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Tag: connectivity

  • SoftBank Restores Mobile Coverage Across 5Km Radius from 3,000 Metres

    SoftBank Restores Mobile Coverage Across 5Km Radius from 3,000 Metres

    SoftBank Corp. Announced this week the successful completion of a trial providing mobile communication capability from the air to establish temporary ground coverage during large-scale disasters.

    The trial utilized a domestically designed and manufactured Disaster Relief Unit Pod mounted on a large remotely piloted aircraft system operated by the Japan Coast Guard, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

    Airborne Cells Over Disaster Zones

    Transmitting radio waves from an altitude of 3,000 meters, the aircraft established a mobile communication area with a radius of over 5 km, delivering outdoor download speeds of up to 20 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 5 Mbps on 5 MHz bandwidth.

    Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications conducted the test alongside the Coast Guard in an inter-ministerial partnership. State backing reflects urgent policy pressure to harden communication networks against catastrophic seismic events along the Nankai Trough.

    Commercial Stakes for Asian Operators

    Regional carriers across Asia-Pacific face heavy costs from climate-driven network outages, yet few have solved wide-area restoration beyond truck-mounted base stations that stall at flooded or blocked roads. Telcos in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Taiwan have tested tethered drones and satellite-to-cell protocols. Short battery endurance and low data throughput limit those tools. SoftBank’s use of a long-endurance maritime surveillance drone bridges the gap between low-capacity orbital links and localized field generators.

    Fleet costs for dedicated aircraft remain steep. Telecom operators cannot justify buying military-grade drones solely for disaster standby. Shared-asset pacts with coast guards and civil defense agencies offer the only workable operating model. SoftBank is positioning its communications pod as a plug-and-play government utility rather than a standalone carrier capital expenditure.

    From Coastal Helicopters to Fixed-Wing Drones

    Testing builds on a phased development program. SoftBank ran initial flights in March 2026 by mounting the DRU Pod on a conventional helicopter over Kuroshio Town in Kochi Prefecture. Those trials proved signal transmission geometry. Engineers then adapted the housing for high-altitude, long-endurance fixed-wing drones capable of staying airborne for dozens of hours.

    Funding stems from a research contract titled Development of Aerial Mobile Network Systems for Rapid Coverage Restoration in Disaster-Affected Areas, awarded to SoftBank in 2023 under the Beyond 5G and 6G Fund Program run by Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology.

    Next Steps in Fleet Integration

    SoftBank will now refine pod aerodynamics and automate spectrum handoffs between aerial platforms and surviving ground towers. Field teams plan to test autonomous deployment routines to cut launch preparation times following emergency alerts. Regulators and emergency planners will evaluate standardized operational protocols for the system ahead of commercial rollout targets for coastal disaster response units.

  • Vietnam Shuts Down 2G Network as Viettel Migrates Millions to 4G

    Vietnam Shuts Down 2G Network as Viettel Migrates Millions to 4G

    Vietnam completed its nationwide 2G network shutdown on September 15, 2026, ending legacy service for an initial base of 18.2 million older connections. The migration clears radio spectrum across the country for faster data services.

    State operator Viettel handled the bulk of the transition, moving nearly 8.6 million subscribers onto 4G and 5G voice services between January and September 2026. The carrier reduced its remaining unmigrated voice cohort from 9.3 million users at the close of 2025 to 750,000 by the deadline, bringing 99 per cent of its customer base onto modern data and voice protocols.

    Hardware Subsidies and Village Outreaches

    Getting users off legacy networks required cheap replacement handsets. Low-income subscribers in rural provinces faced steep replacement costs for smartphones, prompting Viettel to market basic 4G feature phones starting at 200,000 VND with handset trade-in options.

    State funds filled the remaining equipment deficit. The carrier worked with the Vietnam Public-Utility Telecommunications Service Fund to distribute 400,000 4G handsets directly to low-income families and welfare beneficiaries. Viettel deployed field teams into remote communes alongside municipal digital task forces, swapping SIM cards manually and training older users on the new devices.

    The Regional Playbook on Spectrum Retirement

    Phasing out 2G has stalled across emerging markets where low-cost hardware remains scarce. In India, Reliance Jio urged regulators in early 2024 to establish a concrete switch-off timetable, yet roughly 250 million Indian users remained bound to 2G feature phones without a mandatory national deadline. South Africa delayed its initial June 2024 termination target to late 2027 after retail point-of-sale card terminals, security alarms and fleet tracking hardware failed to switch in time. Even Britain extended its decommissioning window through 2033 to protect 12 million legacy utility smart meters.

    Vietnam bypassed these extended delays by enforcing a split transition. Regulators barred network access for 2G-only mobile phones in October 2024 while allowing machine-to-machine hardware and devices lacking voice-over-LTE capabilities to operate temporarily on secondary bands. That phased policy gave enterprise fleet managers and utility operators a two-year buffer to retool automated hardware without blocking consumer spectrum reclamation.

    Infrastructure Buildout Across Rural Communes

    Carriers had to expand rural coverage before switching off old transmitters. Viettel added more than 6,000 4G base stations across interior provinces, raising its 4G population coverage to 99.7 per cent and connecting four million people in isolated settlements.

    Network operators secured vital transmission capacity through government spectrum auctions. Viettel secured rights to the 900MHz spectrum band, using the low-frequency band to project wide-area 4G and 5G coverage across mountainous terrain where higher frequencies fail to penetrate.

    Network Expansion and the 5G Target

    The transition resolves a prolonged upgrade cycle that started when Vietnam surpassed 100 per cent mobile penetration in 2009. The country counted 110.5 million mobile internet subscriptions as the switch-off concluded, though infrastructure imbalances persisted across isolated districts. The Ministry of Science and Technology has separately targeted 273 rural villages that still lack dependable reception to eliminate regional coverage holes.

    Carrier investments now turn entirely to high-band cellular deployment. Viettel is installing 20,000 additional 5G base stations using freed transmission spectrum, aiming to reach 50,000 total 5G sites and 97 per cent national population coverage by the end of 2026.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • SoftBank Completes Japan Airborne Base Station Trial for 2027 Rollout

    SoftBank Completes Japan Airborne Base Station Trial for 2027 Rollout

    SoftBank Corp. Completed Japan’s first stratospheric mobile base trial over Kochi Prefecture. The platform transmitted voice, video and drone control signals from an altitude of 20 kilometres.

    The uncrewed, airship-like craft can hover for up to six months. It acts as an airborne cell tower when earthquakes or typhoons knock out ground networks.

    Stratospheric Flight Over Kochi

    Crews launched the High Altitude Platform Station craft from New Mexico. They ran communication tests above western Japan’s Muroto region on August 23 and August 24. Engineers confirmed stable two-way voice, video and emergency channels during the two-day window.

    Flight trials also maintained continuous control links with inspection drones. SoftBank plans to deploy those links during natural disasters to check damaged roads and assess collapsed buildings without risking ground survey crews.

    Rival Operators Test Disaster Links

    Japan’s three dominant carriers are competing to secure non-terrestrial coverage across an archipelago exposed to frequent seismic activity. SoftBank, NTT DOCOMO and KDDI Corp. Already sell direct-to-satellite messaging for smartphones. Satellite bandwidth, however, struggles to support video feeds and autonomous drone flights during emergencies.

    High-altitude stations solve that bottleneck by operating closer to Earth than low-orbit satellites. NTT DOCOMO is preparing trials in Ishikawa Prefecture’s Noto peninsula using a balloon-shaped craft. That project targets damage assessments and labor monitoring for forestry and agriculture.

    Commercial Service Targets 2027

    Demand for stratospheric networks intensified after a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the Noto region on January 1, 2024. The disaster cut road access and severed terrestrial fiber links across dozens of coastal communities.

    SoftBank plans to widen flight zones and extend mission durations ahead of a commercial rollout in 2027. That service will target enterprise clients and municipal governments seeking backup connectivity during regular operations.

  • India Telecom Base Hits 1.33 Billion Users as Broadband Surges Past 1 Billion

    India Telecom Base Hits 1.33 Billion Users as Broadband Surges Past 1 Billion

    India’s telecommunication network reached 1,337.54 million total telephone subscribers as national teledensity climbed to 90.28 per cent.

    Wireless accounts drove nearly the entire base at 1,288.96 million connections, while fixed-line subscriptions stood at 48.58 million.

    The network added a net 6.95 million telephone users in a single month, taking total broadband subscribers across wireline and wireless infrastructure to 1,073.44 million. Wireless broadband accounts for 1,026.60 million of those users, with fixed wireline connections supplying the remaining 46.84 million lines. Gross adjusted revenue generated across the country’s communications market totaled 229,071 crore rupees, or approximately 24 billion US dollars.

    Urban Penetration and Rural Expansion

    Urban centres recorded a teledensity of 152.11 per cent across 783.12 million subscribers, reflecting widespread dual-SIM adoption and concentrated commercial use. Rural regions accounted for 554.41 million telephone users, posting a teledensity of 60.74 per cent. The gap between city hubs and provincial districts continues to define network investment priorities for carriers upgrading optical fibre and microwave transmission infrastructure.

    Core transmission routes rely on microwave radio relay setups alongside optical fibre deployments, connecting digital exchanges and media gateways across state boundaries. The terrestrial footprint links into the Indian National Satellite System to secure coverage across remote terrain.

    Broadband Growth and Economic Scale

    Data access now dominates carrier operations, supported by spectrum allocations and coordination through the ITU-APT Foundation of India. Commercial telecom networks direct capital into network switching subsystems and signalling gateways to handle expanding digital payments and e-governance traffic. Sector operations also support broader economic activity, with trade group GSMA previously tracking direct and indirect sector employment in the millions.

    Future subscriber additions depend on converting the remaining non-broadband wireless base and expanding rural fixed-line reach beyond the current 48.58 million wired lines.

  • 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.

  • Vodafone Idea and BSNL Agree to Share Networks Across All Indian Circles

    Vodafone Idea and BSNL Agree to Share Networks Across All Indian Circles

    Vodafone Idea and state-owned carrier Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited have agreed to share their mobile network infrastructure across all telecommunications service circles in India.

    The agreement allows both operators to expand operational coverage across urban and rural markets without duplicating infrastructure expenditure. Talks finalized after a direct meeting between Vodafone Idea chief executive Abhijit Kishore and BSNL chairman and managing director Robert J. Ravi.

    Terms of the Circle Sharing Agreement

    Under the framework, the two carriers will implement intra-circle roaming arrangements nationwide. The pact enables subscribers of both providers to access the partner carrier’s towers and base stations in regions where their primary network has limited coverage.

    BSNL operates an extensive footprint in rural and secondary markets across India, while Vodafone Idea maintains higher network density in key metropolitan areas and major urban hubs.

    Infrastructure Collaboration in Indian Telecoms

    The deal reflects broader pressure on Indian telecom operators to optimize network capital costs as they manage heavy operational outlays and ongoing technology upgrades. Sharing radio access networks has become an essential tool for cash-conscious operators competing against better-funded rivals Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel.

    Both carriers will now begin technical integration across individual service zones to activate intra-circle roaming on existing spectrum bands.

  • Telkom Finalizes $4.8 Billion Spinoff of InfraNexia Network Assets, Paving Way for Enhanced Connectivity Services

    Telkom Finalizes $4.8 Billion Spinoff of InfraNexia Network Assets, Paving Way for Enhanced Connectivity Services

    Telkom Indonesia has disclosed the completion of its two-step division of network infrastructure assets into its operational subsidiary, InfraNexia. The entire transaction, amounting to IDR 85.7 trillion (equivalent to USD 4.8 billion), was first proposed in September 2025 and received shareholder approval in December of the same year.

    Phase Breakdown

    The initial stage of the spinoff was settled in January 2026. This entailed transferring over half of Telkom’s fiber network infrastructure, including elements contributing to access, aggregation, backbone, and other supporting segments, to lay the groundwork for InfraNexia’s operational activity. In the second stage, InfraNexia has taken over 90% of Telkom’s network infrastructure assets and business portfolio, thus expanding its operational capacity.

    Despite the division, Telkom will maintain a 99.9% share in InfraNexia, enabling it to operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary that offers neutral wholesale connectivity services. InfraNexia will now manage approximately 112,000 km of fiber-optic networks throughout Indonesia, of which 26,000 km are domestic subsea cables spread across the archipelago.

    Future Developments

    Lukman Hakim Abd. Rauf, President Director of InfraNexia, articulated that with the growing integration of assets, the company aims to enhance its primary services, including 5G backhaul, wholesale network, and FTTx, as well as passive infrastructure sharing. Lukman also anticipates that these advancements will set up InfraNexia to back the expansion of AI, cloud services, and data centers in Indonesia.

    Dian Siswarini, President Director of Telkom, emphasized that the InfraNexia spinoff is a significant move towards expediting Telkom Group’s business transformation as part of its TLKM 30 strategy. This strategy targets the monetization of high-value infrastructure assets like data centers, towers, and fiber networks to stimulate new growth possibilities for the future. She expressed confidence that the establishment of InfraNexia would enable the company to deliver faster, more reliable, and superior quality services to enhance customer experience.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the total transaction value of the spinoff?
    The total transaction value of the spinoff is IDR 85.7 trillion, which is approximately USD 4.8 billion.

    What will InfraNexia focus on enhancing post the spinoff?
    InfraNexia plans to strengthen its primary services, such as 5G backhaul, wholesale network, and FTTx, alongside passive infrastructure sharing.

    How will InfraNexia support the growth of AI, cloud services, and data centers in Indonesia?
    With an increasingly integrated asset base and a robust network infrastructure, InfraNexia is poised to provide the necessary connectivity and infrastructure support for the growth of AI, cloud services, and data centers in Indonesia.

  • Starlink Pioneers Direct-to-Cell Satellite Trials in Malaysia: APAC Satellite-Mobile Connectivity Skyrockets

    Starlink Pioneers Direct-to-Cell Satellite Trials in Malaysia: APAC Satellite-Mobile Connectivity Skyrockets

    In an effort to enhance mobile coverage in remote areas, Starlink has suggested a trial of its direct-to-cell (D2C) satellite service in Malaysia. The concept of satellite-to-mobile connectivity is gathering pace in the Asia Pacific region, paving the way for better access to communication networks.

    Technological Leap for Remote Connectivity

    Malaysia’s Communications Minister, Fahmi Fadzil, elucidated on the potential benefits of this initiative. He outlined the potential for satellite-based internet connectivity in remote regions, where the establishment of telecom towers is impractical due to low population density or economic constraints. He further emphasized how D2C satellite services could complement existing terrestrial networks, presenting an alternate solution to traditional tower construction that typically spans 18 to 24 months.

    Fadzil shared that Malaysia has been scrutinizing D2C technology since 2024, with intentions to introduce the service in 2026 or 2027. The proposed trial by Starlink could potentially expedite this timeline, making it a significant technological progression for the country.

    Expansion of D2C Services in Asia Pacific

    Starlink’s proposed trial in Malaysia comes on the heels of Globe Telecom’s commercial launch of Starlink Mobile in the Philippines, marking the first commercially available Starlink D2C service in Southeast Asia.

    An analysis by Ookla highlighted a significant increase in D2C service adoption across Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the Philippines. Between July 2025 and May 2026, the number of unique devices using D2C services in these countries grew more than fivefold. The Philippines spearheaded this growth, constituting 64% of detected D2C users across the four markets by Q2 2026.

    Furthermore, Ookla’s report indicated that six commercial D2C services, all based on Starlink, are currently operational in four APAC markets. Japan’s KDDI, SoftBank, and NTT DOCOMO provide free satellite messaging, while Australia’s Telstra incorporates satellite texting in select postpaid plans. Globe Telecom made headlines by launching Southeast Asia’s inaugural commercial D2C service in June 2026.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the potential benefit of Starlink’s proposed D2C satellite service trial in Malaysia?
    The trial could enhance internet connectivity in remote areas where the installation of telecom towers is impractical due to economic constraints or minimal population.

    How does D2C technology complement existing terrestrial networks?
    D2C technology offers an alternative solution to traditional tower construction, which typically takes between 18 and 24 months. This can ensure connectivity in areas where building new mobile towers would be impractical.

    What has been the growth trend of D2C services in the Asia Pacific region?
    An Ookla report showed a more than fivefold increase in the number of devices using D2C services across Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the Philippines from July 2025 to May 2026. The Philippines accounted for 64% of the detected D2C users by the second quarter of 2026.

  • Malaysia Boosts Digital Infrastructure with New SALAM Submarine Cable Network

    Malaysia Boosts Digital Infrastructure with New SALAM Submarine Cable Network

    Malaysia is making strides in its efforts to enhance digital connectivity within the country. The nation’s communications regulatory body is encouraging licensed telecommunications entities to consider participating in the construction of a new domestic underwater cable network.

    The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has prompted qualified license holders to indicate their interest in this groundbreaking project on July 16. They were also asked to present an initial Universal Service Plan for evaluation. The regulator requested draft proposals, however, they did not provide a final date for submissions.

    The planned network, named SALAM (Sambungan Kabel Dasar Laut MADANI), is projected to extend over 5,582 kilometers. It will consist of four submarine cable segments connecting ten landing stations scattered throughout the nation. SALAM’s primary objective is to bolster Malaysia’s internal communications infrastructure by creating a new underwater backbone that connects Peninsular Malaysia with Sabah and Sarawak.

    According to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, the new network is expected to eventually replace the ageing SCREAM cable system. This system has been a significant domestic link for over a decade.

    With the introduction of SALAM, the MCMC plans to further augment domestic transmission capacity. It also aims to support multiple services and industries such as nationwide 5G expansion, broadband services, cloud computing, artificial intelligence applications, data centers, and other digital industries. Funded under Malaysia’s USP framework, SALAM will assist in financing communications projects in underserved regions, with contributions sourced from qualifying telecommunications license holders.

    Oscar Ling, a Sibu Member of Parliament, applauded the project, stating that it would enhance connectivity between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. He also noted that it would help deliver more reliable internet services to communities in Sibu and across Sarawak.

    The progression of the project is contingent on the expressions of interest and draft Universal Service Plans submitted by eligible telecommunications companies. The MCMC has not yet announced when these submissions will be made public.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the aim of the SALAM network?
    The SALAM network aims to bolster Malaysia’s domestic communications infrastructure by creating a new underwater backbone that connects Peninsular Malaysia with Sabah and Sarawak.

    What services and industries will SALAM support?
    SALAM plans to support multiple services and industries such as nationwide 5G expansion, broadband services, cloud computing, artificial intelligence applications, data centers, and other digital industries.

    Who is funding the SALAM project?
    The SALAM project will be funded under Malaysia’s USP framework, which finances communication projects in underserved regions with contributions from qualifying telecommunications license holders.

  • Revolutionizing Taiwan’s Connectivity: Chunghwa Telecom Spearheads North Asia’s First O3b mPower Ground Station with SES

    Revolutionizing Taiwan’s Connectivity: Chunghwa Telecom Spearheads North Asia’s First O3b mPower Ground Station with SES

    Chunghwa Telecom, a Taiwan-based telecommunications company, has officially partnered with SES, a satellite operator based in Luxembourg. The two companies have struck a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop the first second-generation O3b mPower ground station in North Asia, located in Taiwan.

    The Aim of the Agreement

    The primary objective of this cooperation is to substantially improve Taiwan’s Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite data transfer capacity and service performance. The project expects to provide faster, more reliable, and highly robust satellite connectivity. In addition to enhancing the data transmission, the project also seeks to strengthen Taiwan’s vital communication infrastructure. To achieve this, it will ensure that essential traffic information is landed directly within the country, thereby supporting network sovereignty and resilience.

    Collaboration’s Contributions

    As part of their collaboration, SES will use their system deployment and operational expertise from their Satellite Innovation Centre in The Hague, the Netherlands. The partnership will highlight the advanced applications that satellites can offer. These include the integration of multi-orbit satellite communications, connectivity to the cloud, edge computing, data analytics for the Internet of Things (IoT), and automated machine vision.

    Furthermore, Chunghwa Telecom and SES are looking into the possibility of establishing a Satellite Innovation Lab in Taiwan. This proposed undertaking will have demonstration sites and certification processes meant to aid domestic companies in speeding up the validation of technology and the adoption of products. By aligning with SES’s global ecosystem, Taiwanese firms might have the opportunity to penetrate international supply chains and gain commercial opportunities.

    Benefitting Taiwan’s Global Stature

    This collaborative effort utilizes Taiwan’s proficiency in semiconductors and avant-garde manufacturing to create a cooperative hardware-and-software ecosystem. This will further reinforce Taiwan’s strategic position in the global satellite and space technology sector.

    Jia Chung-Yung, President of Chunghwa Telecom’s Network Technology Group, shared that the company continues to amalgamate diverse communication resources to build a new-generation network architecture. This structure marries high resilience and technological innovation. He assured that the company will continue to invest in the development of next-generation communication technologies and promote diversified services and application innovations. Furthermore, he emphasized the company’s commitment to its ESG sustainability goals, laying a long-term foundation for Taiwan’s communication resilience.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the primary aim of the collaboration between Chunghwa Telecom and SES?
    The collaboration primarily aims to improve Taiwan’s Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite data transfer capacity and service performance, and strengthen Taiwan’s essential communication infrastructure.

    What will be SES’s contribution to this collaboration?
    SES will leverage its system deployment and operational expertise from their Satellite Innovation Centre to highlight advanced satellite-enabled applications such as cloud connectivity, edge computing, and IoT data analytics.

    What is the purpose of the proposed Satellite Innovation Lab in Taiwan?
    The Satellite Innovation Lab aims to provide demonstration sites and certification processes to aid domestic firms in speeding up the validation of technology and product adoption, potentially opening up access to international supply chains and commercial opportunities.

  • Arirang 6 Satellite: South Korea’s High-Tech Hope Battles New Launch Setbacks

    Arirang 6 Satellite: South Korea’s High-Tech Hope Battles New Launch Setbacks

    South Korea’s multipurpose practical satellite, Arirang 6, has experienced another postponement in its launch schedule, further emphasizing the nation’s dependence on foreign launch services and the consequential lack of control over scheduling. The Korean AeroSpace Administration (KASA) has been informed of the delay by the European launch service provider Arianespace. Initially set for launch in early 2025, the launch of Arirang 6 is now slated for the third quarter of 2026 or later.

    Arirang 6: A High-Resolution Satellite

    Arirang 6, also known as KOMPSAT-6, is a high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) Earth observation satellite that can operate irrespective of weather conditions or time of day. The satellite boasts the capability to identify objects as small as 50 centimeters in both horizontal and vertical dimensions. This has led the South Korean government to invest around KRW 370 billion in the program, acknowledging its significance in national security, disaster response, and environmental monitoring.

    Despite the completion of its development several years ago, the satellite has not yet entered orbit owing to recurring delays associated with foreign launch vehicles. The latest delay is due to problems affecting Platino-1, Italy’s high-resolution SAR satellite, slated to share the launch on Arianespace’s Vega C rocket.

    European Payloads Take Priority

    As the Vega C is a European-developed launch vehicle spearheaded by the Italian Space Agency, European payloads are given priority. This means that the launch timeline of Arirang 6 remains dependent on the progress of Platino-1’s development. In the previous year, issues related to Platino-1 resulted in an earlier delay of the Korean satellite’s launch.

    Arirang 6 finished the final assembly and space environment testing in August 2022, marking the culmination of a development effort that commenced in 2012. Since then, the satellite has been stored at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute’s satellite development facility in Daejeon, awaiting a confirmed launch window.

    Multiple Disruptions

    The mission has encountered several disruptions over the past few years. Initially, South Korea planned to launch Arirang 6 from Russia in 2020, but development delays moved the schedule to the latter half of 2022. The Russia-Ukraine conflict subsequently made Russian launch options impossible, compelling Seoul to look for an alternative provider.

    In 2023, South Korea chose Arianespace’s Vega C rocket for the launch. However, another setback occurred when Vega C had a mission failure in December 2022, leading to a suspension of flights and a thorough safety review. These concerns resulted in further postponements: first to December 2024, then to the latter half of 2025, before the most recent delay pushed the timeline to 2026.

    Industry experts caution that countries without independent launch capabilities are extremely susceptible to schedule disruptions in the international launch market. Major providers like SpaceX and Arianespace prioritize domestic or strategic payloads, often leaving foreign customers vulnerable to delays beyond their control.

    Although South Korea has improved its domestic launch capabilities through the Nuri (KSLV-II) rocket program, analysts observe that the country has not yet fully incorporated its indigenous launch systems with high-value, operational satellites like Arirang 6.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Arirang 6?
    Arirang 6, also known as KOMPSAT-6, is a high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) Earth observation satellite that can operate irrespective of weather conditions or time of day.

    Why has the launch of Arirang 6 been delayed?
    The launch of Arirang 6 has been postponed due to recurring delays related to foreign launch vehicles. The most recent delay is due to problems with Italy’s high-resolution SAR satellite, Platino-1.

    What challenges is South Korea facing in its satellite launch capabilities?
    Although South Korea has improved its domestic launch capabilities, the country has not yet fully integrated its indigenous launch systems with high-value, operational satellites. This has left it vulnerable to schedule disruptions in the international launch market, as seen with the repeated delays in the Arirang 6 launch.

  • Wi-Fi 7 Revolution: Ushering in the New Era of High-Speed, High-Capacity Connectivity

    Wi-Fi 7 Revolution: Ushering in the New Era of High-Speed, High-Capacity Connectivity

    The progressive evolution of digital ecosystems and escalating user demands for seamless high-speed connectivity have pushed Wi-Fi technology to new frontiers. The next significant milestone in wireless networking is the emergence of Wi-Fi 7, grounded in the IEEE 802.11be standard. Compared to its predecessors — Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7 brings to the table appreciable enhancements in speed, reliability, capacity and responsiveness.

    Dissecting the Capabilities of Wi-Fi 7

    Wi-Fi 7, or Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 7™, represents the most sophisticated generation of Wi-Fi technology to date. It builds on the base established by its predecessors, offering capabilities designed to meet the rigours of increasingly demanding digital environments. The prime objective of Wi-Fi 7 is to amplify data throughput, latency, and network efficiency to support a broad range of applications, from immersive media to mission-critical enterprise systems.

    Wi-Fi 7 is distinguished by a range of technological advances, including wider channel bandwidth of up to 320 MHz that doubles the maximum channel width of Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, facilitating significantly higher raw data rates. Multi-link operation (MLO) enables devices to use multiple frequency bands simultaneously (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) to improve throughput, reliability, and latency by dispersing traffic across several links. Wi-Fi 7 uses higher modulation through 4096-QAM to pack more data into each transmission, thereby increasing efficiency and overall throughput compared to earlier standards. Multi-user handling is also improved, enabled by enhanced MU-MIMO and OFDMA techniques that allow more devices to share the network simultaneously without performance degradation. Collectively, these advances can deliver theoretical peak speeds surpassing 30 Gbps, a substantial leap over Wi-Fi 6E, and much lower effective latency suited to real-time applications.

    Implications for the Consumer Market

    For consumers, Wi-Fi 7 has the potential to redefine the home wireless experience by addressing the proliferation of connected devices and the surging demand for high-bandwidth use cases. A key benefit for consumers will be improved support for 4K/8K video streaming, cloud gaming, and immersive media such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). With wider channels and increased throughput, Wi-Fi 7 can stream ultra-high-definition content with fewer buffering interruptions, particularly in homes with multiple users and devices.

    Smart homes are also witnessing a rapid increase in device density, from security cameras to smart appliances. Wi-Fi 7’s multi-user management and deterministic latency ensure these IoT devices can function reliably alongside high-data-rate traffic. Wi-Fi 7 also offers features that reduce power consumption in battery-powered devices by coordinating communication windows more efficiently.

    Wi-Fi 7 and the Enterprise Market

    However, despite the promise, the rollout of Wi-Fi 7 in the consumer market faces challenges. The full benefits of Wi-Fi 7 require both routers/access points and client devices to support the standard. Early products may only implement basic features, and device compatibility remains limited. Upgrading the infrastructure can also be costly, as households may have to replace legacy Wi-Fi equipment to unleash the full potential of Wi-Fi 7 speeds and capabilities.

    For enterprises, Wi-Fi 7 offers opportunities beyond simply improving network performance. It can act as the backbone for digital transformation initiatives that depend on robust, high-capacity wireless connectivity. Modern workplaces often have thousands of connected devices that place heavy demands on network infrastructure. Wi-Fi 7’s increased capacity and advanced interference mitigation ensure stable performance even under heavy load, reducing network bottlenecks common in large offices or campuses.

    Support for IoT and Industrial Systems

    Industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare increasingly rely on connected devices for automation, inventory tracking, telemedicine, and robotic systems. Wi-Fi 7’s enhanced reliability and scalability make it well-suited for these applications, where deterministic performance is mission-critical. However, enterprises face real challenges in planning for the adoption of Wi-Fi 7. Legacy infrastructure can bottleneck performance and undermine the theoretical benefits of Wi-Fi 7.

    Security and Future Proofing

    Wi-Fi 7 supports enhanced security protocols such as WPA3, providing protection against modern threats. As digital demands escalate, driven by cloud computing, collaboration tools, AI, and immersive content, enterprise networks that adopt Wi-Fi 7 can ensure their infrastructure supports next-generation use cases without compromising performance.

    While Wi-Fi 7 promises to drive digital transformation by enabling scalable, high-performance networks, it’s adoption will be gradual. Compatibility, cost, and infrastructure readiness remain barriers. However, as device ecosystems grow and digital demands intensify, Wi-Fi 7 is set to become the infrastructure backbone for the next era of connected living and working.

    Questions & Answers

    What makes Wi-Fi 7 different from its predecessors?
    Wi-Fi 7 offers substantial improvements in speed, reliability, capacity, and responsiveness compared with previous generations. It’s distinguished by advances such as wider channel bandwidth, multi-link operation, higher modulation, and improved multi-user handling.

    How does Wi-Fi 7 benefit the consumer market?
    Wi-Fi 7 enhances the home wireless experience by supporting a proliferation of connected devices and high-bandwidth uses such as 4K/8K video streaming, cloud gaming, and immersive media. It also improves the functionality of IoT devices and reduces power consumption in battery-powered devices.

    What challenges do enterprises face in adopting Wi-Fi 7?
    Enterprises face challenges in planning for the adoption of Wi-Fi 7, including compatibility and cost issues and the readiness of existing infrastructure. Legacy infrastructure can bottleneck performance and undermine the theoretical benefits of Wi-Fi 7.

  • Telkomsat Joins Forces with Space42: A Game-changing Leap Towards Universal 5G D2D Connectivity

    Telkomsat Joins Forces with Space42: A Game-changing Leap Towards Universal 5G D2D Connectivity

    Space42 and PT Telkom Satelit Indonesia (Telkomsat) have agreed upon a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that intends to investigate the potential of direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity collaboration. The partnership will utilize Equatys, a joint initiative of Space42 and Viasat, which was created to ensure seamless 5G connectivity across both satellite and terrestrial networks. This partnership aligns with the objectives of both companies to enhance D2D connectivity beyond conventional infrastructure, leading to a unified communication experience.

    Equatys: Bridging Connectivity Gaps

    Equatys was launched in September 2025 to solve connectivity issues by implementing a 3GPP Release 17+ non-terrestrial network (NTN) framework. It supports over 100MHz of harmonized global mobile satellite services (MSS) spectrum, which allows standard smartphones and IoT devices to connect directly with satellites. This extends seamless 5G access to over 180 markets globally.

    Exploring Potential Collaboration Areas

    The MoU signed by Telkomsat and Space42 is a commitment to explore potential collaboration areas related to NTN and D2D connectivity. This includes examining the possibilities of technical integration to assess the feasibility of technical, commercial, and regulatory cooperation related to D2D and satellite-enabled communication services. This will involve adjusting network infrastructure to ensure a seamless handover between terrestrial and satellite systems without the need for additional hardware and setting service benchmarks for latency, bandwidth, and reliability. Moreover, the partnership will also help to develop new 5G NTN capabilities, ensure local regulatory and security compliance, and uphold data privacy to meet both regional and international standards.

    Joint Innovation Labs and Pilot Programs

    In addition to the above, joint innovation labs and pilot programs will be established to test new technologies, enhance service capabilities, conduct field trials, and assess interoperability with existing 4G and 5G networks. Equatys will be the medium through which Telkomsat can provide improved user experiences, supporting its leading market position as a technology provider.

    Executives’ Statements

    Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Space Services at Space42, highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating that Equatys represents the future of global connectivity as it addresses current gaps that leave billions unserved by terrestrial networks. On the other hand, Lukman Hakim Abd Rauf, CEO of Telkomsat, reiterated that satellite-based connectivity is crucial to the national network architecture, especially to ensure reliable communication in distant areas.

    The Future of Universal Connectivity

    Operating as a shared “space tower” company, Equatys uses a multi-tenant towerco model that minimizes redundant capital expenditure while offering cost-efficient capacity to multiple operators. Its architecture is designed to serve three market segments through a scalable, infrastructure-grade network, namely D2D, IoT, and MSS. By incorporating this scalable infrastructure with Telkomsat’s accessible markets, Equatys will transition from a mere concept to a commercial venture, transforming universal connectivity into a shared growth opportunity.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the purpose of the partnership between Space42 and Telkomsat?
    The partnership aims to explore potential collaboration areas related to non-terrestrial network (NTN) and direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity.

    What is Equatys and what is its role in this partnership?
    Equatys is a joint initiative between Space42 and Viasat designed to provide seamless 5G connectivity across both satellite and terrestrial networks. It will be a key tool in this partnership, allowing Telkomsat to offer enhanced user experiences.

    What is the significance of this partnership?
    The collaboration between Space42 and Telkomsat represents a new model for universal connectivity and has the potential to transform universal connectivity into a shared growth opportunity.