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India 5G to hit 1B subscribers by 2031: Ericsson’s Mobility Report

Indian Telecom Operators Raise Tariffs After Three Years
India’s 5G market has entered a scale phase, with momentum pointing to more than a billion subscribers and deeper network modernization over the next six years. Ericsson’s latest Mobility Report projects over 1 billion 5G subscriptions in India by end-2031, representing about 79% of the country’s mobile base. Average mobile data usage per active smartphone in India stands near 36 GB per month and is forecast to approach 65 GB per month by 2031. Two demand-side levers stand out: affordable 5G devices and expanding Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), accelerating mainstream adoption and opening a credible substitute to wired broadband in underserved areas.

FCC advances upper C‑band auction for 5G

FCC kicks off latest 5G spectrum auction of 2.5 GHz Licenses to fill gaps in Rural Wireless Coverage
The FCC has advanced a rulemaking that would free up a significant slice of upper C-band spectrum for 5G and future 6G services, setting the stage for a high-stakes auction and complex satellite transition by mid-2027. The Commission unanimously approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to clear and auction between 100 and 180 megahertz in the 3.98–4.2 GHz band (upper C-band) via competitive bidding. Because 3GPP band n77 already extends up to 4.2 GHz globally, much of the 5G device and radio ecosystem can support this expansion with minimal modification, accelerating time-to-market for carriers once licenses are granted.

WISP vs Starlink Speeds: Ookla 2025

WISP vs Starlink Speeds: Ookla 2025
New performance data shows U.S. WISPs are getting faster, but low‑Earth orbit players like Starlink are advancing just as quickly—and the competitive gap in rural markets is narrowing. Based on Speedtest Intelligence data from Q1 2021 to Q2 2025, eight of the larger WISPs—Starry, Resound Networks, Nextlink, Wisper Internet, Unwired Broadband, GeoLinks, Etheric Networks, and Rise Broadband—improved speeds, with download gains outpacing uploads. Starry led by a wide margin with a 202 Mbps median download in Q2 2025, followed by Resound at 99 Mbps and Nextlink at 68 Mbps; GeoLinks trailed at 23 Mbps. Crucially, only a minority of WISP users consistently achieve the FCC’s 100/20 Mbps fixed broadband benchmark.

CTIA Catalyst Program Reaches 30M with Mobile-First Impact

CTIA Catalyst Program Reaches 30M with Mobile-First Impact
A new impact study shows CTIA Wireless Foundation’s Catalyst program has touched 30 million Americans since 2019, underscoring how mobile-first tools can scale social outcomes faster than traditional interventions. The Foundation has invested just over $1 million in unrestricted grants yet reports benefits to nearly one in 12 Americans—evidence of the leverage that wireless distribution, app stores, messaging, and APIs can create when paired with practical problem-solving. More than 30 social entrepreneurs have received support through Catalyst, selected from over 800 applications across 46 states. For telecom leaders, the takeaway is clear: modest, well-targeted funding combined with mobile channels and carrier-grade networks can produce nonlinear impact, particularly in domains (public safety, health, mental health, road safety) where ubiquity and low friction matter more than heavy infrastructure.

Orange to launch Europe’s first NTN D2D SMS

Satellite Connectivity in 2025: The New Backbone of Global Telecom
Orange is moving to commercialize direct-to-device satellite connectivity in Europe with a carrier-branded SMS service that extends coverage beyond terrestrial reach. Orange will launch “Message Satellite,” an SMS and location-sharing service that lets smartphones connect directly to satellites when mobile or Wi‑Fi coverage is unavailable. The consumer launch in mainland France is slated for 11 December 2025, with professional and enterprise availability following in 2026. At launch, the service will be offered to Orange 5G and 5G+ customers using Google Pixel 9 or Pixel 10 devices, with additional handsets expected over time. Pricing is set at €5 per month after a six‑month free introductory period.

Google Invests $40B in Texas AI Data Centers

Google Invests $40B in Texas AI Data Centers
Alphabet’s Google will spend $40 billion to build three AI-focused data centers in Texas, signaling that power access and grid proximity now define hyperscale strategy more than any single technology feature. The build spans one campus in Armstrong County in the Texas Panhandle and two in Haskell County near Abilene, with investments running through 2027. Google expects the program to create thousands of construction and supplier jobs and hundreds of long-term operations roles, consistent with typical hyperscale staffing patterns. Texas offers relatively low-cost power, faster interconnection timelines, abundant land, and pro-investment policies, making it second only to Virginia in U.S. data center count.

AT&T activates EchoStar 3.45 GHz to boost 5G and FWA

AT&T activates EchoStar 3.45 GHz to boost 5G and FWA
AT&T has activated EchoStar’s 3.45 GHz spectrum across a massive swath of its macro network, delivering a step-change in speed and capacity that advances its 5G and fixed wireless agenda. AT&T has deployed the 3.45 GHz band on nearly 23,000 cell sites across the contiguous United States, touching more than 5,300 cities. Early field results point to up to 80% faster 5G download speeds in upgraded markets. The same spectrum injection is lifting AT&T’s fixed wireless access (FWA) product, Internet Air, with download speeds up by about 55%. Mid-band spectrum is the engine of 5G performance at scale.

NTT Docomo AI-AI Air Interface Trial Doubles 6G Throughput with Nokia Bell Labs and SK Telecom

AI-AI Air Interface Trial Doubles 6G Throughput
A consortium led by NTT DOCOMO, NTT, Nokia Bell Labs, and SK Telecom has shown that applying AI to both transmitter and receiver—“AI-AI”—can materially lift outdoor 6G performance, pointing to an AI-native air interface that adapts in real time to messy, real-world radio conditions. Using 5G New Radio as the baseline at 4.8 GHz, the AI-AI approach improved average throughput by roughly 18% across mixed environments and delivered up to a 100% gain in the most challenging sections of a curved public road. The net: AI at both ends consistently compensated for channel fluctuations outdoors, not just in controlled labs.

Bharti Airtel S&P Upgrade on Strong Q2, ARPU and 5G

Bharti Airtel S&P Upgrade on Strong Q2, ARPU and 5G
S&P Global Ratings has upgraded Bharti Airtel on the back of stronger earnings quality, healthier free cash flow, and a clearer deleveraging path, signaling a maturing Indian mobile market. The action reflects rising confidence that India’s tariff repair is sticking after mid-2024 hikes, with average revenue per user moving up and a larger share of premium 4G/5G subscribers. Airtel’s fiscal Q2 (India) showed operating momentum and cash discipline—key ingredients behind the rating move. Tariff increases and a richer subscriber mix pushed ARPU above the psychologically important INR 200 threshold, aided by postpaid gains, 4G/5G migration, and bundled content.

T-Mobile 5G Network Slicing at Las Vegas Grand Prix

T-Mobile 5G Network Slicing at Las Vegas Grand Prix
The Las Vegas Grand Prix is more than a spectacle this year—it’s a real-world benchmark for what 5G Standalone can deliver under extreme density, with T-Mobile integrating slicing, private 5G and edge video into broadcast, venue ops and public safety workflows. Broadcast teams are ingesting 360-degree and drone feeds over 5G with edge processing, venue commerce runs on a dedicated slice, and police leverage a 5G-connected drone for situational awareness. These deployments illustrate a practical blueprint for monetizing 5G SA and edge in venues, media, public safety and large events.

Verizon layoffs: 15,000 cuts, store franchising

Verizon layoffs: 15,000 cuts, store franchising
Multiple media reports say Verizon plans to cut roughly 15,000 jobs and shift about 180–200 company-owned stores to franchise operators, marking its most significant restructuring to date. According to reports citing unnamed sources, Verizon is preparing layoffs equal to about 15% of its workforce, with some estimates suggesting cuts could reach up to 20,000 roles when store conversions are included. Verizon ended 2024 with roughly 100,000 U.S. employees after several years of incremental reductions. Leadership has signaled the need to simplify operations and reset the expense base following heavy 5G investment and a more promotional market.

Deutsche Telekom Q3: US growth, FTTH momentum, raised guidance

Deutsche Telekom Q3: US growth, FTTH momentum, raised guidance
Group revenue reached about €28.9 billion, up 3.3% on an organic basis, with service revenue and adjusted EBITDA AL growing despite currency pressure from a weaker U.S. dollar; adjusted EBITDA AL was roughly €11.1 billion on an organic basis, and full-year 2025 EBITDA AL guidance rose to around €45.3 billion alongside a stronger free cash flow after leases outlook near €20.1 billion. Adjusted net profit increased to approximately €2.7 billion (+14% year-on-year), while reported net profit was €2.4 billion (-18% year-on-year) due to lapping prior-year one-offs in financial activities—an accounting effect rather than a signal of operating weakness.
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