MTN and Telkom once again eye the negotiating table


News

A tie-up between the South African telcos would create the country’s largest mobile player

This week, a report from Bloomberg suggests that MTN are once again considering making another takeover bid for rival telco Telkom.

According to anonymous sources, MTN is considering re-entering negotiations, while Telkom is in discussions with advisers over how to handle a potential offer.

The same sources suggest that formal negotiations could begin before the end of the year, however this is not guaranteed.

The combination of MTN and Telkom would create South Africa’s largest mobile player, with roughly 63 million subscribers, pipping the current market leader, Vodacom. As such,

MTN first approached Telkom regarding a potential takeover back in 2022. However, these discussions ultimately collapsed amid concerns over exclusivity and the heavy antitrust scrutiny the move would likely face.

This regulatory pressure will likely remain, but MTN is likely hopeful that the government watchdog will be more favourable this time, given the recent regulatory approval of Vodacom’s acquisition of a stake in Remgro Ltd.’s fibre business.

Also in the news:
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Optus ditches football rights to focus on telecoms
Nokia launches digital twin platform Enscryb to digitalise energy sector

CSG Announces Contract Extension with Charter Communications


Press Release

CSG® (NASDAQ: CSGS) and Charter Communications today announce that they have signed a multi-year contract extension and expansion of their decades-long relationship. With this extension, CSG will continue as a revenue management and monetization partner for Charter through September 30, 2031, and will expand its support to include new areas of growth in Charter’s business.

“For more than 25 years, CSG has supported Charter teams in delivering innovative communications, entertainment and connectivity products and services,” said Mike Woods, EVP and President of North America Communications, Media and Technology, CSG. “We are honored to serve this industry leader into the next decade.”

As part of this expanded relationship, Charter will leverage CSG’s industry-leading, cloud-native SaaS platform, CSG Ascendon, for its seamless entertainment experience, which combines live TV with access to programmers’ streaming apps. Coupled with the CSG ACP billing platform, Ascendon will deliver the needed flexibility to support today’s digital entertainment services. Charter will continue to rely on CSG’s platforms to support its residential Internet, TV and home phone customer base.

Combining revenue and customer experience management capabilities with AI-powered analytics, CSG Ascendon is the ideal solution to power new digital offerings for leading global brands.

Learn more about how CSG Ascendon can help accelerate growth by unlocking new revenue streams, speeding up time to market and engaging customers at critical moments.

About CSG

CSG empowers companies to build unforgettable experiences, making it easier for people and businesses to connect with, use and pay for the services they value most. Our customer experience, billing and payments solutions help companies of any size make money and make a difference. With our SaaS solutions, company leaders can take control of their future and tap into guidance along the way from our fiercely committed and forward-thinking CSGers around the world.

Want to be future-ready and a change-maker like the global brands that trust CSG? Visit csgi.com to learn more.

 

Contacts:

Julia Dakhlia

Public Relations

+1 (402) 431-7376

julia.dakhlia@csgi.com

John Rea

Investor Relations

+1 (210) 687-4409

john.rea@csgi.com

Building a Network for the New Era of Endless Disruption

This Industry Viewpoint was authored by Todd Mussman, GTT Product Manager

Managing the ill effects of extreme weather events has unfortunately become a recurring part of network operations. Yet many enterprises plan as if such events are rare, leaving critical systems exposed when major disruptions occur. According to a recent S&P Global report, only one in five have a formal climate change adaptation plan, and fewer than half of those plan to act on it within the next decade. … [visit site to read more]

Telehouse Thailand partners with NT to support digital transformation across public and private sectors


Press Release  

Telehouse Thailand, a renowned global provider of data center colocation services, has partnered with National Telecom Public Company Limited (NT) to deliver high-capacity international data transmission via submarine cable systems. This initiative serves to significantly enhance the country’s telecommunications backbone and support digital transformation across the public and private sectors.

The partnership sees NT’s international submarine cable network linking directly to the now fully operational Telehouse Bangkok facility, enabling Telehouse Thailand to offer domestic content providers and ISPs from neighboring countries seamless access to the Asia Direct Cable (ADC) and Asia America Gateway (AAG) systems.

The ADC network provides connectivity between China, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, many of which host data centers for major cloud and content providers, while the AAG network extends connectivity from Asia to the United States, linking together major global economies from around the world.

NT’s domestic submarine cable system provides alternative routing via Thailand’s Gulf coast to NT’s international cable landing stations in Songkhla and Satun, ensuring reliable global reach across multiple regions.

Alongside benefits to private and public organizations, the partnership will serve to advance the Thai government’s vision of establishing the country as an ASEAN Digital Hub, enabling digital transformation of the Southeast Asian region and encouraging global investment.

Colonel Sanpachai Huvanandana, President, National Telecom Public Company Limited commented: “This collaboration expands Thailand’s business potential and telecommunications readiness in the AI era. With terabit-scale capacity and high-reliability network design, our international connectivity infrastructure addresses the critical requirements of global cloud and content providers when considering investment in Thai data center facilities.”

Ken Miyashita, Managing Director of Telehouse Thailand, added: “Leveraging NT’s submarine cable network, a core element of Thailand’s telecommunications infrastructure, enables our customers to efficiently handle the huge volumes of data traffic from Gen AI and cloud services, which are expected to significantly grow. As Bangkok’s leading carrier-neutral interconnection data center, Telehouse further strengthens this submarine connectivity and high service availability with the four diverse incoming fiber routes.

About National Telecom Public Company Limited (NT)

NT is Thailand’s leading integrated telecommunications and digital service provider, delivering end-to-end connectivity solutions domestically and internationally. Its network spans terrestrial fiber, more than seven international submarine cable systems, satellite communications, and wireless technologies.

About Telehouse

Telehouse, a subsidiary of KDDI Corporation, is a leading global data center provider, with 45 or more sites in 10+ countries and bringing together a range of business partners. With over three decades of expertise and partnerships with more than 1,000 network providers worldwide – including carriers, mobile and content providers, enterprises, and financial services companies. – Telehouse delivers highly reliable, interconnected, and carrier-neutral data center solutions.

First ZeroSite® in Palanga – “Meldas” combines 5G technology with respect for nature


Press Release

Telecom operator Telia Lietuva, in cooperation with ALGO Poland, has completed the construction and launched the first ZeroSite® base station in the Užkanavė district of Palanga. Named “Meldas” (Lithuanian for bulrush), the project is a prime example of how modern telecom infrastructure can combine functionality with harmony in the landscape.

The new station delivers more stable and faster 5G connectivity for both residents and visitors and is ready to host equipment for all three mobile operators active in the Lithuanian market. In the future, its resources can be shared, ensuring more efficient use of infrastructure.

Technology in harmony with nature

“Meldas” is an intelligent, multifunctional ZeroSite® telecom pole standing 15 meters tall (8 m pole + 7 m head). The on-site installation took just two days and included both pole assembly and the full configuration of active equipment.

The structure was designed to minimise environmental impact:

  • no large concrete structures or heavy fencing,
  • a compact form that blends into its surroundings,
  • ability to be dismantled and relocated in the future.
Partner statements

Sigita Šeputienė, Head of Real Estate Development at Telia Lietuva:

“We understand how important reliable connectivity is for the residents and visitors of Palanga. At the same time, we want to preserve what makes this place special – its unique natural beauty. ‘Meldas’ shows that modern infrastructure can coexist with nature.”

Šarūnas Vaitkus, Mayor of Palanga:

“Palanga attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year, which places a significant load on the network. This investment ensures stable internet access, convenience for daily life, and the continued growth of our resort.”

Adam Gołąbek, COO ALGO Poland

“ZeroSite® is a blend of aesthetics, cutting-edge technology, and rapid deployment. We are proud to deliver a solution for Telia Lietuva that perfectly fits such a prestigious location.”

Palanga – a prestigious and historic resort

Palanga is one of the most important seaside resorts on the Baltic coast, visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. It is known not only for its sandy beaches and unique microclimate but also for its rich history dating back to the 19th century, when it became a fashionable holiday destination.
Today, Palanga combines the amenities of a modern tourist hub with cultural heritage landmarks such as the Tyszkiewicz Palace, the Botanical Park, and the iconic pier stretching into the Baltic Sea.

Next steps

Similar solutions are planned in Monciškės and Vilnius (Kalnų Park), where a new ZeroSite® station will enhance network performance during large public events.

Technical specifications – ZeroSite® “Meldas”
  • Height: 15 m (8 m pole + 7 m head)
  • Support for up to 3 operators
  • Prepared to host: 3 sector antennas and 9 5G panel antennas
  • Installation time: 2 days
  • Optional features: environmental sensors, cameras, Wi-Fi, EV charging stations
  • Compliant with Palanga City’s architectural and urban planning requirements

Contact: apg@algo.com.pl

 

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Djibouti Telecom DAREs to expand subsea cable connectivity in East Africa

Vodafone partners with Simetric for ‘Single-Pane-of-Glass’ IoT platform

Netomnia secures £300m for network expansion

Netomnia secures £300m for network expansion


Press Release

The facility strengthens Netomnia’s position as the UK’s fastest-growing Alt-Net, supporting its path to profitability in 2025 and rollout target of five million premises by 2027.

Netomnia, the UK’s second-largest alternative network provider (Alt-Net), has completed its £300 million junior debt raise. This includes £160 million from existing investors I Squared Capital and Palistar Capital, originally part of the May 2025 funding, and an additional £140 million subscribed through increased commitments from I Squared Capital and Palistar Capital alongside new lenders Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) and Bain Capital. This latest investment builds on Netomnia’s £880 million senior debt commitment, bringing total debt funding support to £1.2 billion.

Netomnia, together with YouFibre and brsk, now serves 2.7 million premises serviceable and 375,000 premises connected. With an annual build rate of one million premises, Netomnia is on track to achieve three million premises serviceable by the end of 2025 and is targeting five million by the end of 2027. The group has also achieved positive EBITDA.

“The last funding round was oversubscribed, showing the clear demand for Netomnia from both new and existing lenders,” said Jeremy Chelot, Group CEO of Netomnia, YouFibre, and brsk, “This £140 million extension reinforces confidence in our ability to deliver at scale while staying firmly on track with our build plan and profitability targets. Our mission remains clear: connecting millions more homes and businesses with the UK’s most powerful internet.”

“Netomnia has established itself as one of the UK’s leading digital infrastructure players, combining rapid rollout with cost efficiency while driving the delivery of critical connectivity across the UK. RMB is proud to partner Netomnia and its shareholder grouping once again as part of our sponsor led strategy”** Robert Leon, Global Co-head of IBD and Sponsor Client Segment at RMB David Haswell, a Director at Bain Capital, added**: “Bain Capital is delighted to support Netomnia as they reshape the UK fibre market by delivering both innovation and resilience in critical infrastructure. The leadership team has an impressive track record of execution and a clear vision for the next phase of bringing affordable, full-fibre connectivity to more UK consumers.”

Supported by Advencap, DigitalBridge, and Soho Square Capital, Netomnia, YouFibre, and brsk remain firmly on track to become the UK’s most scaled and capital-efficient retail, wholesale, and consolidation platforms.

Join the UK’s biggest digital economy event, Connected Britain on 24-25 September 

Also in the news:
US judge rules Huawei must face charges of fraud and racketeering
Optus ditches football rights to focus on telecoms
Nokia launches digital twin platform Enscryb to digitalise energy sector

South Africa looks to consolidate fibre networks of state-owned enterprises


News

The move aims to avoid unnecessary deployments and make efficient use of public network assets

According to recent reports, South Africa is advancing efforts to coordinate and consolidate public fiber infrastructure across state-owned enterprises (SOEs), aiming to improve digital connectivity, reduce costs, and expand high-speed internet access to underserved areas. This process would include integrating the currently fragmented fiber networks operated independently by entities such as Eskom, Transnet, and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).

In a recent post on X (Twitter), South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi described ‘productive meeting’ with Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, aimed at developing a less siloed approach to fibre infrastructure management for SOEs.

Better coordinating the fibre assets of SEOs has been a government priority for over three years, being a feature of the South African National Development Plan and the objectives of the Broadband Infraco (BBI) Act.

In June 2025, the Communications Committee of Parliament was updated on plans to establish a State Digital Infrastructure Company (SDIC). This entity is intended to act as a wholesale infrastructure provider by consolidating assets not only from Broadband InfraCo, Sentech, and the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) but also key SOEs such as Eskom, Transnet, PRASA, and the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL). The SDIC’s mandate is to streamline and optimise the digital infrastructure landscape for improved service delivery and national connectivity goals.

The exact timeline for establishing the SDIC has yet to be announced.

Also in the news:
US judge rules Huawei must face charges of fraud and racketeering
Optus ditches football rights to focus on telecoms
Nokia launches digital twin platform Enscryb to digitalise energy sector

 

Leadership for a Digital Era


Press Release

Empowering the Workforce Through Digital Infrastructure: NETS International’s Vision for the UK

The UK’s fibre and telecoms landscape is evolving rapidly. In just the past 18 months, the market has shifted from aggressive network builds to a sharper focus on operational efficiency and customer experience. In this new phase, empowering the workforce is more than a necessity – it is the foundation for sustaining Digital Britain.

At the heart of this conversation is Jahangir Ahmad, Managing Director of NETS International Group, who will be joining the Digital Britain Stage at Connected Britain for the panel discussion “Empowering the workforce in the age of new and emerging technologies” (11:40 – 12:20 – Day 02).

Under the leadership of its Group Managing Director, NETS International has grown from a regional player into a multinational company delivering mission-critical infrastructure across telecom, energy, and digital transformation. Today, NETS operates across the UK, Germany, USA, Canada, UAE, KSA, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan – with a consistent focus on inclusive growth, job creation, and digital skills development. At Connected Britain, NETS brings a people-first perspective: showing how technology and resilient operations can empower communities, industries, and workforces alike.

NETS UK: Powering Connections and Operations

In the UK, NETS International is recognised for its ability to deliver on-the-ground impact at scale.

        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer Installations: With nearly a 100 in-house engineers and a monthly capacity of over 6,000 installations, NETS has become a trusted partner for a number of UK ISPs and Altnets. The end-to-end service covers site surveys, civils, overhead/underground deployment, in-home cabling, ONT and router configuration, testing, and sign-off – ensuring customers are seamlessly connected.

Operations & Maintenance (O&M): NETS provides SLA-driven, 24/7 operational support to ensure networks remain resilient and available. From preventive inspections and firmware updates to corrective fibre repairs, equipment replacement, and a dynamic back-office support team to manage your issues behind-the-scenes, NETS’ workforce leverages advanced digital tools – including SupportX, MapX, Power BI, and VR Technology – some of these being in-house tools, to enhance quality, transparency, and field-to-office collaboration.

Together, these portfolios represent how NETS is not just deploying networks, but empowering the workforce that sustains them, giving technicians, engineers, and operators the tools, processes, and support needed to deliver excellence every day.

A Broader Commitment

For Jahangir, empowering the workforce extends beyond operational efficiency. It is about fostering digital inclusion, driving industry-academia collaboration, and building sustainable ecosystems where innovation thrives alongside resilience.

As UK operators navigate cost pressures and shifting strategies, NETS offers a flexible engagement model designed to help them reduce Opex, and help operators strengthen efficiency and achieve sustainable growth, without losing focus on workforce empowerment.

Join the conversation at Connected Britain.


NETS is proud to be part of the UK’s journey toward a fully connected future. Catch Jahangir Ahmad live on the Digital Britain Stage at Connected Britain (11:40 – 12:20), and meet the NETS UK team at Booth 40 to learn how their Customer Connections and O&M services are contributing to Digital Britain.

To arrange a meeting, contact: contact@nets-international.com

Find more about NETS by following its LinkedIn and X, or visiting the website: https://nets-international.com/

Nokia looks to modernise rail connectivity with new 5G radio


Press Release

Along with an optimized Nokia 5G standalone (SA) core for railways, the solution enables seamless migration to FRMCS on a global scale

Nokia today announced its new 5G radio solution, designed to deliver high-capacity, high-performance and resilient real-time communications to rail operators worldwide, setting the foundation for the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS). As a cornerstone for smarter, safer and more efficient rail networks, the solution supports greater digitalization and automation, driving benefits for passengers, businesses and the environment. The launch features the industry’s first commercial 5G radio for the 1900 MHz (n101) band, along with Nokia’s Core Enterprise Solution for Railways, purpose-built to accelerate the sector’s digital transformation.

In the coming decade, FRMCS will upgrade the current 2G Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway (GSM-R) and become the next-generation global standard designed for all railways. Its 5G-based successor, with built-in security and high reliability, enables enhanced automation, new digital applications, improved passenger services and secure cross-border communication.

Nokia is a global leader in railway communications with decades of experience in GSM-R deployments across more than 20 countries. The company has been at the forefront of FRMCS development, collaborating with rail operators, governments, industry and standardization bodies to help shape the standard and enable its global deployment.

“The drive toward digitalization demands the kind of high-speed connectivity and data capabilities that legacy systems simply can’t provide, creating an urgent need for rail operators worldwide to modernize. Our commercial 5G solution, backed by decades of proven rail industry expertise, reflects our commitment to laying the foundation for the next generation of railway operations. We offer a future-proof, flexible technology platform that supports a smooth transition to FRMCS while improving operational efficiency, safety and the overall passenger experience.” said Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks, Nokia.

Nokia’s new 5G radio is built for mission-critical communications and supports strategic coexistence, enabling railways to migrate to 5G alongside legacy systems like GSM-R with no disruption. In addition, its fully optimized, cloud-native 5G SA core supports the full suite of FRMCS functionalities for the transport stratum. Modular, flexible and scalable, the solution enables both regional and nationwide deployments. It will also be tested under the EU-funded FP2-MORANE-2 project, which builds on earlier FRMCS initiatives to advance the digitalization of rail operations across Europe.

The shift to a 5G solution introduces powerful capabilities that align perfectly with the operational needs of modern railways, particularly in border crossing scenarios. Here are some of the main benefits for rail operators and passengers:

  • Automated train operations: Enabling real-time control and monitoring of trains to improve safety and efficiency and decreasing energy consumption and emissions.
  • Passenger information systems: Providing real-time updates and information to passengers for a better travel experience.
  • Mission-critical voice communication: Integrating voice, video and data services in a single, standardized platform to enhance operations and infrastructure management.
  • Smart rail maintenance: Utilizing predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring to reduce downtime and maintenance costs.

Nokia is committed to driving the digital transformation of the railway sector through advanced, future-ready technologies. The new solution includes a commercial 5G radio for the 1900 MHz band from its industry-leading AirScale portfolio, paired with its railway-optimized Core Enterprise Solution. It is complemented by the company’s extensive portfolio of mission-critical IP, optical and data center networking products. Nokia’s solutions are also compliant with the highest standards and feature a best-in-class cybersecurity framework.

Also in the news:
US judge rules Huawei must face charges of fraud and racketeering
Optus ditches football rights to focus on telecoms
Nokia launches digital twin platform Enscryb to digitalise energy sector

Boldyn Networks and VMO2 deploy Open RAN 5G at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light


Press Release 

Boldyn Networks (Boldyn) and Virgin Media O2 have significantly enhanced 5G connectivity at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland with Boldyn’s connectivity-as-a-service (CaaS), the UK’s first full neutral host RAN managed service in a high-density demand venue.

O2 customers are the first to benefit from this innovative network delivered by the Sunderland Open Network EcosysTem (SONET) project, which will bring enhanced mobile connectivity to the iconic stadium, improving the way fans experience and engage with live sports.

Pioneering technology

Boldyn’s CaaS showcases the potential of advanced Open RAN technology, featuring an enhanced connectivity managed service that combines an evolved DAS system supporting O-RAN fronthaul interface standard and JMA XRAN®, a pioneering 5G O-RAN technology stack, with Boldyn’s Network Management System (NMS). This fully virtualized O-RAN-based platform reduces space and power requirements by up to 60% compared to traditional indoor architectures. The integration with Boldyn’s NMS reduces operational costs through the digitisation and automation of the service assurance processes.

With its innovative CaaS, Boldyn provides dedicated network management, monitoring, and optimisation resources for the venue— increasing the levels of service assurance while reducing involvement from the mobile operator’s own resources. Most importantly, the 49,000 stadium spectators benefit from high-speed 5G connectivity, a significant upgrade from its decade-old network system, resulting in richer connectivity experiences for everyone.

For mobile customers, the new network will translate into high-quality connectivity and more interactive, digitally enabled services, including seamless uploads and downloads of videos and social media, increased safety, and personalised experiences during events like in-seat food ordering.

A public-private collaboration

The forward-looking project is part of SONET’s aim at driving innovation and digital transformation across Sunderland, with the deployment of high-speed 5G connectivity at the Stadium of Light and the new British Esports Arena. Partially funded by UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), it represents a true collaborative effort between public and private entities to bring top of the line digital experiences to fans and visitors.

This will be especially important as the venue prepares to host the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup and Sunderland AFC returns to the Premier League, now supported by a network that’s as ‘Premier’ as the football on display.

“This project underscores our commitment to delivering innovative connectivity solutions that enhance the digital experience for users in high-density environments, without sacrificing cost or energy efficiency,” said Brendan O’Reilly, CEO of UK & Ireland at Boldyn Networks, during a tour of the iconic stadium together with Igor Leprince, Group CEO of Boldyn Networks.

 “The launch of CaaS at the Stadium of Light is a testament to Boldyn’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of digital connectivity and setting new standards in the industry. We are incredibly proud to play our part in the SONET project and in enabling more engaging interactions at stadiums and arenas across the UK”, he added.

Dr Rob Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at Virgin Media O2 said: “We have a long history of giving our customers access to the best live entertainment, so it’s only natural that they will be the first to benefit from the next generation 5G network at the iconic Stadium of Light. Our Mobile Transformation Plan is focused on improving the connectivity experience for our customers no matter where they are and this work with Boldyn Networks is ensuring match going fans can experience a seamless connectivity experience.”

David Bruce, Chief Business Officer of the Sunderland Association Football Clubsaid: “The launch of an enhanced 5G network at the Stadium of Light marks another exciting step forward, not just for Sunderland AFC, but for the entire city. This technology will unlock incredible opportunities to enhance the matchday experience for our supporters through faster connectivity, richer content, and more immersive engagement than ever before. It reflects our ongoing commitment to putting fans at the heart of everything we do and forms part of a continued period of investment in the Stadium of Light. As part of the City of Sunderland’s vision for innovation and growth, we’re proud to play our part in shaping a smarter, more connected environment for our community.”