ReOrbit and Uzma Berhad have announced a groundbreaking partnership to advance a Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) communications satellite project. That collaboration will launch a state-of-the-art GEO satellite to boost connectivity and ensure dependable coverage throughout Malaysia.
By merging ReOrbit’s cutting-edge software-enabled satellite technology with Uzma’s expertise in Malaysia’s energy and technology sectors, the initiative is poised to drive major improvements in the region’s communication infrastructure. Positioned as a transformative venture, this agreement has the potential to revolutionise connectivity solutions. Uzma’s CEO, Dato’ Kamarul Redzuan bin Muhamed, emphasised the project’s role in advancing space technologies and promoting a sustainable future within the New Space Economy.
Through the strategic alliance, ReOrbit and Uzma Berhad aim to bolster Malaysia’s dynamic economy with cutting-edge satellite technology. Sethu Saveda Suvanam, CEO and Founder of ReOrbit expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting its alignment with ReOrbit’s mission to enhance connectivity and serve the Malaysian population. The partnership will leverage ReOrbit’s technological expertise to address Malaysia’s evolving communication infrastructure needs.
NTCA (The Rural Broadband Association) and ACA Connects strongly advocate for the NTIA to prioritise fibre deployment in the BEAD Program, asserting that fibre is the most reliable and scalable technology to meet the evolving connectivity needs of households and businesses in the US. They argue that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and BEAD’s Notice of Funding Opportunity have already established fibre as the preferred broadband infrastructure, given its long-term durability and capacity to support future demand.
Moreover, NTCA & ACA Connects have recommended that NTIA seek further consultation on integrating low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites into the program. They express concerns that LEO systems, with their shared capacity across multiple jurisdictions, may undermine the IIJA’s focus on infrastructure investment. Therefore, they propose that NTIA carefully explore LEO satellite technology’s long-term viability and cost implications before allocating BEAD funding to such projects.
In addition, NTCA & ACA Connects believe that alternative technologies, such as unlicensed spectrum and LEO satellites, should only be considered as a last resort, particularly in cases where deploying fibre or other reliable broadband solutions is not economically feasible. They stress that these non-reliable technologies should be deployed solely in the hardest-to-reach areas, ensuring that fibre remains the primary solution in most cases.
By doing so, NTCA & ACA Connects aim to guarantee that Americans, especially in underserved regions, have access to robust and enduring high-speed internet. Furthermore, they emphasise that NTIA’s broadband strategy should focus on delivering long-term connectivity benefits to rural and remote communities. By concentrating on fibre as the core technology and carefully scrutinising the use of alternatives, they believe the BEAD Program can effectively bridge the digital divide and provide sustainable, high-quality internet access for all Americans.
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has introduced new proposals to regulate AI-generated communications in telecommunications. That initiative, detailed in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) released in August, seeks to define and manage the use of AI in outbound calls and text messages.
The NPRM proposes defining an ‘AI-generated call’ as one utilising AI technologies—such as machine learning algorithms or predictive models—to produce artificial or prerecorded voice or text content. The rules would require callers to disclose AI use and obtain specific consent from consumers, ensuring greater transparency and control over AI-generated communications.
In addition to defining and regulating AI-generated calls, the NPRM includes provisions to address the needs of individuals with speech or hearing disabilities. It proposes an exemption from certain TCPA requirements for AI-generated calls made by these individuals, provided such calls are not for telemarketing or advertising. That exemption aims to facilitate communication for those who depend on AI technologies for telephone interactions, balancing regulatory requirements with accessibility needs.
The NOI, on the other hand, seeks feedback on technologies designed to detect, alert, and block potentially fraudulent or AI-generated calls, exploring their development and privacy implications. It questions how these technologies handle call content data and whether current privacy laws are adequate.
The FCC also invites comments on the potential costs and benefits of the proposed rules and asserts that its authority to implement them is grounded in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). As the comment deadlines approach, the FCC anticipates a thorough discussion on these regulatory changes, which could significantly impact how AI technologies are managed in telecommunications.
Ofcom has introduced new guidance to ensure that broadband providers offer clear and precise information about the technology behind their services. That change aims to address the confusion caused by the industry’s inconsistent use of the term ‘fibre’. Under the new rules, providers must use specific terms like ‘full-fibre’, ‘part-fibre’, ‘copper’, or ‘cable’ to describe their network technology, eliminating the vague term ‘fibre’ alone. That move will help consumers make more informed choices by understanding exactly what type of broadband service they are subscribing to.
Ofcom’s new guidelines mandate that this technology information be provided to consumers before finalising their purchase. Whether signing up in person, over the phone, or online, customers must be given unambiguous details about the underlying network technology of the broadband service they are considering. This ensures that potential buyers are fully informed about what they are committing to, reducing the risk of misunderstandings and dissatisfaction.
Ofcom also requires that broadband providers offer a more thorough explanation of the technology used in their services. This information should be easily accessible, often through a link, allowing consumers to understand better what their broadband service entails. By enforcing these measures, Ofcom aims to enhance transparency and ensure that consumers are well-informed about the broadband technology they choose.
TRAI has proposed removing the cap on the number of telecom operators that wired Virtual Network Operators (VNOs) can partner with in a licensed service area (LSA). That recommendation aims to enhance the quality and availability of wireline services by allowing VNOs to source bandwidth and connectivity from multiple telecom providers.
Additionally, TRAI suggests permitting VNOs to pair with different telecom operators for wireless and wireline services. This increased flexibility is intended to address service availability issues and enable VNOs to offer more comprehensive connectivity solutions, thereby improving overall network resilience and fostering greater competition.
TRAI also addresses wireline connectivity issues by promoting multi-parenting, which aims to improve service availability and quality. Specific conditions are proposed for EPABX systems to ensure that multi-parenting does not compromise service quality, including requirements for logical partitioning between different telecom operators’ traffic and lawful interception systems for internet services.
Additionally, TRAI recommends that VNOs use telecom infrastructure exclusively for the type of service they provide, whether wireless or wireline, to avoid complications related to spectrum usage and charges. TRAI acknowledges the challenges VNOs face in India, including difficulties in securing network access and regulatory hurdles. These issues highlight the need for regulatory reforms to support VNOs more effectively.
Cyprus and Greece are making progress in talks about the creation of a high-speed electric cable network, known as the Great Sea Interconnector, linking Europe to the Middle East through the Mediterranean seabed. The project aims to connect transmission networks from Greece via Crete and Cyprus to Israel, with an estimated cost of €2.4 billion, of which €1.9 billion covers the Cyprus section.
Once complete, the interconnector will be the world’s longest and deepest high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable, stretching 1,240 km and descending to 3,000 metres. The European Union has expressed its willingness to finance part of the project, which is expected to be completed by 2030. However, overlapping jurisdictional claims in the Mediterranean, involving Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey, could present future challenges.
Cyprus has sought clarity on its financial contribution and the potential impact of geopolitical risks, particularly concerning Turkey’s opposition, which could lead to delays and additional costs. Deputy government spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou said discussions have made progress, and the issue may be raised in an upcoming cabinet meeting.
The matter is also set to be discussed during a meeting between Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens later this week.
Russia’s Telecommunication Technologies Consortium (TT Consortium), which includes Rostech, Rostelecom, and Element, has raised serious concerns about the country’s new import substitution requirements for telecom equipment. The consortium has formally communicated to the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Digital Transformation that the proposed targets for domestic components are unachievable.
According to the TT Consortium, the domestic market in Russia needs more suitable alternatives to many foreign components, making the mandated thresholds for domestic content impractical. Furthermore, the consortium has warned of potential severe repercussions if the stringent regulations are adopted in their current form. They fear the resolution could lead to the suspension of decisions recognising telecom equipment as domestic starting 1 December 2024. Consequently, this could result in no domestic telecom equipment being available, disrupting supply chains and impacting key sectors, including government operations and critical information infrastructure.
Additionally, the Telecommunication Technologies Consortium has criticised the draft government decree’s ambitious targets, which require telecom equipment to include 10% domestic components by 2026, 30% by 2028, and 60% by 2030. Manufacturers within the consortium argue that redesigning equipment to meet these requirements is daunting, given the current state of domestic component availability. They assert that such redesigns could lead to significant operational disruptions and hinder their ability to supply essential equipment to government clients and critical infrastructure entities.
Telecommunications Industry Ireland (TII) advocates a reduction in VAT on internet access services delivered via fibre and 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) from 23% to 13.5%. This proposed cut is designed to support the National Connectivity Strategy’s goals, targeted for achievement by 2028.
Furthermore, TII views this VAT reduction as essential for bridging the digital divide, particularly in rural areas, by making high-speed internet more affordable and ensuring equitable access. Continuous upgrades to telecom infrastructure are also vital for meeting the demands of remote working, online education, and other digital services.
As data traffic surges due to digital transformation and AI adoption, ongoing investment in infrastructure becomes crucial for maintaining Ireland’s competitive edge and realising broader economic and social benefits. On the other hand, Telecommunications Industry Ireland (TII) highlights the significant economic impact of the telecommunications sector.
The sector employs 24,000 people with an annual payroll of €1.6 billion, and it has invested approximately €3.5 billion in network infrastructure over the past five years. Additionally, it contributes €2.7 billion annually to local suppliers. This substantial economic footprint underscores the sector’s critical role in Ireland’s economy and emphasises the necessity for supportive fiscal policies to sustain its growth and investment.
Intel has announced a two-year delay in its plans to build mega chip-making factories in Germany and Poland, citing lower demand than expected. Despite significant government subsidies, Intel decided to pause the projects, which had been seen as a boost for both countries’ national industries. The decision comes as a setback after months of negotiations between German officials and the company, which resulted in increased subsidies for the €30 billion project.
In Poland, Intel had planned to establish a semiconductor factory near Wroclaw, supported by $1.8 billion in funding. While European plans have been delayed, Intel confirmed its US projects remain unaffected, with the company receiving $3 billion in direct funding to bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing for the US military.
Additionally, Intel is scaling back its investments in Malaysia but will continue expanding its capacity in Ireland, which will remain its primary European hub. The delay in these European projects reflects the broader challenges faced by the EU as it aims to increase semiconductor production and reduce reliance on Asian markets.
Intel’s decision comes at a time when European nations are seeking to strengthen their chip manufacturing capabilities after recent supply chain disruptions. As demand for semiconductors remains crucial to industries such as defence and electronics, both Germany and Poland face delays in their plans for industrial growth.
PCCW Global and GalaxySpace partner to expand low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite services into international markets, initially focusing on Hong Kong and countries along the Belt and Road. By leveraging GalaxySpace’s advanced LEO satellite technology, PCCW Global enhances its satellite offerings while GalaxySpace broadens its market reach through PCCW Global’s extensive international network.
The partnership aims to extend high-speed connectivity services to underserved regions’ consumers, enterprises, and government entities. Additionally, mobile network providers can expand coverage in remote areas using direct-to-cell technology, which enables mobile phones and smart devices to connect directly to LEO satellites for voice, SMS, and broadband services without traditional infrastructure.
With PCCW Global’s network spanning over 3,000 cities worldwide, this collaboration strengthens global connectivity across key regions. PCCW Global and GalaxySpace partner to capitalise on the benefits of LEO satellites, which reduce latency by 90% compared to traditional geostationary/geosynchronous orbit (GEO/GSO) satellites.
Why does this matter?
This low-latency technology enables new applications across sectors like maritime, aviation, IoT, and drone services. LEO satellites’ increased speed and efficiency provide opportunities for innovative connectivity solutions, improving access to fast, reliable communications for industries that rely on real-time data and seamless communication.
