The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recently unveiled a draft Telecommunication Tariff (70th Amendment) Order, 2024, aimed at enhancing public Wi-Fi accessibility through the PM-WANI (Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) scheme. The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen India’s digital communication infrastructure. The National Digital Communications Policy 2018 had set an ambitious target of deploying 10 million public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2022. This goal was further reinforced by the Bharat 6G Vision, which aspires to expand this network to 50 million hotspots by 2030. However, the current number of PM-WANI hotspots still needs to catch up to these targets, highlighting the need for regulatory intervention to stimulate growth in this sector.
A major barrier to the expansion of the PM-WANI scheme is the high cost of backhaul internet connectivity imposed by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) on Public Data Offices (PDOs). The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has noted that these costs hinder public Wi-Fi access, as TSPs often require PDOs to use expensive Internet Leased Lines (ILL) instead of more affordable Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections. This practice raises operational costs for PDOs and limits the growth of public Wi-Fi infrastructure.
To address these challenges, TRAI proposes aligning tariffs for PM-WANI services with those for retail broadband (FTTH) connections. This change aims to reduce financial burdens on PDOs and encourage their participation in the scheme, thereby facilitating the establishment of a wider network of public Wi-Fi hotspots.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has issued new guidance on using Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) funds for alternative technologies, such as unlicensed fixed wireless access (uFWA) and low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite services, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. The guidance is open for public comment until 10 September 2024 and emphasises that while fibre remains the ‘gold standard,’ alternative technologies can help bridge the digital divide when reliable options like coaxial cable or licensed fixed wireless are too expensive or unavailable.
The document specifies that BEAD funds cannot be allocated to areas already served by uFWA or LEO services that meet the program’s speed and latency requirements, preventing unnecessary overbuilding. Eligible entities must include one-time installation costs and customer premises equipment in their funding proposals to alleviate consumer financial barriers. Additionally, LEO satellite services are permitted under specific conditions, distinguishing them from ineligible geostationary satellite services.
The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) has welcomed this clarification, viewing it as a positive step toward flexibility in the BEAD program and addressing concerns about overbuilding in areas already served.
The South African telecoms industry, represented by the Association of Comms and Technology (ACT), is intensifying its push for digital content and service providers, known as over-the-top (OTT) platforms, to contribute financially to expanding and maintaining the country’s network infrastructure. OTT platforms, including popular services like streaming video, audio, and messaging, account for a substantial portion of internet traffic and depend on robust network infrastructure to operate effectively.
Central to this proposal is the concept of ‘fair share’ arrangements, which suggest that OTT providers should contribute to the costs associated with building and maintaining the networks that support their services. Mobile operators like Vodacom and MTN spend approximately 41 billion rand (around $2 billion) annually on network expansion.
By implementing fair share contributions, the ACT believes resource usage can be balanced, incentivising network operators to invest further in infrastructure. This collaborative approach supports the sustainability of the telecom sector and enhances the quality of service provided to consumers.
Additionally, the ACT calls for a regulatory framework in South Africa that would bring OTT service providers under the same licensing and policy regime as traditional network operators. That would ensure a fair and sustainable digital services sector, allowing for better oversight and collaboration between different players in the industry. MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita supports the initiative but warns against harsh measures, emphasising the need for cooperation to sustain future developments and the telecom industry’s health.
Nokia and TIM Brasil have officially announced a strategic partnership to significantly expand 5G coverage across Brazil, with implementation set to begin in January 2025. This collaboration will enhance TIM’s 5G radio access network (RAN) in 15 Brazilian states, making advanced connectivity available to a larger portion of the population.
Under this agreement, Nokia will supply TIM with state-of-the-art equipment from its AirScale portfolio, including baseband units, Massive MIMO radios, and Remote Radio Head products. These technologies utilise Nokia’s ReefShark System-on-Chip technology, known for its energy efficiency and improved network capacity. Additionally, TIM will implement Nokia’s MantaRay Networks Management system, featuring AI capabilities for better monitoring and management of the network. Nokia will also provide digital deployment, optimisation, and technical support services to ensure a smooth transition and operation of the upgraded network.
The partnership aims to broaden 5G access for consumers and empower Brazilian enterprises to digitise their operations effectively. With a strong emphasis on IoT solutions, this initiative aligns with TIM’s growth strategy, positioning the company to capitalise on emerging opportunities in the digital landscape.
Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, while TIM’s CTO, Marco Di Costanzo, highlighted its significance in reinforcing TIM’s leadership in the 5G market in Brazil.
The UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI) has made notable progress since its launch, reflecting a commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and fostering economic growth through collaboration in emerging technologies. Recently, the National Security Advisors from both countries convened to establish a framework for the initiative, focusing on regulatory and licensing protocols. That meeting resulted in the formation of a bilateral task force designed to streamline communication between the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the UK government, ensuring a cohesive approach to the initiative’s objectives.
Regarding sector-specific collaborations, discussions have commenced in key areas such as telecommunications, critical minerals, AI, quantum, health and biotechnology, advanced materials and semiconductors. The two nations are exploring the implementation of Open RAN systems to enhance telecom security and innovation.
Investment partnerships are also a significant focus of the TSI. Investment forums are being organized to attract Indian enterprises, particularly in green technology, offshore wind, and green hydrogen sectors. The initiative includes dedicated programs to empower women in technology, with funding opportunities designed to support their participation and leadership in these fields. This emphasis on inclusivity highlights the initiative’s broader goal of fostering sustainable economic development.
Moreover, the TSI is addressing global tech governance by collaborating on the establishment of digital technical standards and frameworks for internet governance and cybersecurity. This proactive approach aims to tackle emerging challenges in the digital landscape, ensuring that both countries are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of technology in a global context.
Why does this matter?
Looking ahead, plans are in place to launch initiatives focused on technology research centres, incubators, and academic partnerships. As the TSI progresses, further updates will highlight specific projects and collaborations, aligning with the goals of the India-UK Roadmap 2030.
Pakistan has recently experienced widespread reports of slow Internet speeds, with users struggling to access services like WhatsApp, both on mobile data and broadband. The country’s IT minister, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, attributes the slowdown to the widespread use of VPNs, which are often employed to bypass local network restrictions.
Ms. Khawaja explained that when many users resort to VPNs, it can place additional strain on the system, potentially leading to slower Internet speeds. However, this situation is unprecedented, marking the first time that VPN usage on such a scale has been linked to significant regional Internet slowdowns. Meanwhile, Pakistani IT experts are concerned that the government might use this situation as a pretext to tighten digital surveillance and introduce stricter content filtering.
In her statement, Ms. Khawaja hinted at potential future controls to limit content deemed threatening or defamatory to the state or individuals. While she did not specify whether these controls would involve a nationwide firewall, the minister did mention the government’s plan to auction 5G spectrums next year and to lay new Internet cables connecting Pakistan to the Gulf and Africa, aiming to improve Internet speed and stability.
The debate around VPNs in Pakistan is likely to intensify, especially as the government considers regulating these services by approving specific providers. Such measures could impact millions of VPN users in the country, raising concerns about future access to unrestricted Internet services.
The EU is facing a significant divide among its member states regarding the regulation of high-risk telecom suppliers, particularly Huawei and ZTE, in the context of 5G network infrastructure. Eleven of the 27 EU countries have enacted legal measures to restrict these suppliers following the European Commission’s adoption of the 5G Cybersecurity Toolbox in 2020.
The following divide reflects varying levels of concern about national security, economic interests, and diplomatic relations. Scepticism surrounding Huawei and ZTE intensified in 2018 when numerous countries, including the US and Japan, began excluding these companies from public tenders due to allegations of espionage and their ties to the Chinese government.
Sweden was among the first EU nations to ban Huawei, mandating the removal of its equipment from 5G networks by 1 January 2025. Despite Huawei’s denials of wrongdoing, distrust persists within the EU. Responses to these security concerns vary significantly. Germany has announced that components from Huawei and ZTE must be removed from its 5G core networks by the end of 2026, aligning with its National Security Strategy.
In contrast, Italy has taken a more cautious approach, evaluating cases involving Huawei individually. Despite signing a 5G security declaration with the US, Slovenia rejected a bill to exclude high-risk manufacturers, indicating a more lenient stance.
SK Telecom and Nokia have announced a strategic partnership to implement AI-driven fibre sensing technology to enhance network reliability in South Korea. The collaboration, formalised through a memorandum of understanding, plans to roll out the innovative technology across SK Telecom’s national fixed network by the end of 2024.
The primary goal is proactively monitoring and detecting environmental changes that could impact optical cables, addressing issues before they escalate into significant disruptions. The fibre sensing technology will utilise advanced AI and machine learning techniques to monitor various environmental factors, including earthquakes, climate fluctuations, and disruptions from nearby construction activities. By continuously analysing data from SK Telecom’s commercial networks, the system aims to identify potential threats to network stability early on.
The proactive approach is designed to minimise damage from line breaks and prevent service interruptions, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for customers. The integration of these advanced technologies allows for real-time monitoring and analysis, which is crucial for maintaining the resilience of network infrastructure. Ryu Jeong-hwan, Head of Infrastructure Strategy Technology at SK Telecom, emphasised the importance of this collaboration in accelerating the adoption of AI technologies.
He noted that this partnership prepares SK Telecom for the evolving AI landscape, positioning it as a leader in innovative network solutions. Similarly, John Harrington, President of Nokia Asia Pacific, expressed enthusiasm about integrating Nokia’s sensing technology into automated networks, highlighting their commitment to providing stable services by proactively addressing potential issues.
NATO’s initiative to enhance global internet resilience through satellite communications has made significant strides since its launch on 31 July 2024. With a $2.5 million investment from NATO’s Science for Peace and Security (SPS) programme, the project aims to create a hybrid network that can reroute data during emergencies when undersea cables are compromised.
Collaborating with prestigious institutions like Cornell University and Johns Hopkins University, the consortium known as HEIST is focused on developing a working prototype within the next two years, with a demonstration planned at the Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden.
The initiative seeks to bolster internet security by integrating satellite and submarine cable technologies and addresses the complex legal challenges associated with international telecommunications. By promoting collaboration among NATO Allies and partners, this project represents a proactive approach to safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring the stability of global communications in an increasingly digital landscape.
The Canadian telecommunications landscape is set to change significantly as large telecom companies will soon be required to share their fibre internet infrastructure with smaller competitors. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced that this measure, previously applied only to Ontario and Quebec, will be extended across the entire country beginning in February 2025.
The decision aims to lower internet prices and increase consumer choice by allowing smaller providers to access the fibre networks of major telecom companies. However, move like this one follows concerns about the decline in competition among high-speed internet service providers, particularly in Canada’s two most populous provinces.
While the new regulation will apply to existing fibre networks, any new infrastructure built by the large telecom companies will only be available to competitors after a five-year period. The CRTC believes that these changes will ensure that Canadians have access to higher-speed internet at more affordable prices without discouraging investment in quality networks.
There is no doubt that this change reflects ongoing efforts to create a more competitive and consumer-friendly telecommunications market in Canada, with the ultimate goal of improving service quality and reducing costs for all Canadians.
