The Indian Telecommunication Ministry is ramping up efforts to boost domestic manufacturing in the telecom sector while improving service quality. In a recent meeting with the Stakeholders Advisory Committee (SAC), which included telecom equipment manufacturers, service providers, and representatives from the broader telecom ecosystem, the minister discussed the potential for creating a dedicated telecom manufacturing zone. That initiative supports the broader ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision.
In a separate meeting with telecom service providers (TSPs), Scindia emphasised the importance of enhancing the quality of services (QoS) provided to consumers. He stressed that telecom services in India must align with global standards, especially as the country increasingly adopts advanced technologies like 5G and high-speed fibre broadband. The push for improved service comes at a critical time when the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is pressing companies to comply with new QoS norms that aim to ensure reliable and high-performing networks.
The updated QoS standards, introduced by TRAI on 2 August after nearly a decade, focus on specific performance metrics such as network availability, call drop rates, and voice packet drops in uplink and downlink. Telecom companies must publish their performance data on their websites, including mobile coverage maps and network outages.
To enforce compliance, TRAI has increased penalties for violations, with fines ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh. The new reporting framework will be effective from 1 October, with companies required to submit quarterly QoS reports within 15 days of each quarter’s end.
SpaceX is set to invest $1.5 billion in Vietnam, boosting Starlink’s satellite internet services in the country. The government has restarted discussions after talks paused at the end of 2023. Officials are now working closely with SpaceX to finalise plans.
The investment could improve internet access in mountainous regions and strengthen infrastructure for activities such as education and disaster response. SpaceX is particularly interested in supporting the country’s development and improving connectivity.
Disputes over strict regulations on foreign ownership of internet service firms previously stalled discussions. Vietnam limits foreign control to 50%, whereas SpaceX had sought a controlling stake, which may still pose challenges.
Somalia’s National Communications Authority (NCA) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have taken pivotal steps toward enhancing Somalia’s emergency telecommunications landscape. Their recent collaboration aims to implement the National Emergency Telecommunications Plan (NETP), a comprehensive strategy to ensure efficient communication during crises.
By convening a four-day engagement meeting that brought together diverse stakeholders, including government officials, mobile network operators, and representatives from international organisations, these organisations foster a cohesive understanding of roles and responsibilities in emergency telecommunications. The inclusive approach is essential for aligning efforts across multiple sectors, creating a unified response framework that can adapt to the evolving challenges faced by Somalia.
Recognising that the success of the NETP hinges on the active participation of telecom operators, the NCA’s Director General, Mr Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, emphasised the crucial role of their infrastructure and technical expertise in establishing a dependable emergency communications system. By harnessing the capabilities of these operators, Somalia can build a resilient network that remains operational during crises, safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.
Furthermore, the NCA and ITU are focused on the long-term sustainability of Somalia’s telecommunications infrastructure, prioritising the establishment of robust disaster management and critical communication networks. That proactive approach aims to enhance the overall safety and preparedness of the Somali population, ensuring that essential services can be accessed when needed most.
The Philippine government has recently launched significant initiatives to enhance the construction and development of telecommunications and internet infrastructure across the nation. Specifically, by issuing the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) under Executive Order 32, the government seeks to simplify the often-criticised permitting process, which has been plagued by complexity and delays.
Consequently, the proactive approach is essential for facilitating the swift and efficient deployment of critical connectivity services, which are vital for economic growth and development. To bolster this effort, the government has formed a technical working group that includes key agencies such as the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Anti-Red Tape Authority, and the National Telecommunications Commission.
The group is tasked with crafting the necessary rules and regulations within a defined 60-day timeframe. By collaborating with various stakeholders, the government aims to ensure that the new guidelines are comprehensive and practical and effectively address the challenges currently faced in building telecommunications infrastructure.
In addition to these measures, the Philippine government recognises the importance of establishing a One-Stop Shop for Construction Permits in cities. That initiative, therefore, centralises the permitting process and provides applicants with a single point of contact for all their needs. As a result, this enhancement improves accessibility and supports local economies by facilitating smoother business operations.
Furthermore, the government in the Philippines is dedicated to promoting fair competition within the telecommunications sector by implementing regulations prohibiting anti-competitive practices and enforcing a zero-backlog policy for all permit applications. Ultimately, these measures are designed to ensure timely infrastructure development and equitable opportunities for all stakeholders involved.
The European Commission approved Emirates Telecommunications (e&) €2.15-billion acquisition of Czech PPF Telecoms’ assets after thoroughly investigating under its newly implemented Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR). This deal, covering operations in Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia, and Slovakia, raised concerns among the EU regulators regarding potential market distortion due to foreign subsidies from the UAE government.
The Commission launched the first-ever investigation under the FSR, a regulatory tool aimed at preventing foreign state aid from undermining competition in the EU’s internal market. The probe revealed that e& had received foreign subsidies through grants, loans, and state guarantees but found no immediate negative impact on competition at the time of the acquisition.
Ultimately, the European Commission approved the deal after securing important commitments from e& to mitigate future risks. These concessions included relinquishing unlimited state guarantees, restricting the funding of PPF’s EU activities to emergencies requiring prior approval, and committing to notify the Commission of any future acquisitions within the EU, regardless of their size. These safeguards ensured the transaction would not disrupt the competitive landscape in the EU market while highlighting the Commission’s robust enforcement of the FSR in regulating foreign subsidies and maintaining a fair marketplace.
The Indian government has made connectivity a cornerstone of its vision for a digitally empowered nation. The government is bridging the digital divide through comprehensive initiatives to expand 4G and 5G coverage, ensuring that even the most remote villages benefit from reliable mobile connectivity.
In fact, with the commissioning of over 7,100 new 4G towers, access to essential services and opportunities is being facilitated for all citizens, thereby fostering inclusive growth across the country. Moreover, the launch of the Bharat 6G Vision underscores the government’s ambition to emerge as a global leader in telecommunications technology, with a goal for India to be at the forefront of designing, developing, and deploying 6G technology by 2030.
In addition, significant investments are being directed towards economic growth through various support initiatives, including the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. That initiative not only aims to bolster domestic manufacturing and create jobs but also seeks to attract foreign investments in the telecom sector. By implementing reimbursement schemes for startups and micro-enterprises, the government is easing financial burdens and cultivating an environment ripe for innovation and entrepreneurship. Consequently, these efforts seek to enhance the telecommunications landscape and contribute significantly to the nation’s overall economic development.
Furthermore, the Indian government is committed to modernising its regulatory framework for telecommunications, as demonstrated by the enactment of the Telecommunications Act of 2023. The new legislation effectively replaces outdated laws and incorporates robust national security and public safety provisions.
Additionally, the establishment of a Digital Intelligence Platform aims to enhance cybersecurity and enable real-time information sharing among law enforcement and financial institutions, thereby ensuring a safer telecommunications environment. For example, initiatives such as the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ app further illustrate the government’s dedication to promoting environmental sustainability. This app encourages citizens to plant trees honouring their mothers while raising awareness about environmental issues, seamlessly integrating technological advancement with social responsibility.
Nokia and Viettel Group have embarked on a transformative partnership to deploy 5G infrastructure across Vietnam, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital evolution. The landmark agreement will span 22 provinces, facilitating Viettel’s ambitious strategy to enhance its 5G capabilities and drive digital transformation nationwide.
In addition to rolling out new 5G technology, Nokia will modernise Viettel’s existing 4G infrastructure, ensuring a seamless transition and optimised performance. The deployment will begin this year and will involve installing advanced equipment across 2,500 sites, including AirScale baseband solutions and Massive MIMO radios, all powered by Nokia’s innovative and energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip technology.
That collaboration aligns with the Vietnamese government’s vision of establishing 5G as a critical national infrastructure, anticipated to play a vital role in boosting the digital economy, which is projected to contribute between 20% and 30% of the nation’s GDP by 2030. Together, Nokia and Viettel Group are poised to create new opportunities for economic growth and increased productivity, fostering a robust digital service ecosystem that will benefit consumers and businesses alike.
Tunisia is making remarkable progress in enhancing its digital infrastructure as part of a comprehensive national strategy to drive economic growth and foster digital transformation. The government recognises the crucial role that advanced technologies, particularly 5G, will play in this endeavour.
Tunisia is positioning itself to leverage these advancements by prioritising the rollout of high-speed networks, stimulating innovation and enhancing connectivity across various sectors. Recently, the three major telecom providers, Tunisie Telecom, Ooredoo Tunisie, and Orange Tunisie, submitted their applications for a 5G license, marking a pivotal milestone in the nation’s technological evolution.
With 16.258 million mobile subscribers and a penetration rate of 136.5% as of 29 February 2024, Tunisia also reports 11.583 million mobile internet users, reflecting a penetration rate of 97.2%. These statistics provide a solid foundation for the forthcoming 5G rollout. Tunisia established a specialised technical committee on 24 May 2023 to effectively manage this transition, tasked with evaluating studies and guiding the strategic approach to 5G deployment.
Moreover, Tunisia is adopting a proactive stance towards technological advancement, underscoring its commitment to national development through innovation. By embracing 5G technology and enhancing its digital infrastructure, the country is improving connectivity and creating a conducive environment for economic growth and transformation.
Why does this matter?
This forward-thinking strategy positions Tunisia as a key player in the regional digital landscape, paving the way for enhanced connectivity and numerous opportunities for its citizens. As the nation continues to invest in advanced technologies, it is poised to unlock new potential for economic advancement and improved quality of life.
Vodafone and Intelsat have strengthened their partnership to enhance satellite connectivity solutions for organisations operating in challenging environments, especially in remote areas and disaster zones. This collaboration aims to provide reliable and secure connectivity options that empower businesses, governments, and charitable organisations to track valuable cargo efficiently, establish rapid communication during emergencies, and support various critical applications.
By integrating Intelsat’s Flex portfolio into Vodafone’s offerings, the partnership will deliver two key services – Communications-on-the-Move (COTM), which employs a vehicle-mounted antenna for seamless connectivity, and Communications-on-the-Pause (COTP), a compact satellite terminal designed for temporary sites. Moreover, that partnership seeks to bolster humanitarian efforts, mainly through the Vodafone Foundation’s initiatives focused on health and education across Europe and Africa.
These efforts will provide essential connectivity for NGOs and government agencies responding to environmental and humanitarian crises. Additionally, this collaboration complements Vodafone’s existing work in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology, which includes direct-to-smartphone connectivity and has already facilitated high-speed mobile broadband services in Papua New Guinea.
Intelsat’s commitment to enhancing connectivity in underserved regions exemplifies its partnership with CNH Industrial for precision agriculture in Brazil, further showcasing its dedication to providing internet access in rural areas. Vodafone and Intelsat leaders, including CEO Marika Auramo and Jean Philippe Gillet, highlight the vital role of reliable connectivity in community welfare and resilience. This partnership aims to enhance connectivity solutions and address urgent needs during emergencies, significantly impacting communities worldwide.
Telecom operators in India are increasingly concerned about the exclusion of over-the-top (OTT) messaging and calling apps, such as WhatsApp and Telegram, from the licensing framework recommended by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai). They argue that these services function similarly to traditional telecom operators and should be subject to the same regulations.
The following issue was notably raised during a recent meeting with Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, where leaders from major companies, including Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, convened to discuss how the current regulatory landscape hampers their competitiveness. In addition to regulatory concerns, financial sustainability is a critical issue, particularly regarding adjusted gross revenue (AGR) payments.
During discussions, operators highlighted the substantial financial burden of AGR liabilities, with Vodafone Idea owing ₹70,320 crore and Bharti Airtel approximately ₹21,500 crore. These debts strain their resources and threaten their viability in a highly competitive market. Moreover, the Supreme Court’s recent rejection of Vodafone Idea’s curative petition regarding AGR underscores the legal challenges that exacerbate their financial distress, reflecting the precarious state of India’s telecom industry.
Furthermore, consumer issues surrounding unsolicited commercial calls and SMS were also discussed. Operators pointed out the frustration these calls cause, prompting the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to monitor and address the problem. Additionally, Scindia’s meeting with telecom equipment manufacturers in India highlights a comprehensive approach to tackling sector challenges and fostering innovation.
