The monumental $6 billion merger of Indosat Ooredoo and Hutchison 3 Indonesia has quite literally shifted the telecommunications landscape, propelling the newly formed IOH to Indonesia’s second-largest operator. Amid the complexities of combing networks, meticulous planning was key, and despite the odds, the venture has resulted in substantial improvements in service and competitive edge.
Unveiling an intriguing alliance, Liberty Latin America plans to sell 1,300 mobile tower sites to Phoenix Tower International for $407 million, paving a strategic path toward debt reduction and further enterprise investment. This comprehensive deal, incorporating markets from Panama to Puerto Rico, uniquely positions PTI in the telecom landscape and underscores Liberty Latin America’s focus on mergers and acquisitions to amplify its regional impact.
In the face of declining shares, Vodafone’s bold recovery strategy is underway. The shift from a net profit to a loss has been attributed to several factors including missing operations, adverse foreign exchange movements, and losses from joint ventures. Nonetheless, CEO Margherita Della Valle is leading a restoration plan that includes improving customer service and expanding Vodafone Business.
As the year draws to a close, the Radio and Internet Services Department (RDI) is inching closer to launching private local spectrum licenses for enterprise clients. Set to equip them with the 3.5GHz spectrum and power the assembly of private 5G networks, this promises to transform sectors such as Virtual Reality and autonomous vehicles. However, some concerns have borne by airports and ports on fair allocation.
EXA Infrastructure, the largest dedicated digital infrastructure platform connecting Europe and North America, and Lancom, one of the fastest growing providers of data centre, cloud, and telecoms services in Greece – today announce their strategic partnership to bolster connectivity and infrastructure services, establishing Greece as a critical link to internet exchanges in Europe.
In a strategic move to bolster its mobile network, Australia’s premier telecom firm, Telstra, acquires local operations of small cell provider Dense Air. Both financial details and timelines of the transaction remain veiled. This comes after the Australia Competition Tribunal blocked Telstra’s partnership with TPG, favoring competition and avoiding regional coverage setback. While rivals speculate, Dense Air’s retreat from Trans-Tasman markets coincides with Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners’ takeover. This deal provides Telstra’s network expansion plans with crucial additional spectrum capacity.
In a sharp escalation of theft incidents, Philippines operator Globe reported a loss of 834 backup batteries from their network facilities in 2022’s first half. This, they outline, puts localities at risk of service interruptions during power cuts. This surge may be associated with the modern, high-value sodium nickel batteries introduced by Globe. However, it’s more likely tied to the nation’s steep energy prices and increased cost of living. In the face of these challenges, telco operators must devise robust security measures while continuing to innovate on environmental fronts.
The allure of AI technology and its insatiable demand for data is sparking a new interest in fibre backbones. However, this digital evolution is revealing a myriad of challenges for newcomers, with the fibre industry grappling with economic pressures from inflation, supply chain disruptions and rising interest rates. While the European Union’s telecom mergers & acquisitions policy may offer consolidation opportunities, those venturing into this dynamic sector must be prepared for a landscape fraught with potent risk and complexity.
As the UK aims for nationwide gigabit broadband by 2030, the often unnoticed, green telecom boxes are seen in a fresh light. No longer just unassuming eyesores, these versatile enclosures are revealing opportunities for additional revenue, environmental monitoring, security surveillance and more. But sponsorships for these expanded roles remain undetermined.
Just under a year ago, the tech world buzzed with anticipation over a new partnership between chip mogul Qualcomm and satellite firm Iridium. The aim? Integrating satellite-to-phone services via Snapdragon Satellite and Iridium’s resources. However, a recent shift in direction caught the industry’s attention. Despite a successful demo, smartphone manufacturers didn’t opt to incorporate this feature, leading Qualcomm to end the agreement. Yet, in the face of disappointment, Iridium remains optimistic, envisaging an industry veering towards greater satellite connectivity. As earthquakes ripple across the telecoms landscape, all eyes await what’s next.
