SoftBank and Intelsat have announced a groundbreaking collaboration to establish a ‘Ubiquitous Network’ that integrates terrestrial and satellite communications seamlessly. That innovative partnership aims to develop a hybrid communication solution combining these two network types, providing users with uninterrupted connectivity regardless of location.
The key focus is creating a universal device that ensures continuous connectivity by automatically switching between terrestrial mobile networks and satellite communications. That solution is expected to be especially beneficial for applications in land mobile, maritime, and disaster response scenarios, where reliable communication is essential.
SoftBank and Intelsat will advance this hybrid network solution through a phased approach, aligning with developing new 3GPP 5G standards for non-terrestrial networks. The methodical development process will support both existing satellite terminals and future 5G-based terminals. By aligning with industry standards, the collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of these advanced connectivity solutions, enhancing global network coverage and ensuring that users can remain connected anytime and anywhere.
Sparkle, the University of Genoa, and the SubOptic Foundation have forged a landmark partnership to advance education and innovation in the field of submarine communications. Their collaboration will introduce the world’s first post-graduate degree focused on submarine fibre optic cables, a pioneering program that the University of Genoa will coordinate.
That initiative aims to draw upon the expertise of industry professionals from Sparkle and other leading companies, creating a comprehensive educational experience with a significant global impact. In addition to the educational program, the partnership is committed to enhancing scientific and technological advancements through joint efforts to foster education, research, and innovation in submarine communications.
The collaboration includes plans to organise institutional events and initiatives that promote technological and entrepreneurial culture, and it extends to working with other organisations focused on underwater technology, such as the Polo Nazionale della dimensione Subacquea (PNS), to ensure a broad and impactful approach to advancing the field.
That partnership underscores their dedication to advancing education and promoting technological and economic development in the submarine cable industry. The strategic importance of this initiative is further highlighted by the enthusiastic support from key figures, including Federico Delfino, Jayne Stowell, and Enrico Bagnasco, who emphasise the course’s role in shaping the future of submarine fibre optic technology.
Cryptocurrency adoption is on the rise in Peru, with Bitcoin purchases becoming increasingly common in physical locations. US-based platform Nemo Latam recently opened a physical office in Lima, offering face-to-face services to build customer trust. A personal approach allows users to interact with trained staff, a move aimed at making cryptocurrency more accessible and reducing the uncertainty often associated with the digital finance sector. Nemo Latam is particularly focused on inclusion, with most of its staff comprising Peruvian women.
The initiative is not unique in Peru. Platforms like 9780Bitcoin.com have been offering in-person cryptocurrency services for years, even expanding into Brazil. These efforts reflect a broader goal to promote the continued growth of cryptocurrency usage in Peru, where interest in digital assets has surged. According to a study by Sherlock Communications, Peru ranks as one of the top 50 countries for cryptocurrency adoption and sits 42nd globally for cryptocurrency use, based on Chainalysis data.
The increasing adoption is driven by the need for financial alternatives as Peruvians face rising living costs and economic challenges. Bitcoin has particularly gained traction among Indigenous communities, helping residents manage their finances independently for the first time. With more companies attracted to Peru’s growing crypto market, the government is now exploring the launch of a digital sol, a central bank digital currency (CBDC), to compete with cryptocurrencies.
Ericsson has recently joined the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA), marking a significant step in advancing Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) and expanding global connectivity. The following collaboration underscores Ericsson’s commitment to developing Direct-to-Device (D2D) and Internet of Things (IoT) services through space-based networks, integrating satellite networks with terrestrial cellular systems to address coverage gaps.
Recognising the transformative potential of 5G NTN, Ericsson aims to extend mobile coverage to underserved areas, leveraging L- and S-band spectrum well-suited for mobile satellite services. By employing 3GPP standards, this integration will enable conventional 5G devices to maintain connectivity even in regions lacking terrestrial network coverage, thus contributing to a scalable, sustainable, and affordable global connectivity ecosystem.
Ericsson’s involvement with the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA) highlights its commitment to improving mobile network coverage and reliability. Freddie Södergren of Ericsson’s Business Area Networks emphasises the potential of integrating Non-Terrestrial Networks with land-based networks to enhance global connectivity. Mark Dankberg, MSSA Board Chairman, views Ericsson’s membership as a key boost to developing standards and best practices for Direct-to-Device (D2D) services, aiming for a seamless and affordable user experience through integrated networks.
ReOrbit and Uzma Berhad have announced a groundbreaking partnership to advance a Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) communications satellite project. That collaboration will launch a state-of-the-art GEO satellite to boost connectivity and ensure dependable coverage throughout Malaysia.
By merging ReOrbit’s cutting-edge software-enabled satellite technology with Uzma’s expertise in Malaysia’s energy and technology sectors, the initiative is poised to drive major improvements in the region’s communication infrastructure. Positioned as a transformative venture, this agreement has the potential to revolutionise connectivity solutions. Uzma’s CEO, Dato’ Kamarul Redzuan bin Muhamed, emphasised the project’s role in advancing space technologies and promoting a sustainable future within the New Space Economy.
Through the strategic alliance, ReOrbit and Uzma Berhad aim to bolster Malaysia’s dynamic economy with cutting-edge satellite technology. Sethu Saveda Suvanam, CEO and Founder of ReOrbit expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting its alignment with ReOrbit’s mission to enhance connectivity and serve the Malaysian population. The partnership will leverage ReOrbit’s technological expertise to address Malaysia’s evolving communication infrastructure needs.
NTCA (The Rural Broadband Association) and ACA Connects strongly advocate for the NTIA to prioritise fibre deployment in the BEAD Program, asserting that fibre is the most reliable and scalable technology to meet the evolving connectivity needs of households and businesses in the US. They argue that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and BEAD’s Notice of Funding Opportunity have already established fibre as the preferred broadband infrastructure, given its long-term durability and capacity to support future demand.
Moreover, NTCA & ACA Connects have recommended that NTIA seek further consultation on integrating low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites into the program. They express concerns that LEO systems, with their shared capacity across multiple jurisdictions, may undermine the IIJA’s focus on infrastructure investment. Therefore, they propose that NTIA carefully explore LEO satellite technology’s long-term viability and cost implications before allocating BEAD funding to such projects.
In addition, NTCA & ACA Connects believe that alternative technologies, such as unlicensed spectrum and LEO satellites, should only be considered as a last resort, particularly in cases where deploying fibre or other reliable broadband solutions is not economically feasible. They stress that these non-reliable technologies should be deployed solely in the hardest-to-reach areas, ensuring that fibre remains the primary solution in most cases.
By doing so, NTCA & ACA Connects aim to guarantee that Americans, especially in underserved regions, have access to robust and enduring high-speed internet. Furthermore, they emphasise that NTIA’s broadband strategy should focus on delivering long-term connectivity benefits to rural and remote communities. By concentrating on fibre as the core technology and carefully scrutinising the use of alternatives, they believe the BEAD Program can effectively bridge the digital divide and provide sustainable, high-quality internet access for all Americans.
GSMA has launched its inaugural Responsible AI (RAI) Maturity Roadmap, marking a significant step toward ethical AI practices across the telecom sector. That initiative represents the first sector-wide effort to unify approaches to responsible AI use, providing telecom operators with a structured framework to assess their current AI maturity and set clear goals for future improvement.
The roadmap integrates global standards and regulations from organisations such as the OECD and UNESCO, ensuring its guidelines are comprehensive and internationally recognised. This alignment supports the creation of a robust framework that promotes ethical AI practices throughout the industry.
GSMA and industry leaders emphasise the substantial economic potential of AI, with projections suggesting up to $680 billion in opportunities for the telecom sector over the next 15-20 years. The roadmap focuses on five core dimensions—vision and strategic goals, AI governance, technical controls, third-party collaboration, and change management—providing a comprehensive approach to responsible AI. That includes best practices such as fairness, privacy, safety, transparency, accountability, and environmental impact.
Why does this matter?
Statements from GSMA Director General Mats Granryd and Telefónica Chairman José María Álvarez-Pallete López highlight the need for ethical guidelines to manage AI’s rapid development and set a precedent for other industries to follow in adopting responsible AI practices.
TRAI has proposed removing the cap on the number of telecom operators that wired Virtual Network Operators (VNOs) can partner with in a licensed service area (LSA). That recommendation aims to enhance the quality and availability of wireline services by allowing VNOs to source bandwidth and connectivity from multiple telecom providers.
Additionally, TRAI suggests permitting VNOs to pair with different telecom operators for wireless and wireline services. This increased flexibility is intended to address service availability issues and enable VNOs to offer more comprehensive connectivity solutions, thereby improving overall network resilience and fostering greater competition.
TRAI also addresses wireline connectivity issues by promoting multi-parenting, which aims to improve service availability and quality. Specific conditions are proposed for EPABX systems to ensure that multi-parenting does not compromise service quality, including requirements for logical partitioning between different telecom operators’ traffic and lawful interception systems for internet services.
Additionally, TRAI recommends that VNOs use telecom infrastructure exclusively for the type of service they provide, whether wireless or wireline, to avoid complications related to spectrum usage and charges. TRAI acknowledges the challenges VNOs face in India, including difficulties in securing network access and regulatory hurdles. These issues highlight the need for regulatory reforms to support VNOs more effectively.
Cyprus and Greece are making progress in talks about the creation of a high-speed electric cable network, known as the Great Sea Interconnector, linking Europe to the Middle East through the Mediterranean seabed. The project aims to connect transmission networks from Greece via Crete and Cyprus to Israel, with an estimated cost of €2.4 billion, of which €1.9 billion covers the Cyprus section.
Once complete, the interconnector will be the world’s longest and deepest high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable, stretching 1,240 km and descending to 3,000 metres. The European Union has expressed its willingness to finance part of the project, which is expected to be completed by 2030. However, overlapping jurisdictional claims in the Mediterranean, involving Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey, could present future challenges.
Cyprus has sought clarity on its financial contribution and the potential impact of geopolitical risks, particularly concerning Turkey’s opposition, which could lead to delays and additional costs. Deputy government spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou said discussions have made progress, and the issue may be raised in an upcoming cabinet meeting.
The matter is also set to be discussed during a meeting between Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens later this week.
Russia’s Telecommunication Technologies Consortium (TT Consortium), which includes Rostech, Rostelecom, and Element, has raised serious concerns about the country’s new import substitution requirements for telecom equipment. The consortium has formally communicated to the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Digital Transformation that the proposed targets for domestic components are unachievable.
According to the TT Consortium, the domestic market in Russia needs more suitable alternatives to many foreign components, making the mandated thresholds for domestic content impractical. Furthermore, the consortium has warned of potential severe repercussions if the stringent regulations are adopted in their current form. They fear the resolution could lead to the suspension of decisions recognising telecom equipment as domestic starting 1 December 2024. Consequently, this could result in no domestic telecom equipment being available, disrupting supply chains and impacting key sectors, including government operations and critical information infrastructure.
Additionally, the Telecommunication Technologies Consortium has criticised the draft government decree’s ambitious targets, which require telecom equipment to include 10% domestic components by 2026, 30% by 2028, and 60% by 2030. Manufacturers within the consortium argue that redesigning equipment to meet these requirements is daunting, given the current state of domestic component availability. They assert that such redesigns could lead to significant operational disruptions and hinder their ability to supply essential equipment to government clients and critical infrastructure entities.
