Turkcell and ZTE have set a new European record by achieving the fastest 5G-Advanced speed of 32 Gbps during a trial in Istanbul on 5 November 2024. The groundbreaking milestone was made possible using ZTE’s advanced 1.6 GHz BW mmWave AAU, 64TR N78 AAU, and commercial CPE.
The significance of 5G-Advanced technology lies in its ability to offer faster data transmission, lower latency, and higher capacity, which will enable a wide range of applications, such as live broadcasting, extended reality (XR), ultra-HD video streaming, and ultra-low latency services. These advancements promise to provide users with an immersive audio-visual experience, setting a new standard for the digital landscape. The improved network capabilities will also open up new business opportunities, particularly in sectors like smart cities and autonomous vehicles, where high-speed connectivity is crucial.
Why does it matter?
That achievement underscores the strong collaboration between Turkcell and ZTE, which has been key to driving innovation in 5G technology. Both companies are committed to continuing their research and development efforts to expand the potential of 5G-Advanced. Their joint work aims to deliver smarter, more efficient, and more immersive user experiences, creating new opportunities for businesses and consumers in an increasingly digital world.
Nokia and Taiwan Mobile are strengthening their long-standing partnership through a one-year 5G contract extension designed to enhance 5G performance and 4G/LTE coverage across Taiwan. The expansion follows Taiwan Mobile’s recent merger with Taiwan Star, positioning the operator for the 5G-Advanced era and significantly boosting service quality for its 10 million customers, including those in rural regions.
As part of the contract, Nokia will introduce its advanced AirScale equipment in Taiwan for the first time, deploying high-capacity, energy-efficient solutions such as the ReefShark System-on-Chip and Massive MIMO radios. Furthermore, Carrier Aggregation technology will be integrated to combine spectrum bands, thus improving data rates, throughput, and network capacity.
Overall, these upgrades directly support Taiwan Mobile’s commitment to exceptional service and environmental sustainability, with thousands of LTE sites set to be modernised for increased energy efficiency. In addition, Nokia and Taiwan Mobile are jointly committed to delivering robust connectivity nationwide.
By using advanced, energy-efficient technology, they aim to support Taiwan Mobile’s 10 million customers, including over 1 million IoT devices. Consequently, the partnership ensures that users in both urban and rural areas can experience the full benefits of 5G, thereby advancing Taiwan’s digital landscape and enhancing nationwide connectivity.
NTT DATA and Google Cloud have partnered to launch a new subsea cable linking Saudi Arabia and Egypt through the Red Sea to expand regional connectivity. The cable, owned by Mobily, connects the Arabian Gulf to Egypt’s Red Sea landing station and integrates with multiple subsea cable systems in Egypt.
This launch follows a memorandum of understanding signed two years ago between the two companies, marking a significant milestone in regional telecommunications development. The new cable is designed to extend an existing subsea network, enabling the operator to handle increased telecom traffic and improve communication flexibility between the Middle East and Europe.
The cable is also seen as a crucial step in strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading international hub for telecommunications services and data traffic, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The project underscores a commitment to expanding infrastructure and enhancing regional and international capabilities. Additionally, the partnership complements the newly established landing station in Sharm El Sheikh, with plans to develop new crossing routes to the Mediterranean Sea.
A top Republican lawmaker has criticised the Biden administration for not taking stronger action against China’s Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC), accusing the company of aiding China’s chip industry and military complex. Michael McCaul, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called on the US Commerce Department to investigate whether SMIC is violating export controls by producing chips for the sanctioned telecommunications giant Huawei.
In a letter to the Commerce Department, McCaul highlighted concerns over SMIC’s recent advancements, including the production of advanced chips used in Huawei smartphones and plans to supply AI processors for Huawei. He described these developments as a ‘smoking gun’ that could enable China to surpass the US in AI. McCaul has urged the department to halt SMIC’s licenses unless the company undergoes a full audit.
While the US Commerce Department acknowledged McCaul’s letter, it emphasised that it has been tough on China in its enforcement of export controls. SMIC was added to the US restricted trade list in 2020, and Huawei, facing similar sanctions since 2019, have both denied any wrongdoing. The Chinese embassy in Washington has dismissed US criticism, calling it an overreach of national security concerns.
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has indicated that a proposed merger between Vodafone and Three could proceed, contingent on the companies making commitments to protect consumer prices and enhance the nation’s 5G infrastructure. The regulator, initially concerned that combining the two networks could lead to higher costs and reduced competition, has now concluded that these issues could be mitigated if Vodafone and Three agree to specific remedies.
Vodafone has responded positively to the CMA’s findings, expressing optimism that the proposal offers a clear path to regulatory approval. The telecom giants have emphasised that the merger would benefit both consumers and businesses, with plans to bring advanced 5G access to schools, hospitals, and other vital sectors across the UK.
The CMA’s investigation, which began in January, is now focused on ensuring the merged entity honors price promises on certain data plans for at least three years. Additionally, the companies would be required to maintain existing deals with smaller Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) like Sky Mobile, Lyca, and Lebara. Industry analysts see the CMA’s conditional support as a positive step, potentially leading to a stronger three-player market alongside existing competitors EE and O2.
With public feedback on the proposal open until 12 November, a final decision is expected from the CMA by 7 December.
Apple has announced a substantial investment of up to $1.5B in satellite provider Globalstar to expand iPhone communication services, particularly in areas with limited network access. This new agreement follows Apple’s initial partnership with Globalstar in 2022, which enabled emergency messaging capabilities in remote locations. Under the deal, Apple will invest $1.1B in cash, secure a 20% stake in Globalstar for an additional $400M, and gain access to 85% of Globalstar’s network capacity.
Shares of Globalstar surged by over 30% following the news, while Apple’s stock dipped slightly as it forecasts modest revenue growth for the coming quarter. Globalstar indicated that a portion of Apple’s funding will help reduce its debt, further strengthening its infrastructure.
The collaboration between Apple and Globalstar highlights a growing trend of partnerships between tech and satellite companies aiming to provide seamless satellite-based connectivity to underserved regions. The deal is expected to finalise on Tuesday, paving the way for expanded services on future iPhone models.
e& and ZTE have forged a significant strategic collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster innovation in the telecommunications sector amid current geopolitical challenges affecting technology adoption. The partnership is centred on developing energy-efficient and sustainable solutions for network infrastructure, addressing the growing global emphasis on environmental responsibility.
Additionally, they will design and develop advanced 5G and 5G-Advanced (5G-A) solutions while exploring innovative use cases for private networks to enhance connectivity and operational efficiency. Through shared insights and knowledge exchange, both organisations will promote leadership and collaborative learning, positioning themselves as responsible leaders in the industry while striving for net-zero emissions and inspiring further innovation.
Why does it matter?
The partnership emphasises the importance of creating opportunities for joint initiatives that enhance capabilities. By fostering a shared learning environment, both organisations can learn from each other’s successes and challenges, allowing for effective navigation of the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape. Their joint efforts aim to bolster technological development and pave the way for a more connected and sustainable future.
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) announced on Friday it has approved $2 billion in new investments aimed at bolstering the nation’s data centre and electronics manufacturing sectors. Among these, a significant investment comes from a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., which will allocate 32.8 billion baht ($968 million) toward the development of a hyperscale data centre. This facility is expected to strengthen Thailand’s data infrastructure, accommodating the growing demand for digital services and data management across Southeast Asia.
The BOI highlighted that these investments align with Thailand’s strategic vision to transform into a regional tech and manufacturing hub. By enhancing its digital infrastructure and encouraging foreign investment in high-tech sectors, the country hopes to create a more resilient, future-ready economy. The addition of hyperscale data centres, in particular, will enable Thailand to meet increasing demands from cloud service providers, e-commerce companies, and other data-intensive industries.
Thailand has seen a surge in interest from global tech giants looking to establish operations in Southeast Asia, a region marked by rapid digital adoption and economic growth. BOI’s continued support for high-tech projects like these reflects the country’s focus on building a sustainable ecosystem for digital and electronics manufacturing, positioning Thailand as a key player in Asia’s digital economy.
Indonesia has banned sales of Google’s Pixel smartphones due to regulations requiring a minimum of 40% locally manufactured components in devices sold within the country. This decision follows a similar ban on Apple’s iPhone 16 for failing to meet these content standards. According to Febri Hendri Antoni Arief, a spokesperson for Indonesia’s industry ministry, the rules aim to ensure fairness among investors by promoting local sourcing and partnerships.
Google stated that its Pixel phones are not officially distributed in Indonesia, though consumers can still import them independently if they pay applicable taxes. Officials are also considering measures to deactivate unauthorised imports to enforce compliance.
Despite Google and Apple not being leading brands in Indonesia, the market holds significant potential for global tech firms due to its large, tech-savvy population. However, Bhima Yudhistira from the Centre of Economic and Law Studies warned that these restrictions may deter foreign investment, creating what he calls ‘pseudo protectionism’ that could dampen investor sentiment in the region.
Australia’s competition regulator, the ACCC, has filed a lawsuit against Optus, owned by Singapore Telecommunications, for alleged ‘unconscionable’ conduct in selling mobile phones and plans to vulnerable consumers. The ACCC claims that the company’s actions impacted around 429 customers, with a significant portion of these sales conducted at three stores in Darwin and Mount Isa. According to the ACCC, Optus financially benefited from these practices, which were reinforced by sales staff incentives.
ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb stated that Optus allegedly prioritised its own financial interests by clawing back commissions from sales staff but failed to remedy affected customers. The regulator seeks penalties, consumer redress, compliance measures, and court costs in the case.
Optus Interim CEO Michael Venter responded, confirming that disciplinary measures, including terminations, had been taken against implicated staff. Optus is also refunding affected customers, waiving outstanding debts, and allowing them to keep the devices they received.
