KDDI completes remote drone inspection trial at offshore wind farms
JAPAN 06:40

KDDI completes remote drone inspection trial at offshore wind farms

Akita Offshore Wind Power and KDDI SmartDrone have completed a trial of a remotely operated drone inspection system for offshore wind turbines, using a vehicle-mounted drone port to conduct blade inspections without requiring operators to travel to launch sites. The demonstration took place at offshore wind facilities operated by Akita Offshore Wind Power in the waters off Noshiro Port and Akita Port. Four wind turbines were inspected during the trial.

ACMA consults on 2.5 GHz changes to support 5G and advanced antenna systems
AUSTRALIA 06:38

ACMA consults on 2.5 GHz changes to support 5G and advanced antenna systems

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has launched a consultation on proposed changes to the technical framework governing spectrum licences in the 2.5 GHz band, with the aim of better supporting 5G deployments and advanced antenna systems (AAS). The regulator said the 2.5 GHz band is a key spectrum band for wireless broadband services, but the current framework, which was originally developed in 2013, is not optimised for newer technologies like 5G and AAS.

Samsung launches group-wide AI transformation programme
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 06:35

Samsung launches group-wide AI transformation programme

Samsung has announced a company-wide AI transformation initiative that will introduce AI across all business units and functions, alongside changes to working practices and organisational culture. The programme will see Samsung formally adopt external generative AI services, including Gemini, ChatGPT and Claude, across its affiliates during June. The company said AI will be applied across the full business value chain, including research and development, manufacturing, marketing and support functions.

KDDI deploys disaggregated core router architecture across backbone network
JAPAN 06:33

KDDI deploys disaggregated core router architecture across backbone network

KDDI has begun commercial operation of a disaggregated distributed backbone router (DDBR) architecture across multiple sites in its nationwide backbone network, using DriveNets software running on Telecom Infra Project (TIP)-compliant infrastructure. The deployment marks the commercial introduction of a cluster-based DDBR architecture as a core router within a Tier 1 telecommunications operator's backbone network. The rollout follows the completion of technical validation in February 2025 and a strategic pa

Megaport selects Vast Data to support expansion into AI compute services
GLOBAL 06:31

Megaport selects Vast Data to support expansion into AI compute services

Australian-based global network-as-a-service (NaaS) provider Megaport has selected the Vast AI Operating System as the data platform underpinning the next phase of its global infrastructure strategy, as the service provider expands beyond network connectivity into compute and GPU services following its acquisition of Latitude.sh. The agreement will see Vast's software platform integrated with Megaport's network infrastructure and Latitude.sh's automated bare-metal and GPU services. 

Sky Perfect Jsat to acquire Avanti's Hylas 3 Ka-band satellite
JAPAN 06:29

Sky Perfect Jsat to acquire Avanti's Hylas 3 Ka-band satellite

Japan's Sky Perfect Jsat and Avanti Communications have signed an agreement for the acquisition of the Ka-band communications satellite Hylas 3, currently owned and operated by Avanti in geostationary orbit. Under the agreement, Sky Perfect Jsat will assume ownership of the satellite following the completion of in-orbit testing and related procedures. The satellite is expected to enter service under the name JSAT-144D in early fiscal year 2027.

Japan Research Institute partners NEC to support SMBC Group IT upgrade
JAPAN 06:22

Japan Research Institute partners NEC to support SMBC Group IT upgrade

Japan Research Institute (JRI) and NEC have signed a comprehensive business partnership agreement aimed at supporting the IT transformation programme outlined in SMBC Group's new medium-term management plan covering fiscal years 2026 to 2028. The companies said the partnership will focus on rebuilding AI- and IT-enabled environments capable of responding to rapid changes in the AI era, while supporting the development of new financial services within SMBC Group.

NTT and partners launch USD 500 mln fund to invest in AI infrastructure and IOWN
GLOBAL 06:20

NTT and partners launch USD 500 mln fund to invest in AI infrastructure and IOWN

NTT, technology investor Young Sohn, SK Group, Chunghwa Telecom and the Development Bank of Japan have launched the IOWN AI Fund, a new investment vehicle focused on technologies intended to support next-generation AI infrastructure and the development of the operator's Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) ecosystem. The partners have also established a fund management company, Catalight Capital, with operations in Silicon Valley and Tokyo. The new organisation will be responsible for identifying

Megafon to deploy private 5G network for mining company Apatit
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 9 JUN

Megafon to deploy private 5G network for mining company Apatit

Russian operator Megafon has signed a cooperation agreement with the mining company Apatit, based in the Murmansk region, reports Kommersant. The operator will carry out a project on deployment of a private 5G/LTE network for management of pilotless vehicles in quarries of the company. The multi-network architecture will be launched there. The agreement was signed during St Petersburg Economic Forum.

Lithuania telecoms watchdog RRT agrees to join IRIS2 EU satellite initiative
LITHUANIA 9 JUN

Lithuania telecoms watchdog RRT agrees to join IRIS2 EU satellite initiative

Lithuanian national telecommunications regulator RRT said it has signed an administrative agreement related to the coordination of satellite frequencies under the EU satellite IRIS2 initiative. IRIS2 aims to create safe and reliable satellite communications infrastructure in the EU and help ensure connectivity in more remote areas, strengthen cybersecurity and reduce dependence on third-party technologies.

Uztelecom subsidiary TMS Hub to cooperate with Study Guide
UZBEKISTAN 9 JUN

Uztelecom subsidiary TMS Hub to cooperate with Study Guide

Uzbek national operator Uztelecom has announced that its subsidiary TMS Hub has signed a cooperation memorandum with the company Study Guide. The parties plan to cooperate on developing digital technologies, supporting education and increasing the professional potential of staff members. 

Tcell to broadcast FIFA World Cup men's football on IPTV service
TAJIKISTAN 9 JUN

Tcell to broadcast FIFA World Cup men's football on IPTV service

Tajik operator Tcell has announced that its customers will be able to watch matches from the FIFA World Cup men's football tournament on its IPTV platform Ajoyib TV. The content will be available on smartphones, tablets, smart TV-sets and PCs. A daily subscription to the Basic tariff of the service costs TJS 1 and the price of a daily subscription to the All Inclusive tariff is TJS 2. Monthly subscriptions cost TJS 15 and TJS 40 respectively.

AZERBAIJAN 9 JUN

Bakcell appoints new CEO

Azeri operator Bakcell has announced that Gunnar Pahnke has been appointed the CEO of the company. Pahnke has more than 35 years of international experience in the telecommunications industry. He has held various leadership positions at leading telecommunications companies in Azerbaijan, Germany, France, Romania and other countries. Pahnke holds a PhD in strategic management from the University of Poitiers (France) and an MBA from the French university ENSPTT (Ecole nationale superieure des postes et teleco

RUSSIAN FEDERATION 9 JUN

MTS to issue floating-rate bonds

Russia operator MTS said it will start placing a new special issue of floating-rate bonds linked to the Bank of Russia's key rate. This new instrument is designed specifically for money market funds and is being placed through the infrastructure of professional market players.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION 9 JUN

Beeline Russia to cooperate with Ministry of Transport on digital infrastructure development

Russian operator Beeline has announced that it signed a cooperation agreement with the Information Centre of the Minitsry of Transport at the St Petersburg Economic Forum. They have agreed to the digital development of the national transport infrastructure. The framework covers digital modernisation, the implementation of innovative services and the development of telecommunications infrastructure for transport needs. 

RUSSIAN FEDERATION 9 JUN

T2 offers money transfers to foreign countries from service app

Rostelecom's mobile subsidiary T2 is offering customers the ability to send money transfers to foreign countries from its services management mobile application. They can make instant transfers from their handset balance to ten countries in the CIS and South-East Asia, based on the T-Bank payment infrastructure. The countries in question are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Laos, Uzbekistan, as well as the Republic of Transnistria, part of Moldova. The list is due

AZERBAIJAN 9 JUN

Azetelekom and Huawei scheme raises Azeri broadband coverage to nearly 100%

Azcon Holding unit Aztelekom and Huawei have announced that the 'Online Azerbaijan' broadband connectivity strategy has covered 99.7 percent of Azerbaijan. Up to 3 million households and businesses in major cities and remote villages alike now have full access to broadband and digital services, of which 2 million were connected within the past two years. The scheme launched by the Azeri Ministry of Digital Development and Transport in 2021 supported government targets to increase average tnternet speeds on

RUSSIAN FEDERATION 9 JUN

Russia's Bureau 1440 loses low-orbit satellite

Russian satellite operator Bureau 1440 has lost one of its low orbit satellites, reports Kommersant. The satellite was a part of a group of sixteen launched by the operator on 23 March. 

SLOVAKIA 9 JUN

Slovak Telekom to drop Digi TV brand

Slovak Telekom plans to discontinue its Digi TV brand, reports Zive. The operator acquired Digi Slovakia in 2013 and plans to merge the subsidiary with the parent company from 01 September.  Digi Slovakia's revenues reached EUR 31.64 million in 2025 and its net profit was EUR 656,000.

POLAND 9 JUN

FIberhost CFO resigns

Adam Zolnowski has resigned from the position of the CFO in Polish wholesale operator Fiberhost, reports Telko.in. The company has confirmed the resignation but hasn't specified the reason. Zolnowski has been appointed the CFO at Fiberhost in January of 2025.

POLAND 9 JUN

Huawei appoints new managing director in Poland

Huawei has appointed Jensen Li the managing director at Huawei Poland, reports GSMonline. He has taken over responsibility for activities of Huawei in Poland, the Baltic States and Ukraine. Jensen Li worked in the position of the CSO at Huawei Poland in 2015 to 2019, he graduated from University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), he has worked at Huawei for more than 20 years.

POLAND 9 JUN

T-Mobile Poland partners Women in Tech Summit, offers Zabka voucher

T-Mobile Poland said it has become a partner of the Women in Tech Summit for the third year in a row. The operator has also launched a seasonal promotion in cooperation with the retail chain Zabka. Customers can obtain an e-coupon for a PLN 10 discount in Zabka branches through T-Mobile's application of the operator.

UNITED STATES 9 JUN

US MVNO Optimum passes 700,000 mobile lines

Optimum Communications has passed 700,000 mobile lines, with growth driven by its continues focus on providing flexible and affordable connectivity solutions for consumers. Optimum Mobile provides nationwide 5G services on the T-Mobile US network, with a broadband and mobile bundle starting from USD 60 per month.

CZECH REPUBLIC 9 JUN

O2 Czechia offers promotional data packs for summer

O2 Czech Republic has introduced to its customers a seasonal promotion of its mobile data services. Customers will be offered Full Data add-on packages. Customers can use them within the country and when traveling abroad within the EU roaming zone. With Full Data activated, customers have 24 hours of unlimited internet at full 5G speed free of charge. Customers can simply activate Data Full via the My O2 application.

Just In

06:40

KDDI completes remote drone inspection trial at offshore wind farms

06:38

ACMA consults on 2.5 GHz changes to support 5G and advanced antenna systems

06:35

Samsung launches group-wide AI transformation programme

06:33

KDDI deploys disaggregated core router architecture across backbone network

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Background

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

18 MEI 00:31

The week in telecom: US operators mount rural satellite challenge, Cisco cashes in on AI boom

11 MEI 00:53

The week in telecom: Lumen, NTT turn to data centre market to revive growth, Hutchison exits UK