Telecommunications 2 October 2025 - 15 January 2026

Millicom Tigo jumps to new peak as $3 dividend gets attention
····

Millicom Tigo jumps to new peak as $3 dividend gets attention

Millicom International Cellular’s U.S. shares jumped 3.6% to $88.89 Tuesday afternoon, hitting that level for the session high. Investors kept leaning into the Latin America telecom’s cash-return angle. About 913,000 shares changed hands, putting the company’s market value near $15.3 billion. Millicom shares had already set a 52-week high at $87.31 on Monday, Investing.com said, and the stock had more than doubled over the last year. It broke above that high again on Tuesday.
June 2, 2026
Anritsu’s MWC 2026 plan: AI-powered 6G testing, virtual labs, and a bigger push into satellite-style networks
···

Anritsu’s MWC 2026 plan: AI-powered 6G testing, virtual labs, and a bigger push into satellite-style networks

Anritsu plans to showcase a fresh lineup of 6G test-and-measurement demos at Mobile World Congress 2026, focusing strongly on AI, cloud integration, and virtualized testing. Their goal is to speed up early 6G standardization and validation during the technology’s formative stage. This is crucial now since “6G” remains largely theoretical, yet engineering teams are busy crafting the tools and workflows that will define its feasibility. Without the ability to measure and replicate, shipment is impossible.
January 15, 2026
WindTre and Ericsson activate Italy’s first 5G Standalone network — and bring network slicing to smaller businesses
····

WindTre and Ericsson activate Italy’s first 5G Standalone network — and bring network slicing to smaller businesses

WindTre and Ericsson have activated Italy’s first 5G Standalone network, marking the debut of a fully 5G-native core in the country. This milestone was announced on January 14, 2026. https://www.ericsson.com/en/press-releases/3/2026/wind-tre-and-ericsson-switch-on-first-5g-standalone-network-in-italy Telecompaper highlighted the launch as a key step forward in Italy’s digital evolution, pointing out that this network is built entirely on 5G technology, not relying on 4G infrastructure beneath it. https://www.telecompaper.com/news/windtre-and-ericsson-activate-italys-first-5g-standalone-network--1559268
January 15, 2026
Samsung claims an “industry-first” single-server vRAN call on a live US network — here’s why carriers care
··

Samsung claims an “industry-first” single-server vRAN call on a live US network — here’s why carriers care

Samsung has announced it completed what it calls the first commercial call on a live network using its virtualized radio access network software powered by Intel’s Xeon 6700P‑B processors. The test involved a single-server setup deployed on a Tier 1 U.S. operator’s network, following a 2024 lab achievement. Samsung highlighted features of the Intel Xeon 6 platform, including up to 72 cores, Intel AMX, and Intel vRAN Boost. This matters now as mobile operators aim to transform segments of the cellular network into software-driven systems rather than relying on fixed-function hardware, all while managing power costs, limited site resources, and the gradual rollout of 5G.
January 15, 2026
Airbus’ SpaceRAN bet: a 5G “base station in space” is coming, with a 2027 in‑orbit demo
··

Airbus’ SpaceRAN bet: a 5G “base station in space” is coming, with a 2027 in‑orbit demo

Airbus is stepping up efforts to bring 5G performance to space-based networks. On January 14, 2026, Airbus UpNext unveiled “SpaceRAN,” a demonstrator designed to test standardized global 5G Non‑Terrestrial Network connectivity. This is crucial today as satellite connectivity expands rapidly, yet much of it remains trapped in closed ecosystems. Airbus is taking a different route: pushing for interoperability, standardization, and the vision that satellites should integrate seamlessly with wider space and ground networks—no need for custom glue code at every turn.
January 15, 2026
EU’s Digital Networks Act may hand telcos unlimited spectrum rights — a major shift for 5G investment
··

EU’s Digital Networks Act may hand telcos unlimited spectrum rights — a major shift for 5G investment

Europe’s telecom operators could soon get something they’ve wanted for years: radio spectrum rights that don’t expire. A draft of the European Commission’s upcoming Digital Networks Act says spectrum usage rights should “in principle” be granted for an unlimited duration, according to a document seen by Reuters. This matters because spectrum is the airwaves mobile networks run on. If the “right to use” those airwaves stops coming with a ticking clock, it changes how operators plan big, long-term upgrades — from 5G densification to the next wave of network gear.
January 15, 2026
FCC Lets Verizon End the 60-Day Phone Unlocking Rule: What Changes for iPhone and Android Users Starting Jan. 13, 2026
····

FCC Lets Verizon End the 60-Day Phone Unlocking Rule: What Changes for iPhone and Android Users Starting Jan. 13, 2026

Verizon has won an FCC waiver that ends its unique 60-day automatic phone unlocking requirement. Here’s what changes for prepaid and financed devices, when it takes effect, and what to do if you plan to switch carriers. On January 12, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau granted Verizon a waiver from a long-standing requirement to automatically unlock phones after 60 days—a rule Verizon had been uniquely bound to because of earlier FCC “open platform” conditions tied to its 700 MHz C Block spectrum and later extended through its TracFone acquisition. The waiver is effective upon release and applies prospectively to devices that become active on Verizon’s network beginning the day after the order’s release—meaning January 13, 2026 is
January 15, 2026
Verizon outage knocks out voice and data for some customers as Downdetector reports surge
··

Verizon outage knocks out voice and data for some customers as Downdetector reports surge

Verizon users nationwide experienced disruptions Wednesday, with some losing voice call and mobile data access. The company confirmed the outage and assured that engineers are actively working to fix the issue. This matters because a modern phone outage goes beyond just losing the ability to make calls. It can disrupt two-factor authentication codes, app-driven work tools, rideshares, navigation, and even simple coordination—right in the middle of the day.
January 14, 2026
SoftBank’s 7GHz 6G test in Tokyo hints at “mid-band-like” coverage — and Anritsu is gearing up new 6G test gear
··

SoftBank’s 7GHz 6G test in Tokyo hints at “mid-band-like” coverage — and Anritsu is gearing up new 6G test gear

SoftBank is placing its bets on the 7GHz range to resolve one of the trickiest 6G questions: which spectrum it will ultimately use. In a company update, the operator revealed that outdoor tests in Tokyo’s Ginza district delivered 7GHz speeds on par with those in its existing 3.9GHz band. This matters a lot today as the 6G discussion tightens quickly. It’s shifting from a “science project” vibe to a focus on what operators can actually roll out in real-world environments without needing a jungle of new sites.
January 14, 2026
Open Cosmos wins Liechtenstein’s Ka-band spectrum filings for a European LEO broadband push
···

Open Cosmos wins Liechtenstein’s Ka-band spectrum filings for a European LEO broadband push

Open Cosmos, a UK-based satellite firm, has clinched Liechtenstein’s priority filings for Ka-band spectrum. This move marks a crucial regulatory milestone as it aims to develop its own LEO broadband constellation across Europe. Timing is crucial. Throughout Europe, “sovereign” communications have moved beyond policy discussions into a pressing reality, with governments seeking secure connectivity solutions that don’t rely on a limited range of private networks.
January 14, 2026
FCC clears SpaceX to add 7,500 more Starlink satellites — and loosen a key limit that caps capacity
···

FCC clears SpaceX to add 7,500 more Starlink satellites — and loosen a key limit that caps capacity

SpaceX just got the green light from the FCC to launch an additional 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites. This approval paves the way for the company to boost satellite broadband capacity and enhance direct-to-device mobile service. What really affects users isn’t merely the number of satellites. The agency also approved lower orbital altitudes and adjustments to power and beam regulations, which, simply put, allow Starlink to squeeze more usable bandwidth into the same slice of sky.
January 14, 2026
Verizon data usage alerts under fire: NJ couple says warnings were ‘completely wrong’ — what carriers admit about delays, and how to protect yourself (Nov. 10, 2025)
··

Verizon data usage alerts under fire: NJ couple says warnings were ‘completely wrong’ — what carriers admit about delays, and how to protect yourself (Nov. 10, 2025)

An NJ.com consumer column making the rounds this week spotlights a retired New Jersey couple who say Verizon’s data‑use warnings didn’t match reality. Here’s what the story means for millions of wireless customers, what the carriers themselves acknowledge about alert accuracy, and practical steps to avoid bill shock. An NJ.com report describes a retired New Jersey couple who received Verizon mobile data alerts they contend were flat‑out wrong—raising questions about how much trust consumers should place in those texts and emails. The piece has since been aggregated widely, amplifying concerns that some usage warnings may not reflect real‑time activity. NewsNow+1
November 10, 2025
EU’s Upper‑6 GHz Spectrum Showdown: Wi‑Fi 7 vs 5G/6G as Germany Backs Mobile — RSPG decision expected Nov. 12
···

EU’s Upper‑6 GHz Spectrum Showdown: Wi‑Fi 7 vs 5G/6G as Germany Backs Mobile — RSPG decision expected Nov. 12

A fresh burst of lobbying landed today: The Register reports that the Wi‑Fi Alliance and Dynamic Spectrum Alliance have delivered open letters to “EU digital ministers” warning that blocking Wi‑Fi from the upper‑6 GHz band would be “devastating” for Europe’s connectivity roadmap. They want a shared‑use framework rather than exclusive licensing to mobile networks. The Register The DSA’s Nov. 6 open letter underscores that the RSPG’s upcoming plenary is meant to explore “efficient use on a shared basis” between license‑exempt Wi‑Fi and licensed mobile. It argues shutting Wi‑Fi out would undercut European consumers and industry. Dynamic Spectrum Alliance
November 9, 2025
Telecom Shockwaves: 5G Goes Nationwide, 6G on the Horizon, and Startups Score Big – Global GSM News Oct 9–10, 2025
···········

Telecom Shockwaves: 5G Goes Nationwide, 6G on the Horizon, and Startups Score Big – Global GSM News Oct 9–10, 2025

On Oct 9–10, consumer 5G adoption accelerated. In the US, AT&T flipped the switch on its standalone 5G network nationwide dataconomy.com phonescoop.com. The operator says customers will see benefits like “faster upload speeds, ultra-low latency, [and] ultra-high reliability” now that 5G no longer relies on 4G cores phonescoop.com. Early use cases are already visible – for example, AT&T confirmed that Apple Watch wearables can now use 5G RedCap instead of LTE dataconomy.com. Meanwhile, device makers are pushing new 5G phones. Realme’s CMO Chase Xu highlighted upcoming limited‑edition models, including a ₹44,999 “Game of Thrones” Realme 15 Pro 5G, saying these releases “highlight Realme’s dedication to innovation” financialexpress.com. South Korea’s Samsung launched the Galaxy M17 5G in India as part of
October 10, 2025
5G Standalone Goes Global, 6G Teasers and Satellite Internet Shake-Up – Telecom Highlights (Oct 8–9, 2025)
······

5G Standalone Goes Global, 6G Teasers and Satellite Internet Shake-Up – Telecom Highlights (Oct 8–9, 2025)

In early October 2025, 5G Standalone technology made significant strides on multiple continents. In the United States, AT&T’s announcement of a nationwide 5G SA rollout was a marquee development lightreading.com. This upgrade means AT&T customers with recent phones will increasingly find themselves connected to a pure 5G core network, without any 4G/LTE underpinning lightreading.com. The benefit? Lower latency and advanced capabilities like network slicing – which rival Verizon has already begun offering to priority users on its nearly-complete 5G SA network lightreading.com. Verizon says the “vast majority” of 5G phones on its network are now hooking into standalone 5G in most places lightreading.com. These deployments narrow the lead of T-Mobile, which pioneered 5G SA in the U.S. and is reportedly
October 9, 2025
5G Surges, Satellite Internet Soars & Telecom Shake-Ups – Global Connectivity News (Oct 7–8, 2025)
········

5G Surges, Satellite Internet Soars & Telecom Shake-Ups – Global Connectivity News (Oct 7–8, 2025)

India’s 5G Milestone: India announced that 5G now reaches “nearly every district” across the nation, a stunning leap for a country that “once struggled with 2G” pmindia.gov.in. Speaking at the India Mobile Congress on Oct 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated how electronics manufacturing has grown 28-fold since 2014 and mobile phone exports are up 127×, thanks to India’s pro-industry policies. He highlighted the recent launch of a Made-in-India 4G/5G stack – making India one of only five countries with homegrown telecom stack capability pmindia.gov.in. Over 100,000 4G towers were activated in a single day to connect 20 million more people in remote areas pmindia.gov.in. These indigenous technologies, Modi said, will ensure seamless connectivity and spur India’s “6G Vision 2030”
October 8, 2025
Global 5G Frenzy: Surging Upgrades, Sky-High Signals & the 3G Farewell Tour
········

Global 5G Frenzy: Surging Upgrades, Sky-High Signals & the 3G Farewell Tour

United States – Fast-Tracking 5G Deployments: American regulators are aggressively clearing roadblocks to speed up mobile broadband expansion. On September 30, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission adopted new rules to streamline wireless infrastructure builds nationwide, aiming to prevent state and local authorities from “unlawfully blocking” 5G tower siting bez-kabli.pl. This “Build America” initiative empowers the FCC to preempt local permit delays and even institute an accelerated “rocket docket” for resolving tower disputes bez-kabli.pl. FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr noted these steps – alongside efforts to free up more spectrum – are crucial to meet surging data demand and maintain America’s wireless leadership bez-kabli.pl. The FCC also mapped out upcoming spectrum auctions: its FY 2026 plan includes auctioning remaining AWS-3 mid-band frequencies
October 6, 2025
Global GSM Revolution: 5G Breakthroughs, 3G Farewells & Telecom Power Plays (Oct 4–5, 2025)
·········

Global GSM Revolution: 5G Breakthroughs, 3G Farewells & Telecom Power Plays (Oct 4–5, 2025)

Fast-Tracking 5G Deployments – U.S.: American regulators took aggressive action to clear roadblocks to wireless broadband. On September 30, the FCC adopted new rules to streamline infrastructure builds nationwide. The Commission signaled it will preempt unreasonable state and local permit delays, ensuring that authorities “cannot unlawfully block 5G or future 6G deployments” bez-kabli.pl. This “Build America” initiative aims to supercharge network rollouts by cutting red tape – even considering an accelerated “rocket docket” for resolving tower siting disputes bez-kabli.pl. FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr noted the steps will free up spectrum and remove barriers to meet surging mobile data demand bez-kabli.pl. Alongside, regulators mapped out upcoming spectrum auctions: the FCC’s FY 2026 plan includes auctioning remaining AWS-3 mid-band airwaves by June
October 5, 2025
5G Breakthroughs, 3G Farewells & Telecom Power Moves – Global GSM Internet Update (Oct 3–4, 2025)
·········

5G Breakthroughs, 3G Farewells & Telecom Power Moves – Global GSM Internet Update (Oct 3–4, 2025)

United States – Clearing the way for 5G: U.S. regulators are taking aggressive steps to accelerate next-gen wireless deployment. On September 30, the Federal Communications Commission adopted new proposals to streamline infrastructure builds nationwide. The FCC plans to override unwarranted state and local delays, effectively ensuring local authorities “cannot unlawfully block 5G or future 6G deployments” mobileworldlive.com. By cutting red tape on permits and clarifying rules, officials aim to “supercharge” 5G network densification and upgrades mobileworldlive.com mobileworldlive.com. FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr noted this “Build America” agenda will free up spectrum and remove barriers to meet surging wireless demand mobileworldlive.com. In parallel, U.S. policy-makers are mapping out future spectrum auctions. The FCC’s latest plans for 2026 include auctioning remaining AWS-3 mid-band
October 4, 2025
Mobile Internet Madness: Verizon’s 6G Gambit, Nokia’s AI-Powered 5G Breakthroughs, and a Wave of 5G Rollouts Rock the World (Oct 2–3, 2025)
············

Mobile Internet Madness: Verizon’s 6G Gambit, Nokia’s AI-Powered 5G Breakthroughs, and a Wave of 5G Rollouts Rock the World (Oct 2–3, 2025)

Sources: Recent telecom news articles and press releases from SDxCentral, Communications Today, Reuters, Anadolu Agency, The Fast Mode, PR Newswire and others communicationstoday.co.in thefastmode.com sdxcentral.com sdxcentral.com reuters.com thefastmode.com thefastmode.com sdxcentral.com aa.com.tr thefastmode.com thefastmode.com. These provide updates on network launches, vendor partnerships, spectrum policies, IoT/AI initiatives, and expert commentary.
October 3, 2025
Mobile Networks Mayhem: Afghanistan Blackout, India’s DIY 4G Stack, UK’s £11bn 5G Blitz & Satellite Boom
·····

Mobile Networks Mayhem: Afghanistan Blackout, India’s DIY 4G Stack, UK’s £11bn 5G Blitz & Satellite Boom

The period saw dramatic disruptions alongside progressive policies. In Afghanistan, the Taliban’s shock shutdown of 3G/4G on Sept 30 left most citizens offline and disrupted banking, flights, and even earthquake relief reuters.com. In contrast, some governments are opening up. Ghana’s new communications minister highlighted infrastructure wins but warned that high costs and rural exclusion persist bez-kabli.pl. In Liberia, regulators held meetings with U.S. diplomats to streamline telecom laws – they granted Starlink a provisional license and are inviting new entrants to diversify service bez-kabli.pl. In Asia, Pakistan’s government finally approved a long-delayed 5G auction. The plan will free up 606 MHz across multiple bands and hold the auction by Dec 2025 bez-kabli.pl, clearing the way for operators to launch 5G
October 2, 2025
1 2 3 4 5 6