Telco Earthquake: 5G Rollouts, 6G Visions & Satellite Internet Set the World on Fire (Sept 30

Afghanistan blackout: Taliban-ordered cuts shut down most 3G/4G networks on Sept 30, leaving only 2G online. Connectivity fell to about 1%, stranding millions ^[1] ^[2]. Locals warn “we cannot communicate” even within Kabul ^[3] ^[4], and UN agencies say aid workers can no longer reach earthquake victims.
India’s homegrown 4G: State carrier BSNL and partners TCS, C-DOT, Tejas have deployed India’s first fully indigenous 4G stack at ~100,000 sites, covering roughly 22 million people in 26,700 villages ^[5]. All towers are “upgradeable to 5G,” marking a milestone in New Delhi’s push for telecom sovereignty ^[6] ^[7]. BSNL also plans five new data centers to bolster its nationwide 4G rollout and upcoming 5G, even eyeing 6G by 2030 ^[8] ^[9].
UK mega-deals: Vodafone’s merger with Three (rebranded VodafoneThree) announced multibillion‑pound contracts with Ericsson and Nokia to modernize over 17,000 sites. The £11 bn upgrade aims for “the UK’s best network,” targeting ~90% of population with standalone 5G in three years and ~99.95% by 2034 ^[10] ^[11]. CEO Max Taylor said the plan would “deliver at pace … laying the foundations for the UK’s digital future” ^[12] ^[13].
FCC buildout push: On Sept 30 the US FCC voted to launch a rulemaking to accelerate wireless tower and small-cell deployment, pre-empting onerous local rules. Chairman Carr’s “Build America Agenda” will “supercharge” 5G/6G network builds by cutting red tape (e.g. a possible “rocket docket” for permit disputes) ^[14] ^[15]. The goal is to speed 5G densification and ensure state/local restrictions “cannot unlawfully block” next‑gen networks ^[16].
Africa’s connectivity gap: In Ghana (Oct 1), the Minister marked 30 years online and celebrated a boom in mobile broadband and undersea cables. He noted that “the real success is … the people – the young coders, network engineers, and entrepreneurs” powering Ghana’s digital revolution ^[17]. Still, more than half of Africa’s population is rural and largely offline. GSMA projects ~340 million 5G connections in Africa by 2030 (about 20% of the global total) ^[18], contributing ~$26 billion to GDP. Yet today 2G/3G still carry over 75% of African mobile traffic ^[19]. Experts say satellite-NTN links must complement 5G to bridge rural gaps – e.g. satellite backhaul links for 5G sites are projected to grow 66% annually through 2033 ^[20].
Liberia opens up: Liberia’s telecom regulator is rewriting rules to lure investment. A US official just met with Liberian leaders to expand broadband access. Starlink (SpaceX’s satellite ISP) won a provisional license and can now sell kits nationwide, and the country is courting new players like Amazon and OneWeb ^[21]. Officials say the reforms aim to “stimulate competition, reduce consumer barriers, and expand broadband access in underserved areas” ^[22].
China mobile outlook: Analysts forecast modest telecom revenue growth in China ($471 bn in 2024 to $483 bn by 2029) ^[23]. Plunging voice plans (–19% CAGR) will be offset by rising mobile data (5.3% CAGR) as 5G dominates. GlobalData’s Sarwat Zeeshan notes China already has 70.2% of subscriptions on 5G (4.4 million 5G base stations as of Q1 2025) ^[24], fueled by MIIT support and affordable plans. Fibre remains key for fixed broadband, with China targeting national gigabit coverage by end-2025 ^[25].
Satellite internet boom: Reports say Verizon is in talks to buy EchoStar’s AWS-3 spectrum for 5G ^[26]. EchoStar has been selling licenses (AT&T and SpaceX also bought AWS-3) to pay down debt ^[27], and regulators auction AWS-3 next year. Analysts note Verizon “has been under pressure to narrow the gap” with rivals in mid-band spectrum ^[28], so acquiring EchoStar’s spectrum could rebalance its position. On Starlink’s side, new forecasts project ~8.2 million global subscribers by end-2025 ^[29] – a “subscriber stampede” – driving ~$10.3 bn in consumer revenue by 2026 ^[30] ^[31]. The report highlights that India’s recent launch approvals make it “one of the most significant new-market rollouts” for Starlink ^[32].
Looking to 6G and beyond: Industry focus is shifting to 6G. In India, the government’s Bharat 6G Vision (launched 2023) and draft National Telecom Policy (NTP-25) prioritize early release of mmWave/sub-THz spectrum and local R&D. DoT funding (via a new Telecom Technology Development Fund) is spurring homegrown 6G tech (e.g. IIT Delhi/ C-DOT working on THz components) ^[33] ^[34]. New spectrum reforms (e.g. refarming 687 MHz) aim to meet rising demands and “lay the groundwork for 6G” ^[35]. Globally, some analysts already warn that a 5G future may concentrate power: one columnist calls the jump to ~9 billion 5G connections by 2030 “not a milestone; it’s a dependency trap,” benefiting giant cloud providers hosting those connections ^[36] ^[37].

Connectivity Disruptions & Policy Shifts

The period saw dramatic connectivity shocks. In Afghanistan the Taliban-ordered shutdown on Sept 30 left most of the country offline. Monitoring firm NetBlocks reported that internet service fell to ~1% of normal ^[38]. A Kabul telecom worker explained, “People today rely on technology… No one knows about the condition of their relatives… we cannot communicate” ^[39]. This strike comes amid wider regional tensions: e.g. government austerity measures have even halted Kabul’s stock exchange.

In contrast, some governments are actively expanding networks. Ghana’s new Communications Minister opened the Africa Internet Summit (Oct 1), celebrating the country’s 30-year connectivity anniversary. He noted milestones like the national Internet Exchange and multiple submarine cables, but warned that uneven access and high costs still impede growth ^[40] ^[41]. “The real success is not the cables, towers, or servers. It is the people – the young coders, network engineers, and entrepreneurs who are the heartbeat of Ghana’s digital revolution,” he said ^[42]. Over in West Africa, Liberia’s regulator is rewriting telecom rules to attract investors. A US diplomat just met Liberian officials to deepen ties: Starlink won a provisional license (now selling kits nationwide), and new laws may allow players like Amazon and OneWeb into the market ^[43]. Officials say the goal is to “stimulate competition, reduce consumer barriers, and expand broadband access in underserved areas” ^[44], part of broader efforts to modernize infrastructure.

Meanwhile, in the US the FCC is tackling bottlenecks: on Sept 30 it unanimously approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to speed wireless buildout. The commission will consider preempting restrictive local zoning and expediting permits (even via a “rocket docket”) so 5G and future 6G towers can go up faster ^[45] ^[46]. This is part of Chairman Carr’s “Build America Agenda” to cut red tape and free spectrum for national deployment. In short, regulators worldwide are balancing outages (Afghanistan) with push‑forward policies (Ghana, Liberia, USA) to shape the telecom landscape.

5G and 4G Network Rollouts

Mobile operators made major expansion moves. In India, state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and partners Tata Consultancy Services, C-DOT and Tejas unveiled the “Bharat Telecom Stack” – India’s first fully indigenous 4G network ^[47]. Completed in two years and meeting 3GPP standards, the stack now runs on ~97,500 towers (BSNL, Jio, Airtel) covering 26,700 previously unconnected villages ^[48]. All these sites are designed to be 5G-upgradeable, aiding India’s broadband push. This dovetails with BSNL’s broader plan: it’s rolling out 5G trials and eyeing commercial 5G launches in Delhi/Mumbai by year-end ^[49]. Officials say the local equipment performed well, setting the stage for a nationwide 5G rollout.

Meanwhile, Europe saw bold carrier collaboration. The merged VodafoneThree (UK) rolled out an £11 bn infrastructure program. Under new contracts, Ericsson will upgrade >10,000 sites and Nokia ~7,000 sites with modern RAN and core gear ^[50]. The combined network is already delivering faster service: Vodafone and Three customers report up to 40% faster 4G speeds and seamless roaming on each other’s towers ^[51]. VodafoneThree’s CEO, Max Taylor, emphasized speed: “We said we would deliver at pace… they bring the scale and expertise needed to accelerate … a resilient, secure, world-class … network” ^[52]. The company claims these upgrades will extend 5G Standalone to 90% of the UK population in three years, and 5G SA to virtually 100% by 2034 ^[53].

Globally, 5G Standalone and related tech are accelerating. Research firm Omdia reports 2025 will be a breakout year for 5G SA deployments and for “RedCap” IoT devices ^[54]. After previous delays, carriers are finally achieving ultra-fast, low-latency networks. Notably, North America introduced its first commercial 5G RedCap module in late 2024, and costs are expected to fall as adoption grows (especially with Chinese subsidies) ^[55]. Advanced features like network slicing have left the lab: offerings like T-Mobile’s T-Priority and Verizon’s FrontLine are live, reflecting IoT demand for security and customization ^[56]. Private 5G networks, often used in manufacturing and critical infrastructure, are also gaining traction as companies seek to segment and secure traffic ^[57].

In Africa, 5G rollouts continue but remain nascent. South Africa’s Vodacom and MTN led the first launches in 2020; today ~20 countries have some 5G service ^[58]. However, device affordability and rural coverage lag: GSMA estimates that until low-cost 5G phones (<$50) become widespread, mass adoption will be gradual. For now, entrenched 2G/3G networks still carry most voice/data traffic ^[59]. Industry voices stress that satellite-augmented networks will fill gaps. For example, non-terrestrial backhaul is expected to double globally – a projected 72,000 5G sites with satellite links by 2033 ^[60] – enabling rural schools and clinics to connect where fiber isn’t viable.

Satellite Internet and Infrastructure

Satellite-based connectivity grabbed headlines. An industry newsletter reports that Verizon is negotiating to buy EchoStar’s mid-band spectrum (AWS-3) for 5G, joining AT&T and SpaceX in acquiring EchoStar licenses ^[61]. EchoStar expects ~$24.1 billion cash after selling spectrum to pay debt ^[62], and its SEC filings value the “spare” AWS-3 licenses at ~$9.8 billion. U.S. bank analysts note Verizon has been trailing rivals in spectrum, and buying AWS-3 now could be more certain than waiting for next year’s FCC auction ^[63]. If it happens, Verizon would level the playing field spectrum-wise, with only a small ripple effect on cable carriers.

Satellite ISPs themselves are booming. In a Starlink (SpaceX) forecast, Quilty Space projects ~8.2 million users by end-2025 – a continuation of double-digit growth – even as competitors (including LEO rivals and terrestrial ISPs) struggle to start ^[64]. Free cash flow is set to turn positive: Starlink could deliver ~$5 billion FCF by 2026 as capital expenditures taper ^[65]. Crucially, the report calls India’s recent licensing decisions a game‑changer for Starlink’s global rollout ^[66]. Maritime and aviation are other star markets: Starlink terminals on ships may reach 130,000 by 2026, and airline in-flight connections could grow 10× with new approvals. Even the U.S. military is ramping up service purchases (Starshield).

Corporate innovation also looked skyward. Vodafone unveiled Europe’s first integrated terrestrial-satellite R&D lab in Malaga, Spain ^[67]. The project, funded by Spain’s space agency, will let smartphones switch seamlessly between 4G/5G towers and LEO satellites. Vodafone’s innovation chief said the goal is “to offer broadband coverage anywhere on the planet: in the desert, in the middle of the ocean and… even in the middle of empty Spain” ^[68]. A satellite test lab opened Oct 2 at Malaga University, with partner AST SpaceMobile, aiming to create a European “universal mobile” ecosystem. Vodafone’s CEO emphasized the ambition: by 2026 the company wants to be a leader in direct satellite-to-phone connectivity for its 340 million customers across 60+ markets ^[69].

Beyond commercial deployments, governments see satellites as strategic infrastructure. For instance, regulators in India and elsewhere are liberalizing LEO/NTN bands and pricing to encourage sat‑broadband. In Africa and rural areas globally, LEO backhaul will be a critical complement to 5G. As one analyst noted, the combination of satellites and terrestrial 5G promises “a seamless communications layer” from cities to villages ^[70] ^[71]. This hybrid approach is viewed not just as a stopgap but as a long-term network evolution.

Future Tech and Forecasts

Looking ahead, the telecom industry is already planning 6G and beyond. Nations and companies are making early moves: in India, the government’s “Bharat 6G Vision” (2023) and draft telecom policy mandate early release of mmWave/sub-THz spectrum and heavy R&D funding ^[72] ^[73]. A new Telecom Technology Development Fund is financing homegrown 6G components (e.g. THz systems). Telecom Minister Srivastava notes India aims to account for ≈10% of global 6G patents by 2030 ^[74]. This mirrors trends in East Asia and Europe, where universities and vendors are prototyping 6G AI-capabilities and energy-saving designs.

On the demand side, forecasts underline why capacity must grow. One column highlights that by 2030 the world could see ~9 billion 5G connections (roughly 60% of all wireless traffic) ^[75]. Analyst outlets like Omdia/Ovum predict that the IoT/enterprise segment will flourish on 5G SA: devices and slicing open new revenue streams ^[76] ^[77]. However, not everyone is optimistic: some caution that this pervasive 5G infrastructure could concentrate power in a few tech giants. As one commentator warns, hitting those 9 billion nodes risks creating “a dependency trap” – with cloud hyperscalers (AWS, Azure, Google) reaping the profits of a world locked into advanced networks ^[78] ^[79].

Overall, the news from Sept 30–Oct 1, 2025 paints a picture of simultaneous acceleration and disruption. Carriers and governments are racing to densify 4G/5G networks and lay groundwork for 6G, even as geopolitics occasionally pulls the plug on connectivity. Many expert sources emphasize that well-managed policy (e.g. open spectrum, unified standards) and diverse technologies (satellite+terrestrial) will be needed to meet soaring data demand and keep the Internet accessible and secure for all.

Sources: Global telecom news and analyses from Sept 30–Oct 1, 2025 ^[80] ^[81] ^[82] ^[83] ^[84] ^[85] ^[86] ^[87] ^[88] ^[89] ^[90] ^[91] (expert and official reports, industry research, and expert commentary).

References

Telco Earthquake: 5G Rollouts, 6G Visions & Satellite Internet Set the World on Fire (Sept 30–Oct 1, 2025)

Connectivity Disruptions & Policy Shifts

5G and 4G Network Rollouts

Satellite Internet and Infrastructure

Future Tech and Forecasts

References

Mateusz Brzeziński

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