U Mobile and Huawei Malaysia have entered into a strategic partnership to enhance U Mobile’s 5G networks and support its strategic roadmap. The collaboration builds on an earlier partnership focused on 5G innovation and adoption for businesses, with both companies committed to advancing Malaysia’s telecommunications infrastructure.
The partnership also aims to deploy advanced hardware and software to create a high-performance second 5G network in Malaysia, leveraging Huawei’s global expertise in Radio Access Network (RAN) technologies and future technological advancements. Additionally, both parties will intensify research and development efforts to enhance customer satisfaction and drive greater 5G adoption in both consumer and enterprise markets, focusing on enterprises that require ultra-low latency and high bandwidth.
The collaboration will also explore project financing opportunities, including vendor financing and deferred payment plans, to support the development of these technologies and unlock new business opportunities.
Through this partnership, U Mobile and Huawei Malaysia are positioning themselves to meet the growing demand for 5G services across various sectors. The goal is to ensure the infrastructure can support the evolving needs of businesses and consumers alike.
By combining their strengths and expertise, the two companies aim to fast-track the growth of Malaysia’s telecom services and contribute to its digital economy, ultimately supporting the nation’s transition into a more connected and digitally advanced future.
Viettel High Tech (VHT) and High Cloud Technologies (HCT) have formed a strategic partnership through a $1 million deal to supply 5G systems for the Middle Eastern market. That collaboration strengthens HCT’s position as the region’s leading telecom solutions provider and opens doors for future partnerships with other telecom operators.
Under the agreement, VHT will provide 4G and 5G base stations using Non-Standalone (NSA) technology and cloud-based core network infrastructure, showcasing its expertise in end-to-end telecom solutions. The goal is to implement these solutions, conduct 5G trials, and demonstrate the reliability and performance of VHT’s products with major telecom operators.
The following partnership is expected to enhance telecom coverage, especially in suburban and rural areas, contributing to improved education and living standards across the UAE and the broader Middle East. The collaboration also supports regional growth in sectors like education, healthcare, and business, which depend on robust digital infrastructure.
Why does it matter?
VHT’s entry into the Middle East marks a significant milestone in its technological journey, as it has been developing 4G technologies since 2017 and began 5G research in 2019.
Authorities in Thailand are taking steps to regulate bulk SIM card purchases to combat their misuse in scams targeting Thai citizens. The issue came to light following the police seizure of 200,000 prepaid SIM cards linked to a Chinese call center gang.
Currently, there are no restrictions on corporate bulk SIM purchases, aside from a rule requiring registration for users holding more than five numbers. The lack of oversight has enabled SIM cards to be used illegally, particularly near borders where foreign SIMs are common.
Many of these cards are intentionally registered without clear user identities or are misused in IoT devices, GPS trackers, or sold to tourists. To address these gaps, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has proposed legal reforms requiring mobile operators and banks to verify buyer identities and notify users of suspicious transactions.
Additionally, stricter regulations on SMS messages with embedded links are set to take effect next year. Inspired by policies in countries like Singapore and Australia, these reforms aim to enhance accountability and curb abuse.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) emphasises a gradual approach to implementing these measures to minimise inconvenience for consumers and avoid disrupting legitimate business operations. While tackling the misuse of SIM cards, authorities aim to strike a balance between protecting the public and ensuring businesses can operate smoothly. This measured approach reflects the broader goal of preventing scams while maintaining economic and social stability.
Hyundai has dissolved its Semiconductor Strategy Office, signalling a strategic shift in its in-house chip ambitions. Established in 2022, the office was a key part of the company’s plans for autonomous vehicle technology but has now been integrated into other divisions, including the Advanced Vehicle Platform and procurement departments. Vice President Jae-Seok Chae, who led the office, also stepped down as part of the reorganisation.
The move reflects Hyundai’s effort to streamline operations and enhance synergy, though it marks a significant challenge for its plans to develop in-house autonomous driving chips. The company has relied heavily on Mobileye’s ADAS chips while facing competition from industry leaders such as Tesla, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm.
Reports suggest Hyundai is reassessing its semiconductor projects, with one major autonomous driving chip programme under review. Alternatives could include collaborating with AI firm Tenstorrent or outsourcing chip production to Samsung, potentially using the tech giant’s 5-nm-based SF5A process.
Hyundai’s reshuffle highlights the growing pressure on automakers to innovate in the autonomous vehicle market while managing cost and resource challenges. Future developments may determine whether the company continues in-house efforts or pivots entirely to external partnerships.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced new rules requiring mobile service providers to offer separate recharge plans for voice calls and SMS for customers who do not use data. This change specifically caters to users, such as senior citizens or families with home broadband, who do not require mobile data.
Alongside this, TRAI has extended the validity of special recharge coupons from a maximum of 90 days to up to 365 days, providing consumers with more flexibility in managing their recharges. Telecom operators can now issue recharge vouchers in any denomination of their choice, though they must still offer at least one ₹10 voucher.
The rule removing the restriction on multiples of ₹10 for top-up vouchers aims to give consumers more convenient options for recharging their phones. Despite these changes, TRAI has ensured that the new rules will not reverse the government’s push for data inclusion.
Also, the mandate for separate voice and SMS plans will not affect the availability of data-only or bundled plans, allowing telecom providers in India to continue offering diverse options supporting all users’ data access.
India is taking significant steps to build a home-grown Earth observation satellite network, reducing dependence on foreign data for critical sectors like defence and infrastructure. Thirty Indian companies, forming nine consortiums, have expressed interest in the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre’s (IN-SPACe) initiative.
The project, part of a larger strategy to monetise the space sector, aims to bolster the country’s $45 billion small satellite and data services market, projected to thrive by 2030. Major participants include startups Pixxel and SatSure, alongside Tata Advanced Systems. Technical evaluations are set to conclude by January, followed by the selection of a winning bidder.
Applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements, including substantial investment in space activities and establishing operational capabilities within India. The government plans to offer loans of up to 3.5 billion rupees, with private entities covering remaining costs.
India’s broader space programme features plans for crewed missions and interplanetary exploration. However, the immediate focus remains on expanding private sector involvement, supported by a 10-billion-rupee venture fund for startups. By fostering domestic innovation, the nation aims to secure its data sovereignty and commercial space leadership.
Sparkle and Fincantieri have formed a strategic partnership to protect submarine telecommunications cables, which are crucial for global connectivity and national security. The collaboration aims to develop innovative technological solutions for securing subsea infrastructure, ensuring its resilience in the face of emerging threats.
By combining Fincantieri’s expertise in underwater technology and shipbuilding with Sparkle’s vast fibre-optic network, the two companies plan to enhance the operational security of these vital systems. Sparkle, with over 600,000 km of fibre-optic cables across multiple continents, has long prioritised the protection of submarine cables through advanced monitoring and security measures.
That partnership is part of broader strategy of Italy to boost technological development and international competitiveness, focusing on safeguarding critical infrastructures fundamental to digital connectivity and economic growth. The collaboration also strengthens Italy’s leadership in digital innovation, with Fincantieri focusing on submarine infrastructure protection and Sparkle enhancing resilience in partnership with the Italian Navy and Polo Nazionale della dimensione Subacquea.
Stc Bahrain has partnered with Huawei to launch the fourth edition of its successful Technical Capacity Program, aligning with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 to foster digital innovation and talent development. The program aims to advance Bahrain’s digital economy by providing extensive training in critical ICT sectors, including networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, AI, and emerging technologies.
Participants will gain hands-on experience through technology showcases, engaging with the latest industry advancements and best practices. This year, the program will expand across stc Bahrain’s entire technology divisions, including Digital, Business, Wholesale, Consumer, and Customer Experience, reflecting the company’s commitment to empowering its workforce and driving the country’s digital transformation.
The initiative plays a key role in stc Bahrain’s broader digital transformation strategy by equipping employees with the skills necessary to innovate and lead in the telecommunications sector. The program is vital for nurturing a culture of continuous learning and talent development.
Through this collaboration, stc Bahrain is contributing to developing a highly skilled ICT workforce in Bahrain and supporting the kingdom’s goal of achieving sustainable economic growth and leadership in the digital space.
One NZ has become the first telecommunications company globally to offer a nationwide satellite text messaging service, thanks to a partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink. This service enables customers with eligible phones and plans to send and receive text messages in areas beyond traditional cell tower coverage, provided they have a clear line of sight to the sky.
Initially, the service supports four specific phone models, with plans to expand compatibility to more devices next year. During the rollout phase, text message delivery times are expected to be within three minutes, though some may take up to ten minutes or longer. The service is available at no extra cost to existing customers on paid monthly plans, with future enhancements potentially including voice calling and data services.
This initiative follows successful tests of Starlink’s satellite text service during hurricane relief efforts in the United States. One NZ’s collaboration with Starlink marks a significant advancement in ensuring connectivity across New Zealand‘s diverse landscapes, particularly in the 40% of the country not covered by cell towers.
Tizeti, a prominent internet service provider in West Africa, has launched its FreeFiber broadband service in Nigeria and Ghana, offering speeds of over 1Gbps, significantly faster than the regional average of 28Mbps. Initially available in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Accra, the service will expand to more cities within the next year.
A key feature of FreeFiber is its focus on online gaming. Its dedicated fibre port provides ultra-low latency, high bandwidth, and seamless performance even with multiple devices connected. New users can benefit from free installation, a complimentary first month, and a referral program that rewards customers with free setup and subscriptions for referring others.
The service also includes VoIP, free calls to several countries with African populations, and other digital services such as Teleport Services, which offer access to US IP addresses and digital wallets. Tizeti, which serves over four million subscribers and partners with global tech giants like Microsoft and Meta, aims to bridge the digital divide by providing affordable, reliable internet across the region.
With over a decade of experience providing solar-powered, unlimited internet services, Tizeti has grown from a startup to a billion-naira business. Its mission remains focused on delivering accessible internet to millions across West Africa.
The company continues to innovate with new services and expand its network, demonstrating its commitment to improving digital infrastructure in the region. Through strategic partnerships, including collaborations with organisations like the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Tizeti is positioning itself as a leader in driving digital transformation across West Africa.
