NTT Data JV to build intra-Asia submarine cable
NTT Data, Sumitomo and JA Mitsui Leasing formed I-AM NW to build a $1bn intra-Asia submarine cable delivering up to 320Tbps and multiple Japanese landing points to enhance regional connectivity.
Brady updates mobile labelling for telecom maintenance
Brady offers rugged portable printers and RFID tracking for on-site cable labelling and vehicle inventory to improve traceability, reduce repair times and meet labelling requirements.
Keysight and Samsung demonstrate NR‑NTN in n252 band
Keysight and Samsung demonstrated live NR‑NTN connectivity in the n252 band using a commercial Samsung modem and Keysight's UXM platform to validate interoperability for direct‑to‑cell deployment.
Iran enforces nationwide internet blackout amid protests
Since 8 January Iran has imposed a nationwide internet shutdown, reducing external connectivity and disrupting commerce and services; authorities have reportedly blocked satellite links and limited access for selected users.
Kyivstar begins 5G pilot in Lviv with Open RAN plans
Telecom operator Kyivstar has initiated a 5G pilot in Lviv, testing performance and Open RAN architectures; broader deployment depends on security conditions and recovery of national infrastructure.
Ground-based optical links for high-capacity backhaul
Free-space optical links provide low-latency, multi-gigabit backhaul across short distances, reducing civil works and costs; satellites retain coverage advantages for remote regions despite higher latency and shared capacity.
Anritsu and VTT demonstrate D-band wireless viability
Anritsu and VTT validated multi‑gigabit D‑band wireless links (110–170 GHz) in system‑level trials, demonstrating steerable transmitarray antenna performance and planning industry trials for backhaul and 6G use cases.
Ofcom proposes split-priority model for upper 6 GHz
Ofcom proposes staged access to upper 6 GHz, granting early AFC-controlled Wi-Fi access while reserving spectrum for future mobile deployments in dense urban areas; consultation closes 20 March 2026.
SoftBank, Ericsson and Qualcomm complete 5G Advanced trial
SoftBank, Ericsson and Qualcomm trialled low‑latency 5G and 5G Advanced on SoftBank’s Tokyo 5G SA network, demonstrating network slicing and about 90% wireless latency reduction in XR tests.
Katsana launches COSMO iOS app 3.0 beta
Katsana is recruiting users for a beta of its re-engineered iOS app v3.0 (COSMO), optimised for iOS 26; participants will pilot fleet-management features and provide feedback ahead of general release.
Mitsubishi, AT&T embed 5G in 2026 Outlander
Mitsubishi Motors North America and AT&T will embed 5G connectivity in the 2026 Outlander, enabling faster data, over-the-air updates and expanded connected-car services across future models.
Xpeng updates G6 and G9 with up to 2,250 TOPS ADAS
Xpeng released 2026 G6 and G9 models in China with optional Ultra SE and Ultra ADAS packages offering 1,500–2,250 TOPS, VLA support and AIOS 6.0 cockpit features.
FCC proposes high‑power 6 GHz GVP device rules
The FCC will vote on rules to create geofenced variable‑power devices for high‑power 6 GHz unlicensed use, enabling outdoor Wi‑Fi and IoT while using geographic protections and seeking public comment.
ASA bans Vodafone 'The Nation's Network' adverts
The Advertising Standards Authority banned Vodafone's 'The Nation's Network' campaign after finding the slogan could imply unproven comparative network superiority; Vodafone was instructed to substantiate any comparative claims.
China records CNY1.61tn telecom revenue and 4.83m 5G sites
China's telecom revenue rose 0.9% to CNY1.61tn Jan–Nov; 4.83 million 5G base stations and 1.19 billion 5G users reported, with continued network investment supporting data traffic growth.
Fastweb+Vodafone, TIM agree RAN sharing for 5G rollout
Fastweb+Vodafone and TIM signed a preliminary RAN sharing agreement to accelerate 5G deployment in municipalities under 35,000 residents, subject to Italian regulatory approvals and a final contract in 2026.
SAIC MG launches 2026 MG7 with AI cockpit
SAIC's MG has launched the 2026 MG7 facelift, introducing an AI-enhanced cockpit and NGP assisted-driving suite; four variants priced 116,900–154,900 yuan, with 1.5T and 2.0T engines.
VoWiFi in operator voice strategies
VoWiFi extends indoor and underserved-area voice coverage, complements VoLTE and 5G integration, and supports seamless interworking and cost-effective voice services, prompting ongoing operator investment and deployment.
India adds 4,112 5G sites in December
India added 4,112 5G BTS in December, bringing the national total to 518,854; additions slowed from November. Major states led deployments; BSNL plans 23,000 4G sites for future 5G upgrade.
Singtel launches 50Gbps XGS‑PON fibre pilot
Singtel has begun a technical trial of 50Gbps XGS‑PON to evaluate next‑generation access capacity for AI, cloud and immersive services and to align access with upgraded core optics.
Singtel pilots 50Gbps XGS-PON fibre broadband
Singtel has launched a 50Gbps XGS-PON fibre trial to evaluate network performance for AI-driven, immersive and multi-device use cases and inform future deployments.
Quectel launches 5G-Advanced automotive module
Quectel introduced the AR588MA, a 5G-Advanced automotive module offering NR-NTN/NB-NTN satellite links, dual-GNSS, DSDA and AEC-Q104 Grade 2 certification for telematics and OTA updates.
Geely unveils G‑ASD assisted driving system
Geely introduced G‑ASD, an L3‑ready assisted driving platform by Afari Technology, featuring a World Action Model AI architecture; Mercedes‑Benz holds 3% of Afari and Lynk & Co use it.
Teradar unveils terahertz vision sensor for automotive use
Teradar introduced Summit, a terahertz vision sensor offering long-range, high-resolution, all-weather perception for vehicles; company targets production contracts in 2026 and deployment by 2028.
Mapbox launches 3D lane visualisation in Navigation SDK
Mapbox has introduced 3D lanes in its Navigation SDK, providing lane-level geometry and models for overpasses and tunnels; available in private preview and targeted at automotive and fleet navigation.
Solace Power and NetComm unveil window-mounted 5G CPE
Solace Power and NetComm announced a partnership to develop a window-mounted, wirelessly powered 5G CPE enabling self-installation and potential simplification of fixed wireless access deployments; operator trials planned in 2026.
MediaTek previews Filogic 8000 Wi‑Fi 8 at CES 2026
MediaTek unveiled the Filogic 8000 Wi‑Fi 8 chipset at CES 2026, targeting reliability and low latency for AI applications; industry ratification is expected around 2028 with sampling from 2026.
Geely Galaxy V900 EREV MPV begins global presale Jan 7
Geely Galaxy V900 EREV MPV will begin global presale on 7 January, offering AWD, an estimated 1,200 km combined range, multiple seating layouts and Super AI range‑extender powertrain.
Xpeng to launch 2026 P7+ and G7 EREV in China and Europe
Xpeng will introduce the 2026 P7+ (BEV and EREV) and G7 EREV in China on 8 Jan and Europe on 9 Jan, with 3 Turing AI chips and extended ranges.
FR3 role in 5G-Advanced Release 18
FR3, spanning 7.125–24.25 GHz, is included in Release 18 to extend mid-band capacity; deployment will depend on macro co-location, cell planning and realistic indoor performance expectations.
Gogo clears 5G air-to-ground testing; launches service
Gogo completed ATG 5G flight validation across multiple routes, showing download/upload speeds above 80/20 Mbps; it plans a North American commercial rollout from January with initial customer onboarding.
Verum Messenger launches next-generation eSIM platform
Verum Messenger has introduced an eSIM platform offering global and regional data plans, router support and multiple payment options, enabling cross-border mobile data without physical SIMs or traditional roaming.
Xpeng G7 EREV to launch in Q1 2026 with 1,704 km range
Xpeng will launch the G7 EREV in Q1 2026, featuring 430 km CLTC electric range, 1,704 km combined range, a 55.8 kWh battery and 800V platform.
Dongfeng produces 10,000th M-Hero M817 PHEV
Dongfeng produced its 10,000th M-Hero M817 PHEV, equipped with Huawei Qiankun ADS 4.0; model offers 215 km electric range, 1,365 km total range and is exported to the Middle East.
Innoviz launches compact, lower-cost automotive LiDAR
Innoviz introduced InnovizThree, a smaller, lighter and over 35% less expensive automotive LiDAR that Innoviz says offers >250m range, lower power consumption and broader application potential.
Geely Galaxy V900 EREV MPV opens pre-orders
Geely has opened pre-orders for the V900 EREV MPV at 99 yuan; it features Super AI range‑extender technology, dual motors, up to 1,200 km combined range and battery options.
GM files trademark for Horizon Display vehicle screens
GM filed a US trademark for 'Horizon Display' for embedded vehicle screens, aligning with its planned centralised vehicle computing platform and potential enhanced display and OTA capabilities from 2028.
LG Innotek launches low-carbon smart IC substrate
LG Innotek began mass production of a plated‑free smart IC substrate that it says halves manufacturing CO2 emissions and increases durability, targeting smart‑card manufacturers amid tightening global environmental regulations.
GMV awarded ESA DFAS-TB contract for EGNOS V3 testbed
GMV will develop algorithmic functions for ESA's DFAS‑TB EGNOS V3 testbed, using its magicSBAS solution; project runs two years from September 2025 and is EU‑funded.
Geospatial innovations for telecom network strategy
Geospatial data and AI are applied to network planning, real-time operations, regulatory support and interference management, enabling precision investment, service optimisation and public-sector collaboration.
Activating fibre networks beyond homes passed metrics
Fibre activation, XGS-PON adoption and software consolidation can enable automation, reduce costs and improve customer experience, supporting recurring revenues.
Mobile core developments in AI, edge, resilience and NTN
In 2026, operators and vendors will prioritise AI-enabled automation, edge local breakout, cloud-based disaster protection and satellite NTN integration to enhance core efficiency, resilience and new service monetisation.
6G development priorities and expectations for 2026
Predictions indicate 2026 will prioritise AI‑native architecture, integrated sensing, FR3 deployments, NTN–TN continuity and energy‑aware operation, with operator and vendor trials translating research into practical testbeds.
GAC opens Hyptec A800 EREV pre-orders with Huawei L3 ADAS
GAC opened pre-orders for the Hyptec A800 EREV, featuring Huawei L3 highway ADAS, 34 sensors, a range‑extender powertrain and a 178‑kilometre WLTC electric range.
ENTICE project to standardise EGNSS services
GMV-led ENTICE, funded by EUSPA, begins a one-year programme to standardise EGNSS services (Galileo NMA, SBAS authentication, ARAIM) and integrate GNSS into rail, maritime and timing standards.
BYD applies to GIIC to integrate vehicles with HarmonyOS
BYD has applied to join the Global Intelligent IoT Alliance to develop standardised connectivity between vehicles, homes and wearables within Huawei's HarmonyOS ecosystem, focusing on interface and data protocol standardisation.
