Telecommunications infrastructure

Türk Telekom and ZTE launch 5G smart agriculture project in Turkey to revolutionise farming practices

Türk Telekom and ZTE have partnered to launch the ‘5G Smart Agriculture Project’ in Çorum, Turkey, to modernise the agricultural sector through digital transformation. The project integrates advanced technologies such as drones, smart farming machinery, and 5G connectivity to enhance farming practices, including automated spraying, fertilisation, and precision irrigation.

The high-speed, low-latency features of 5G enable real-time monitoring and control, improving efficiency and resource management. The project focuses on sustainability to reduce resource waste, targeting increased agricultural productivity and adopting smart farming solutions.

As the project expands to other regions, it will continue contributing to Turkey’s push for technological innovation and sustainability in agriculture. Both Türk Telekom and ZTE are committed to advancing digital transformation in agriculture, emphasising the importance of sustainability alongside technological progress.

Türk Telekom’s network deputy general manager and ZTE’s regional president have noted that this collaboration enhances their technological capabilities and aligns with their business objectives. The project is seen as a significant step in Turkey’s agricultural modernisation and industrial development, positioning agriculture as a key area for digital innovation and resource efficiency in the future.

CMI and Telecom Egypt to boost global connectivity

China Mobile International (CMI) and Telecom Egypt have forged a strategic commercial partnership to address the growing global demand for data and enhance global connectivity. By leveraging their subsea cable infrastructure, the collaboration aims to meet the surging need for high-bandwidth applications like video streaming, cloud computing, and remote work solutions.

With global internet traffic projected to reach 396 exabytes per month by 2025 and a 23% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in sectors like e-commerce, finance, and telemedicine through 2030, the partnership focuses on expanding network routes to improve diversity and resiliency. That will ensure more reliable services and seamless connectivity for businesses and consumers worldwide.

Additionally, CMI’s advanced digital solutions, combined with Telecom Egypt’s extensive infrastructure, will offer enterprises tailored DICT (digital, information, communication, and technology) solutions, empowering them to drive digital transformation and remain competitive in the evolving market. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of the digital economy and create greater economic and societal value.

By enhancing infrastructure and expanding global reach, CMI and Telecom Egypt are positioned to lead the digital services market, providing innovative solutions supporting business growth and international consumers’ evolving needs. The partnership strengthens their ability to serve businesses in Egypt and the surrounding regions and contributes to broader economic growth through enhanced connectivity and digital transformation.

NERA recommends key reforms for a successful 5G spectrum auction in Pakistan

The National Economic Research Associates Inc. (NERA) has outlined critical recommendations for ensuring the success of Pakistan’s upcoming 5G spectrum auction while addressing the challenges in its telecom sector. NERA advocates for reasonable reserve prices, extended payment terms, and a transition to rupee-based pricing to mitigate risks associated with exchange rate volatility.

High spectrum prices, the consultancy warns, reduce competition, stifle innovation, and harm consumers, ultimately weakening the sector’s long-term potential. Pakistan’s telecom industry is severely spectrum-starved, ranking lowest in South Asia due to auction delays, high base prices, and unsold spectrum in litigation.

To address this, NERA recommends releasing more spectrum, including the disputed 140 MHz in the 2600 MHz band, and resolving market structure issues, such as the number of operators post-mergers. Additionally, it emphasises the urgent need for infrastructure development, particularly expanding fibre-optic backhaul networks, which currently account for only 15% of mobile towers, and addressing the limited adoption of 5G-capable smartphones due to their high costs.

Reforms like the Telecom Infrastructure Sharing framework and measures to make smartphones more affordable are critical for fostering competition and sector growth. NERA underscores the trade-off between short-term government revenue from high spectrum prices and the long-term benefits of a competitive and thriving telecom sector.

It highlights that a robust telecom environment requires sustained investments in infrastructure, wider spectrum availability, and affordable tariffs. By implementing its recommendations, including encouraging smartphone upgrades, expanding fibre networks, and creating favourable pricing structures, Pakistan can maximise the potential of 4G and 5G technologies.

These measures are not only vital for the success of the 2025 spectrum auction but also for ensuring a dynamic and sustainable telecom industry capable of driving digital transformation across the country.

Snapdragon powers AI-driven Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra is set to debut with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, bringing advanced AI features directly to the device. A standout capability of the chipset enables on-device AI-powered image editing, enhancing privacy and reducing reliance on internet connectivity.

Code leaks have highlighted a feature called ‘FEATURE_GEN_EDIT_ON_DEVICE,’ which points to AI tools operating locally on the phone. Alongside this, Samsung plans to introduce a revamped AI-powered Bixby assistant with the Galaxy S25 lineup, aiming to outpace competitors like the iPhone 16.

All Galaxy S25 models are expected to exclusively use Snapdragon processors, with no signs of Exynos chipsets in the series. A leaked specifications sheet also suggests the Ultra variant will boast up to 16 GB of RAM, improving overall AI performance.

As manufacturers increasingly focus on AI, these features are only the beginning of a broader transformation. The Galaxy S25 Ultra represents a significant step in showcasing how powerful AI can reshape mobile experiences.

U Mobile and Huawei Malaysia partner to enhance 5G networks and drive digital growth

U Mobile and Huawei Malaysia have entered into a strategic partnership to enhance U Mobile’s 5G networks and support its strategic roadmap. The collaboration builds on an earlier partnership focused on 5G innovation and adoption for businesses, with both companies committed to advancing Malaysia’s telecommunications infrastructure.

The partnership also aims to deploy advanced hardware and software to create a high-performance second 5G network in Malaysia, leveraging Huawei’s global expertise in Radio Access Network (RAN) technologies and future technological advancements. Additionally, both parties will intensify research and development efforts to enhance customer satisfaction and drive greater 5G adoption in both consumer and enterprise markets, focusing on enterprises that require ultra-low latency and high bandwidth.

The collaboration will also explore project financing opportunities, including vendor financing and deferred payment plans, to support the development of these technologies and unlock new business opportunities.

Through this partnership, U Mobile and Huawei Malaysia are positioning themselves to meet the growing demand for 5G services across various sectors. The goal is to ensure the infrastructure can support the evolving needs of businesses and consumers alike.

By combining their strengths and expertise, the two companies aim to fast-track the growth of Malaysia’s telecom services and contribute to its digital economy, ultimately supporting the nation’s transition into a more connected and digitally advanced future.

Viettel High Tech and High Cloud Technologies forge strategic partnership to enhance 5G systems in the Middle East

Viettel High Tech (VHT) and High Cloud Technologies (HCT) have formed a strategic partnership through a $1 million deal to supply 5G systems for the Middle Eastern market. That collaboration strengthens HCT’s position as the region’s leading telecom solutions provider and opens doors for future partnerships with other telecom operators.

Under the agreement, VHT will provide 4G and 5G base stations using Non-Standalone (NSA) technology and cloud-based core network infrastructure, showcasing its expertise in end-to-end telecom solutions. The goal is to implement these solutions, conduct 5G trials, and demonstrate the reliability and performance of VHT’s products with major telecom operators.

The following partnership is expected to enhance telecom coverage, especially in suburban and rural areas, contributing to improved education and living standards across the UAE and the broader Middle East. The collaboration also supports regional growth in sectors like education, healthcare, and business, which depend on robust digital infrastructure.

Why does it matter?

VHT’s entry into the Middle East marks a significant milestone in its technological journey, as it has been developing 4G technologies since 2017 and began 5G research in 2019.

Thailand tightens SIM card rules to combat scam

Authorities in Thailand are taking steps to regulate bulk SIM card purchases to combat their misuse in scams targeting Thai citizens. The issue came to light following the police seizure of 200,000 prepaid SIM cards linked to a Chinese call center gang.

Currently, there are no restrictions on corporate bulk SIM purchases, aside from a rule requiring registration for users holding more than five numbers. The lack of oversight has enabled SIM cards to be used illegally, particularly near borders where foreign SIMs are common.

Many of these cards are intentionally registered without clear user identities or are misused in IoT devices, GPS trackers, or sold to tourists. To address these gaps, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has proposed legal reforms requiring mobile operators and banks to verify buyer identities and notify users of suspicious transactions.

Additionally, stricter regulations on SMS messages with embedded links are set to take effect next year. Inspired by policies in countries like Singapore and Australia, these reforms aim to enhance accountability and curb abuse.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) emphasises a gradual approach to implementing these measures to minimise inconvenience for consumers and avoid disrupting legitimate business operations. While tackling the misuse of SIM cards, authorities aim to strike a balance between protecting the public and ensuring businesses can operate smoothly. This measured approach reflects the broader goal of preventing scams while maintaining economic and social stability.

Hyundai reorganises chip ambitions for autonomous vehicles

Hyundai has dissolved its Semiconductor Strategy Office, signalling a strategic shift in its in-house chip ambitions. Established in 2022, the office was a key part of the company’s plans for autonomous vehicle technology but has now been integrated into other divisions, including the Advanced Vehicle Platform and procurement departments. Vice President Jae-Seok Chae, who led the office, also stepped down as part of the reorganisation.

The move reflects Hyundai’s effort to streamline operations and enhance synergy, though it marks a significant challenge for its plans to develop in-house autonomous driving chips. The company has relied heavily on Mobileye’s ADAS chips while facing competition from industry leaders such as Tesla, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm.

Reports suggest Hyundai is reassessing its semiconductor projects, with one major autonomous driving chip programme under review. Alternatives could include collaborating with AI firm Tenstorrent or outsourcing chip production to Samsung, potentially using the tech giant’s 5-nm-based SF5A process.

Hyundai’s reshuffle highlights the growing pressure on automakers to innovate in the autonomous vehicle market while managing cost and resource challenges. Future developments may determine whether the company continues in-house efforts or pivots entirely to external partnerships.

TRAI introduces new rules for voice, SMS plans and recharge flexibility

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced new rules requiring mobile service providers to offer separate recharge plans for voice calls and SMS for customers who do not use data. This change specifically caters to users, such as senior citizens or families with home broadband, who do not require mobile data.

Alongside this, TRAI has extended the validity of special recharge coupons from a maximum of 90 days to up to 365 days, providing consumers with more flexibility in managing their recharges. Telecom operators can now issue recharge vouchers in any denomination of their choice, though they must still offer at least one ₹10 voucher.

The rule removing the restriction on multiples of ₹10 for top-up vouchers aims to give consumers more convenient options for recharging their phones. Despite these changes, TRAI has ensured that the new rules will not reverse the government’s push for data inclusion.

Also, the mandate for separate voice and SMS plans will not affect the availability of data-only or bundled plans, allowing telecom providers in India to continue offering diverse options supporting all users’ data access.

Thirty companies join India’s satellite constellation race

India is taking significant steps to build a home-grown Earth observation satellite network, reducing dependence on foreign data for critical sectors like defence and infrastructure. Thirty Indian companies, forming nine consortiums, have expressed interest in the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre’s (IN-SPACe) initiative.

The project, part of a larger strategy to monetise the space sector, aims to bolster the country’s $45 billion small satellite and data services market, projected to thrive by 2030. Major participants include startups Pixxel and SatSure, alongside Tata Advanced Systems. Technical evaluations are set to conclude by January, followed by the selection of a winning bidder.

Applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements, including substantial investment in space activities and establishing operational capabilities within India. The government plans to offer loans of up to 3.5 billion rupees, with private entities covering remaining costs.

India’s broader space programme features plans for crewed missions and interplanetary exploration. However, the immediate focus remains on expanding private sector involvement, supported by a 10-billion-rupee venture fund for startups. By fostering domestic innovation, the nation aims to secure its data sovereignty and commercial space leadership.