- Nationwide 5G Rollouts: India touted near-total 5G coverage and unveiled an indigenous 4G/5G tech stack, marking its emergence as a self-reliant telecom powerhouse [1] [2].
- Satellite Phones & Partnerships: SpaceX’s $17 billion spectrum deal to beam cell service from Starlink satellites raised industry eyebrows, while Airtel Africa streamed 100 Mbps Wi-Fi on a moving train via OneWeb satellites [3] [4].
- Undersea Cables & Internet Backbone: Facebook’s Meta completed the 20,000 km Bifrost cable linking Asia to the U.S., adding 260 Tbps capacity [5] [6], even as multiple Red Sea cables were cut, disrupting internet across 10+ countries [7] [8].
- 5G Spectrum Auctions: Regulators accelerated 5G – Sri Lanka kicked off a 2025 auction for nationwide 5G rollout [9] [10], and the UK cleared major carriers to bid for mmWave bands to fuel ultra-fast 5G in cities [11] [12].
- Big Telco Shake-Ups: Verizon abruptly replaced CEO Hans Vestberg with former PayPal chief Dan Schulman amid intense competition [13] [14]. In Spain, Telefónica reportedly plans to slash 6,000 jobs to cut debt and embrace AI efficiencies [15] [16].
- M&A and Fiber Deals: Brazil’s fiber provider Desktop soared 10% on news of Claro (América Móvil) takeover talks [17] [18], and U.S. rural ISP Brightspeed won $528 million in grants to extend fiber internet to 180,000 underserved homes [19] [20].
- Policy & Security Moves: U.S. regulators launched a “Space Month” initiative to speed satellite network licensing and unlock spectrum for space broadband [21] [22]. Meanwhile, Norway’s Telenor faces a lawsuit over user data handed to Myanmar’s junta, defending it had “no good options” under military orders [23] [24].
- Industry Insights: At a Milan summit, GSMA’s CEO urged governments to stop taxing smartphones like luxuries, noting 3.4 billion people still don’t use mobile internet [25] – a rallying cry to make connectivity more accessible worldwide.
Global Mobile Network Developments
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” [26]. 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 [27]. Over 100,000 4G towers were activated in a single day to connect 20 million more people in remote areas [28]. These indigenous technologies, Modi said, will ensure seamless connectivity and spur India’s “6G Vision 2030” for the next decade [29] [30]. India also enacted a modern Telecom Act (replacing colonial-era laws) to streamline permits and right-of-way for faster network rollout [31]. The government cast this rapid progress as vindication of its Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) strategy and invited global investors to “Make in India” as the country becomes the world’s second-largest 5G market [32].
5G Advanced & AI Integration: In Milan, industry leaders emphasized that 5G evolution continues unabated. At ZTE’s Global Summit, GSMA Ltd. CEO John Hoffman praised the shift from basic 5G to 5G-Advanced in leading markets, citing a recent deployment at the Asian Games that connected 600,000 users with next-gen 5G-A technology [33]. He underscored that robust telecom connectivity is essential for AI’s success, as networks move from handling “bytes to AI tokens” of data. ZTE’s CEO Xu Ziyang urged the industry to collaborate on “networks for AI and AI for networks”, integrating cloud computing and connectivity in an AI era [34]. Hoffman also spotlighted the global usage gap, noting 3.4 billion people still lack mobile internet – often due to affordability. He applauded countries like Argentina and South Africa for cutting handset taxes and implored, “Stop taxing smartphones as if they are luxury items. They are not. They are a necessity for life today.” [35] This call to action reflects a broader push to make mobile devices and data access more attainable as 5G proliferates.
Autonomous Networks Collaboration: A major telco partnership formed to tackle the next big challenge – autonomous telecom networks. Australia’s Telstra and Sweden’s Ericsson announced an ambitious collaboration on Oct 7 aimed at accelerating the industry’s shift toward intent-driven, self-managing networks [36]. The partnership will set up a joint Technology Lab and real-world testbeds to solve thorny issues like fragmented data silos, translating business intents into network actions, and ensuring trustworthy AI in network operations [37]. Telstra’s chief architect, Mark Sanders, said this focused effort provides “the momentum and focus” needed to turn hype into reality – developing transparent AI decision-making and common standards so that fully automated networks can finally scale [38]. Ericsson’s Mats Karlsson noted the whole industry has struggled with scalability and monetization, and only collaborative R&D – like this tie-up – will “successfully overcome these challenges” on the road to 6G [39]. In short, carriers and vendors globally are pooling expertise to make networks smarter and more self-sufficient, which could ultimately improve reliability and cut costs.
5G Spectrum Expansion Worldwide: Governments moved to unlock more airwaves for 5G. In Sri Lanka, officials on Oct 4 issued the formal Notice for a 2025 5G spectrum auction, finally kicking off the long-delayed process to license 5G services nationally [40]. After years of groundwork (with help from the World Bank and GSMA) on which bands to use, Sri Lanka plans to complete the auction within two months and light up commercial 5G for the public shortly thereafter [41]. The telecom regulator there stressed that 5G will “support the economy and drive growth” in industries from agriculture (smart farming) to manufacturing [42]. Likewise, the UK’s Ofcom confirmed on Oct 7 that all major mobile operators – EE, Vodafone (and Three), and Virgin Media O2 – are approved to bid in an upcoming mmWave 5G auction [43]. The auction, scheduled for this month, will release 5.4 GHz of high-band spectrum in the 26 GHz and 40 GHz ranges [44]. These ultra-high frequencies (mmWave) enable multi-gigabit speeds for dense city networks and new uses like fixed wireless broadband. Ofcom’s only surprise was its own procrastination – as of early October it still hadn’t set an auction start date, despite planning it for a year [45]. Regulators had waited for a decision on the Vodafone-Three UK merger, which was conditionally cleared, before proceeding [46]. Once auctioned, the 26/40 GHz licenses will target urban hot spots (e.g. central London, Manchester, Birmingham) with 200 MHz blocks, while rural areas will use a lighter licensing regime [47]. These spectrum moves in Asia and Europe show a commitment to extend 5G’s reach and capacity heading into 2026.
Satellite Internet and Space-Based Connectivity
Starlink’s Big Spectrum Bet: The competition to deliver broadband directly from satellites to phones intensified. Elon Musk’s SpaceX struck a $17 billion agreement to buy wireless spectrum licenses from EchoStar, aiming to turbocharge its Starlink satellite network’s cellular coverage [48]. The deal gives SpaceX 50 MHz of valuable S-band spectrum globally (around 1.9–2 GHz) – the same neighborhood used by mobile networks [49]. With this exclusive spectrum, SpaceX plans to launch up to 15,000 second-gen satellites that act as “cell towers in space,” greatly expanding capacity [50] [51]. COO Gwynne Shotwell said this will help “end mobile dead zones around the world”, enabling ordinary phones to connect via satellite where terrestrial signals don’t reach [52]. Notably, the move has ruffled some feathers: Starlink’s grab of critical spectrum and a 100× capacity boost for its nascent Direct-to-Cell service could make mobile partners rethink their loyalties. U.S. carriers AT&T and Verizon saw shares dip 2–3% on the news [53], and industry analysts speculated that Apple – which chose a rival satellite provider for iPhone emergency texting – might regret not aligning with Musk [54]. SpaceX’s deal, pending regulatory nods, also involves carrying EchoStar’s Boost Mobile customers on Starlink to improve rural coverage [55] [56]. In short, SpaceX is betting big that satellite-to-phone service will become mainstream, leveraging its vast satellite fleet and newly acquired spectrum to integrate with everyday mobile devices.
Airtel’s Train Internet First: In Africa, a groundbreaking satellite broadband trial proved that even fast-moving trains can get fast internet. Airtel Africa partnered with France’s Eutelsat (OneWeb) to beam high-speed Wi-Fi to a train traveling 669 km across remote terrain [57]. Using OneWeb’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, the train maintained a stable connection through rural forests with minimal drop-outs. Download speeds hit 100 Mbps (and 20 Mbps uploads) with low latency – enough for streaming, onboard Wi-Fi, and real-time operational comms [58] [59]. Airtel called it a “historic breakthrough” showing LEO satellites can bridge connectivity gaps for critical infrastructure like railways [60]. The satellite link enabled real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance of the train, and could support new passenger services (e.g. e-ticketing, live travel updates) even in areas with no cell coverage [61]. Luc Serviant, Airtel Africa’s enterprise director, noted this proves LEO technology can “boost industries including transport, mining and energy” across Africa [62]. Following the successful pilot, Airtel plans to roll out “Satellite for Business” connectivity in hard-to-reach areas of Nigeria, the DRC, Zambia, Madagascar and Gabon [63]. This marks a regional first in Africa and underscores how satellite internet – once limited to stationary VSAT dishes – is now mobile and agile enough to follow a speeding train. It also highlights partnerships between telcos and satellite operators (Eutelsat-OneWeb in this case) as key to extending broadband’s reach on the ground.
FCC’s “Space Month” & Satellite Policy: Regulators are adapting to the satellite boom. In the U.S., FCC Chairman Brendan Carr declared October to be “Space Month,” rolling out plans to modernize rules for the surging space-based communications sector [64]. The FCC will replace cumbersome, one-off satellite licensing with a streamlined “assembly line” approach – simplifying applications, setting firm timelines, and fast-tracking approvals for systems deemed in the public interest [65]. Carr noted demand for satellite spectrum has “skyrocketed,” so the FCC will also look at opening up more upper microwave bands for intensive space use [66]. In particular, rules for Earth stations (satellite ground antennas) in bands like 24–47 GHz (UMFUS bands) will be revamped to allow denser deployment and quicker permitting [67]. These changes aim to boost America’s space economy by accommodating mega-constellations, satellite IoT, and other new entrants with less red tape. The Space Month agenda comes as governments worldwide race to capitalize on commercial space opportunities (from broadband constellations to earth observation) and ensure their regulations don’t lag behind innovation. The FCC’s initiative was welcomed by industry as it could shorten deployment timelines for next-gen satellite networks – helping projects like SpaceX’s Gen2 Starlinks, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, and others get to market faster.
Internet Infrastructure: Fiber Optics and Subsea Cables
New Transpacific Mega-Cables: The global internet’s backbone got major capacity upgrades this week. Meta (Facebook) announced it has completed the “Bifrost” submarine cable system – the world’s first direct cable linking Singapore to the U.S. west coast via Indonesia [68]. Spanning 20,000 km, Bifrost achieved Ready-for-Service on Oct 6 and will start carrying traffic within weeks [69]. This monster cable adds 260 Tbps of capacity along a new route across the Pacific, cutting Singapore-U.S. round-trip latency to ~165 ms (about 10 ms faster than older routes) [70]. Bifrost was built by a consortium of Meta, Indonesia’s Telin, and Keppel, and lands at Singapore, Guam, and California, with branches to Jakarta, Bali, Davao (Philippines) and Oregon [71] [72]. The extra redundancy and speed will boost Asia–US cloud connectivity and support data-heavy applications (AI, video, etc.) between the continents. At the same time, Meta unveiled a new planned cable dubbed “Candle,” an 8,000 km system to be completed by 2028 that will link Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore with a staggering 570 Tbps of capacity [73]. Candle will be the highest-capacity cable in the Asia-Pacific region, connecting over 580 million people and complementing Meta’s other cables. Meta provided an update that its earlier Transpacific cables Bifrost and Echo (both launched 2021) are now each delivering 260 Tbps on their routes [74]. And the 12,000 km Apricot cable (connecting Japan, Taiwan, Guam) is online with 290 Tbps capacity, with extensions underway to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore [75]. Together, these systems create robust intra-Asia links and Asia–Americas bridges, part of Meta’s push to strengthen global infrastructure for its billions of users [76]. The flurry of cable projects underscores how internet giants and partners are racing to meet exploding bandwidth demand and route around choke points.
Red Sea Cable Cuts – Connectivity Outage: In a stark reminder of infrastructure vulnerabilities, several undersea cables were severed in the Red Sea in early October, wreaking internet disruptions from the Middle East to South Asia. On Oct 7, internet monitor NetBlocks reported connectivity drop-offs in India, Pakistan, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Somalia, and beyond due to multiple subsea cable outages near the Red Sea’s Jeddah corridor [77]. Major Gulf operators Etisalat and Du in the UAE were among those hit [78]. Microsoft’s Azure cloud warned users of increased latency as traffic was rerouted around the damage [79]. While details were initially scarce, by Oct 8 experts pinned the likely cause on a commercial ship’s anchor accidentally dragging along the seabed [80] [81]. The Red Sea’s busy shipping lanes and relatively shallow depth make it a notorious cable pinch point. At least four cable systems were confirmed cut. The fallout: significantly slower internet and data congestion in affected countries, especially for users of certain networks reliant on those cables. Repair ships were being dispatched, but fixes could take weeks given the complex undersea operations and limited number of specialist cable repair vessels available [82] [83]. Industry analysts noted that only 3–4 companies globally can fix deep-sea cables, so simultaneous breaks strain repair timelines. This incident highlights a need for route diversity: with so much traffic between Europe-Asia flowing via the Red Sea/Egypt corridor, a single mishap can cause multi-country outages. It also coincidentally came amid geopolitical tensions, though the consensus is that this damage was accidental. The episode underscores why new cables (like those through the Pacific or via Africa’s Cape route) are vital for global internet resilience.
Fiber Broadband Initiatives: On the terrestrial side, efforts to close the digital divide got a boost in the United States. Brightspeed, a North Carolina-based ISP that emerged from Lumen’s rural telecom assets, announced it has secured over $528 million in federal BEAD grants to expand fiber broadband across 17 states [84] [85]. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, part of the infrastructure law, is funneling billions to regional providers to build out high-speed internet in underserved communities. Brightspeed’s haul (announced Oct 3) will fund fiber-to-the-home builds to an additional ~183,000 locations in mostly rural areas from the Midwest to the South [86] [87]. States including Alabama, Missouri, Ohio, and Michigan each awarded tens of millions to Brightspeed’s projects [88] [89]. Brightspeed CEO Michal Combes said the combined public and private investment is “about changing lives” – enabling remote education, telehealth and digital entrepreneurship in small towns that have lagged in connectivity [90]. The company (the nation’s third-largest fiber builder) is already deploying fiber to 5 million homes over the next several years, and these grants accelerate that work. This reflects a broader trend: across the U.S., federal broadband programs (BEAD, RDOF, etc.) are now in motion, injecting funding to local ISPs, electric co-ops, and cable companies to reach the hardest-to-connect areas with gigabit internet. Similar rural fiber initiatives are underway in countries like Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe as governments recognize high-speed internet as essential infrastructure on par with electricity or roads.
Policy, Regulatory, and Legal Updates
Global Spectrum & Policy Moves: Regulators and governments used this week to advance policies shaping the telecom landscape. In addition to the spectrum auctions noted earlier, European authorities greenlit major consolidations – e.g. the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority signaled approval of the £15 billion Vodafone–Three merger (with conditions), influencing Ofcom’s auction timing [91]. The European Commission also continued discussions on potential “fair share” network fees from tech giants to telcos, though no decision landed this week. On the spectrum front, the U.S. saw bipartisan calls to free up more mid-band frequencies for 5G/6G. A Reuters report on Oct 7 noted U.S. lawmakers urging broader bans on chipmaking tool sales to China [92] – while not directly telecom, it ties into 5G geopolitics and network security (given Chinese vendors’ role and sanctions). Meanwhile, the FCC’s Space Month (detailed earlier) is a notable regulatory push in satellite communications, and the agency also has an upcoming vote on reallocating 12.7–13.25 GHz for mobile 5G use. In Asia, India’s new Telecom Act – emphasized by PM Modi in his speech – replaced archaic 19th-century laws to simplify licensing and right-of-way for digital networks [93], presenting a more investor-friendly regime for 5G and fiber rollout. Collectively, these steps show policymakers trying to keep pace with technology – from clearing airwaves to easing bureaucratic hurdles – to drive connectivity goals.
Telenor Myanmar Data Lawsuit: A high-profile legal battle is brewing over telecom ethics and human rights. On Oct 7, a group of Myanmar civil society organizations announced they are suing Norway’s telecom giant Telenor, alleging the company aided the military junta by handing over customer data that led to arrests and even executions of activists [94]. Telenor operated a mobile network in Myanmar from 2014 until 2022. After the February 2021 coup, the new military regime pressured operators to install intercept equipment and share user information. Telenor ultimately decided to exit the country (selling to a Lebanon-based holding firm), but activists claim that before leaving, Telenor complied with data demands that enabled the junta to track, imprison, torture or kill dissidents [95] [96]. Among the claimants is the wife of a former MP and hip-hop artist who was executed by the regime; she says his arrest occurred weeks after Telenor allegedly gave the military his phone data [97]. Telenor, in a statement to Reuters, defended that it found itself in a “terrible and tragic situation” with “no good options” – refusing junta orders would have been deemed “terrorism and sabotage”, risking employees’ safety [98]. The company insists it was legally required to comply like any operator and that these issues were already investigated by authorities in Norway [99]. Nevertheless, the lawsuit (to be filed in Norway) aims to prove a direct link between Telenor’s data disclosures and harm to Myanmar citizens [100] [101]. This case is being closely watched as a precedent for how telcos should balance user privacy vs. authoritarian demands. It also puts a spotlight on the responsibilities of multinationals operating in repressive environments – an increasingly pertinent issue as the industry grapples with geopolitics and ethics.
Tax Cuts to Bridge the Digital Divide: On the policy advocacy side, the GSMA – the global mobile operators’ association – used its platform to urge consumer-friendly reforms. GSMA’s John Hoffman commended recent smartphone tax cuts in countries like Argentina and South Africa, which treated internet access as essential. He implored other governments to eliminate luxury taxes on devices and services, arguing that high taxes make devices unaffordable for the poor and deepen the usage gap [102]. In many developing nations, handsets face steep import duties or sales taxes (sometimes 20–30%), putting even basic internet-capable phones out of reach for millions. By reframing smartphones as “necessities for life today,” industry leaders are pushing for regulatory support to drive adoption in the last unconnected billion. This ties into broader developmental policies – many countries during these days (Oct 7–8) at the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference prep meetings also discussed universal service funds, rural coverage obligations on carriers, and public-private partnerships to expand connectivity. All these efforts align with the UN’s 2030 Agenda targets to significantly increase access to ICT and strive for universal and affordable internet in least developed countries by 2025 (a goal that is likely to be missed, hence renewed urgency).
Telecom Business & Market Trends
Leadership and Strategy Shifts: A wave of C-suite shake-ups hit telecom incumbents. In a surprise move on Oct 6, Verizon ousted CEO Hans Vestberg after a string of underwhelming quarters in a fiercely competitive U.S. wireless market [103]. Verizon’s board appointed Dan Schulman – former PayPal CEO – to take the helm immediately, tasking him with revitalizing growth as consumers balk at premium 5G plans [104]. Vestberg’s tenure since 2018 was marked by heavy 5G spending (over $50 billion on spectrum auctions [105] and network builds) and diversifying into media (which largely failed), while Verizon’s subscriber gains lagged T-Mobile’s. Schulman, who has been on Verizon’s board for seven years, signaled a focus on customer experience and culture change, saying that technology alone isn’t the fix and vowing to “drive financial results that exceed market expectations.” [106] Verizon’s stock, down ~25% this year, ticked up on news of new leadership, though it remains under pressure. Notably, this comes just weeks after T-Mobile’s CEO Mike Sievert announced his own exit (effective April 2026), meaning two of the “Big 3” US carriers are in transition [107]. The shake-ups underscore how the 5G era’s slowing growth and high costs are forcing strategic resets. In Verizon’s case, the incoming CEO’s background in fintech suggests a possible pivot to more innovative pricing, bundling, or customer loyalty approaches drawn from the tech world.
Mergers, Acquisitions & Bids: Telecom deal-making buzzed during this period. In Brazil, fiber broadband operator Desktop (ISP) confirmed on Oct 7 it is in talks with Claro (the mobile unit of América Móvil) about a potential acquisition [108]. A Brazilian outlet had reported Claro was in “advanced talks” to buy all of Desktop and take it private [109]. Desktop’s stock jumped 10% on the news [110]. Claro’s parent, América Móvil, declined comment, but if it proceeds this would consolidate Brazil’s market by folding a regional fiber provider into a mobile giant’s portfolio. Meanwhile, América Móvil and Chile’s Entel jointly announced interest in Telefónica’s Chile unit (Telefonica is retreating from some Latin markets) [111]. These maneuvers show incumbent carriers doubling down on fiber and converged services via M&A. In Europe, speculation swirled that Telefónica – the Spanish telecom group – is planning to cut up to 6,000 jobs across multiple countries by year-end [112]. This roughly 10–12% headcount reduction, reported by Expansion and Reuters, would be part of a massive efficiency drive as Telefónica grapples with € 50+ billion debt and aims to boost cash flow. Most cuts are expected in Spain via voluntary redundancy for older workers (similar to a 2021 program) [113]. The move also reflects how AI and automation are being used to streamline operations – Telefónica’s COO noted digitalization can let one tech manage tasks that once needed several people [114]. If confirmed, it would be one of the largest telecom layoffs in years, illustrating the cost pressures in mature markets.
Financial Outlook and Investor Moves: Across the industry, there’s a cautious tone on financials. A new market forecast by a research firm projected the nascent 6G market (still years away) could be worth over $110 billion by 2036, hinting at another investment cycle on the horizon [115]. But in the immediate term, carriers are focused on monetizing 5G and fiber. U.S. cable operators like Comcast and Charter, not covered in depth here, are quietly gaining mobile customers (via MVNO deals) at the expense of telcos, which adds pressure. European operators are lobbying for regulatory relief and perhaps a share of OTT traffic revenue (the “fair share” debate). Investor activism is also stirring: reports emerged that activist fund Elliott Management may target another telco after pressuring Vodafone earlier this year. In developing markets, many telecoms face squeezed margins due to high inflation and currency risks – for instance, MTN (a big African carrier) warned of forex impacts on earnings, and some are raising prices. On a positive note, broadband demand remains robust globally – as seen by Irish firm Greencore (which provides packaged sandwiches) citing strong demand partly from remote workers [116] (an indirect indicator of more people working and eating from home, hence needing connectivity). While not a telecom stat, it aligns with trends of sustained internet usage post-pandemic. Lastly, in an interesting blend of tech and telecom, Qualcomm announced plans to acquire Autotalks, an Israel-based chipset maker for vehicle communications – signaling telecom chip companies eye growth in connected cars and IoT beyond just smartphones [117].
Analyst & Executive Commentary: Industry analysts at events this week noted that 2025 is a pivotal year: 5G Standalone core networks are finally scaling up after a slow start (with multiple operators launching 5G SA to enable slicing and low-latency services) [118]. They also pointed out that 3G shutdowns are accelerating – many countries (e.g. the U.K. and Japan) plan to turn off 3G by 2025–2026, reallocating those bands to 4G/5G. This was echoed in a Polish tech site’s roundup titled “Global Mobile Shake-Up: 5G Surges, 3G Sunsets & Satellite Internet Takeoff,” underscoring the simultaneous decline of older tech and rise of new (though we won’t cite it here due to language). Executives like Nokia’s CTO have been evangelizing 6G vision – noting future networks will unify sensing, AI and communications – but also tempering that “5G has plenty of runway left” through the rest of this decade. Meanwhile, a lighter but notable quote came from Verizon’s outgoing CEO Hans Vestberg in his farewell memo: “We’ve made transformational investments in C-Band spectrum that position us to win in the next era of connectivity” [119] – a statement to reassure that the 5G bets will eventually pay off, even if under new leadership. All told, the sentiment in telecom circles between Oct 7–8, 2025 is a mix of optimism for new tech (5G Advanced, LEO satellites, 6G R&D) and sobering realism about current challenges (debt, competition, and reaching the unconnected). The news of these two days captures that dynamic, as the world’s networks keep evolving at breakneck speed.
Sources: The information above is compiled from Reuters, FCC releases, telecom industry news outlets, and press releases published on October 7–8, 2025, with key facts and quotations sourced from reports by Reuters [120] [121], Mobile World Live [122] [123], Telecoms.com [124] [125], the Benton Institute [126] [127], and official statements [128] [129], among others. All linked citations correspond to the original reporting for verification.
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