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Tag: 5G

  • Vodafone Idea Signs 25-Year Mumbai Metro Line 3 Network Deal with ACES India

    Vodafone Idea Signs 25-Year Mumbai Metro Line 3 Network Deal with ACES India

    Vodafone Idea has joined ACES India’s shared digital infrastructure network on Mumbai Metro Line 3 under a 25-year agreement. The deal secures dedicated mobile connectivity across the underground corridor.

    Under the pact, the carrier gains access to the multi-operator telecom setup deployed along the Aqua Line. Commuters traveling underground routes across Mumbai will receive continuous cellular coverage.

    Shared Infrastructure on the Underground Transit Corridor

    ACES India supplies the shared active and passive indoor telecom systems along the Line 3 alignment. Vodafone Idea plugs directly into this neutral-host setup. It avoids building separate underground transmission lines and antenna arrays.

    Shared networks lower capital spending for wireless carriers in transit spaces where physical room is scarce. These digital setups remove duplicate equipment across platforms, concourses, and tunnels.

    The network footprint managed by ACES India supports 4G and 5G cellular technologies across all corridor stations. Multiple service providers share the same antenna clusters and transmission hardware.

    Telecom Economics and Network Sharing

    Operators across Asia regularly turn to neutral-host models to manage high deployment costs in mass transit. Underground rail routes create tough technical barriers for radio signals, requiring continuous distributed antenna networks.

    For Vodafone Idea, the contract expands network reach along commuter corridors without the burden of private station builds. Shared passive hardware also trims maintenance overhead while keeping mobile services competitive along busy routes.

    The 25-year timeline locks in predictable operating costs for network delivery. Neutral-host providers gain steady wholesale revenue from tenant operators across decades, while transit authorities avoid managing individual vendor contracts.

    Urban Commuter Connectivity

    Mumbai Metro Aqua Line-3 covers 33.5 kilometers, linking southern business districts with northern suburbs through an entirely underground route. Heavy passenger traffic makes steady data and voice access vital for daily travelers and shoppers.

    Riders depend on cellular stability for digital transit payments, mobile retail transactions, and daily communications. Weak reception in deep transit shafts quickly drives subscriber churn in competitive metro markets.

    Mobile ticketing across modern stations requires smooth handoffs between train cabins and platform hubs. ACES India designed its multi-operator framework to maintain that connection throughout the trip.

    The Next Steps for Subterranean Rollout

    Network rollouts will advance alongside commercial train operations as passenger volume climbs across opened segments. Carriers will monitor data throughput and handoff reliability under full commuter loads.

    Future additions of wireless carriers to the ACES platform will test how well the system balances shared spectrum across multiple mobile networks during peak transit hours.

  • Digicel PNG and Vodafone PNG Sign Tower-Sharing Agreement

    Digicel PNG and Vodafone PNG Sign Tower-Sharing Agreement

    Digicel PNG and Vodafone PNG have signed a tower-sharing agreement to co-locate equipment on suitable tower sites across Papua New Guinea.

    The deal follows Vodafone PNG’s infrastructure-sharing pact with state-owned operator Telikom PNG announced in August, establishing a framework for co-location while allowing both companies to maintain independent network operations.

    Under the agreement, each operator can install equipment on towers owned by the other subject to technical, operational, safety, and commercial requirements as both prepare for 5G deployment.

    Cutting Capital Costs Across Rugged Geography

    Papua New Guinea presents some of the most expensive operating conditions for telecoms in the Pacific. Mountainous terrain, dense rainforests, and isolated population centres drive up the cost of diesel supply, security, and civil works at remote transmission sites.

    Sharing passive infrastructure lets both operators extend rural footprints without pouring duplicate concrete foundations or running separate backhaul links. Digicel PNG Interim Chief Executive Officer Brett Goschen said the arrangement addresses high delivery costs by cutting duplication and speeding network expansion.

    By sharing existing tower infrastructure where appropriate, we can expand network reach faster, reduce duplication and costs, and maximize the value of investments already made across the country.

    Consolidation Across the Pacific Carrier Market

    This bilateral deal mirrors a broader shift across the Asia-Pacific toward asset-light carrier models. Network operators in developing island markets increasingly treat physical towers as shared utilities rather than proprietary competitive moats.

    Faster site sharing cuts rural dead zones for enterprise users, logistics providers, and mobile money operators. The challenge now shifts to operational execution. Teams must coordinate shared site maintenance, resolve generator disputes during grid outages, and allocate mast space when both carriers demand additional antenna positions.

    Building on State Infrastructure Deals

    Vodafone PNG entered the market in 2022 to challenge Digicel’s long-standing footprint and has pushed for shared infrastructure to catch up on nationwide coverage. In August, Vodafone PNG struck an infrastructure-sharing and co-location pact with state-owned operator Telikom PNG to open access to public telecommunications assets.

    That arrangement established the groundwork for wider industry cooperation. Combining access to state-owned masts with Digicel’s extensive private footprint allows Vodafone PNG to expand its coverage map while curtailing capital expenditures.

    Preparing for Commercial 5G Spectrum

    Papua New Guinea’s National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) has finalized its regulatory framework for issuing 5G spectrum licences in the 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands. Operators are now positioning their shared physical infrastructure to install mid-band 5G antennas as soon as NICTA initiates the formal licence grant process.

  • Indonesia and India Sign Five-Year Telecom Pact Spanning 5G and 6G Research

    Indonesia and India Sign Five-Year Telecom Pact Spanning 5G and 6G Research

    Indonesia and India signed a five-year telecommunications cooperation pact in Jakarta. The deal covers 5G development, exploratory 6G networks, and quantum technology.

    It binds Southeast Asia’s largest digital economy with South Asia’s biggest mobile market. Both sides agreed to shared technical standards and commercial joint ventures through 2031.

    Communication ministers Meutya Hafid of Indonesia and Jyotiraditya M. Scindia of India signed the memorandum of understanding. The text formalizes bilateral commitments made by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    Joint Research in Advanced Networks

    Under the framework, both governments will direct resources into collaborative research for existing and next-generation networks. Dedicated teams will target 4G optimization, 5G enterprise tools, and early architecture for 6G cellular systems.

    Work also extends to quantum technology and advanced wireless communications. Academic institutions and industrial labs in both nations will run shared programs. The goal is to build regional intellectual property and reduce dependence on Western or Chinese equipment vendors.

    Public-private partnerships form the core of the deal. Both ministries will coordinate projects linking Indian software and engineering suppliers with Indonesian operators expanding island coverage.

    Disaster Resilience and Emergency Systems

    Network continuity during natural catastrophes is a dedicated pillar of the accord. Both countries manage vast island and coastal territories exposed to seismic and climate risks. Infrastructure survivability remains an operational priority.

    Engineers from both administrations will design emergency communication frameworks and risk-reduction protocols. These systems must keep voice, messaging, and data running when cables or base stations suffer regional failures.

    Technical training will support the infrastructure upgrades. The agreement sets up upskilling and reskilling programs for engineers, public officials, and emergency telecom staff.

    Commercial Joint Ventures and the Annual Dialogue

    Enterprise suppliers gain a direct conduit for business-to-business partnerships. Indian system integrators and Indonesian infrastructure providers can now pitch joint projects with ministerial backing.

    Governance will run through the new Indonesian-Indian Telco Dialogue. This bilateral panel will meet annually, alternating between Jakarta and New Delhi. Members will track milestones, clear operational hurdles, and establish upcoming technical priorities.

    Indonesia aims to ensure that digital transformation empowers its people to master, develop, and create future technologies. Cooperation with India serves as a strategic avenue to strengthen these capabilities.

    Market Implications for Regional Carriers

    Indonesian carriers gain an alternative technology pipeline as they weigh 5G rollout expenses against tight average revenue per user. India built an indigenous 4G and 5G technology stack over the past four years. Indian vendors now want to export those network components across Southeast Asia.

    By securing Indian technical support, Jakarta hedges its supplier exposure and speeds up rural connectivity targets. The key test will be whether state-backed research yields commercial hardware deployments across Indonesia’s dispersed telecom footprint.

    The initial term runs for five years, with renewal contingent on written consent from both ministries ahead of the 2031 expiration date.

  • Tencent Cloud and U Mobile Partner on Enterprise 5G and AI in Malaysia

    Tencent Cloud and U Mobile Partner on Enterprise 5G and AI in Malaysia

    Tencent Cloud signed a preliminary pact with Malaysian carrier U Mobile on September 15 to build enterprise artificial intelligence tools on the carrier’s 5G network. It is Tencent Cloud’s first direct AI partnership with a telecom operator in Malaysia.

    Under the memorandum of understanding, the companies will run joint development projects through U Mobile’s Enterprise Innovation Platform. The facility links Tencent Cloud’s AI processing infrastructure with U Mobile’s ULTRA5G mobile network. Both groups plan to test software tools for corporate clients and small to medium-sized enterprises. Commercial rollout across Southeast Asia will follow.

    How the platform pipeline operates

    The joint programme runs across three stages: build, test, and demonstrate. Technical teams from both companies will hold engineering workshops and conduct pilot shows. They will also open testing environments to software developers, academic researchers, and startups.

    Engineers will focus on system integration, automated workflows, network security, and data handling. U Mobile plans to use the trials to identify enterprise use cases. These can convert into paying commercial contracts once network validation wraps up.

    At U Mobile, we are focused on using our next-gen 5G network to enable innovation that delivers real value to businesses. Our partnership with Tencent Cloud strengthens this by bringing together 5G, AI and cloud technologies to explore new applications across industries.

    Carriers compete for enterprise AI workloads

    Southeast Asian telecom operators face flat consumer mobile revenue and rising capital spending on network rollouts. Partnering with Chinese hyperscalers gives local carriers ready-made enterprise software suites without funding research from scratch. For Tencent Cloud, tying algorithms directly to local carrier data pipes secures access to corporate clients. Rivals Alibaba Cloud and Huawei Cloud are already pursuing those accounts in Kuala Lumpur.

    This structure shifts the capital burden. U Mobile provides the radio access network and corporate client relationships. Tencent Cloud supplies model architectures and compute tools. The setup reduces upfront overhead for the carrier, though long-term margins will depend on how the partners split software licensing fees.

    SME adoption presents commercial hurdle

    Small and medium-sized enterprises make up the bulk of Malaysia’s business sector, but smaller firms frequently delay advanced tech spending. High transition costs and complex integration cycles often stall digital transformation plans before software reaches production.

    Both partners target this friction by building pre-tested tools for specific operational bottlenecks. If pilot programs fail to show measurable efficiency gains or clear cost cuts within six months, enterprise uptake will lag. Network capacity would then sit underutilised.

    Deployment pathway and next steps

    Earlier carrier partnerships in the market centered strictly on data connectivity and basic cloud hosting rather than integrated AI tooling. The current project follows U Mobile’s rollout of its commercial ULTRA5G network infrastructure across high-density Malaysian business districts.

    Joint technical workshops with selected enterprise partners begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. The initial batch of commercial pilot deployments across retail, logistics, and manufacturing sectors will head for review by mid-2027.

  • Papua New Guinea Ready to Issue 5G Licences in 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz Bands

    Papua New Guinea Ready to Issue 5G Licences in 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz Bands

    Papua New Guinea’s National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) is ready to issue 5G spectrum licences in the 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands to qualified mobile operators.

    The regulator established the framework after completing legal, technical, and market assessments, clearing both frequency bands for concurrent 4G and 5G service rollouts across the country.

    Universal Access and Coverage Obligations

    Licence conditions require operators including Vodafone PNG and Digicel PNG, which completed readiness testing in July, to extend 4G coverage to 20 new sites under the Universal Access and Service Program.

    Under the mandate, carriers cannot confine capital expenditure solely to high-yield cities. Operators must absorb the cost of widening base connectivity across remote provinces while commercialising premium data speeds.

    Carrier Timelines and Network Commitments

    Vodafone PNG pledged to activate 5G services in the National Capital District and at least one additional city within 18 months of licensing. It committed to covering 20 per cent of the national population within 36 months. That expands to 30 per cent within 60 months.

    Digicel PNG confirmed technical preparedness ahead of the awards, completing end-to-end 5G network trials on its existing architecture. Competition between the two operators now shifts toward high-capacity broadband links and enterprise digital connectivity rather than basic voice and mobile data pricing.

    Wider Spectrum and Satellite Reforms

    Planning reviews and technical alignment with international telecommunication standards preceded the release. Digicel established its local network readiness during testing in July. Hardware installation can begin as soon as authorities formally execute the frequency grants.

    Regulators will monitor rollout milestones and enforcement across both assigned bands. Next, the authority will draft allocation policies for additional high-demand spectrum, satellite-delivered non-terrestrial network services, and unlicensed frequency bands for public Wi-Fi infrastructure.

  • Chunghwa Telecom and Askey Deploy Mobile 5G for Construction Robots

    Chunghwa Telecom and Askey Deploy Mobile 5G for Construction Robots

    Chunghwa Telecom and Askey Computer rolled out a portable private 5G platform in Kaohsiung. The network runs autonomous construction robots across local social housing developments.

    Field trials are underway at two municipal residential sites, Shanming Anju and Shuixiu Anju in the city’s Siaogang District. Developed alongside robotics specialist ROSO, the setup pairs Chunghwa’s dedicated 5G spectrum with Askey’s relocatable network hardware. It controls multiple machines simultaneously.

    Mobile infrastructure for hazardous site work

    Standard job sites depend on fixed network wiring that crews build and tear down as phases advance. By contrast, the portable unit moves directly between active zones. It maintains continuous, low-latency links for field machinery without fixed cabling.

    Robots handle high-risk, repetitive tasks including surface grinding and chemical spraying. Moving heavy finishing work to automated systems cuts worker exposure to fine dust, toxic fumes, and physical strain during structural fit-outs.

    Pushing private networks past factory floors

    Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs funded the initiative through its Industrial Development Administration to expand private 5G beyond manufacturing plants and smart warehouses. Across East Asia, telecom operators face steady pressure to monetize enterprise 5G. They are embedding dedicated networks into heavy industry, infrastructure development, and commercial real estate workflows.

    Project partners will redeploy the portable network gear across additional public housing sites in Kaohsiung as structural phases wrap up in Siaogang.

  • Reliance Jio Holds 506 Million Users but Trails in 11 Indian Circles

    Reliance Jio Holds 506 Million Users but Trails in 11 Indian Circles

    Reliance Jio reached 506 million mobile subscribers across India while trailing regional rivals in 11 of the country’s 22 telecom service circles.

    The split highlights how regional competition remains stubborn across key states even as the operator dominates aggregate national numbers.

    Regional Market Share Dynamics

    India divides its telecom market into 22 operational circles covering distinct states and metropolitan areas. Jio leads in half of those service areas, driven by heavy nationwide mobile broadband rollout. In the other 11 circles, competing operators retain the top rank through entrenched distribution channels and long-standing subscriber bases.

    Gaining ground in secondary and rural circles requires continuous capital expenditure on base stations and fiber links. Jio has focused its standalone 5G deployment to challenge rival networks where earlier market entrants built strong local brand loyalty.

    The Battle for Secondary Circles

    Across Asian telecommunications, aggregate national subscriber leads frequently mask localized market splits where regional operators protect user share and pricing power. Similar dynamics play out in markets like Indonesia and the Philippines, where provincial dominance often resists nationwide network rollouts.

    Jio now faces the operational test of lifting its rank across those 11 remaining circles as Indian operators push to convert network capacity into higher average revenue per user.

  • South Korea Smartphone Shipments Slip 0.5% as Premium Devices Take 73% Share

    South Korea Smartphone Shipments Slip 0.5% as Premium Devices Take 73% Share

    South Korea’s smartphone market shipped 3.78 million units in the first quarter of 2026, dipping 0.5 per cent year-on-year, according to data from IDC Korea.

    Handsets priced at $800 and above captured 73.2 per cent of total volume, gaining double digits over the same period last year as buyers gravitated toward top-tier devices.

    Persistent inflation, volatile financial markets and geopolitical tension in the Middle East dampened entry-level purchases. Budget and mid-tier devices lost market share despite fresh product rollouts, weighed down by channel inventory accumulated ahead of the new school term.

    Foldables Surge as 5G Hits 95% Penetration

    Foldable devices led unit expansion during the quarter. Shipments reached 190,000 units, delivering triple-digit percentage growth compared to the opening quarter of 2025.

    Fifth-generation network connectivity became standard across nearly the entire market. 5G-capable devices accounted for 95.5 per cent of all smartphone shipments nationwide, supported by steady flagship purchases and a wider spread of affordable 5G models in secondary price tiers.

    Direct Sales and Price Hikes Drive Margins

    Across East Asia, mature consumer tech markets are splitting along spending lines. Rather than chasing unit volume through discounting, hardware brands in Seoul are steering promotional spend toward high-margin halo models to protect operating profitability against elongated replacement cycles.

    Manufacturers plan to lean heavily on flagship releases to generate demand through the first half of 2026, according to Jihae Kang, a researcher on IDC Korea’s mobile phone market research team.

    Brands will pursue profitability by raising retail prices on high-capacity storage tiers and expanding direct-to-consumer sales channels through the second half of the year.

  • Nifty Opens Pre-Orders for 4.2Gbps WiMAX 5G Mobile Broadband in Japan

    Nifty Opens Pre-Orders for 4.2Gbps WiMAX 5G Mobile Broadband in Japan

    Japanese internet service provider Nifty opened pre-orders for its @nifty WiMAX +5G broadband package, delivering theoretical download speeds of up to 4.2Gbps across Japan.

    The service operates as both fixed-wireless home internet and portable mobile connectivity without requiring physical fiber installation in the premises.

    Network Speeds and Usage Limits

    Users receive unmetered monthly data allowances across the WiMAX network footprint. Nifty maintains standard network controls, reserving the ability to throttle throughput during periods of severe network congestion or exceptionally heavy data consumption.

    The Push for Fixed-Wireless Access

    Japanese broadband operators increasingly pitch high-speed 5G fixed-wireless access as a friction-free alternative to traditional fiber connections in urban apartments and rental properties. Eliminating technician visits and wall drilling cuts consumer onboarding times to the arrival of the hardware, intensifying competition against fixed-line incumbents.

    Pre-orders are open now, with commercial service activation and device shipments scheduled to begin in late October.

  • India Ascends to Second Spot Globally with Over 400 Million 5G Users: A Story of Rapid Digital Transformation

    India Ascends to Second Spot Globally with Over 400 Million 5G Users: A Story of Rapid Digital Transformation

    India has solidified its position as the world’s second-largest 5G subscriber market, just after China. This achievement highlights the nation’s speedy embrace of next-generation connectivity and one of the fastest global network rollouts, as stated by the Union Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia.

    Impressive Numbers in 5G Adoption

    Currently, India boasts of more than 400 million 5G users, making it home to the world’s second-largest 5G subscriber population. Data presented by the Ministry of Communications indicates that telecom service providers have installed approximately 4.69 lakh 5G base transceiver stations nationwide as of March 2025. This reflects the swift pace of 5G deployment in India, which started in October 2022 and is among the fastest rollouts globally.

    Today, 5G services encompass over 99% of India’s districts, with an estimated population coverage of around 85%. Since the initial launch, 25 crore users have migrated to 5G services, and the total subscriber base has surged past 400 million as network accessibility and device adoption have grown.

    Notable Strides in Rural Connectivity

    The Ministry also pointed out significant improvements in rural connectivity. There has been a 42.9% increase in rural telephone connections, almost twice the rate of urban growth. The number of connections has risen from 377.78 million in March 2014 to 539.83 million by September 2025.

    Digital Expansion and Internet Usage

    The digital expansion in India is further mirrored in internet usage. Total internet connections have crossed the one billion mark, reaching 1.0029 billion, compared to 251.5 million in March 2014. This represents a growth of nearly 299%.

    Progress in Telecom Self-Reliance

    In line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, India has made substantial progress in telecom self-reliance. It has joined the select group of nations that have developed an end-to-end 4G stack which is upgradable to 5G. While it took other countries decades to mature similar technologies, India achieved this milestone in just two years. Additionally, there is growing momentum in indigenous 6G research and development under the ambitious Bharat 6G Mission.

    Collectively, these developments firmly establish India as a primary global player in 5G adoption and digital infrastructure. This has implications for enterprise connectivity, innovation, and long-term economic growth across the region.

    Questions & Answers

    What is India’s current rank in the global 5G subscriber market?
    India has emerged as the second-largest 5G subscriber market in the world.

    How many 5G users does India currently have?
    India currently has over 400 million 5G users.

    What has been the growth in rural telephone connections in India?
    Rural telephone connections in India have grown by 42.9%, nearly double the urban growth rate.

  • Cambodia Ushers in Digital Transformation with Nationwide 5G Launch in 2026

    Cambodia Ushers in Digital Transformation with Nationwide 5G Launch in 2026

    Cambodia is preparing to introduce 5G mobile services as of January 1, 2026, as reported by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications. The three major mobile operators in the region, Cellcard (CamGSM), Metfone (Viettel Cambodia), and Smart (Smart Axiata), have already constructed telecommunications antenna stations and equipped these locations with the necessary 5G network infrastructure.

    5G Services Rollout

    Coinciding with New Year’s Day celebrations, customers across the three mobile operators will gain access to 5G services right from 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2026. The initial phase of the rollout will see 5G services made available in key areas including the capital city, Phnom Penh, and various regions in Siem Reap, Kandal, Svay Rieng, Kampong Speu, Takeo, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, Prey Veng, Kratie, Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Preah Sihanouk, Stung Treng, and Kampot.

    There are plans for subsequent phases to extend the coverage of 5G services throughout the other provinces of the Southeast Asian country.

    The Impact of 5G Services

    The launch of 5G services is anticipated to significantly propel digital evolution across the economic and societal landscape. Key benefits include faster internet speeds compared to the existing 4G, the simultaneous connection of multiple devices, reduced latency, and augmented efficiency in delivering digital public services.

    The new 5G services represent more than just enhanced internet speed. They symbolize an essential digital infrastructure underpinning Cambodia’s digital future. This development is expected to foster innovation and spawn new opportunities.

    As per data from the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, Cambodia has approximately 19.6 million internet subscribers and around 20.6 million mobile phone users. These figures exceed the country’s total population of 17 million, owing to some individuals subscribing to multiple internet or phone services.

    Questions & Answers

    When will 5G services be launched in Cambodia?
    5G services are set to be launched in Cambodia on January 1, 2026.

    What are some benefits of 5G services?
    Key benefits of 5G services include faster internet speeds, the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously, low latency, and enhanced efficiency in delivering digital public services.

    What does the introduction of 5G services signify for Cambodia?
    The introduction of 5G services indicates a significant step toward a digital future for Cambodia, expected to foster innovation and create new opportunities.

  • Sri Lanka Surges into Digital Future with Dialog’s Revolutionary 5G Ultra Launch

    Sri Lanka Surges into Digital Future with Dialog’s Revolutionary 5G Ultra Launch

    Dialog Axiata PLC has made a significant stride in propelling Sri Lanka’s digital revolution with the commercial launch of Dialog 5G Ultra. This significant development represents a quantum leap in the nation’s digital transformation and its progression into the 5G era. Dialog’s 5G network, bolstered by over 220 active 5G sites, caters to more than 1.5 million subscribers, making it the pioneer in offering commercial 5G services in Sri Lanka. This underscores its leadership in the provision of next-generation connectivity across the country. The commercial launch comes on the heels of Dialog’s acquisition of a 100 MHz block in the 3500 MHz band and a 200 MHz block in the 27 GHz band during the 5G spectrum auction conducted by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL).

    Advancements in Connectivity

    Dialog 5G Ultra delivers superior 5G connectivity marked by ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and enhanced network performance. This sets the stage for augmented digital experiences for Sri Lankan consumers and offers advanced capabilities for businesses and industries. By employing the 3500 MHz spectrum for broad-area mobile coverage and the 27 GHz spectrum for high-capacity, gigabit-speed applications, Dialog is strategically poised to support future-proof consumer and enterprise applications.

    Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC, said:

    The introduction of Dialog 5G Ultra signifies a crucial stride in fortifying Sri Lanka’s digital infrastructure for the future. Beyond faster connectivity, 5G is a vital catalyst of innovation, productivity, and inclusion across the digital economy. As Sri Lanka’s largest 5G network, we are committed to investing USD 100 million over the next two years to expand 5G connectivity across the country and ensure that individuals, businesses, and industries can fully participate in a digital Sri Lanka. We are grateful to the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka and the Government of Sri Lanka for conducting a transparent auction process to allocate 5G spectrum.

    Continuing the Journey into 5G

    Dialog’s foray into 5G builds upon a robust history of innovation. They were the pioneers in introducing 2G, 3G, and 4G in South Asia, spearheaded early 5G demonstrations, and have operated the country’s most extensive 5G trial network for several years. The commercial launch of Dialog 5G Ultra now makes these advancements widely accessible, integrating high-performance connectivity into daily life and business operations.

    In celebration of the launch, Dialog has unveiled a series of 5G-related promotions, including devices, data plans, and content, enabling customers to fully experience the potential of 5G in mobile and entertainment.

    Dialog also provides the most comprehensive 5G roaming network from Sri Lanka, offering 5G connectivity in 76 countries through collaborations with 155 global mobile operators. This allows Dialog customers with 5G-compatible devices to enjoy uninterrupted, high-speed connectivity while travelling abroad, reinforcing Dialog’s leadership in providing a world-class mobile experience for both Sri Lankans overseas and visitors to the country. As a pioneer in introducing future technologies to Sri Lanka, Dialog is committed to advancing national digital transformation and delivering world-class connectivity experiences that enhance lives, empower businesses, and underpin the country’s long-term development.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of the launch of Dialog 5G Ultra?

    Dialog 5G Ultra is a milestone towards digital transformation for Sri Lanka as it provides high-speed, low-latency connectivity, thereby enhancing digital experiences for consumers and businesses.

    How is Dialog Axiata planning to expand its 5G services?

    Dialog Axiata has committed to investing USD 100 million over the next two years to extend 5G connectivity across Sri Lanka.

    How does Dialog 5G Ultra benefit customers travelling abroad?

    Dialog provides the most comprehensive 5G roaming network from Sri Lanka, enabling customers with 5G-compatible devices to enjoy seamless, high-speed connectivity in 76 countries.

  • Unlocking the Future with 5G-A and AI: The Rise of the Mobile AI Era and Telco-Techco Transformation in the Middle East & Central Asia

    Unlocking the Future with 5G-A and AI: The Rise of the Mobile AI Era and Telco-Techco Transformation in the Middle East & Central Asia

    The partnership between 5G-Advanced (5G-A) and AI is crucial for unlocking the intelligent future of the Middle East and Central Asia. This strategic alliance transforms the network, allowing telecommunications operators to shift from selling capacity to offering differentiated, AI-managed services. This shift allows telcos to guarantee a quality that is essential for high-value services. This vital partnership pushes the development of Autonomous Networks (AN), ensures premium experience monetization, and propels the ‘AI-first, inside-out’ transformation for new economic benefits.

    Introduction: Catalyzing the Connected Future

    The Middle East and Central Asia (ME&CA) region has positioned itself as a global front-runner in digital innovation and transformation. From the implementation of 5G to ongoing and ambitious national digital transformation programs, no other region surpasses their pace of change and development. Building on this momentum, telecom operators now stand on the threshold of a significant technological milestone – the fusion of 5G-Advanced and artificial intelligence.

    This transformation goes beyond merely upgrading two separate technologies. It entails merging the ultimate connectivity infrastructure (5G-A) with the ultimate intelligence engine (AI) to herald the dawn of a supreme digital experience. This robust experience forms the foundation for initiating the new ‘Mobile AI Era,’ a paradigm shift that is redefining operational efficiency, unlocking unprecedented business value, and advancing the region’s socio-economic and digital inclusion objectives.

    Moving Towards the ‘Mobile AI Era’: The Essential Partnership of 5G-A & AI

    The integration of AI into mobile communications signals the rapid advent of the mobile AI era. Innovative services such as real-time multi-modal calling with AI assistants, autonomous robots with embodied AI, and real-time cloud rendering for AI-generated content are emerging as the game-changing applications of the 5G-A era.

    In this ‘Mobile AI Era’, networks are evolving beyond their traditional role as mobile data pipelines. They are becoming value platforms that underpin differentiated experiences for people, homes, vehicles, things, and industries. This evolution is where AI becomes indispensable. AI acts as the brain that operates the 5G-A network, infusing intelligence into 5G-A connections, and unlocking a plethora of new scenarios, applications, and business models.

    The shift from 5G to 5G-A is fundamentally about transitioning from best-effort services to delivering guaranteed quality and sticking to service level agreements (SLAs). However, the resulting massive increase in network complexity and data volume generated by these applications cannot be managed manually.

    5G-A Experience Management and Business Innovation: Supported by AI

    One significant change that 5G-A enables is fostering ‘intelligent connectivity,’ which means a transition from selling ‘generic bandwidth’ to selling ‘differentiated, scenario-based connectivity and experience’. This transition is the key to evolving from a ‘dumb-pipe’ to an ‘AI smart-pipe’ revenue model. However, successful monetization of this transition requires sophisticated, intelligent experience management.

    While AI empowers the network, 5G-A also empowers AI-based services and applications. Its high throughput, low latency, and edge computing capabilities allow real-time interaction and decision making. This combination of 5G-A and AI allows carriers to offer differentiated, guaranteed experiences for specific applications, thereby transitioning from a simple supplier to a vital technology partner that commands premium revenue.

    Building New Value with Al-to-X: The AI-First, 5G-A Driven Transformation

    For operators in the ME&CA region, the ultimate vision is to transform from traditional communication service providers into technology companies. This transformation requires an AI-first approach, which rests on the three pillars of ‘Servitization’, ‘Platformization’, and ‘Intelligentization’.

    Carriers are progressively integrating AI into their services to improve efficiency, productivity, and user experience, especially in the 5G-A era. However, to maximize these capabilities and ensure always-on services, carriers now need to implement these three strategies of ‘AI-to-X’, where this ‘X’ signifies one or more of ‘servitization’, ‘platformization’, and ‘intelligentization’.

    Questions & Answers

    What does the convergence of 5G-A and AI mean for the Middle East and Central Asia?
    This convergence represents a significant technological leap forward. It will allow for the provision of differentiated, AI-managed services and pave the way for the ‘Mobile AI Era’ in the region.

    How does the integration of AI into mobile communications contribute to the evolution of networks?
    The integration of AI into mobile communications transforms networks into value platforms that underpin differentiated experiences. AI becomes the brain that operates the 5G-A network, infusing intelligence into connections and unlocking new scenarios, applications, and business models.

    What is the ultimate vision for operators in the ME&CA region?
    The ultimate vision for operators in the region is to transform from traditional communication service providers into technology companies. This transformation requires an AI-first approach and the implementation of the three strategies of ‘AI-to-X’, representing ‘servitization’, ‘platformization’, and ‘intelligentization’.

  • 5G Revolution in Asia-Pacific: Skyrocketing Adoption Set to Reach 4.6 Billion Connections by 2030

    5G Revolution in Asia-Pacific: Skyrocketing Adoption Set to Reach 4.6 Billion Connections by 2030

    5G technology is quickly gaining traction in the Asia-Pacific region, with its compound annual growth rate (CAGR) projected to climb by 11.4%. This surge is anticipated to elevate the number of 5G connections from 2.7 billion in 2025 to 4.6 billion by 2030. The escalation is primarily attributed to the increasing availability of cost-effective 5G devices, continual network expansions, particularly in India, Malaysia, and Thailand, and the imminent unveiling of services in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

    Key Drivers of 5G Adoption

    Government initiatives, corporate digital transformation efforts, and the burgeoning demand for high-performance connectivity necessary for evolving application areas are the primary drivers of this growth. Emerging application areas include smart manufacturing, autonomous mobility, and cloud gaming. Additionally, government and telecom regulatory bodies in Australia, China, India, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan have introduced national 5G strategies and action plans. These outline the vision and guidelines to establish 5G ecosystems, expand 5G coverage, and drive adoption. These strategies feature supporting initiatives such as public sector investment in 5G applications, favorable tax incentives, industry-government collaboration forums, promotion of 5G-led technological innovations, and license arrangements to optimize spectrum use.

    China Leading the 5G Market

    China is projected to maintain its position as the world’s largest 5G market throughout the forecast period. Approximately 75% of its total mobile subscriptions are expected to be on a 5G network by 2029, fueled by investment and regulatory efforts to extend 5G service coverage to rural areas and industrial parks. For instance, China had installed close to 4.2 million 5G base stations by 2024, increasing this figure to 4.6 million by the end of September 2025, significantly enhancing its network capacity and coverage. This continued expansion of 5G networks by telecom operators is also propelling the market forward throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

    Investments in 5G Infrastructure

    Regional telecom companies are planning to invest approximately USD 254 billion in network infrastructure by 2030, with a primary focus on 5G deployments. These expansions present telecom companies with opportunities to increase revenue through the sale of premium 5G mobile plans and the provision of enterprise connectivity solutions, such as private 5G. The synergy of 5G’s speed and reliability with emerging technologies like AI, data analytics, and M2M/IoT will allow telecom companies to innovate and extend their customer base into sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and mining.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5G in the Asia-Pacific region?
    The CAGR of 5G in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to be 11.4%.

    Which country is anticipated to remain the world’s largest 5G market?
    China is projected to retain its position as the world’s largest 5G market.

    What is the planned investment by regional telecom companies in network infrastructure by 2030?
    Regional telecom companies plan to invest an estimated USD 254 billion in network infrastructure by 2030, primarily focusing on 5G deployments.

  • Samsung and SKT Forge Ahead with Advanced AI-Driven 6G Tech: A New Era in Hyperconnected Telecommunications

    Samsung and SKT Forge Ahead with Advanced AI-Driven 6G Tech: A New Era in Hyperconnected Telecommunications

    Samsung Electronics and SK Telecom (SKT) have recently formalized their cooperation by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The partnership will focus on the development of crucial 6G technologies, with a special focus on artificial intelligence-based radio access network (AI-RAN) technology. The primary aim of the collaboration is to develop and test key technologies for the 6G era, including AI-based channel estimation, distributed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission, AI-RAN-based schedulers, and core network architectures.

    Leading the Collaboration

    Samsung Research and SKT’s Network Technology Office will be spearheading the collaboration. AI-based channel estimation technology aims to improve network performance by predicting and correcting signal transmission instantaneously. This allows for quick and accurate data delivery in environments where radio waves face obstructions such as buildings or walls.

    Unlike traditional setups, where a single base station handles data processing, distributed MIMO technology enables multiple base stations or antennas to collaborate in the transmission and reception of data. This innovative approach ensures reliable, ultra-high-speed communication in both urban and rural settings.

    Improving Network Quality

    AI-RAN schedulers and AI-based core networks are crucial for data transmission optimization. They efficiently dictate when, where, and how to send data, ensuring efficient resource allocation even when numerous user devices are connected. These technologies are vital for enhancing network quality and facilitating automation in a future hyperconnected society.

    Under the partnership, Samsung Research will be concentrating on the development of AI-RAN technologies, including AI-based channel estimation models, schedulers, and distributed MIMO. Meanwhile, SKT will be responsible for providing data and setting up test infrastructure based on its nationwide network operations. The companies are also making collaborative efforts as members of the AI-RAN Alliance.

    Future Prospects

    JinGuk Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of Advanced Communications Research Center (ACRC), Samsung Research at Samsung Electronics, has expressed optimism about the joint venture with SKT. He believes that this field-focused collaboration will enable them to verify the efficacy of AI-based wireless technologies in real-world settings and secure key AI-RAN technologies at an early stage.

    Takki Yu, Vice President of SK Telecom Network Technology Office, emphasized that the fusion of AI and wireless communications will be crucial to 6G competitiveness. Through their partnership with Samsung Electronics, they plan to secure world-class AI-RAN-based 6G technologies and lead the global 6G ecosystem.

    Since 2019, when it established the Advanced Communications Research Center (ACRC), Samsung has been proactively pursuing 6G research, publishing the 6G White Paper and 6G Spectrum White Paper, which outline its vision and direction for next-generation communications.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the main focus of the collaboration between Samsung Electronics and SK Telecom?
    The collaboration aims to develop and test key technologies for the 6G era, particularly artificial intelligence-based radio access network (AI-RAN) technology.

    Who will be leading this collaboration?
    Samsung Research and SKT’s Network Technology Office will be spearheading the partnership.

    What role does AI play in the development of 6G technologies?
    Artificial Intelligence is crucial in enhancing network quality, facilitating automation, and ensuring efficient resource allocation in a future hyperconnected society.