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August 2026's roundup: EE launches the UK's first commercial 5G slicing service as India's regulator moves first to mandate per-slice tariffs and disclosed speeds, AI-RAN validation reaches SoftBank's live Japanese network, satellite operators from AST SpaceMobile to Elveo Mobile jockey for direct-to-device position, and Charter's completed Cox mega-merger reshapes the US cable map.
August 2026's roundup: operators from SK Telecom to Ooredoo built or monetized AI infrastructure directly, AI-RAN validation reached the device and per-user level, agentic AI moved deeper into live network operations, and governance caught up with a watermarking mandate, an incident-reporting coalition, and a hard look at why AI inference costs keep rising even as token prices fall.
July 2026's roundup: Hughes Network Systems nears bankruptcy as SpaceX files to launch 100,000 satellites, Nokia's AI-RAN commercial deployments trail Ericsson's 15+ by a full order of magnitude, the FCC finalizes a $6.3B C-band incentive package and closes AT&T's $23B EchoStar spectrum deal, and fiber capital and industrial 5G both keep expanding globally.
Live Streamed on Mon, 2 Mar at 11:15 - 12:45 CET

Visionary voices from around the globe take the stage to reflect on the expanding scope of connectivity, from core networks to cloud platforms to the emerging capabilities that stretch beyond our planet. Join us to explore how the interplay of innovation, leadership and global collaboration can drive meaningful transformation. Discover how bold thinking and shared ambition can build on this momentum and redefine what is possible in an increasingly connected world.
Rakuten Mobile and AST SpaceMobile completed Japan’s first satellite video call using unmodified smartphones in April 2025. This test marks a major advancement toward Rakuten’s Saikyo Satellite Service, set to launch in 2026, which will expand mobile coverage across remote and disaster-prone regions using AST’s LEO satellite network.
AI means many things to many people. Under the radar however, AI is emerging as the change agent in the RAN marketplace. Through direct and indirect means, AI and ML technologies are injecting diversity into the RAN vendor landscape. AI is not new to RAN. What is new is the combination of AI and RAN-disaggregation initiatives such as Open RAN, SDN and NFV. Established leaders, companies with telecom pedigree, consulting majors and startups are some of the notable stakeholders looking to leverage AI in the RAN. As a consequence, there is a very real probability that cellular operators will have real choices in their RAN design and deployment endeavors.
AST SpaceMobile has unveiled its space-based 5G broadband capabilities, achieving a new data rate of 14 Mbps, following successful 4G tests with AT&T and Vodafone. This was accomplished using the BlueWalker 3 satellite, in partnership with Vodafone, AT&T, and Nokia. This advancement underscores the potential of bridging 4G and 5G connectivity gaps globally. AST SpaceMobile's patented technology will also be integral to their commercial satellites, with the first five set for a Q1 2024 launch.
Discover how the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) is leading the Open RAN revolution by accelerating the commercial adoption of secure, high-performance network solutions. Tackling challenges in Open RAN adoption and catalyzing industry effort, TIP's project groups, badging processes, and marketplace initiatives are reshaping the future of Open RAN and 5G technology.
We are witnessing a paradigm shift in telecommunications. Open RAN is at the forefront, emphasizing a disaggregated and open approach to network architecture. This change has the potential to redefine global communication networks by enabling interoperability, fostering innovation, and democratizing access to advanced 5G technology. However, international cooperation on the Open RAN policy is vital to harness its potential fully. Governments worldwide must embrace pro-Open RAN policies, unlock funding, and encourage cross-border investments. Join Open RAN Policy Coalition in this revolution to enhance connectivity, narrow the digital divide, and promote socio-economic development worldwide.

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