Optus Wholesale enters Australia's Layer 3 NBN market
AUSTRALIA 05:10

Optus Wholesale enters Australia's Layer 3 NBN market

Optus Wholesale has launched a Layer 3 wholesale NBN service, offering service providers an API-first platform for ordering, provisioning and managing broadband services. Called Optus Wholesale NBN, the platform allows wholesale partners to integrate directly through APIs or manage services through the MyWholesale Portal. Partners can also use their own devices rather than being required to adopt Optus-supplied equipment.

Japan's 5G base stations increase to 347,000, with wide variation among operators
JAPAN 05:08

Japan's 5G base stations increase to 347,000, with wide variation among operators

Japan had 346,715 5G base stations at the end of March 2026, an increase of 39,452 over the previous year, according to a radio spectrum usage survey published by the ministry of internal affairs and communications (MIC). Among the four mobile network operators, KDDI had 131,042 5G base stations (including those of its BWA affiliate UQ Communications), followed by SoftBank with 120,564 (including Wireless City Planning), NTT Docomo with 58,979 and Rakuten Mobile with 36,130. 

Optage expands dark fibre network to connect data centre hubs across Kansai
JAPAN 05:06

Optage expands dark fibre network to connect data centre hubs across Kansai

Japanese operator Optage is expanding its data centre interconnection network across the Kansai region, launching a dedicated dark fibre service called Flex Dark Fiber during fiscal 2026. The service will provide dedicated optical fibre cores connecting data centre locations in central Osaka, Saito, Keihanna, Ikoma, Sanda and Nanko, as well as other areas across Kansai. Customers will be able to obtain fibre capacity in pairs of single-mode fibre cores.

Naver Cloud to develop AI-based logistics systems for Korean Army
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 05:03

Naver Cloud to develop AI-based logistics systems for Korean Army

Naver Cloud has signed an agreement with the South Korean Army Logistics Command to develop and test AI services across military procurement, maintenance and logistics. The agreement covers the development of AI applications designed for use in military logistics operations. The organisations will jointly develop and test an AI-based procurement platform that matches requirements with supplies according to performance criteria, alongside condition-based maintenance (CBM+) systems that analyse equipment data

South Korea launches 614-petaflop national supercomputer
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 05:01

South Korea launches 614-petaflop national supercomputer

South Korea has brought its sixth national supercomputer, named Han-gang, into operation, adding GPU-based artificial intelligence computing capabilities to the country's high-performance computing infrastructure. The ministry of science and ICT and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) held a launch ceremony at KISTI's headquarters in Daejeon on 2 November.

ETRI showcases nine AIoT technologies for industrial and public applications
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 04:59

ETRI showcases nine AIoT technologies for industrial and public applications

South Korea's Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) is showcasing nine AI of things (AIoT) technologies spanning digital twins, robotics, mobility, healthcare and carbon and energy management at the 2026 AIoT International Exhibition in Seoul. The three-day exhibition, which opened at the COEX convention centre on 3 November, features technologies combining AI with connected devices and sensors to analyse data and make decisions in operational environments.

Samsung and KT test autonomous network technology at baseball stadium
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 04:56

Samsung and KT test autonomous network technology at baseball stadium

Samsung Electronics and KT have verified AI- and digital twin-based autonomous network operation technology on a commercial mobile network, using data collected at a baseball stadium in Suwon, South Korea. The two companies conducted the trial at KT Wiz Park over approximately three months from July, testing technology designed to identify and apply optimal network configurations without requiring manual intervention.

LG Uplus and Seoul Women's University expand research partnership
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 04:53

LG Uplus and Seoul Women's University expand research partnership

LG Uplus has agreed to expand its collaboration with Seoul Women's University on privacy protection, AI and data research, including the development of technologies for handling sensitive personal information and training specialist security personnel. The two organisations signed an MoU covering joint research and professional education. The work will be centred on an Innovation Zone being established at the university by South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission.

KDDI launches AI-powered on-demand transport trials in two municipalities
JAPAN 04:52

KDDI launches AI-powered on-demand transport trials in two municipalities

KDDI Smart Mobility has launched trials of its AI-powered on-demand transport service in two Japanese municipalities, working with local authorities and transport operators to provide alternative mobility options for residents. The mobi service began operating in Nishihara, Okinawa Prefecture, on 2 November, while a separate reservation-based shared bus service called Kururin will begin in Takagi Village, Nagano Prefecture, on 4 November.

NTT establishes executive cybersecurity forum for Japanese businesses
JAPAN 04:50

NTT establishes executive cybersecurity forum for Japanese businesses

NTT Group has established an invitation-only, membership-based cybersecurity forum for senior business executives in Japan, with its first meeting scheduled for 27 November 2026. The Security Trust Forum (STF) will provide a platform for business leaders to discuss cybersecurity as a corporate governance and strategic management issue, alongside related challenges including artificial intelligence, supply chain risks and economic security.

AI networking and interconnect market to reach USD 279.8 bln in 2027
GLOBAL 04:48

AI networking and interconnect market to reach USD 279.8 bln in 2027

Global revenue from AI networking and interconnect equipment is forecast to reach USD 279.8 billion in 2027, up from USD 37.9 billion in 2024, representing a compound annual growth rate of 95 percent, according to research firm TrendForce. The growth is being driven by the expansion of AI server clusters and increasing bandwidth requirements between accelerators, servers and network infrastructure.

KDDI and NTT Docomo to sell Android XR glasses in Japan
JAPAN 04:46

KDDI and NTT Docomo to sell Android XR glasses in Japan

KDDI and NTT Docomo will begin selling Xreal's Android XR-powered AURA glasses on 27 November, marking the device's entry into the Japanese mobile retail market. KDDI announced that it would sell the glasses through its au +1 collection accessories brand, initially via its online shop, with selected company-operated stores expected to stock the device from December. NTT Docomo separately confirmed sales through its online shop from 27 November, followed by nationwide Docomo store availability from December.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 04:44

Korean court upholds KRW 18.6 bln antitrust fine against Broadcom

South Korea's Supreme Court has upheld an KRW 18.6 billion (USD 13.8 million) fine against US semiconductor company Broadcom for unfair business practices involving Samsung Electronics, according to Yonhap, citing industry sources. The ruling rejected Broadcom's appeal against an earlier Seoul High Court decision in May, which upheld the penalty imposed by the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) in 2023.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 04:42

South Korea proposes KRW 21.3 trn investment in AI and data centre projects

South Korea has proposed investing KRW 21.3 trillion won in AI, semiconductors and AI data centres as part of its 2027 national budget, nearly doubling the allocation for this year. President Lee Jae Myung outlined the proposed investment in a budget speech to the National Assembly on 2 November, identifying semiconductors, physical AI and AI data centres as three major strategic projects.

SINGAPORE 04:40

DayOne and Blue Whale Energy to assess distributed virtual power plant

DayOne Data Centers and Singapore-based energy storage company Blue Whale Energy have signed an MoU to assess the feasibility of a distributed virtual power plant (VPP) in Singapore. The proposed system would coordinate battery energy storage systems (BESS) at DayOne's planned SG1 data centre with storage installations at selected third-party commercial and industrial sites. The facilities would operate collectively as a flexible resource, enabling electricity drawn from the grid to be adjusted in response

JAPAN 04:37

Japan consults on revised NTT interconnection charge calculation parameters

Japan's ministry of internal affairs and communications (MIC) has opened a public consultation on proposed amendments to the rules governing interconnection charges for NTT East and NTT West, updating the numerical inputs used to calculate charges for fiscal 2027 under the long-run incremental cost (LRIC) methodology. The proposed changes apply to two functions within the operators' Type I designated telecommunications facilities: metal subscriber line concentration and general transit router connection tra

JAPAN 04:36

Rocket Lab completes 99th Electron launch, deploying Japanese SAR satellite

Rocket Lab has completed its 99th Electron launch, deploying a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging satellite for Japanese operator Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS). The mission, named 'The Sea God Surveys', lifted off from Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, on 3 November, placing the WADATSUMI-II satellite into a 575 km low Earth orbit. The satellite was deployed into an orbit with an inclination selected to improve revisit rates over the Asia-Pacific region, supporting iQPS's planned ex

UNITED KINGDOM 2 NOV

Fibrus adds 33,000 customers in FY26, as revenue grows 53 percent

Fibrus, Belfast-based fibre broadband provider operating in Northern Ireland and the North of England, ended the year to 31 March 2026 with 146,700 connected customers, adding 33,000 customers during the year. This gives a penetration rate for premises ready for service (RFS) of 31.1 percent. The total number of RFS premises reached 471,800, up from 407.300 at end-March 2025; with ARPU up 10 percent to GBP 27.14. The figures were presented in accounts filed with Companies House by owner Ox (Holdco). 

UNITED KINGDOM 2 NOV

Highland Broadband almost doubles revenue to GBP 3.34 million

Scottish rural fibre altnet Highland Broadband Networks (previously Lothian Broadband Networks) has reported revenue of GBP 3.34 million for the year ending 31 January 2026, up 90 percent from GBP 1.76 million a year earlier. Accounts filed with Companies House show a gross profit of GBP 2.22 million for the year, up 140 percent from GBP 879,000 a year earlier; with an operating loss of -GBP 8.39 million, compared to an operating loss of -GBP 7.04 million in the year to 31 January 2025. The total loss for t

UNITED STATES 2 NOV

Kinetic rolls out new AI-powered fibre installation platform

US fibre broadband provider Kinetic has partnered with Skyovi to deploy a new AI-enabled fibre design platform for fibre installations. The new AI-powered platform will help the company plan and deploy final fibre connections to homes and businesses more accurately and quickly. The Skyovi platform automates fibre connection design and tracks materials to keep network build and connections on budget and on time.

UNITED STATES 2 NOV

Bluebird Fiber launches new Tera-Core network architecture

Kansas City, Missouri-based Bluebird Fiber, communications infrastructure provider and data centre operator, has announced a new optical transport and IP backbone architecture called Tera-Core. This builds on existing 400G capabilities to support future 800G wavelengths, higher bandwidth services, and multi-terabit capacity. Bluebird Fiber now offers 400G-capable routes, with more routes coming onstream by end-2026 and during 2027. 

UNITED KINGDOM 2 NOV

UK govt announces new Data Centre Covenant

UK Chancellor John Healey has used the 2026 Budget to announce a new a Data Centre Covenant. This will establish tests that data centres will have to meet, such as their contribution to local communities and UK economic interests. This will be supported by government action to support the capacity required for technological sovereignty.

UNITED KINGDOM 2 NOV

BT completes Scottish public sector connectivity upgrade contract

BT has completed a contract to upgrade connectivity across more than 5,000 public sector sites in Scotland through the Scottish Wide Area Network (SWAN) programme. Working with Openreach and other deliver partners, BT has delivered the upgrade ahead of schedule, providing improved connectivity for sites such as libraries, schools, local government offices, pharmacies, GP practices, dentists, transport hubs and hospitals. BT won the 6-year, GBP 350 million SWAN contract in 2023. 

NORTH AMERICA 2 NOV

Lumen expands Microsoft co-selling pact to capture AI demand in the enterprise

Lumen Technologies and Microsoft have reached a deal to expand co-selling activity in the enterprise AI segment. The partners aim to implement more account planning and joint sales engagements concerning converged enterprise playbooks that incorporate network modernisation, Azure cloud migrations, and AI upgrades. The alliance brings together enterprise IT modernisations enabled by Microsoft Azure with Lumen's extensive networking capabilities and on-demand orchestration. By aligning these feature sets, the

Just In

05:10

Optus Wholesale enters Australia's Layer 3 NBN market

05:08

Japan's 5G base stations increase to 347,000, with wide variation among operators

05:06

Optage expands dark fibre network to connect data centre hubs across Kansai

05:03

Naver Cloud to develop AI-based logistics systems for Korean Army

Commentary

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19 OKT 13:02

SpaceX wants to join the mobile market, but why?

24 SEP 13:37

What is KPN's response to the brand expansion at Odido and VodafoneZiggo?

Background

2 NOV 00:41

The week in telecom: Samsung rethinks phone range after Q3 loss; Mistral and Cohere mount AI challenge with telco backing

31 OKT 16:24

German Weekly - Week 44

31 OKT 15:53

Dutch Weekly - Week 44

29 OKT 15:20

Most telecom consumers use provider app as much as possible for service queries