The top Developing Telecoms stories this week

Vodacom CTO sees satellites as an opportunity, not a threat

Vodacom Group CTO Dejan Kastelic believes satellite providers like Starlink are not a threat to mobile operators but rather an opportunity to enhance telecom services in emerging markets with challenging infrastructure deployment.

Vodafone Idea gets new lifeline as govt increases stake to 48.99%

The Indian government has reportedly expanded its ownership stake in Vodafone Idea from 22.6% to 48.99% by converting around INR369.5 billion (US$4.3 billion) of the telco’s spectrum payment dues into equity shares.

MobiFone becomes Vietnam’s third 5G provider

Vietnam-based operator MobiFone has officially launched its 5G mobile services, making it the third provider to commercialise 5G in the Southeast Asian country.

SpaceX cleared to build Starlink ground station in Vietnam

Vietnam has reportedly given SpaceX regulatory clearance to establish at least one ground station in the country for its upcoming Starlink pilot offering, which would not only optimise traffic but also enable the government to police it.

U Mobile gets approval to deploy Malaysia’s second 5G network

Malaysian operator U Mobile has announced that it has received official approval from the country’s telecoms regulator to deploy its 5G network.

Alcatel to manufacture premium smartphones for Indian market

Alcatel is planning to restart mobile phone sales in India – or, more accurately perhaps, French technology brand Alcatel, operated independently by China-headquartered TCL Communications under a license from Nokia, is making a comeback in the Indian market.

Thai broadcasters oppose plan to auction 3500-MHz band to telcos

Thailand’s Association of Digital Television Broadcasting (ADTEB) reportedly urged the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) on Monday to either scrap its plan to auction 3500-MHz spectrum to telcos or postpone it until it comes up with a feasible migration plan for digital TV broadcasters.

Nokia supports Bharti Airtel’s 5G SA readiness

Following hard on the heels of a Nokia-Vodafone Idea agreement announced earlier this week, tech giant Nokia and Indian operator Bharti Airtel say they are expanding their partnership with the deployment of Nokia’s Packet Core appliance-based and fixed wireless access (FWA) solutions.

MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita appointed GSMA deputy chair

The GSMA has elected MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita as its deputy chair, following the appointment of Bharti Airtel vice chairman Gopal Vittal as chair.

Airtel and IHS to grow tower numbers in Zambia

Pan-African service provider Airtel and tower company IHS, Africa’s largest telecommunications infrastructure provider, have unveiled a plan to expand network reach in Zambia.