Indian billionaire and Bharti Enterprises chairperson Sunil Mittal (pictured) has sold US$976 million worth of Bharti Airtel shares as he looks to secure funds for other ventures.
According to Bloomberg, Mittal’s company, Indian Continental Investment – a founding entity of Bharti Airtel, India’s second-largest telecom operator – sold 51 million shares (0.84%) for INR 84.85 billion (US$976 million).
Around a quarter of these shares were sold to holding company Bharti Telecom, while the remainder went to GQG Partners LLC, Fidelity Investments, Lazard Inc., SBI Life Insurance Co., and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Co., sources told Bloomberg.
The share sale disclosure follows Bharti Airtel’s strong financial performance, including a 460.9% year-on-year surge in net profit, driven by growth in its Indian mobile business and investments in African markets.
Mittal is also invested in UK-based satellite company OneWeb, after Bharti Enterprises acquired a 24.5% stake from BT Group last year.
The Innovation Centre is supported by a grant from the Spanish Space Agency and will allow partners to test solutions combining satellite and mobile connectivity
Vodafone has this week announced the creation of a new innovation centre in Málaga, Spain, aimed at better integrating satellite and terrestrial mobile communications.
The centre’s creation is partially financed by a grant from the Spanish Space Agency and includes AST SpaceMobile and the University of Málaga as its key initial partners.
According to Vodafone, the centre “will specifically focus on the design, testing and validation of new open-source hardware, software, and processing chips that can work interchangeably in both space and terrestrial networks”, according to a joint press release.
More specifically, the centre will house a space-to-land gateway, allowing third parties to test services using AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites.
AST SpaceMobile launched its first five commercial low Earth orbit satellites in September last year. These satellites are designed to integrate with mobile networks, allowing regular smartphone users to access satellite connectivity whenever terrestrial connectivity is lost.
These initial five satellites are set to cover the US, while subsequent launches set to increase coverage across the globe.
AST SpaceMobile already has agreements with 45 mobile network operators worldwide, including Vodafone.
“As society becomes more digital, the need to close coverage gaps increases. Vodafone, together with AST SpaceMobile and the University of Málaga, will forge partnerships with like-minded organisations to build harmonious space and earth networks to meet Europe’s ambitious targets for ubiquitous digital connectivity,” said Alberto Ripepi, Vodafone Group’s Chief Network Officer.
Vodafone says that it expects to commercially launch direct-to-device satellite connectivity services in parts of Europe later this year.
The Centre is expected to open for partners by summer this year.
The North East’s pioneering role in advanced wireless innovation took centre stage at the 5G Innovation Regions (5GIR) Showcase.
Bringing together industry leaders, government representatives and technology innovators, the event celebrated the progress, impact and future potential of advanced wireless infrastructure use cases across key sectors, including smart port operations, agritech, connected transport and creative industries.
Spearheaded by Sunderland City Council in collaboration with the North East Combined Authority, this initiative is driving regional innovation and connectivity. The 5GIR programme has established the North East as a national leader in digital innovation and demonstrated close partnerships with industry, academia and technology providers. With investment from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the region has accelerated the deployment of cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of connectivity, industry and sustainability.
Through these four pioneering projects, the region is demonstrating how connectivity can enhance efficiency, safety and engagement, ensuring no one and nowhere is left behind.
Opening the event at City Hall in Sunderland, Patrick Melia, chief executive of Sunderland City Council and digital lead officer for the North East Combined Authority, reinforced the region’s commitment to harnessing technology for economic growth, social impact and environmental sustainability. Patrick said: “5G innovation is not just about infrastructure, but about real-world benefits. Our goal encompasses more than leveraging technology alone, it’s focused on the impact technological advancement has on people’s lives, prospects and the opportunities it opens for them.”
This sentiment was echoed by Rob Hamilton, chief economist at the North East Combined Authority,who highlighted that: “Technology must serve a purpose, driving real benefits for businesses and communities across the North East.
“5G infrastructure is underpinning the region’s ambitions for economic resilience, digital inclusion and future skills development.”
The showcase event focused on the impressive progress across four main projects, each demonstrating the vital role of advanced wireless technologies, including 5G, in reshaping regional industries: Connected Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS), Creative Industries, Smart Port and Agritech.
Connected Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS): One focus of the showcase was the Connected Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) project, which leverages 5G to improve the movement of people and goods across the region. Mark Wilson from Sunderland City Council’s HighwaysAuthority said: “5G connectivity is enabling real-time traffic management, multimodal journey planning and enhanced safety measures.
“By integrating live data, we are creating a smarter, more efficient transport network across our region, whilst demonstrating how this can be transferred and implemented throughout the UK.”
Adrian Molloy, Head of Delivery at Boldyn Networks, discussed the role of 5G private networks in enabling autonomous vehicle integration and AI-driven analytics for transport efficiency. Simon Edwards, Senior Researcher in Inclusive Mobility at Newcastle University, further emphasised the role of CITS in supporting connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) trials, highlighting the potential for real-time data exchange between vehicles and infrastructure to optimise mobility solutions.
Creative Industries The showcase also featured groundbreaking applications in the Creative Industries, with a focus on immersive digital experiences and real-time broadcasting. Two major use cases were introduced: live 360º video broadcasting and the Sunderland EXPO Pavilion, one of the UK’s largest immersive screens, developed in collaboration with Animmersion and ArtAV.
Marion Dixon, Assistant Director Regulatory Services and Events at Sunderland City Council, said:“The EXPO Pavilion serves as adynamic digital canvas, showcasing the city’sculture, music and heritage. It’s been incredible to see live demonstrations in Keel Square – broadcast in real time using 5G-enabled cameras and dual-SIM broadcasting technology –redefining audience engagement as we merge technology and creativity to bring digital content to life in public spaces.”
The project team at Port of Tyne – part of the 5GIR North East Showcase.
Smart Port On the second day, attendees visited Port of Tyne’s Innovation Hub, where Dr Jo North, innovation ecosystem director, and Mark Stoner, chief financial officer at the Port, highlighted how 5G is transforming port operations. Mark said: “The expansion of our private 5G network, in partnership with BT and Ericsson, is enabling real-time monitoring of road conditions, vehicle movements and environmental impact. This enhanced connectivity allows us to proactively manage safety risks, optimise logistics and improve operational efficiency across the Port.
“By leveraging data-driven insights, we are creating a smarter, safer and more sustainable port environment that supports the wider supply chain and maritime industry.”
The implementation of AI-enhanced PPE monitoring, vehicle tracking and automated maintenance insights, are further reinforcing the Port’s vision to become a smart, green and fully connected logistics hub.
Agritech The showcase concluded with a visit to Newcastle University’s Nafferton Farm, where attendees explored advanced wireless farm sensors for soil health monitoring and methane reduction. Dr Elisa Lopez Capel, senior lecturer in soil science at Newcastle University, demonstrated how LoRaWAN-connected sensors are providing continuous soil condition data, while James Standen, director of Newcastle University Farms, detailed the use of IoT technology in precision agriculture to improve sustainability and efficiency.
Dr Hannah Davis of Newcastle University introduced the methane monitoring use case, explaining its critical role in reducing agriculture’s carbon footprint. By leveraging advanced wireless infrastructure, researchers have developed low-cost methane sensors, which are now installed in the dairy parlour at Nafferton Farm. This technology advances environmental sustainability whilst unlocking opportunities for carbon credits and additional revenue streams.
The 5GIR North East Showcase reinforced the region’s status as a leader in digital transformation, demonstrating how collaboration, investment, and innovation are shaping the future. With projects already delivering tangible benefits, the North East continues to drive forward as a blueprint for connected, intelligent and sustainable communities.
Intracom Telecom, a global technology systems and solutions provider, is once again participating in Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, taking place on March 3-6, 2025.
At the company’s stand #7B44 in Hall 7, Intracom Telecom will feature its cutting-edge technologies designed to drive growth across diversified customers and industries.
More specifically, Intracom Telecom will unveil its Smart Carrier-Grade wireless transport & FWA portfolio. On display there will be the latest innovations for mmWave FWA connecting subscribers with speeds up to 2Gbps and at ranges exceeding 8km. The company will also showcase its Long-Range E-Band Solutions, demonstrating its unique technology with symmetrical speed up to 38 Gbps perfectly suited for the demands of the 5G/5G+ era. The portfolio will also feature advanced technologies for 5G Backhaul, offering Multi-Gigabit MW Transmission. Furthermore, Intracom Telecom’s Network Lifecycle Automation solutions will be showcased, demonstrating how they streamline deployment, management, and optimization across diverse network environments.
Additionally, the Group will unveil its high-performance antennas with Intelligent Beam Tracking technology, ensuring optimal network efficiency and superior connectivity, even in challenging weather conditions.
In the software domain, Intracom Telecom will highlight AI-driven solutions focused on sustainability, quality of experience (QoE), and customer experience (CX). Specifically, the company will present new platform features designed to optimize the efficiency of telco networks, data centers, and OpenRAN-based radio access networks. Using AI and real-time monitoring, these features enhance performance through accurate KPI prediction and digital twin profiling of RAN infrastructure. Another key attraction will be the latest release of its Unified Data and AI platform, that empowers its customers to easily develop and deploy Generative AI applications based on commercial and open-source language models, enabling use of AI Agents to take over complex and labor-intensive tasks, allowing them to achieve unprecedented cost efficiencies and decreased time to market.
Alexandros Tarnaris, Corporate Communications Director atIntracom Telecom Group, stated:“MWC 2025 provides an excellent platform for us to demonstrate how our innovative solutions are empowering operators and ISPs to meet the evolving demands of modern networks. We’ve been participating in this show since 2007, and every year our R&D team develops new technologies to showcase. This year, the technologies on display are designed to drive efficiency, sustainability, and superior customer experiences across AI, FWA, 5G, and beyond.”
Colt Technology Services (Colt), the global digital infrastructure company, today announced an expansion to its technology portfolio with Managed LEO+, a new managed service which integrates Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity with cellular 4G/5G. Managed LEO+, now available to Colt customers across 65 countries, brings a greater choice of networking technologies to businesses with operations – such as production facilities, manufacturing sites and retail locations – in rural and hard-to-reach areas. The new service complements Colt’s fibre connectivity by providing businesses with alternative back-up options for their infrastructure and is ideal for organisations looking for rapid deployment*.
Managed LEO+ is launched following a successful trial with a global biopharmaceutical company which has operations in 30 countries, some of which are in rural locations previously underserved by network providers. The company needed a secure, sustainable, futureproof digital infrastructure to connect and integrate its operations; to run tools and applications; and to share data between sites in areas such as research and development and supply chain management.
The company required consistently high levels of performance and reliability, regardless of whether they were located in urban or rural areas. Colt’s managed LEO 4G/5G network met these requirements and more, enabling efficient remote access, improving collaboration and ensuring robust levels of regulatory compliance.
Managed LEO+ demonstrates Colt’s commitment to delivering innovative connectivity solutions which address the unique needs of its customers while maintaining business continuity in the most challenging environments.
Annette Murphy, chief commercial officer, Colt Technology Services said, “Businesses with operations in remote and hard-to-reach areas are disadvantaged by patchy, low-quality access to their enterprise networks. This isn’t just frustrating for them: it slows progress, stifles innovation and excludes them from the digital economy. Our new Managed LEO+ service complements our existing fibre network and provides an exciting new option for high-performing, secure network access – and it’s fully managed by Colt, so businesses benefit from our mission to remove complexity and make life easier for them”.
Colt’s expansive global network spans four continents, with a land-based network in 40 countries and ten subsea systems, including subsea cables and landing stations.
Managed LEO + completes Colt’s trio of digital infrastructure across land, sea, and low Earth orbit, offering wide coverage and secure, low-latency networks to help global businesses succeed.
*The site survey determines the optimal location for the satellite antenna and establishes the required works guidelines to install the necessary equipment. Following approval of the works by the customer or site owner, the deployment is scheduled taking no more than 24 hours including installation, commissioning and testing.
Space42, the UAE-based AI-powered spacetech company, has announced a strategic collaboration with FADA, an entity that is part of UAE’s EDGE, a technology company established to develop the UAE’s sovereign geospatial analytics capabilities, to significantly advance the UAE’s Earth observation (EO) downstream capabilities.
The contract, valued at AED378 million (about US$103 million), aims to provide comprehensive solutions across various sectors.
The collaboration will leverage data from Space42’s Foresight Constellation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, first launched in August 2024 and expanded in January 2025. Space42 and FADA say they will collaborate with multiple government end users to continuously develop the platform capabilities over the next few years.
The collaboration, says Space42, will elevate the capabilities of its Earth observation technologies and contribute significantly to the UAE’s strategic objectives in data-driven decision-making by leveraging advanced analytics and multi-source geospatial data.
Launched in September last year, FADA’s mission is to develop sovereign space capabilities and homegrown technologies in the UAE. Its name is derived from the Arabic word for space.
Waleid Al Mesmari, President – Space & Cyber Technologies, EDGE, explains: « With the launch of FADA, EDGE’s new space company, we are reinforcing our commitment to pioneering advanced technologies and strengthening national capabilities. FADA’s mission to develop sovereign space solutions and drive innovation in satellite systems aligns with this collaboration. «
As we reported at the time, Space42 was established in 2024 following the successful merger between Bayanat, an AI-powered geospatial solutions provider, and Yahsat, the UAE’s flagship satellite operator. It has two business units. The Yahsat Space Services unit focuses on upstream satellite operations for both fixed and mobility satellite solutions. The Bayanat Smart Solutions unit integrates geospatial data acquisition and processing with AI to inform decision-making, enhance situational awareness, and improve operational efficiency.
The centrally located Netherlands is well-known as an important digital hub. There is a tremendous density of datacenters, a strong digital economy and an excellent digital infrastructure, both by sea and by land to the European hinterland. With its world-class connectivity and strategic position, the country offers unparalleled opportunities for digital infrastructure development. The Dutch Subsea Cable Coalition* aims to foster international collaboration and emphasize and further strengthen the Dutch position as a digital hub.
Unique support for landing sea cables in the Netherlands
The coalition is a unique public-private partnership with top-level partners from the business community, infrastructure, datacenters, wholesale end users, knowledge institutions and different levels of government. The coalition supports new cable initiatives by sharing knowledge about the Dutch ecosystem, connecting with relevant parties and offering support for navigating the regulatory and licensing system in the Netherlands. The coalition is committed to guiding landing parties every step of the way and is the first stop to getting support in navigating the Dutch landscape en-route to a successful landing of a subsea cable in the Netherlands.
2024: A milestone year for the Dutch Subsea Cable Coalition
2024 was a very productive year for the coalition. First off, all Dutch coastal provinces joined the coalition, thereby providing direct lines to all relevant governmental organizations, wherever subsea cables wish to land in the Netherlands. Besides strengthening the support and reach of the coalition internally, there are also exciting developments internationally.
Martin Prins, the ambassador of the Dutch Subsea Cable Coalition, says: ‘We are currently working on cable routes with various consortia. Off course we are supporting the IOEMA initiative, which is planned to land on two locations on the Dutch coast. We connect them with the relevant people, whether that is with government authorities for permitting procedures or market parties for collaboration.’
Furthermore, the coalition is currently in advanced talks with entities from several other European countries to develop a means to collaborate on a new, extensive and unique cable system. Stay informed by finding Dutch Coalition members at events such as Submarine Networks, connecting through email or signing up for our Webinar later this year.
Further streamlining and lowering the threshold for landing in the Netherlands
In addition to directly assisting international consortia, the coalition is also actively working on projects in the Netherlands that make landing simpler and more attractive. In the first quarter of 2025 a special ‘service counter’ will be launched by the Dutch Enterprise Agency, commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. All consortia interested in landing in the Netherlands can connect to one project guide who will be their point of contact and help in centrally coordinating permitting processes. By integrally instead of sequentally pursuing permits, this unique service will significantly reduce the processing times for permitting applications.
Peter van Burgel, CEO of AMS-IX: “The Dutch Subsea Cable Coalition is undertaking significant steps in further facilitating submarine cable systems to the Netherlands. We are happy that we are actively collaborating on further strengthening the leading position of the Netherlands as digital hub and digital gateway to Europe.”
The Dutch government is ‘future-focused and supportive’
Landing and properly maintaining sea cables is also on the political agenda. The Dutch government realizes emphasizes that the digital infrastructure, including maritime cables, should not be taken for granted. It requires continuous efforts from both companies and the government to keep the digital infrastructure innovative, high-quality, affordable, resilient, safe, sustainable and attractive for investors.
“The Dutch government’s plan is to invest more in digital infrastructure in the coming years,” says Martin Prins. ‘That is of course a positive development for us, because we want to continue to encourage submarine cable landings. But it is also a good time for external parties to make landings.’
Looking forward to meeting you at Submarine Networks
Dutch Subsea Coalition ambassador Martin Prins, together with his colleagues Aldert de Jongste (Coalition Strategist) and Björn Oosterwijk (Gereral Secretary), and other coalition members representing the Netherlands, will be present at the Submarine Networks Event in London, February 2025. During the News in Brief sessions on Tuesday February 18th at 10:50, Martin will further discuss the coalition and the proposition of the Netherlands. Don’t miss his unique insights!
Martin Prins: ‘It is clear that the Netherlands is “open for business”. We will further introduce our coalition to the international submarine cable community and inform interested parties about the possibilities that the Netherlands and the Subsea Cable Coalition can offer.’
*The Dutch Subsea Cable Coalition is a collaboration of: ABN AMRO, AMS-IX, Digital Realty, Dutch Datacenter Association (DDA), Equinix, Eurofiber, Fiber Carrier Association (FCA), KPN, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, i3D.net, InnovationQuarter, Liberty Global, Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), NL-IX, Relined, Rijkswaterstaat, Stichting DiNL, Stratix, SURF and WorldStream.
Join the Dutch Subsea Cable Coalition at Booth 13 at Submarine Networks EMEA, the world’s largest submarine connectivity event taking place this week!
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