Vodafone Cook Islands and Rivada have partnered to enhance telecommunications connectivity and drive digital transformation across the Oceania region. The collaboration addresses the challenges posed by the geographic isolation of the Cook Islands and other territories in Oceania. By utilising Rivada’s next-generation low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, the Outernet, Vodafone intends to offer scalable, resilient connectivity for enterprises and government clients.
The Outernet’s innovative design combines inter-satellite laser links and advanced onboard processing to provide gigabit-speed connectivity globally, bypassing public internet and third-party infrastructure. This optical mesh network ensures secure, fast, and low-latency connections, delivering urban-centre-quality connectivity to remote regions, including the Pacific islands.
In a time when geopolitical tensions threaten subsea cables in Asia, the partnership will create a more reliable and secure telecommunications infrastructure for the region. The benefits of this partnership are expected to be far-reaching, particularly for remote communities and the outer islands of the Cook Islands.
The enhanced connectivity will support critical sectors like online education, healthcare, and business, driving technological innovation and economic growth. Phillip Henderson, CEO of Vodafone Cook Islands, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasising how the Outernet will empower remote communities, providing them access to previously challenging services.
The partnership is poised to transform connectivity in the region, helping to bridge the digital divide and foster long-term economic development.
The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) has pledged up to €800 million to support the expansion of Germany’s 5G infrastructure, part of an effort to reduce reliance on Chinese technology. The project, which includes contributions from private banks across Europe and Japan, aims to build a secure and advanced telecom system for Germany.
The funding will support United Internet AG, a German telecom company, in adopting Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technology. This system allows seamless integration of equipment from multiple suppliers, reducing the risks of over-dependence on a single provider. A significant portion of the software involved is developed by Rakuten Group Inc., a Japanese tech firm.
Germany has relied heavily on Chinese manufacturers for 5G infrastructure, with 59% of its network sourced from Huawei and ZTE in 2022. This new initiative reflects Germany’s ambition to phase out Chinese components by 2029 and strengthen national security. JBIC’s €300 million contribution represents the largest share of the funding, ensuring stability and mitigating risks for the ambitious expansion.
As part of a broader collaboration, financial institutions from France, Britain, and Japan are also participating in the loans. Beyond enhancing Germany’s telecom security, the project is expected to benefit Japanese firms operating in the country by offering a trusted platform for handling sensitive data.
A decision to allocate satellite spectrum administratively rather than through an auction aims to increase competition in India’s vast telecom market. Telecoms Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasised the government’s commitment to providing consumers with greater choice, despite concerns from Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio over losing ground to Elon Musk’s Starlink. Reliance had pushed for auctions, arguing they ensure a level playing field after the company invested $19 billion in airwave rights.
Analysts suggest administrative allocation aligns with global norms and reduces investment barriers for foreign companies. Scindia noted that current satellite technology is limited to outdoor use, which distinguishes it from indoor services offered by terrestrial networks. Applications from Starlink and Amazon Kuiper to enter India’s satellite broadband market, projected to reach $1.9 billion by 2030, are under review.
India’s competitive telecom sector, with 942 million users and low data costs, is attracting significant global interest. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), a state-run operator with 99 million users, is expanding its 4G offerings to regain market share. Meanwhile, the government remains tight-lipped about plans to assist Vodafone Idea, which faces $24 billion in dues.
Musk’s disruptive approach, evident in markets like Kenya where Starlink’s pricing undercut local rivals, signals potential shifts in India’s broadband landscape. The new satellite policy could bring more innovation, fostering a dynamic environment for global and domestic players.
Samsung and LG Electronics may shift some home appliance production from Mexico to the United States, according to a South Korean news report. The potential move follows former President Donald Trump’s announcement of possible 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, set to take effect on February 1.
Samsung is reportedly considering relocating dryer production to its South Carolina plant, while LG may move refrigerator production to its Tennessee factory, which already produces washing machines and dryers. Both companies are evaluating their operations as they adapt to market changes and trade policies.
In statements, Samsung emphasised its flexible global production strategy, while LG highlighted its commitment to adjusting production systems to meet market demands. These considerations reflect broader shifts in manufacturing strategies due to trade uncertainties.
Spain’s government has announced a new initiative to promote the adoption of AI technologies across the country’s businesses. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez revealed on Monday that the government will provide an additional 150 million euros ($155 million) in subsidies aimed at supporting companies in their efforts to integrate AI into their operations.
The funding is designed to help businesses harness the potential of AI, which has become a critical driver of innovation and efficiency in various sectors, from manufacturing to healthcare and finance. The subsidies will be available to companies looking to develop or adopt AI-based solutions, to foster digital transformation and maintain Spain’s competitive edge in the global economy.
Sanchez emphasised that the funding will play a vital role in ensuring Spain remains at the forefront of the digital revolution, helping to build a robust, AI-powered economy. The move comes as part of Spain’s broader strategy to invest in technology and innovation, aiming to enhance productivity and create new opportunities for growth in both the public and private sectors.
The European Commission has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against China, accusing the country of ‘unfair and illegal’ practices regarding worldwide royalty rates for European standard essential patents (SEPs). According to the Commission, China has empowered its courts to set global royalty rates for the EU companies, particularly in the telecoms sector, without the consent of the patent holders.
The case focuses on SEPs, which are crucial for technologies like 5G, used in mobile phones. European companies such as Nokia and Ericsson hold many of these patents. The Commission claims that China’s actions force European companies to reduce their royalty rates globally, providing Chinese manufacturers with unfairly low access to European technologies.
The European Union has requested consultations with China, marking the first step in WTO dispute resolution. If a resolution is not reached within 60 days, the EU can request the formation of an adjudicating panel, which typically takes about a year to issue a final report. This case is linked to a previous EU dispute at the WTO concerning China’s anti-suit injunctions, which restrict telecom patent holders’ ability to enforce intellectual property rights in courts outside China.
US authorities, including the Commerce Department and the FBI, are investigating Baicells Technologies, a telecom hardware company with ties to China, over potential security risks. Founded by former Huawei executives, Baicells has supplied telecom equipment to 700 networks across the US since opening its North American branch in 2015. The investigations focus on national security concerns, particularly around the company’s Chinese origins and its equipment’s potential vulnerability to espionage. The FBI’s interest in Baicells goes back to 2019, and recent reports suggest that the Pentagon has added the company to a list of entities connected to China’s military.
While Baicells has denied any wrongdoing and pledged full cooperation with US authorities, the company faces mounting scrutiny amid fears that Chinese-made telecom equipment could be used for surveillance or cyber attacks. In particular, base stations and routers provided by Baicells have been flagged for vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to compromise sensitive networks. The FBI has already contacted local US entities, such as the city of Las Vegas, to raise security concerns regarding Baicells’ technology.
Despite Baicells’ claims that it no longer has ties to its Chinese parent company, its history and ownership structure continue to raise doubts. Many of its top executives and a significant portion of its staff have links to Huawei, further fueling suspicions about the company’s operations. In recent years, Baicells has attempted to distance itself from its Chinese roots, stating that its infrastructure is increasingly built in Taiwan, though much of its equipment still originates from China. The ongoing investigations highlight the broader concerns in Washington about the risks posed by Chinese-linked technology in critical infrastructure.
Indian space startup Pixxel has successfully launched three of its six hyperspectral imaging satellites aboard a SpaceX rocket from California. The satellites lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 1915 GMT, marking a significant step forward for India‘s growing private space sector. The remaining three satellites are set for deployment later this year, with Pixxel aiming to expand its constellation to 24 satellites in the coming years.
Hyperspectral imaging captures highly detailed data across hundreds of light bands, offering valuable insights for industries such as agriculture, mining, environmental monitoring, and defence. The technology is expected to help improve crop yields, track natural resources, and enhance monitoring of oil spills and geographic boundaries with greater precision than existing methods. Pixxel has already secured contracts with major clients, including Rio Tinto, British Petroleum, and India’s Ministry of Agriculture, with some already paying for data from its demonstration satellites.
India currently holds just a 2% share of the global commercial space market, far behind the United States, which dominates satellite launches through private companies like SpaceX. The global satellite imagery market is projected to grow to $19 billion by 2029, with hyperspectral imaging potentially capturing up to $1 billion of that. Pixxel is aiming to capitalise on this growth by rapidly expanding its satellite network and enhancing data capabilities for industries worldwide.
Indian space startup Pixxel is set to launch three of its six hyperspectral imaging satellites aboard a SpaceX rocket from California. The launch, scheduled from Vandenberg Space Force Base, marks a milestone for India‘s private space sector. The satellites will enter a sun-synchronous orbit at 550 km, with three more to follow later this year. Pixxel aims to expand its constellation to 24 satellites, targeting a share of the growing satellite imaging market, expected to reach $19 billion by 2029.
Hyperspectral imaging captures highly detailed data across hundreds of light bands, allowing better monitoring of agriculture, mining, environmental changes, and defence applications. Pixxel has already secured contracts with companies like Rio Tinto and British Petroleum, as well as India’s Ministry of Agriculture. The startup expects to begin full commercial imaging operations by mid-March, with government and defence agencies closely watching its progress before committing to long-term contracts.
India holds just 2% of the global commercial space market, far behind the United States and China. The government hopes private companies like Pixxel will help grow the sector from $8 billion to $44 billion by 2030. The Firefly constellation, with a 5-meter resolution and 40-km swathe width, is expected to outperform competitors such as Finland‘s Kuva Space and the US-based Orbital Sidekick. Experts believe a successful deployment would mark a significant breakthrough for India’s space industry.
Italy is exploring a potential agreement with Elon Musk’s Starlink to provide secure satellite communications for government and defence officials. The proposed five-year deal, worth €1.5 billion, would enable encrypted communications in high-risk areas. An Italian representative for Musk’s aerospace businesses stated that the country would retain full control over its data while using the technology.
Opposition parties have criticised the project, questioning whether a company owned by the US billionaire should handle sensitive Italian communications. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has faced scrutiny over her ties with Musk, dismissed concerns, insisting that discussions about the deal began before her government took office in 2022.
Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, operates 6,700 satellites in low-Earth orbit and is a dominant player in global satellite communications. While the Italian government evaluates the deal, officials maintain that national interests and data security would remain protected.
