KDDI opens AI-powered pop culture experience store in Tokyo
JAPAN 06:06

KDDI opens AI-powered pop culture experience store in Tokyo

KDDI will open a new technology-enabled retail concept, Pop Culture Style Ikebukuro, on 3 July, combining AI, immersive digital displays and anime-themed experiences as part of a broader strategy to reinvent its au Style retail stores. Located on the second floor of au Style Ikebukuro in Tokyo, the venue is the first in a new generation of au Style outlets designed to blend KDDI's digital technologies with the culture and identity of individual cities. The operator said it plans to use the concept as a blue

LG Uplus partners GNC Energy to strengthen AI data centre power infrastructure
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 06:05

LG Uplus partners GNC Energy to strengthen AI data centre power infrastructure

LG Uplus has signed an MoU with South Korean power systems specialist GNC Energy to strengthen the power infrastructure supporting its AI data centre (AIDC) expansion, including its flagship facility under construction in Paju. The agreement covers collaboration on emergency generators and broader power infrastructure used in LG Uplus's AI data centres, with the companies aiming to improve supply chain resilience and ensure reliable operations as demand for AI infrastructure accelerates.

NTT Data, Daikin begin AI cooling optimisation trial for data centres
JAPAN 06:03

NTT Data, Daikin begin AI cooling optimisation trial for data centres

NTT Data and Daikin have launched a joint proof of concept to develop an AI-powered cooling optimisation system for data centres that predicts the thermal state of servers and dynamically controls cooling infrastructure to improve energy efficiency. The trial, which begins in July, combines NTT Data's data centre operational expertise and server-to-cooling correlation data with Daikin's HVAC control technologies and AI-based building management capabilities. The companies aim to commercialise the solution d

Australia proposes stronger enforcement and higher penalties for U-16 social media law
AUSTRALIA 06:01

Australia proposes stronger enforcement and higher penalties for U-16 social media law

The Australian government has announced plans to strengthen the enforcement powers of the eSafety Commissioner and double the maximum penalties for breaches of the country's social media minimum age legislation. Under proposed legislation, the eSafety Commissioner will receive expanded information-gathering powers, enabling the regulator to compel social media companies to provide evidence of the measures they have implemented to prevent users under the age of 16 from creating accounts.

Starlink growth signals new phase for New Zealand telecoms market - regulator
NEW ZEALAND 06:00

Starlink growth signals new phase for New Zealand telecoms market - regulator

New Zealand's telecommunications market is entering a new phase of competition as satellite services, mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) and new service models reshape consumer choice, according to the Commerce Commission's latest Annual Telecommunications Monitoring Report. The regulator said New Zealand consumers continue to benefit from extensive fibre and mobile coverage, with prices that generally compare well internationally. While most headline market indicators remained stable over the past ye

Firmus signs long-term Nvidia partnership for Indonesia AI factory
INDONESIA 05:57

Firmus signs long-term Nvidia partnership for Indonesia AI factory

Australian and Singapore-based neocloud provider Firmus Technologies has announced a strategic compute partnership with Nvidia running through 2034, centred on the development of a 360 MW AI factory campus in Batam, Indonesia. The companies said the facility will be built around Nvidia's DSX AI Factory platform and is intended to provide AI infrastructure for AI-native companies, enterprises and independent software vendors (ISVs).

NTT partners on nationwide reused EV leasing initiative
JAPAN 05:56

NTT partners on nationwide reused EV leasing initiative

NTT East company NTT-ME has partnered with Narunet Communications to develop and roll out a nationwide leasing package based on reused electric vehicles (EVs) for local governments and enterprise customers. The initiative forms part of NTT-ME's Reuse EV Solution, which aims to extend the lifecycle of used electric vehicles while supporting corporate decarbonisation, battery recycling and reuse, and business continuity by enabling EVs to be used as emergency power sources during disasters.

NTT Docomo Business partners ElevenLabs on AI-powered contact centres
JAPAN 05:54

NTT Docomo Business partners ElevenLabs on AI-powered contact centres

NTT Docomo Business has entered into a collaboration with ElevenLabs Japan to develop AI-powered voice services for contact centres, combining ElevenLabs' speech generation technology with NTT Docomo Business's expertise in enterprise communications and AI deployment. The companies said the partnership aims to improve both service quality and operational efficiency by enabling more natural voice interactions in customer service environments. 

Anritsu and Qualcomm validate 3GPP Release 17 uplink data compression tests
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 05:52

Anritsu and Qualcomm validate 3GPP Release 17 uplink data compression tests

Anritsu and Qualcomm Technologies have jointly validated 3GPP Release 17 conformance test cases for Uplink Data Compression (UDC), a feature designed to improve the efficiency of uplink data transmission in standalone 5G NR networks. The companies said the validation was carried out using Anritsu's ME7834NR 5G NR Mobile Device Test Platform and a user equipment device based on the Qualcomm X105 5G Modem-RF System. The test cases are defined in 3GPP Technical Specification TS 38.523-1 and align with the requ

South Korea to increase spectrum fee relief for MVNOs
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 05:50

South Korea to increase spectrum fee relief for MVNOs

South Korea's ministry of science and ICT will increase spectrum fee discounts for small mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) from 50 percent to 90 percent and extend the measure for a further three years as part of a government package aimed at reducing household living costs. The ministry said the measure forms part of a joint government plan to ease the financial burden on households. The higher discount will replace the current 50 percent reduction, which had been due to expire next year. The minist

Australia proposes congestion-based spectrum pricing overhaul
AUSTRALIA 05:44

Australia proposes congestion-based spectrum pricing overhaul

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has launched a consultation on proposed changes to apparatus licence tax settings across the 520 MHz to 5 GHz spectrum range, introducing a congestion-based pricing model designed to better reflect spectrum demand and encourage more efficient use. Under the proposal, apparatus licence taxes would be linked to a new congestion metric measuring spectrum utilisation and capacity. 

NTTSportict provides technology platform for Jelly Beans Group sports AI service
JAPAN 05:42

NTTSportict provides technology platform for Jelly Beans Group sports AI service

NTTSportict has begun providing the technology platform for Jelly Beans Group's sports digital transformation service, Stadium AI, under a business partnership announced earlier this year. The service is based on NTTSportict's Stadium Tube AI sports video platform and combines AI-powered camera technology with video production, live streaming and match analysis for amateur and community sports.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 05:40

SK Telecom commits KRW 738 bln to SK Hynix NAND investment vehicle

SK Telecom (SKT) has approved a capital commitment of KRW 738.384 billion (USD 540 million) to acquire a 0.9 percent stake in SK Hynix NAND Product Solutions Corp., according to a regulatory filing. The investment will be made through the acquisition of 1,198 newly issued shares in the company, which is incorporated in the United States. SKT said the funding will be provided on a capital call basis, with the final contribution to be completed by 25 June 2030.

AUSTRALIA 05:39

Comms Group agrees AUD 30 mln sale of managed IT business to efex

Australian operator Comms Group has entered into a binding agreement to sell its managed IT services business, onPlatinum, to Thinkex Holdings, trading as efex, for AUD 30 million. The consideration comprises an upfront cash payment of AUD 28.5 million and AUD 1.5 million to be held in escrow for 12 months, subject to agreed conditions. Comms Group said it will provide transitional services for up to 12 months following completion to support customers, suppliers and employees. The companies will also contin

SINGAPORE 05:37

Yealink completes upgrade of Singapore headquarters and opens customer centre

Global provider of UC and collaboration solutions, Yealink, has marked the completion of an upgrade to its Singapore operational headquarters and opened a new Customer Experience Center (CEC) as part of its global operations strategy. The company said the expanded Singapore presence is intended to strengthen its global operations and customer support capabilities. It added that Singapore's legal environment, compliance framework and data governance capabilities make it an operational centre for Yealink Mana

JAPAN 05:35

NTT Docomo to launch rugged Kyocera smartphone for enterprise users

NTT Docomo will launch the Kyocera DuraForce EX2 KC-S704 rugged smartphone in Japan from late September 2026. The device is designed for enterprise and field workers and will be available through all Docomo sales channels. The DuraForce EX2 includes an optional high-performance barcode scanning application with LED aimer and a time-of-flight sensor to support barcode and QR code scanning. The handset also features a hot-swappable battery, allowing batteries to be replaced without powering down the device, a

SINGAPORE 05:33

Singapore launches Online Safety Commission to tackle online harms

Singapore has launched its Online Safety Commission (OSC), providing citizens and residents with a dedicated regulator to seek redress for online harms under the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Act 2025 (OSRAA). The commission begins operations on 29 June, alongside the commencement of key statutory tort provisions under the legislation.

NEW ZEALAND 05:31

Rocket Lab completes 10th consecutive Synspective launch

Rocket Lab has successfully completed its 10th dedicated Electron launch for Japanese Earth observation company Synspective, maintaining a 100% mission success record across all launches for the customer. The "Ten Owl Of Ten" mission lifted off from Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand on 27 June, deploying a StriX synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite into a 552km low Earth orbit.

INDONESIA 04:41

XLSmart expands 5G network coverage in Kalimantan, intros Ultra 5G+ plans

Indonesian operator XLSmart has expanded its telecoms network across Kalimantan to support regional digital infrastructure for residential and commercial users. Following recent network integration, the company's services now reach 55 cities and regencies throughout the region. This infrastructure includes over 27,000 base transceiver stations (BTS), which features more than 300 active 5G BTS providing coverage to areas such as Balikpapan and Banjarmasin.

SRI LANKA 04:00

Dialog brings Motorola G35 5G and Motorola G57 5G to Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan operator Dialog Axiata, in partnership with Abans, has launched the Motorola G35 5G and Motorola G57 5G smartphones on the local market. These devices support connectivity on the Dialog 5G Ultra network, which is powered by 1,000 live 5G sites across Sri Lanka's 25 districts.

ASIA 03:36

TrueBusiness, EGG Digital, SoftBank to deploy digital, AI infrastructure across Saha Group

E-commerce company Digital Thai Holding Public Company Limited (EDTH), a subsidiary of the Saha Group, has signed a partnership agreement with TrueBusiness, EGG Digital, and SoftBank. This agreement establishes a cooperative framework centered on innovation, AI, and digital marketing technologies.

GLOBAL 28 JUN

The week in telecoms: Apple raises prices, Qualcomm tries server market and Jio going public

Xboxes and iPads are getting more expensive as the memory crunch deepens, and Micron's result show the higher prices are unlikely to relent soon. Qualcomm is looking to expand into the server market with its new Dragonfly chip range, and Onsemi is swallowing Synaptics to expand in edge AI. Jio has kicked off a major telco IPO, and Meta is also in India in search of a new WhatsApp CEO.

INDIA 27 JUN

India adds nearly 6 million phone lines in May

Indian operators added 5.56 million telephone subscribers in May, ending the month with 1.34 billion fixed and mobile users nationwide, according to the latest figures from market regulator Trai. This represents an increase of 0.42 percent from April. India ended May with a mobile penetration rate of 90.61 percent and fixed penetration at 3.40 percent.

CHINA 27 JUN

MWC26 Shanghai attracts 37,300 attendees from 143 countries

MWC26 Shanghai has officially concluded, welcoming 37,300 onsite attendees from 143 countries and territories over its 3-day run from 24 to 26 June. International attendance at MWC Shanghai increased 33 percent year-on-year, according to a report from the GSMA. The report also shows that over a third of the attendees held director-level roles or higher, and of those, 36 percent were C-suite executives.

Just In

06:06

KDDI opens AI-powered pop culture experience store in Tokyo

06:05

LG Uplus partners GNC Energy to strengthen AI data centre power infrastructure

06:03

NTT Data, Daikin begin AI cooling optimisation trial for data centres

06:01

Australia proposes stronger enforcement and higher penalties for U-16 social media law

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Background

28 JUN 23:51

The week in telecoms: Apple raises prices, Qualcomm tries server market and Jio going public

21 JUN 22:52

The week in telecom: sovereignty debate comes to VivaTech, Ericsson succession and Fox buys Roku

1 JUN 00:13

The week in telecom: EU telcos push sovereign services as governments question foreign tech investors

23 MEI 23:42

The week in telecom: Starlink ready to go public, Singapore telco M&A and Google courts AI subscribers at I/O