Officials from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Users Association (BMPUA) are united in their call to restore the BTRC’s independence as stipulated in the original Telecommunication Regulation Act of 2001.
They argue that the BTRC is compromised by excessive influence from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, undermining its role as an impartial regulator. Both groups demand full autonomy over licensing, tariff regulation, and governance to reclaim their regulatory effectiveness.
The BMPUA also advocates for significant amendments to the Telecommunication Regulation Act, particularly removing legal clauses that shield the BTRC from judicial review. Such changes, they argue, are vital to enhancing public accountability and ensuring the commission operates with greater transparency in the public interest.
Moreover, they stress the need to reduce telecom service costs in Bangladesh by cutting out unnecessary intermediaries and promoting competitive licensing for key infrastructure like submarine cables. Strengthening competition and enforcing higher standards for telecom infrastructure, such as stricter tower quality and equipment regulations, are seen as essential steps toward making telecom services more reliable and affordable for all.
Additionally, BTRC officials and the BMPUA emphasise the importance of transparent, merit-based governance within the commission. They propose that all leadership positions be reserved for qualified Bangladeshi citizens to ensure that local expertise is prioritised and that the commission remains fully committed to advancing national interests.
In a further push for transparency, both groups advocate for public hearings before setting tariffs for internet and voice services, giving consumers a say in pricing decisions. They also highlight the critical need to recognise internet access as a fundamental human right, insisting that the BTRC be given full authority over internet regulation to prevent arbitrary shutdowns and external interference. These measures, they believe, will reinforce the commission’s independence while safeguarding the interests of consumers and promoting a more competitive, efficient telecom sector.
The Indian Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has made a significant advancement by notifying new right-of-way rules under the Telecommunications Act of 2023. That initiative aims to streamline the installation of essential telecommunications infrastructure, including mobile towers and small cells, on public and private properties.
By empowering central and state governments to oversee temporary telecommunications installations in the public interest, the DoT ensures quick responses during emergencies or major public events, keeping citizens connected when it matters most. Additionally, the introduction of a force majeure clause allows for extended application timelines in the event of unforeseen circumstances, acknowledging the challenges that telecom providers in India may face and providing the necessary flexibility for project completion.
Furthermore, the DoT has underscored the importance of maintenance in its regulatory framework by introducing specific permissions for the upkeep of telecom networks. The proactive approach enhances the reliability of existing infrastructure, fostering greater consumer confidence in telecommunications services. The DoT has also established a clear fee structure that balances revenue generation with the promotion of infrastructure development, specifying fees for applications related to small cell installations and network examinations.
A group of leading telecom companies, including Nvidia, Ericsson, Nokia, and T-Mobile US, have partnered to launch the first AI-RAN Innovation Centre. Located in Bellevue, Washington, the centre aims to transform Radio Access Networks (RAN) using AI.
T-Mobile explained that the centre aligns with the AI-RAN Alliance’s mission to improve open RAN technology, enhancing network performance through AI. The operator’s CEO, Mike Sievert, noted the immense potential AI holds for reshaping future mobile networks.
The companies highlighted that AI-RAN concepts will adopt open and containerised structures similar to open RAN but with added GPU-powered accelerated computing. This approach is expected to drive advancements in network reliability, performance, and efficiency.
Additionally, the centre will incorporate Nvidia’s AI Aerial platform, offering advanced tools for designing and deploying AI in wireless networks. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang emphasised the broad impact AI will have on the wireless industry, beyond traditional applications.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has put forward a unified service authorisation framework designed to streamline the licensing process for various telecom services, including mobile, satellite, landline, broadband, and internet. That initiative embodies the principle of ‘One Nation – One Authorization,’ aiming to simplify the regulatory landscape and enhance market competitiveness.
TRAI has categorised the proposed authorisations into three distinct groups – main service authorisations, which encompass primary telecom services; auxiliary service authorisations, tailored for enterprise-focused services with lighter regulatory oversight; and captive service authorisations, intended for private networks that require specific spectrum allocations.
TRAI recommends consolidating commercial VSAT-CUG and GMPCS services into a single authorisation for satellite-based telecommunications to improve operational efficiency. By removing restrictions on VSAT operators, they will be able to extend their services beyond closed user groups, while satellite providers can utilise gateways in India for international operations.
Additionally, TRAI proposes significant reductions in entry fees for various service authorisations to lower barriers for new market entrants and stimulate competition. The merger of National Long Distance (NLD) and International Long Distance (ILD) services into a unified Long Distance Service Authorization will facilitate the establishment of gateways and cable landing stations, thereby streamlining operations.
However, the proposal needs to specifically address the regulation of over-the-top (OTT) services, leaving some stakeholders concerned about its implications for the broader telecommunications framework. That gap indicates a pressing need for further dialogue on this important issue.
IFC and Airtel Africa have established a strategic partnership to enhance mobile connectivity across sub-Saharan Africa. With a substantial investment of $200 million, the collaboration is focused on modernising Airtel Africa’s network and expanding its infrastructure, particularly in underserved rural areas.
By targeting over 37 million subscribers, this initiative is poised to significantly impact the region’s digital landscape, improving access to essential services and creating opportunities for millions. That partnership is dedicated to tackling the critical connectivity gap in a region where approximately 600 million people still lack access to 4G mobile coverage.
Despite the heavy reliance on mobile phones for business activities, many areas remain underserved, hindering potential economic growth. By enhancing network performance and availability, IFC and Airtel Africa aim to bridge this gap, ensuring that more individuals can enjoy reliable mobile internet access.
Furthermore, the financing is structured as a sustainability-linked loan, incorporating performance metrics that align with Airtel’s sustainability goals. These include increasing smartphone adoption and promoting financial inclusion for women. Recognising the pivotal role of mobile banking in regions with limited financial infrastructure, the partnership seeks to empower women by improving their access to mobile banking solutions.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has taken crucial steps to enhance service quality in the telecommunications sector by mandating compliance reports from telecom companies, effective 1 October. That directive faces opposition from industry players, who contend that the new regulations will increase operational costs and compliance burdens.
Nonetheless, TRAI’s enforcement of these regulations aims to guarantee that consumers receive reliable and high-quality telecommunications services. Introducing stricter quality standards explicitly targets the performance of fixed, wireless, and broadband services, addressing persistent issues such as frequent call drops and service interruptions.
Furthermore, TRAI has significantly raised financial penalties for non-compliance, implementing a graded penalty system that escalates from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh based on the severity of the violation. This adjustment creates a robust incentive for telecom companies to comply with the new quality norms. Additionally, operators must compensate users through rent rebates and validity extensions for service outages exceeding 24 hours, underscoring TRAI’s commitment to consumer protection.
UK Telecoms Minister Chris Bryant has called on broadband providers to collaborate on infrastructure sharing to curb the proliferation of telegraph poles across the UK. His appeal comes amid growing concerns about the rising number of poles, often criticised as unsightly and unnecessary.
Bryant further stressed the importance of reducing such infrastructure, particularly as the new Labour government focuses on addressing the issue of excessive pole deployment, which has surged concurrently with the country’s rapid fibre network expansion. Speaking at the Connected Britain event, Bryant urged operators to prioritise sharing existing infrastructure rather than installing new telegraph poles to support the expanding fibre broadband rollout.
While poles are a cost-effective and swift solution, he advocated for a more sustainable approach that minimises visual and environmental impact. Bryant also outlined the government’s efforts to streamline infrastructure deployment through regulatory reforms, such as the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022. He emphasised the need to prevent redundant installations, building on the groundwork laid by former Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez in promoting infrastructure sharing.
Authorities in South West England are set to introduce new AI cameras on the A361 near Frome, Somerset, in a bid to reduce road deaths after a rise in serious crashes. The technology will be used to detect speeding, mobile phone use, and seatbelt violations. Nine people have died on this road in less than two years.
The Avon and Somerset Police have already taken action, positioning unmarked cars and using speed detection equipment on the A361. Since the start of 2023, there have been 22 serious or fatal accidents along the route. Officials aim to improve public confidence in road safety measures.
The parents of two sisters killed in a high-speed crash on the A361 last year have criticised the lack of action. They believe better speed controls could have prevented the deaths of Madison and Liberty North, aged 21 and 17, who died in July 2022.
Local authorities, led by MP Anna Sabine, are also planning further safety measures. These include improving road signage, enhancing visibility, and urging drivers to adopt safer behaviours when navigating these fast A-roads.
Nokia and iSAT Africa are entering a strategic partnership to improve rural connectivity in Liberia. Over the next three years, this collaboration will see the deployment of approximately 200 sites in underserved rural areas.
The initiative aims to close the digital divide by delivering reliable and affordable network access to communities long overlooked by major telecom infrastructure. That effort underscores a firm commitment to enhancing digital inclusion and driving socioeconomic development in Liberia’s remote regions.
Nokia and iSAT Africa will deploy advanced technology to achieve their connectivity goals. They will utilise Nokia’s Rural Connect solution, which features the AirScale radio portfolio, including Massive MIMO radios, remote radio heads, and base stations optimized for lean and energy-efficient performance.
Additionally, the MantaRay Network Management System will be integrated to provide a unified, automated view of the network, improving monitoring and management capabilities. This cutting-edge technology is designed to tackle critical issues such as limited coverage and the digital divide, ensuring that rural areas receive the necessary connectivity.
Through their collaborative CAMARA project, GSMA and the Linux Foundation have launched the first official release of a series of open-source network APIs called ‘Meta-Release Fall24’.
The initial release contains 25 APIs across 13 subprojects designed to simplify and standardise access to essential telecom network functions. Among the APIs are stable versions like Location Verification, One-time Password SMS, and Number Verification, which have been thoroughly vetted for quality and consistency.
Additionally, the release introduces new APIs such as Call Forwarding Signal, Carrier Billing Refund, and Connectivity Insights, signalling CAMARA’s commitment to continuous innovation and expansion of its API offerings. Security and interoperability have been prioritised in this release, including a profile based on OAuth 2.0 and OpenID standards.
By ensuring that the APIs are secure and compatible across different systems, CAMARA sets a robust foundation for operators to deploy these solutions confidently in their networks. Furthermore, the CAMARA community is dedicated to providing twice-yearly updates to maintain the relevance and stability of these APIs, ensuring that telecom operators can seamlessly plan and manage the deployment of new capabilities.
GSMA and the Linux Foundation have rallied over 1,100 contributors and nearly 400 organisations, including major telecom players like Deutsche Telekom, Ericsson, and Vodafone, behind CAMARA. Selected as the API specification hub for a new global telecom venture launching in 2025, CAMARA promotes a unified approach to API development.
