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.
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has expressed concerns to the Department of Telecom (DoT) about delicensing the 6 GHz spectrum, fearing it may obstruct the development and deployment of 5G and 6G technologies in India. Major telecom operators including Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea are backing COAI’s stance. This move comes amidst the potential revenue loss for the government and the imperative need to use the spectrum efficiently for advancing India’s telecommunication sector.
Indian telecom companies, including Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea, are struggling to raise tariffs amid the 5G rollout, with average revenue per user (ARPU) increasing only 1-3% sequentially in the December quarter. Significant capital expenditures and a competitive landscape contribute to the delay in tariff hikes, which impacts investors’ concerns. Revenue growth is expected to moderate, while limited 5G use-cases and monetization opportunities also hinder ARPU growth.
The 5G Future Forum (5GFF) will lead a first-in-the-world demonstration that is expected to change the evolution of music collaboration. Using the 5GFF Edge Discovery Service (EDS) API, which enables devices to identify and connect to the Mobile Edge Compute (MEC) site providing the lowest latency closest to them, the performance will showcase the value of the interoperability of the EDS API, leveraging Open Sesame’s audio platform to sync guitar players across New York, USA (Verizon), Toronto, Canada (Rogers), and London, England (Vodafone).
The GSMA announced a new industry-wide initiative called GSMA Open Gateway, a framework of universal network Application Programmable Interfaces (APIs), designed to provide universal access to operator networks for developers. Launched with the support of 21 mobile network operators, the move is aimed at changing the way the telecoms industry designs and delivers services in an API economy world.
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