NTT to supply liquid-cooled data centre to Rapidus
JAPAN 06:09

NTT to supply liquid-cooled data centre to Rapidus

NTT Docomo Business has agreed to provide a liquid-cooled data centre to Japanese semiconductor manufacturer Rapidus to support high-performance computing (HPC) workloads used in semiconductor development and manufacturing. The deployment will utilise NTT Docomo Business's "Green Nexcenter" facility, designed to support high-density, high-heat servers associated with applications such as generative AI. The operator said the liquid cooling approach is suited to environments where conventional air cooling fac

Space Compass and Airbus sign MoU on optical comms and Earth observation
EUROPE 06:07

Space Compass and Airbus sign MoU on optical comms and Earth observation

Japan's Space Compass – an NTT and SKY Perfect JSAT joint venture – has signed an MoU with Airbus Defence and Space SAS to explore collaboration in optical communications and Earth observation solutions. Under the agreement, the companies will assess how optical data relay technologies, capable of high-capacity and near real-time transmission, could support growing demand in the Earth observation sector. The collaboration will combine Space Compass's planned optical data relay services with Airbus's operati

SoftBank and Mode agree capital and business tie-up to expand AI and IoT
JAPAN 06:05

SoftBank and Mode agree capital and business tie-up to expand AI and IoT

SoftBank and Mode have entered into a capital and business alliance aimed at advancing data-driven decision-making in construction and manufacturing using gen AI and IoT. The agreement combines Mode's data integration and structuring capabilities with SoftBank's generative AI, cloud services, communications network and enterprise customer base. The companies said this will support wider adoption of data utilisation in operational environments.

PNG court clears path for Starlink licensing after overturning suspension
PAPUA NEW GUINEA 06:03

PNG court clears path for Starlink licensing after overturning suspension

Papua New Guinea's National Court has ruled to remove a ban on Starlink services, allowing the licensing process for satellite broadband to proceed. The service had been suspended in February 2024 after the Ombudsman Commission exercised its constitutional powers to halt the licence. The decision prompted a legal challenge from the government's ICT ministry and the national regulator. The court found the Ombudsman Commission had acted beyond its authority, declaring the directive to stop Starlink's licensin

NTT launches subsidy support service for drone adoption
JAPAN 06:01

NTT launches subsidy support service for drone adoption

NTT e-Drone Technology has announced the launch of a support service to assist customers in securing government subsidies for drone procurement and deployment. The operator said it will provide consultation covering subsidy selection through to application procedures, based on individual customer requirements and intended use cases. The service is aimed at organisations considering drone adoption as part of digital transformation and operational efficiency initiatives.

Direct-to-device market set for 49% growth in 2026 - TrendForce
GLOBAL 06:00

Direct-to-device market set for 49% growth in 2026 - TrendForce

The global direct-to-device market will grow by 49 percent year-on-year to reach USD 7.6 billion in 2026, driven by the integration of satellite communications into mobile standards and increasing operator adoption, according to the latest research from analysts TrendForce. Developments in 3GPP Release 17 and Release 18 are enabling satellite connectivity for smartphones, prompting satellite operators to shift focus from traditional broadband services to direct-to-device communications.

ACMA reports stable complaint rates but rising escalation to ombudsman
AUSTRALIA 05:58

ACMA reports stable complaint rates but rising escalation to ombudsman

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has reported stable overall complaint rates across the telecom sector, alongside a continued increase in the proportion of complaints escalated to the industry ombudsman. The regulator's latest complaints-handling performance data, covering July to September 2025, shows that providers received an average of 44 complaints per 10,000 services, unchanged from both the previous quarter and the same period a year earlier.

Sakura Internet partners J-Stream to strengthen content delivery infrastructure
JAPAN 05:57

Sakura Internet partners J-Stream to strengthen content delivery infrastructure

Sakura Internet and J-Stream have agreed to collaborate on strengthening content delivery infrastructure for the Japanese market. The companies plan to build a joint delivery platform within Sakura Internet's network, incorporating edge servers for J-Stream's CDN service, CDNext. The platform is intended to support stable content delivery during periods of high traffic and will operate within Sakura Internet's cloud environment, which has been selected as part of Japan's government cloud service programme f

SK Telecom presents AI recommendation model at ICLR 2026
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 05:55

SK Telecom presents AI recommendation model at ICLR 2026

SK Telecom (SKT) has presented a research paper at ICLR 2026 outlining an AI recommendation model designed to distinguish between short-term and consistent user preferences. The paper introduces a proprietary approach referred to as Conflict-Aware Direct Preference Optimisation (C-APO), which aims to improve recommendation accuracy by filtering out conflicting signals in user behaviour. The model analyses long-term usage patterns to identify what it defines as "consistent preferences", while separating out

Rakuten Symphony expands maritime cybersecurity platform with Cydome and Lattice
JAPAN 05:53

Rakuten Symphony expands maritime cybersecurity platform with Cydome and Lattice

Rakuten Symphony has announced partnerships with Cydome Security and Lattice to extend the capabilities of its Rakuten Maritime cybersecurity platform across the full vessel lifecycle. The company said the expansion enables integrated information technology and operational technology security for both new vessels and existing fleets, covering stages from ship design through to live operations.

Google DeepMind partners with South Korea to expand AI research
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 05:49

Google DeepMind partners with South Korea to expand AI research

Google DeepMind has announced a partnership with South Korea's ministry of science and ICT to support the country's AI strategy and expand collaboration in scientific research. The initiative forms part of Google DeepMind's National Partnerships for AI programme and focuses on accelerating research in areas including life sciences, energy and climate, while supporting the development of local AI capabilities.

ChatGPT again leads growth in gen AI app usage in South Korea
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 05:47

ChatGPT again leads growth in gen AI app usage in South Korea

ChatGPT recorded the largest user growth among generative AI applications in South Korea over the past year, based on monthly active user data, according to Wiseapp Retail. The analysis, which covers Android and iOS smartphone users, found that ChatGPT added 12.37 million users year-on-year as of March 2026. Google Gemini followed with an increase of 7.18 million users, while Claude and Grok AI each recorded growth of 1.34 million users. Perplexity saw an increase of 700,000 users over the same period.

JAPAN 05:45

NTT Docomo adds My Number card authentication to d Card applications

NTT Docomo has introduced identity verification using Japan's public key infrastructure system for online applications to its d Card. The operator said the feature uses the Japanese Public Key Infrastructure linked to My Number cards to enable digital identity verification during the application process. The system uses electronic certificates stored on the IC chip of the My Number card to authenticate users, aiming to reduce risks such as document forgery, impersonation and data tampering.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA 05:42

NICTA signs Digicel PNG for 4G expansion project targeting coverage gap

Papua New Guinea regulator the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) has signed an agreement with Digicel PNG to deliver a 24-month greenfield 4G mobile broadband project aimed at reducing coverage gaps. The project, valued at PGK 3.9 million and funded through the Universal Access Services Fund managed by NICTA, targets the country's remaining 30 percent gap in 4G voice and data coverage. Papua New Guinea currently has approximately 70 percent 4G coverage.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 05:40

South Korea to outline agentic AI strategy in first half of 2026

The ministry of science and ICT (MSIT) said it plans to establish a national strategy for the development of an agentic AI ecosystem within the first half of 2026, following a workshop held to define policy direction and implementation priorities. The ministry convened the workshop after launching the Agentic AI Alliance on 1 April, which is intended to serve as a national platform for developing the agentic AI ecosystem. The session focused on defining operational plans, collaboration mechanisms and strate

INDIA 03:30

Jio's quarterly profit jumps 13%, tops 524 million subscribers in March

India's Jio Platforms posted operating revenue of INR 449.2 billion for its fourth quarter ended 31 March 2026, which represents an increase of 12.6 percent year-on-year. Quarterly net profit was INR 79.3 billion, up 13 percent year-on-year, while EBITDA jumped 17.9 percent to INR 200 billion. EBITDA margin also increased to 52.4 percent from 50.1 percent one year earlier.

INDIA 03:03

Reliance, Meta appoint Singh as CEO of enterprise AI joint venture REIL

Reliance Enterprise Intelligence (REIL) has appointed Parminder Singh as its CEO, effective immediately. In his new role, Singh will lead REIL's efforts in accelerating enterprise AI adoption across India. A joint venture between Reliance Intelligence and Facebook Overseas, REIL aims to combine Meta's AI capabilities with Reliance's enterprise reach and Jio's nationwide connectivity. This partnership is designed to provide sovereign AI solutions to businesses both within India and internationally.

MALAYSIA 27 APR

Myriota joins MTSFB to expand satellite IoT in Malaysia

Myriota has joined the Malaysian Technical Standards Forum (MTSFB) as an associate member. This is in line with Myriota's plans to increase its footprint across Southeast Asia. By joining the MTSFB, Myriota plans to work with local industry players and stakeholders to strengthen the IoT ecosystem, with a specific focus on use cases that require low-power satellite connectivity.

EUROPE 27 APR

S&P upgrades Ceconomy credit rating to BB and maintains CreditWatch Positive

Ceconomy has announced that Standard & Poor's (S&P) has upgraded its long-term credit rating from BB- to BB while keeping it on CreditWatch Positive. It said the upgrade recognises Ceconomy's sustained profitable growth trajectory and improved financial risk profile on a stand-alone basis, while the CreditWatch Positive reflects the positive implications after the closing of the takeover by Chinese retailer JD.com.

PHILIPPINES 27 APR

Globe uses Grab driver insights to boost mobile network performance across Metro Manila

Philippines operator Globe Telecom has teamed up with Grab and its driver-partners to capture real world data on connectivity strength and consistency across Metro Manila. Globe claims this integration transforms everyday trips into live data gathering missions, allowing Globe to continuously measure and optimize its network performance in actual conditions.

UNITED KINGDOM 27 APR

Virgin Media O2: from coax to fibre and 80% coverage in 2028

Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) is undertaking a major upgrade and expansion of its network in the UK to fibre. Nexfibre, a joint venture set up with investor InfraVia, plays a big role in this. However, the company has moved from a strategy initially based on building its own fibre network to acquiring other networks instead. The latest deal is Netomnia, currently under review by regulators, and more consolidation is likely. VMO2 is strengthening its market position, although this is diluted somewhat by the sale of

ICELAND 27 APR

Farice plans Audur cable to link Iceland with Scotland by 2030

Icelandic company Farice said it has begun preparing for a new submarine cable called Audur, linking southern Iceland with Scotland in the UK. A new delivery point is expected to be developed in Glasgow or Edinburgh, whence connections will link with major European telecom hubs including London, Dublin, Amsterdam and the Nordic countries. Seabed surveying for the cable laying is planned for summer 2027 and if plans go well, the cable will enter service in 2030.

SAUDI ARABIA 27 APR

Yaqoot by Zain KSA picks Huawei to upgrade BSS

Yaqoot, the digital platform from Zain KSA, has selected Huawei to upgrade Yaqoot's business support systems (BSS), strengthening efficiency and enabling Yaqoot to build a more agile operating model to respond to fast-evolving market demands. The cooperation will accelerate the development of digital products and services and reduce time to market, introducing greater flexibility and more personalised offerings.

AFRICA 27 APR

Axian Telecom partners with Oracle to transform group-wide ERP system

Axian Telecom has partnered with Oracle to deliver a group-wide ERP for its broader portfolio, including Towerco of Africa, Stellarix, Zuku, Mvola, Mixx and all its other operations. This is part of the Axian Next 2030 strategy to create a unified operational core that supports continued growth throughout Africa. By standardizing operating models on Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP, Axian said its building a strong digital core. 

Just In

06:09

NTT to supply liquid-cooled data centre to Rapidus

06:07

Space Compass and Airbus sign MoU on optical comms and Earth observation

06:05

SoftBank and Mode agree capital and business tie-up to expand AI and IoT

06:03

PNG court clears path for Starlink licensing after overturning suspension

Commentary

20 APR 10:36

Netflix back to organic growth and doing just fine

11 FEB 12:29

Odido shareholders face tricky exit after abandoned IPO

2 FEB 13:49

KPN results show little bother from the competition

2 JAN 13:21

Open Dutch Fiber's new management team takes up turnaround challenge

Background

27 APR 14:33

Virgin Media O2: from coax to fibre and 80% coverage in 2028

26 APR 23:04

The week in telecoms: sovereign hopes take hold in Europe and Apple confirms new CEO

19 APR 23:04

The week in telecoms: SFR takover moves ahead, Amazon bags Globalstar and Netgear in favour in US

12 APR 23:28

The week in telecoms: Samsung profits soar, Netflix targets kids and telcos build defence vertical