Ericsson and Vodafone collaborated on "a new era of tunnel connectivity” with the deployment of multiband mobile radio antennas in the Arlinger Tunnel near Pforzheim, Germany. The deployment “marks the first operational use of Ericsson’s advanced antenna technology from Ericsson Antenna System, precisely engineered to deliver robust and stable 5G coverage in tunnel environments subject to high levels of vibration and air pressure changes,” Ericsson said Friday.
A municipal court in Prague ruled that the Czech Republic's blanket collection of its citizens' communications metadata is illegal and contravenes the EU ePrivacy directive.
Mobile data service revenue in Mexico will increase at a compound annual growth rate of 5.5% through 2028, ResearchAndMarkets.com projected Friday. That's “driven by growing demand for mobile data services, subsequent increase in mobile internet subscriptions, increasing demand for data-centric plans, growing adoption of 5G services and [an] increase in mobile data [average revenue per user] over the forecast period,” the report said. America Movil, the parent of Telcel, Telmex and Telnor, leads the mobile and fixed markets and is expected to maintain its position through 2028, it said.
The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission sought comment Monday on a series of questions as it prepares an unclassified report about China's use of spectrum. Comments are due May 19. “How does China prioritize between conflicting interests in spectrum allocation?” the commission asked. "How does China allocate spectrum bands across its primary telecommunications providers, including reallocation and clearing of in-use wavelengths?” The commission also inquired about the advantages China has through its regulatory structure. “Has China’s spectrum strategy led to more rapid deployment of technologies that rely on wireless communications and, if so, how has this created economic benefits for China?” The 12-member bipartisan commission is appointed by Congress and is part of the legislative branch of the federal government.
The U.K. Office of Communications (Ofcom) on Tuesday banned the leasing of special types of phone numbers called "Global Titles," which could jeopardize the privacy and security of mobile phone users, it said.
Vodafone and A1 Group, with support from Ericsson, announced what they say is the first 5G stand-alone international roaming connection between two providers. “The connection, between Vodafone in Germany and A1 Bulgaria, aims to enhance the responsiveness and reliability of roaming services for customers, particularly businesses with operations in multiple markets,” the companies said Monday. The providers “were able to seamlessly support the data connectivity of a mobile subscriber from A1 Bulgaria, roaming on Vodafone Germany’s 5G [stand-alone] network using a standard device, and supported by generally available core network software using the latest [3rd Generation Partnership Project] industry standards.”
Ottawa, Ontario-based Mitel Networks said Thursday that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas approved its reorganization plan. Mitel filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month. “Completion of the Company’s restructuring process is expected within the current calendar quarter, resulting in significantly less debt, and a stronger capital structure that will support future growth,” it said. The plan was “designed to position the Company to address the growing market demand for hybrid communications solutions and ensure continued support for Mitel’s more than 70 million users across over 100 countries.”
The State Department will hold a public meeting May 14 to brief the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy’s International Information and Communications Policy division “stakeholders” on “past and upcoming international engagements.” Among the areas listed are engagements with the ITU. The briefing will start at 1 p.m. ET and take place on Webex, said a notice for Friday’s Federal Register.
Turkcell hosted an in-person meeting in Istanbul of a new ITU focus group on AI-native networks, the Turkish carrier said Monday. The group was established to look at how AI “can be embedded into the very core of telecom infrastructure -- shifting from traditional automation to intelligent, self-optimizing systems,” said a news release. “AI-powered networks, equipped with autonomous decision-making and ultra-low latency, will soon become the backbone of next-generation communication,” Turkcell CEO Ali Taha Koc said. Quantum technology will also “be a key enabler of the future of secure communication.”
Despite U.S. sanctions, China’s Huawei had $118.6 billion in revenue last year, up 22.4%, the company said in its annual report released this week. Profit declined 28% to $62.6 billion. “In 2024, the global economy and international trade remained sluggish,” it said. “The rise of protectionism and trade barriers continued to disrupt the global trade order and undermine the stability of global value and supply chains.” But Huawei also saw positive signs for the global economy. “In 2024, overall global trade increased slightly, and the global economy remained resilient,” the report said.