News

However, spectrum still needs to be allocated by the regulator before commercial services can begin

Today, India’s Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia has revealed that SpaceX’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, Starlink, has been granted an operating licence, allowing it to legally provide connectivity services across the country.

“Starlink has been granted a Unified License to launch satellite internet services in India,” said Scindia, speaking on the 30th anniversary of India’s first mobile phone call.

The news will come as a huge relief to SpaceX, which has been pursuing regulatory approval for years. The company has long viewed India as a crucial market with high growth potential, highlighting the millions of people living in remote locations underserved by traditional connectivity infrastructure.

But while the licence has been a long time coming, Starlink’s regulatory pains are not over yet. The regulator has yet to formally allocate satellite spectrum, leaving Starlink – as well as fellow licensees Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Space Technology – in a holding pattern, unable to launch commercial services.

An official timeline for spectrum allocation has not been revealed, but Scindia says that a framework for allocation has been agreed by the regulator.

“Frameworks for spectrum allocation and gateway establishment are ready, ensuring smooth rollout,” he said.

Starlink’s path into India has been a troubled one. The company was initially optimistic that its application would be granted with little delay, even going so far as to begin selling pre-orders of Starlink terminals to Indian customers in 2021. However, the regulatory process proved more arduous than anticipated.

Satellite licence applications are subject to intense scrutiny, including complying with strict security requirements, including mandatory interception and monitoring protocols, use of local data centres, and location tracking of user terminals. These factors, combined with objections from rival satellite operators and clashes with regulators, saw the application process progress at a glacial pace.

(The government later ordered Starlink to refund the more than 5,000 pre-orders it had received, chastising the satellite operator for not waiting for official approval.)

In addition to its licencing quagmire, SpaceX also found itself at loggerheads with Indian mobile operators over spectrum policy. Satellite operators in most markets around the world are simply allocated spectrum at little to no cost by regulators, but in India this conventional approach was being questioned. The mobile operators, which had paid millions of dollars for their spectrum at government auctions, argued that satellite players are increasingly encroaching on the territory of traditional wireless operators without having to face the up-front costs. Why should satellite connectivity providers receive preferential treatment?

These arguments appeared to resonate with India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which said in late 2021 that it was considering auctioning satellite spectrum. SpaceX, naturally, argued this approach was a mistake, and lobbied the government not to abandon a tried-and-true framework used all over the world.

Much to the delight of Elon Musk, the DoT finally indicated last year that it would not be pursuing a spectrum auction and instead directly allocate the spectrum.

Since then, it seems the industry’s enmity towards Stariink had waned, with both Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel signing deals with the satellite operator to help provide coverage to hard-to-reach customers.

Exactly what this deal means for Jio and Airtel’s existing satellite partnerships – Jio’s joint venture with SES, called Jio Space Technology, and Eutelsat OneWeb, respectively – remains to be seen.

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This growth has been pan-European, with significant growth in Zayo Europe powered route miles during H1 2025 in both the UK (241%) Germany (173%) highlighting the value of its partnership with GasLINE.

This underscores the sustained momentum Zayo Europe has built since becoming an independent entity in the summer of 2024, with a clear focus on the European market and its complex, interconnected network of nations.

A key element of the company’s growth strategy is connecting a diverse range of data centres across the continent, given the critical nature of the infrastructure in powering the technologies that businesses, large enterprises and consumers rely on everyday. H1 2025 saw this continue with Zayo Europe currently connecting 600 data centres. 

With this success comes operational growth too, as the business increased its workforce by 10%, with new hires touching almost every element of the company from delivery and service excellence through to finance and people management. 

Growth is set to continue into H2 and beyond, following the recent announcement of Zayo Europe’s full acquisition of the Emerald Bridge subsea cable that provides G.652D dark fibre and high capacity wave services from the UK to Dublin, Ireland.

Colman Deegan, CEO at Zayo Europe, says: “We always viewed H1 2025 as a pivotal period for Zayo Europe, marking a full year since we established ourselves as an independent entity. While growth has always been a key success metric, the pace at which our best-in-class fibre infrastructure is now connecting data centres and points of presence across major European markets is especially encouraging as we look ahead to the remainder of 2025 and beyond. 

“Our continued network expansion not only enhances our service capabilities but also empowers our customers with greater reach, flexibility, and resilience, enabling them to scale operations, optimise performance, and react to evolving demands with confidence.

“The growth achieved so far this year is testament to the strength and dedication of our team at Zayo Europe. Service excellence is in our DNA and is frequently cited as a driving force behind our ability to secure new partnerships and mission-critical connectivity projects. That said, we’re not standing still. We’re aiming to continue this momentum throughout the rest of the year and well into 2026.”

Press Release

Virgin Media O2 and Age UK are working together to provide additional support to the small number of older mobile phone users who will need to upgrade their handsets to continue using mobile data once 3G is switched off.

Virgin Media O2 will support Age UK’s work to develop and distribute new informative content designed for older people and their families to help them better understand the 3G switch-off. The charity will provide key information on its website and social media channels and, via its Advice Line, support older people and their families who are seeking advice in relation to the 3G switch off.

Virgin Media O2’s contribution will also help to fund Age UK’s Digital Champions programme, which supports disadvantaged older people through local awareness sessions, practical hands-on digital skills tuition and tailored guidance so they can stay connected and confidently use new devices.

This activity will complement the work Virgin Media O2 is already doing to raise awareness of the switch-off and encourage the small number of customers who will be impacted to take action. The operator is already writing directly to all customers currently without a 4G or 5G handset, offering free compatible devices for known vulnerable customers and discounts on new handsets for all others.

Virgin Media O2’s 3G network first launched more than 20 years ago and today carries less than 2% of all network data – a figure that continues to fall. Switching off this older technology – as agreed by the Government and all mobile network operators in 2021 – allows providers like Virgin Media O2 to reallocate mobile spectrum to more efficient 4G and 5G services and improve customers’ overall experience with faster data speeds, more reliable streaming and higher quality voice calls.

Customers who don’t upgrade to a 4G or 5G device before 3G is switched off will still be able to use voice calls and send text messages as they currently do for now, but they will not be able to use mobile data.

Virgin Media O2 and Age UK County Durham collaborated in a similar way earlier this year when the city of Durham became the first area to have the company’s 3G network switched off. Further local switch-offs have since been completed in other parts of the UK – Norwich, Telford and Guildford on 16 July, and Torquay will follow in August – ahead of a wider programme that will see the 3G network withdrawn across the country by the end of 2025.

O2 customers continue to be encouraged to visit their local store or call to access more information and support, while Tesco Mobile, giffgaff and Sky Mobile are supporting their own customers through this migration. Anybody with an old, unwanted handset is able to recycle their device through O2 Recycle where they could receive cash in exchange for their old phone and play their part in disposing of old equipment responsibly to protect the environment.

Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer, said: “We’re continuing to push ahead with our plans to switch off 3G across the UK by the end of this year, allowing us to reallocate mobile spectrum to more efficient 4G and 5G services and give our customers a better overall experience.

“While we know that the vast majority of our customers already have a 4G or 5G handset and do not need to take any action, our priority has always been to support the minority who may be impacted.

“Given that many of these customers are likely to be older and potentially less tech-savvy, it makes perfect sense to partner with Age UK as we carry out this migration. We’ll draw on their expertise and significant reach to raise awareness among customers who will need to upgrade their device to continue using mobile data once 3G is withdrawn.”

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: “The 3G switch-off may feel daunting for many older people so it’s important that we do all we can to support those affected.

“We’re very grateful for this funding from Virgin Media O2 as this will enhance our services, including our Advice Line, so that older customers can get the help needed when 3G is switched off.

“It’s important to note that for those using a 3G network who don’t wish to change their handset, for now they will still be able to make phone calls and send texts as they do today – it’s just their mobile data this change will affect.

“Anyone who is feeling worried and would like some support can get in touch with their provider to find out more about their options and make sure they are ready for the change, or they can call Age UK’s Advice Line for free on 0800 169 65 65.”

O2 customers can find out more about the 3G switch off on its website. Tesco Mobile customers can find out more here, Sky Mobile customers should visit here for further information, while giffgaff customers can access further support here.

How is the UK connectivity ecosystem changing in 2025? Join the discussion at Connected Britain, the UK’s largest digital economy event

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The 5G modem is vital in the changing telecom landscape. It connects devices to ultra-fast, low-latency 5G networks.

Devices such as 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐬, 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐨𝐓 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 benefit from high-speed data, quick communication, and smooth connections due to 5G modems. This is why the 5G modem market is expanding rapidly.

𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 @ https://tinyurl.com/2muufj72

Tech companies are putting significant money into 𝐀𝐈, 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 to improve 𝟓𝐆 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐬. Features like 𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐠𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬, 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 are becoming common.

The demand for 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 and 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐯𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬, along with government backing for standalone 5G networks, is leading to the creation of new compact, multi-band, and mmWave-compatible modems. This greatly enhances the user experience.

𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 @ https://tinyurl.com/8nxym5my

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬:
🔸 𝐑𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐝 𝟓𝐆 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Telecom providers worldwide are launching 5G, increasing the need for high-speed modems for consumers and industries.

🔸 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞 & 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭: As major smartphone brands introduce 5G models, the demand for both integrated and standalone 5G modems is increasing.

🔸 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐕𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬: 5G modems are essential for V2X (vehicle-to-everything) communication, offering fast and reliable connections for autonomous vehicles.

🔸 𝐈𝐨𝐓 & 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: Billions of IoT devices, from smart meters to sensors, depend on strong 5G connections supported by efficient modems.

🔸 𝐀𝐈 & 𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 5G modems work with edge computing to provide real-time data processing. This drives innovation in AR/VR, healthcare, and manufacturing.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬, 𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭:

Ushmani
MarketIntelReports
http://www.marketintelreports.com

Press Release

Orange Cyberdefense, the cybersecurity subsidiary of Orange, has acquired 100% of ensec, a Swiss cybersecurity company based in Zurich, known for its expertise in consulting, IT security integration, managed security services and tailored support for a wide-ranging portfolio of products from leading cybersecurity providers. This targeted acquisition, which was finalized on 23 July, will reinforce Orange Cyberdefense’s existing presence in Switzerland.

In a fast-growing Swiss market characterized by increased regulatory requirements and strong demand for local expertise, the acquisition of ensec will expand Orange Cyberdefense’s presence in German-speaking Switzerland, complementing its existing footprint in the French-speaking part of the country.

Orange Cyberdefense has been present in Switzerland since 2022 and enjoys a solid reputation, particularly in offensive security solutions. With over 100 highly skilled cybersecurity experts in the country, Orange already works closely with customers from both the public and private sectors, ranging from SMBs to large multi-nationals in collaboration with Orange Business.

The acquisition of ensec will build on this presence, bringing considerable value in terms of expertise and customer proximity in the Germanic regions of Switzerland. The company counts around 40 highly trained experts and a distinct customer portfolio of over 130 clients operating in sensitive fields such as finance, retail and energy, as well as customers from the public sector.

This operation constitutes an opportunity to capitalize on complementary strengths: on the one hand, leveraging synergies with Orange Business and Orange Cyberdefense’s global sales forces; and on the other, benefiting from the technical expertise and local presence of ensec in the Germanic regions of Switzerland and in neighboring areas. This move strengthens Orange Cyberdefense’s position in Europe as a leading cybersecurity player and reinforces its ambition to be the trusted cybersecurity partner of choice in Switzerland and beyond.

This new milestone is fully aligned with Orange Cyberdefense’s unique positioning as a global cybersecurity player, combining local presence with scalable expertise and services, as well as deep-threat intelligence. It also reflects the Orange group’s broader ambition to deliver sustainable growth and digital trust through expert-led and territorially anchored cybersecurity services.

Hugues Foulon, CEO of Orange Cyberdefense, commented: “The acquisition of ensec marks a significant milestone in our European development, enabling us to better serve our customers with comprehensive, high-impact cybersecurity solutions. This move not only strengthens our market position among Germanic customers in Switzerland but also underscores our commitment to build a safer digital society for our clients and partners. We are delighted to welcome ensec’s teams into the Orange Cyberdefense family.”

Nicolas Lutz, CEO of Orange Cyberdefense Switzerland, added: “We strongly believe that the combination of our respective activities in Switzerland makes sense for our customers by providing increased proximity and the ability to respond rapidly irrespective of language-related constraints. In addition, ensec’s recognized expertise in consulting and cybersecurity integration makes for a perfect match that will build on our existing capabilities to create a dynamic Swiss cyber champion.”

Mike Schuler, CEO of ensec, concluded: “Joining Orange Cyberdefense marks an exciting new chapter for ensec. This step enables us to scale our impact, expand our footprint, and bring even more value to our clients — while staying true to our core: deep technical expertise, a strong local presence, and trusted partnerships. With access to Orange Cyberdefense’s extensive portfolio of services and products, we are ideally positioned to deliver end-to-end cybersecurity solutions tailored to the Swiss market. This evolution also opens up new opportunities for our employees to grow within a global leader and for our partners to benefit from an even broader ecosystem. Together, we will shape the future of cybersecurity in Switzerland and beyond”.

The financial details of this acquisition remain confidential.

Keep up with all the latest telecoms news with the Total Telecom newsletter

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Optus ditches football rights to focus on telecoms
Nokia launches digital twin platform Enscryb to digitalise energy sector

Rome/Algiers, 24 July 2025

Sparkle, the first international service provider in Italy and among the top global operators, and Algérie Télécom, the leading national telecommunications operator in Algeria, which offers a wide range of fixed-line, Internet, and enterprise solutions, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of a new subsea cable linking Italy and Algeria.

The agreement was announced during the 6^th Italy-Algeria Business Forum held yesterday in Rome, in the presence of the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, and of the President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

As part of the MoU, Sparkle will realise with Algérie Télécom a submarine cable linking Italy and Algeria and provide related value-added services on cybersecurity and cloud computing, technical support for data center development, training across key technical topics as well as a point of presence in Europe fully dedicated to Algérie Télécom, all aimed at supporting Algeria’s digital transformation.

The new, dedicated submarine cable will provide a high-capacity route to Europe, delivering enhanced performance, ultra-low latency, and full redundancy compared to existing infrastructures. By doing so, it will also support the growing demand for internet services and digital content, offering an outstanding connectivity experience for both consumers and businesses.

“This agreement marks a significant step in strengthening digital ties between Europe and North Africa,” said Enrico Bagnasco, CEO of Sparkle. “We are proud to contribute to Algeria’s digital future by delivering modern infrastructure as well as innovative and secure solutions for fast and resilient international connectivity.”

“The strategic partnership with Sparkle confirms the long-standing relationship between our two companies and reflects our shared commitment to innovation and excellence,” said Adel Bentoumi, CEO of Algérie Télécom. “We believe that this project will play a key role in diversifying our international routes and in meeting the increasing needs of our customers across Algeria.”

The Italy-Algeria Business Forum aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries in strategic sectors such as energy, innovation, education, agriculture, and culture. It forms part of the Mattei Plan for Africa, through which Italy seeks to build balanced partnerships based on mutual respect and shared benefits.

About Sparkle

Sparkle is TIM Group’s global operator, first international service provider in Italy and among the top worldwide, offering a full range of infrastructure and global connectivity services – capacity, IP, SD-WAN, colocation, IoT connectivity, roaming and voice – to national and international Carriers, OTTs, ISPs, Media/Content Providers, and multinational enterprises. As a leading player in the submarine cable industry, Sparkle owns and manages a network of more than 600,000 km of fiber stretching across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, and Asia. Sparkle’s sales team has a global presence, with representatives in 32 countries.

Find out more about Sparkle following its X and LinkedIn profiles or visiting the website tisparkle.com

 About Algérie Télécom

Algérie Télécom is the incumbent telecommunications operator in Algeria with a presence across the country. The company provides a range of services, including fixed telephony, high speed and ultra-high-speed Internet access, and advanced connectivity solutions for individuals, businesses, and institutions.

At the forefront of Algeria’s digital transformation, Algérie Télécom continually invests in modernizing its infrastructure, particularly through the development of its fiber optic network and the implementation of innovative technologies.

This commitment enables the company to provide inclusive, reliable, and high-performance connectivity, playing a strategic role in Algeria’s digital economy.

Sparkle Media Contacts:

sparkle.communication@tisparkle.com

X: @TISparkle

Algérie Télécom Media Contacts:

Email: contact@at.dz

Tél : +213 (021) 82 38 38

News

Major investments planned by both the private and public sectors could see connectivity flourish

This week, a consortium of 61 German companies have announced the launch of the ‘Made for Germany’ initiative, aimed at streamlining private sector dialogue with government and roadblocks for investment.

According to a shared press release, the initiative aims to create “a key point of contact for the government, working to define priorities, develop targeted measures and implement reforms effectively”. This, the companies say, will help to boost Germany as an economic hub and create a stable and inviting investment landscape for investors.

The 61 private companies participating in the initiative include major players from a wide variety of industries, from banking and automotive to semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. The full list of initiative members can be found here.

The initiative is supported by a collective pledge to invest €631 billion by 2028, demonstrating the companies’ continual commitment to the growth of the national economy.

The investments reportedly includes a mix of both planned and new capital investments and R&D efforts, although exactly how much of the total comprises new commitments is unclear.

“Germany needs a new operating system – one focused on growth, technology, and competitiveness. The time for change is now. Government and business must forge a new kind of partnership and take joint responsibility for society,” said Roland Busch, the CEO of Siemens. “This initiative embodies that spirit of solidarity and stands for a fresh start: with less bureaucracy, and more innovation. Germany is home to world-class companies, has a strong industrial base, and exceptional talent. We have everything it takes to reclaim a leading economic role – especially in digitalization and artificial intelligence.”

Busch’s reference to ‘joint responsibility’ should not come as a surprise given the recent pressure on the German government to make its investment landscape more appealing. In fact, the initiative’s announcement follows major government reforms to debt handling announced earlier this year. These reforms focus primarily on revising the strict borrowing rules that were introduced after the 2008 global financial crisis, removing what has been described as a ‘fiscal straitjacket’ on Germany’s economic growth.

In parallel, the government also pledged to create a €500 billion infrastructure fund to modernise the nation’s infrastructure and bolster national defence. Industries targeted for this funding include energy, transport, R&D, education, and healthcare.

“We are facing one of the largest investment initiatives that we have seen in Germany in recent decades,” said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a news conference announcing the ‘Made for Germany’ initiative. “The investment tasks we are facing cannot be achieved by public budgets alone. On the contrary, the lion’s share must be provided by private investors.”

But what does this all mean for the German telecoms sector?

While Deutsche Telekom and United Internet (1&1) are the only explicitly telecoms companies directly listed as participating in the ‘Made for Germany’ initiative, the sector as a whole has much to gain from its creation. When combined with the newly created infrastructure fund, the German market can expect €1 trillion to be poured into infrastructure and industrial projects in the coming years, all of which will need to be backed by the provision of high quality connectivity. This opportunity will be particularly acute around heavy industries like the automotive sector, where digitalisation efforts to expand the use of robotics, IoT, and AI will rely on high capacity low-latency connectivity – at least, that is what the telcos will argue.

At the same time, the reduction in bureaucratic hurdles and closer public–private cooperation could allow for the further acceleration of fibre rollouts, an area where Germany still significantly lags behind the rest of Europe.

In short, as the German public and private sectors grow more closely aligned on investment, German telcos will strive to position themselves key enablers of national digital transformation, without whom economic growth will remain unattainable.

How is the German connectivity market changing in 2025? Join the discussion at Connected Germany live in Munich

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Nokia launches digital twin platform Enscryb to digitalise energy sector