and SKY Perfect JSAT join forces with Amazon’s Project Kuiper to turbocharge Japan’s telecom services. The partnership seeks to leverage Project Kuiper’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite broadband network, offering a breadth of connectivity to enterprises and government entities despite the nation’s geographical challenges. The strategic emphasis is on utilizing Kuiper’s capabilities for redundant communication networks, covering even hard-to-reach locations ramping up continuity of services after emergencies and natural disasters.
The UK government’s recent decision to continue a tax exemption policy marking network gear costs as deductible pre-tax profit boosts established telecom firms like BT, although smaller enterprises might not see similar benefits. This fiscal initiative heavily benefits BT in their £15 billion full-fibre project, increasing their capital spending by £300 million annually, expediting their fibre rollout to 25 million homes by 2026.
OneWeb, a Eutelsat entity, gained India’s coveted regulatory endorsement to usher in its satellite broadband service, evoking enthusiastic response from Eutelsat’s co-chair, Sunil Bharti Mittal. This development signifies a new era for India’s internet coverage in line with the Prime Minister’s digital vision. However, a crucial spectrum allocation by the government awaits, making OneWeb’s journey not entirely smooth sailing. An array of procedural and regulatory hurdles demands navigation, alongside competing market perspectives delaying the process.
Italian telecom provider Wind Tre faces hurdles in selling infrastructure due to complex 5G network sharing negotiations with rivals Iliad and Fastweb. CK Hutchison delays the deal closure by three months to February 12, citing challenges with Iliad and Fastweb. Meanwhile, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison’s $6 billion merger in Indonesia with Huawei’s support achieves significant growth. France’s Orange introduces satellite broadband, while Norway’s Telenor sells its satellite operations. FCC’s new broadband rules target discrimination, raising concerns of unintended consequences. Mavenir and Nokia achieve remarkable Open RAN interoperability, overcoming past criticisms and showcasing commitment to multi-supplier systems.
