Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Digital Networks Act, Vitel, FCC move to reallocate spectrum to boost satellite Internet.
EU Rethinks Telecom Deregulation with New Digital Networks Act
The European Commission is preparing the Digital Networks Act (DNA) to review telecom rules. Commissioner Henna Virkkunen indicated less support for deregulation, diverging from prior Commission messaging. Henna Virkkunen emphasized the role of small companies and market simplification rather than removing rules protecting against dominant positions. She avoided endorsing legacy telecom operators or committing to continue ex ante sub-market designations. Deregulation has been justified by the Commission due to low sector investment, but Henna Virkkunen acknowledged concerns that alternative operators invest more in next-generation networks. Stakeholders such as the Council of the EU, BEREC, and possibly the European Parliament are expected to resist full deregulation. The DNA proposal is expected to be the Commission’s main digital policy initiative in 2025. This reflects a shift in how the EU may balance competition, investment, and regulatory control in the telecom sector, Euractiv reports.
Vitel Wireless Leads Nigeria as First MVNO Connected to All Major Networks
Vitel Wireless became the first mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in Nigeria to complete interconnectivity with all major mobile network operators (MNOs): MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) assigned Vitel a dedicated number of series (0712). Interconnectivity was achieved through a mix of direct fiber links and third-party routing, involving Vitel, Wireless Technology Labs (WTL), and Interconnect Clearinghouse Nigeria (ICN). Vitel has entered a pilot phase in May 2025, with nationwide rollout planned for July 2025. The company delivers voice, SMS, and data using host MNO infrastructure and supports IoT, AI, and data-driven telecom services. The NCC has licensed 46 MVNOs, positioning the sector for broader network access and service delivery. Vitel’s progress shows how MVNOs can increase competition and expand access without owning radio spectrum or infrastructure.
FCC Moves to Reallocate 20,000 MHz Spectrum to Boost Satellite Internet
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reviewing the reallocation of over 20,000 MHz of spectrum for satellite communication. Target bands include 12.7–13.25 GHz, 42–42.5 GHz, 51.4–52.4 GHz, and 92–114.25 GHz. These bands have seen low utilization or are constrained by older regulations. Companies like SpaceX support the move and have requested that underused bands like AWS-4, currently held by Dish Network’s parent, EchoStar, be reassigned. SpaceX argues that Dish uses only a fraction of its spectrum. The FCC will assess the use and potential of these bands, some of which were once proposed for 5G terrestrial networks. EchoStar has cited ongoing 5G investments, but provided limited rebuttal to underuse claims. The proposal aligns with increased telecom investment in satellite services, reflecting a shift toward space-based internet delivery and updated spectrum policy to meet growing broadband demand.
TelecomLead.com News Desk
