Telecommunications infrastructure Archives | Page 3 of 127

Finland links communications networks to security and digital growth

Finland’s Ministry of Transport and Communications has completed the first phase of the TUUTTI project, concluding that secure and reliable communications networks are essential to both national security and digital economic growth.

The report, published on 17 June 2026, provides an overview of Finland’s communications networks, markets and services, and identifies long-term decision points affecting network investment, security and future development.

The ministry said communications infrastructure underpins the functioning of society, security of supply, business investment and the growth of the data economy. It also said security and growth objectives can no longer be treated separately, because the same networks support both public resilience and digital competitiveness.

The report highlights resilience as a prerequisite for growth, warning that communications networks are increasingly linked to energy systems, cloud and computing services, supply chains, suppliers and skills. These dependencies make long-term planning and continuous monitoring essential.

The report also frames digital and technological sovereignty as a question of managing critical dependencies, rather than pursuing complete self-sufficiency. Finland aims to reduce lock-in risks, keep systems interoperable and maintain alternatives where security or economic impacts are greatest.

Future work will focus on preparedness, management of critical dependencies, joint development of networks, data and computing, investment predictability, skills and implementation capacity. Short-term measures identified in the report will be taken forward in autumn 2026.

Why does it matter?

Finland’s assessment shows how communications networks are becoming part of wider national security and economic strategy. Connectivity policy is no longer only about broadband access or market competition; it now includes resilience, supply chains, cloud and computing dependencies, interoperability and technological sovereignty. The report may also matter beyond Finland because its findings could feed into the EU advocacy, legislative preparation and standardisation work.

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European consortium launches SHIELD-6G project to develop cybersecurity capabilities for future 6G networks

A consortium of 19 organisations from across Europe has launched SHIELD-6G (Scalable, Hybrid, and Intelligent End-to-End Defense for 6G Networks), a research and innovation project aimed at developing cybersecurity technologies for future 6G communications networks.

The project is coordinated by University College Dublin and brings together universities, research institutes, telecommunications operators, technology companies, and small and medium-sized enterprises from 10 European countries, including Ireland, Spain, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Greece, Latvia, Estonia, and Türkiye.

According to the consortium, SHIELD-6G will focus on developing a cyber threat intelligence platform designed for future 6G environments. The platform is intended to support the detection, analysis, and response to cyber threats, including previously unknown vulnerabilities and attacks.

The project will explore several technology areas, including AI-based threat detection and response, federated learning for privacy-preserving data processing, digital twin technologies for security testing, and explainable AI approaches intended to improve transparency in cybersecurity operations.

Researchers will evaluate the technologies through use cases in healthcare, smart manufacturing, and maritime communications. These sectors are expected to rely increasingly on advanced connectivity and automated digital systems, creating new cybersecurity requirements.

The initiative is funded through the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme under the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU), which supports research and innovation activities related to future communication networks and services.

According to the project description, SHIELD-6G is expected to contribute to the development of automated network security capabilities, real-time threat detection and mitigation mechanisms, and approaches to compliance and auditing. The consortium also plans to contribute to ongoing discussions on 6G standardisation.

Commenting on the launch, Madhusanka Liyanage of University College Dublin said future communication networks will require security and resilience measures capable of supporting increasingly critical digital services. He said the project aims to develop cybersecurity capabilities that can help protect those services while supporting the broader development of future connectivity infrastructure.

SHIELD-6G is one of several projects funded under the SNS JU programme that aim to advance research on 6G technologies and related cybersecurity challenges as Europe prepares for the next generation of digital communications networks.

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South Korea launches AI-RAN project for 6G networks

The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) has launched the AI-RAN Global Flagship Project, a multi-year research and development programme backed by an investment of 47 billion won (approximately $31.2 million). The initiative aims to develop AI native network technologies for the 6G era.

The project will run until 2030 and brings together South Korea’s three largest mobile operators, SK Telecom, KT Corp and LG Uplus, alongside technology companies, universities and research institutions. The programme aims to integrate AI training and inference capabilities directly into next-generation network architecture.

As part of the initiative, ETRI plans to build an AI-RAN virtual network platform based on commercial base station software and establish a testing environment for validating AI-powered wireless network technologies.

ETRI said it will collaborate with international organisations, including the AI-RAN Alliance, 3GPP and the O-RAN Alliance, to support joint research and contribute to global standardisation efforts. The project forms part of South Korea’s efforts to strengthen AI-native network technologies and secure a leading position in the development of 6G communications.

Why does it matter?

AI-RAN (Artificial Intelligence Radio Access Network) is emerging as a key component of future telecommunications infrastructure. By embedding AI capabilities directly into network operations, operators could improve network efficiency, optimise resource allocation and support increasingly complex applications that require real-time processing.

The initiative also reflects intensifying global competition around 6G technologies. As countries and companies position themselves for the next generation of communications infrastructure, AI-native networks are becoming an important area of research, standardisation and strategic investment that could shape the future of connectivity and digital services.

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Vietnam targets digital economy at 30% of GDP by 2030

Vietnam has approved a national programme to develop its digital economy and digital society from 2026 to 2030, setting a target for the digital economy’s value-added contribution to reach around 30% of GDP by the end of the decade.

The programme aims to accelerate digital transformation across public services, businesses and society through digital platforms, data infrastructure, AI and wider adoption of digital services.

Economic targets include supporting at least 500,000 small and medium-sized enterprises in adopting digital technologies, developing at least five data exchanges, and building at least five Vietnamese digital technology companies able to compete with firms in advanced economies.

The plan also sets infrastructure and access goals. Vietnam aims to provide fibre-optic broadband to all households, extend 5G coverage to 99% of the population, and ensure that all citizens aged 14 and above have digital identification and authentication tools.

Human capital development is also central to the strategy. The government aims to provide basic digital skills training to more than 10 million working-age people by 2030, including skills for using online public services, digital payments, online safety and AI.

The programme forms part of Vietnam’s broader national digital transformation strategy, alongside digital government initiatives and efforts to strengthen competitiveness, productivity and innovation capacity.

Why does it matter?

Vietnam’s programme shows how emerging economies are treating digital infrastructure, AI, data platforms and digital skills as core economic policy, not only technology policy. The targets are ambitious and cover both market development and social access, from SMEs and data exchanges to broadband, 5G, digital ID and digital literacy. The practical impact will depend on implementation, investment and whether businesses and citizens can adopt digital tools at scale.

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Civil society groups warn EU Digital Networks Act could weaken net neutrality

A coalition of civil society organisations has raised concerns about the European Commission’s proposed Digital Networks Act, warning that it could weaken existing net neutrality protections. The signatories argue that the legislation could weaken net neutrality protections and alter the existing framework governing the open internet.

According to the coalition, the proposal would incorporate the Open Internet Regulation into the broader Digital Networks Act while removing many of its explanatory provisions. The groups argue that this could reduce legal certainty and make net neutrality protections more vulnerable to reinterpretation.

The signatories also oppose proposed provisions on IP interconnection, arguing that there is insufficient evidence of market failure to justify regulatory intervention. They warn that proposed cooperation and conciliation mechanisms could formalise commercial negotiations between network operators and content providers, potentially paving the way for network fees.

The coalition is urging EU lawmakers to remove Articles 191 to 193 from the proposal and keep the Open Internet Regulation as a separate legal instrument. The coalition argues that doing so would help preserve consumer protections, competition and the principle of an open internet across the EU.

Why does it matter?

Net neutrality has been a cornerstone of EU internet policy, requiring internet service providers to treat online traffic equally rather than favouring or disadvantaging particular services, platforms or content. Supporters argue that these rules help protect competition, innovation and consumer choice online.

The debate over the Digital Networks Act highlights broader tensions between telecom operators, digital platforms and civil society groups over the future governance of internet infrastructure. Proposed changes to interconnection rules and the legal framework for net neutrality could have implications for how internet services are delivered, regulated and financed across Europe.

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China sets AI integration targets for communications networks

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has released a three-year plan to accelerate the integration of AI with the country’s information and communications sector.

The implementation guideline, covering 2026 to 2028, sets targets for more autonomous networks, wider low-latency access to computing power and expanded AI applications. By 2028, China aims for information and communications networks to reach an initial stage of high-level autonomous intelligence.

The plan also calls for more than 30 high-value use cases, specialised intelligent agents and at least 75% coverage of one-millisecond-latency access to computing power in metropolitan areas.

MIIT identified several research priorities, including AI-driven network architectures, collaboration between large and small AI models, multi-agent systems and intelligent agent communications. It also calls for faster construction of major computing power channels and improved network resource scheduling.

Looking beyond the three years, China aims to make significant breakthroughs in core technologies for integrating AI with information and communications networks by 2030. The ministry said the longer-term goal is to strengthen integrated sensing, communications, computing and intelligence capabilities, while building a broader collaborative innovation and industrial ecosystem.

Why does it matter?

The plan shows China treating AI as part of the core architecture of future communications networks, not only as an application layer. The targets link AI, telecommunications, computing power and sensing infrastructure, which could shape how autonomous networks, industrial AI, smart cities and future digital services are deployed. It also reflects China’s broader push to align AI development with national digital infrastructure and industrial upgrading.

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EU tests cyber crisis response for rail and maritime networks

The European Commission has carried out Cyber Europe 2026, a large-scale cybersecurity exercise testing how Europe would respond to attacks on rail and maritime transport networks.

Organised by the EU Agency for Cybersecurity, the exercise took place on 10 and 11 June and involved around 5,000 experts from across the EU, industry and partner countries. Participants included cybersecurity specialists from the public and private sectors, policymakers, the EU institutions and representatives from the UK, Norway, Switzerland and Ukraine.

The scenario simulated cyberattacks on Europe’s rail and maritime networks, causing severe operational disruption and escalating into a wider cybersecurity crisis. The exercise was designed to test coordination between authorities, industry and institutions during a major cross-border incident affecting critical transport infrastructure.

Cyber Europe 2026 was also the first EU-wide test of the 2025 EU Cyber Blueprint, which clarifies roles and responsibilities during a cyber crisis. The exercise also tested the Cybersecurity Reserve, created under the Cyber Solidarity Act to provide support during significant cybersecurity incidents.

The Commission said lessons from the exercise will help consolidate the Cyber Blueprint and embed cyber crisis management more firmly into the EU’s wider emergency preparedness and response frameworks.

Why does it matter?

Transport networks are critical infrastructure, and cyber incidents affecting ports, railways or logistics systems can disrupt trade, supply chains, military mobility and emergency response across borders. Cyber Europe 2026 is important because it tests not only technical response, but also EU-level coordination, crisis decision-making and support mechanisms under newer cyber resilience tools such as the Cyber Blueprint and Cybersecurity Reserve.

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European Commission welcomes the new G7 cybersecurity declaration

The European Commission has welcomed a new G7 Cybersecurity Working Group Declaration aimed at strengthening international cooperation in response to growing cyber threats.

Adopted under France’s G7 Presidency, the declaration calls for coordinated action to address cybersecurity challenges associated with quantum computing, AI, telecommunications infrastructure, and the protection of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

One of the declaration’s central priorities is accelerating the transition to post-quantum cryptography. As quantum computing capabilities continue to advance, governments and industry are being urged to accelerate preparations for new encryption standards capable of resisting future quantum attacks. The declaration describes migration to quantum-resistant encryption as an urgent cybersecurity priority that organisations should begin addressing now.

AI is another major focus of the declaration. The G7 declaration recognises that AI can both strengthen and threaten cybersecurity. Concerns include AI-enabled cyberattacks, model manipulation, data breaches, and software vulnerabilities.

The European Commission noted that it is preparing an action plan on AI and cybersecurity to help Member States and businesses address emerging risks while strengthening Europe’s cyber resilience.

The declaration also emphasises the importance of resilient telecommunications infrastructure and stronger protection for SMEs. Building on initiatives such as the NIS2 Directive and the Cyber Resilience Act, the EU said it will continue working with international partners to strengthen cybersecurity standards, protect critical infrastructure and support organisations facing increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

Why does it matter?

The declaration reflects growing international recognition that cybersecurity challenges are increasingly transnational and require coordinated responses. Emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing are creating new opportunities for innovation, but also introducing new vulnerabilities that could affect governments, businesses and critical infrastructure.

The emphasis on post-quantum cryptography is particularly significant, as organisations worldwide face the long-term challenge of protecting sensitive data against future quantum-enabled attacks. The declaration also highlights the growing importance of international cooperation in building cyber resilience and securing digital ecosystems.

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China launches a major 6G pilot programme to accelerate future connectivity

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has launched a ministry-provincial collaborative pilot programme to advance 6G innovation and development.

The initiative is designed to support future commercial deployment of next-generation communications technologies and strengthen the country’s 6G industrial ecosystem.

The programme focuses on advancing frontier 6G technologies and deepening the integration of communications networks with AI, satellite internet, and wireless sensing. It will also accelerate research and development of 6G base stations, core network equipment, terminals, chips, and operating systems.

Pilot regions will test practical applications tailored to local economic priorities. Planned use cases include immersive communications, industrial manufacturing, embodied intelligence, low-altitude economic activities, and smart maritime operations.

The initiative follows China’s recent approval of trial spectrum in the 6 GHz band for 6G technology testing in selected regions. That approval was granted to the IMT-2030 (6G) promotion group to support 6G technology trials and validation.

China currently operates the world’s largest 5G network and is seeking to build on that infrastructure base as global competition shifts towards 6G. Authorities say future 6G networks could deliver major improvements in speed, reliability, latency, and connectivity across terrestrial, aerial, maritime, and space-based networks.

Why does it matter?

The pilot programme shows how China is moving from 6G research towards coordinated industrial testing and local application scenarios. By linking 6G with AI, satellite internet, wireless sensing, chips, operating systems, embodied intelligence, and the low-altitude economy, China is treating next-generation connectivity as part of a wider industrial and strategic technology agenda.

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RCC meeting focuses on AI, roaming and regional connectivity

The Regional Commonwealth in the Field of Communications and the CIS Coordination Council for Informatization held a joint meeting in St Petersburg on 5 June, bringing together communications officials, international organisations and industry representatives.

The meeting was chaired by Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, in his role as Chair of the RCC Board of Heads of Communications Administrations and the CIS Coordination Council.

Participants discussed preparations for the 2026 International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha, the development of non-geostationary orbit communication systems, interstate roaming across RCC and CIS countries, IT parks, start-ups and regional cooperation in communications and information technologies.

AI was also among the key themes. Participants discussed the application of AI and the creation of a regional expert council on AI and digital technologies.

The meeting also addressed the establishment of a Regional Fund for the Development of the RCC Sovereign Digital Space and broader efforts to strengthen digitalisation and technological development across the region.

Representatives from ITU, the Universal Postal Union, the Eurasian Economic Commission, CIS bodies and other international organisations also took part. The next joint meeting is scheduled to September 2026 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Why does it matter?

The meeting shows how regional communications bodies are linking traditional telecom issues, such as roaming, satellite systems and IT parks, with newer digital policy priorities, including AI governance and sovereign digital infrastructure. The proposed regional expert council on AI and digital technologies is the strongest governance angle, while the RCC Sovereign Digital Space fund points to growing regional interest in digital autonomy and infrastructure coordination.

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