Telecom Fiji Limited (TFL) is upgrading parts of its fibre network as part of a broader investment plan.

ZTE Corporation has announced that Beijing Guodu Interconnection Technology, Shanghai Dahan Tricom and Nanjing Shumai Information Technology have become the first three partners to pass the ZTE 5G Messaging Openlab Technical Certification test.

Myanmar’s operators have restored internet services one day after being ordered to suspend them amid mass protests against the country’s authorities.

The Telecom Infra Project (TIP) has chosen Parallel Wireless to supply open RAN software for TIP’s newly launched Community Lab in Indonesia.

Vietnam’s FPT Telecom is deploying equipment from Ciena to increase its broadband network resilience in the face of increased demand.

The Philippines’ National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has set a deadline of 30th September 2021 to begin the implementation of mobile number portability after delays caused by the pandemic.

Ooredoo Group and Ericsson have signed a global frame agreement for the supply of 5G radio, core and transport products and solutions, as well as related implementation and integration services.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Information – known as KemKominfo - has “terminated” the country’s allocation process for 2.3GHz mobile spectrum.

Thailand’s Central Administrative Court has ruled that state-owned operator TOT must pay market leader AIS a total of THB1.35 billion ($45 million) relating to a revenue sharing concession.

Philippines operators PLDT revealed a surge in mobile download speeds since 2017, with more plans to invest and bolster its networks in the pipeline.

China’s central bank is seeking feedback on its antitrust proposals for stricter regulation of payment services provided by non-bank companies, such as Alibaba and Tencent.

Philippines-based operator Globe Telecom reportedly announced plans to upgrade 3G infrastructure to 5G-ready 4G systems in several locations on the islands of Visayas and Mindanao, continuing its mass connectivity upgrade programme.

Swedish equipment vendor Ericsson was chosen by Taiwanese operator Asia-Pacific Telecom (APT), to modernise its national 4G network with non-standalone 5G-ready equipment and services.

The Philippines government pushed on with plans to rapidly deploy towers in the country to improve connectivity, by adding another company to its exclusive list of independent tower companies.

Philippines-based operator Globe Telecom awarded Gilat Satellite Networks a multi-million-dollar contract to expand the operator’s cellular backhaul through satellites, a move designed to upgrade Globe’s nationwide coverage.

Philippines-based mobile wallet platform GCash gained an investment of over $175 million from private equity company Bow Wave Capital Management (Bow Wave) and shareholders, as part of the financial growth plans of Globe Telecom.

Philippines-based operator DITO Telecommunity expressed confidence in passing a first government technical audit of its network which begins next week (January 7), to stay on course for its March launch.

North Korea possesses an underdeveloped yet growing market. The sector has been supported by some foreign investment, including the Egyptian telecoms investment company Orascom Telecom Holdings.

Indonesia’s large population and complex geography pose a number of challenges for governments to develop economic growth. These challenges are mirrored in the telecom sector, which is well served by mobile infrastructure, but which has inadequate fixed-line capacity in many areas.

Hot on the heels of confirming Nokia as a 5G RAN partner, Thailand’s dtac has stated that it will power its 5G services in several regions of the country using equipment from Ericsson.

Thai operator dtac is partnering with Nokia for a three-year 5G RAN deal covering the north and northeastern regions of Thailand.

The PNG Sustainable Development Program (SDP) is working with Kacific Broadband Satellites Group (Kacific), Emstret Holdings and Tag Energy to install and operate 30 solar-powered satellite dishes.

Malaysia has developed one of the more advanced telecom networks in Asia, with a focus on deploying new technologies. There is considerable fibre infrastructure in place, while the network operators have made considerable progress in 5G, using a number of vendors.

Thailand’s telecom sector has seen a continuing shift from fixed-line services to the mobile segment. The decline in fixed-line penetration seen in recent years is expected to continue as subscribers migrate to mobile networks for voice and data services.

The fixed line market in the Philippines remains underdeveloped with low penetration in both the fixed broadband and fixed-line markets. This is partly attributed to under-investment in fixed infrastructure, the dominance of the mobile segment and the rapid development of mobile broadband.