Operators

Vietnam’s three major mobile operators have collectively rolled out 11,000 5G base stations, and the government expects that figure to nearly double by the end of 2025.

Vodacom Group has received the green light from South Africa’s competition watchdog to acquire a stake in fibre infrastructure provider Maziv, a move that supports the operator’s ambition to expand connectivity in underserved areas.

Hungarian telecoms operator 4iG has announced plans to acquire mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) Netfone Telecom, in a move to strengthen its market position and expand its customer reach in Hungary.

The saga of Brazilian telecommunications company Oi and its ongoing attempts at restructuring its operations and settling its debts continues this week with news that it is seeking court approval to amend its existing debt recovery plan.

Axian Telecom is reportedly in talks to strengthen its fintech division through the acquisition of African e-commerce giant Jumia Technologies, according to Bloomberg sources.

Safaricom Ethiopia hailed reaching 10 million 90-day active customers, just four years after launching commercial operations in the East African nation.

Vodafone Idea has announced it will deploy its 5G network in 23 additional cities across India, as the operator continues to compete with rivals for dominance in the 5G space.

Orange has promoted Hesham Mahran to CEO and managing director of its Egyptian operation, succeeding Yasser Shaker, who becomes chairman of Orange Egypt.

Liberty Networks has expanded its footprint in Latin America by deploying new points of presence (PoPs) in Mexico and Peru, part of its ongoing strategy to enhance cross-border connectivity and meet rising enterprise demand in the region.

Globe Telecom has partnered with Thales and Bridge Alliance to test a new GSMA IoT standard, in a move to future-proof its enterprise services and stay ahead of rivals.

Oman service provider Omantel and Chinese technology provider FiberHome say they have launched a joint R&D Centre to pioneer next-generation network solutions.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has approved a €25 million loan to Axian Telecom’s Comoros-based operation, Yas Comoros, to support the expansion of connectivity infrastructure and the enhancement of mobile and fixed broadband services across the East African archipelago.

Ukrainian mobile operator Kyivstar has secured regulatory approval to begin testing Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell (D2C) services, marking a significant step towards the commercial launch of satellite-based mobile connectivity in the country.

Mobile services revenue in the Philippines is projected to grow from US$4 billion in 2024 to over US$5 billion by 2029, according to new research from analyst firm GlobalData.

Millicom has received a significant cash injection from its previously announced US$925 million tower sale agreement with SBA Communications.

Thailand’s state telco National Telecom (NT) is reportedly in talks with at least four companies, including rival telcos Advanced Info Service (AIS) and True Corp, to form partnerships that will prop up its flagging telecoms services.

Spain-headquartered telecommunications company Telefonica has announced its latest departure from the Latin American market. This time it’s exiting Ecuador.

To meet the high security requirements for user data in foundation model training, China Mobile Research Institute recently proposed a new remote storage and computing architecture based on Hitless Intelligent Computing-OTN (HIC-OTN).

South African telco Vodacom said on Thursday it will invest around ZAR100 million (US$5.5 million) to build 106 new base station sites in deep rural areas of KwaZulu Natal, which will bring connectivity to hundreds of thousands of people in those areas.

Vodafone Idea will launch 5G services in Bengaluru tomorrow (11 June), marking the latest step in its phased rollout across India. The operator is aiming to reach 17 cities with commercial 5G services by August.

South Africa has no shortage of MVNOs (over 20 at the last count), but the newest addition is unusual, even by the standards of a market that has attracted banks, retailers and insurance companies. This time it's STADIO, a South African higher education provider.

Vodacom Group has appointed Vodafone Egypt CEO Mohamed Abdallah as the Chief Executive Officer of Vodacom International Markets.

Nigerian operator 9mobile has gained approval for roaming on the MTN Nigeria network in a deal that some commentators suggest could improve its position in the market and, more specifically, tempt back lost subscribers.

Malaysian telco U Mobile announced on Friday it has appointed CIMB Bank to facilitate and arrange financing of up to MYR4 billion (almost US$940 million) to support the nationwide deployment of its 5G network infrastructure.

Vitel Wireless claims to be the first Nigerian MVNO to achieve full interconnection with all major mobile network operators (MNOs), as it prepares for a nationwide launch later this year.

Philippines-based operator Globe Telecom has deepened its partnership with government agencies to prevent fibre cuts caused by roadworks, following a spate of accidental cable damage.

Ukrainian operator Kyivstar has announced plans to reallocate 3G spectrum to enhance its 4G network across settlements in the Dnipropetrovsk and Lviv regions, as part of wider efforts to modernise its infrastructure and lay the groundwork for 5G.

Operators Maroc Telecom and Inwi have asked Morocco’s telecom regulator to approve a shared infrastructure plan first proposed earlier this year.

Veon announced on Friday it has secured all regulatory approvals for its deal with Pakistan's largest conglomerate Engro to pool and manage their respective telecoms infrastructure assets in Pakistan.