Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Astound Broadband, Apple’s expansion in Saudi Arabia, KFON, among others.
Astound Invests $81mn to Expand Fiber Network Across Pennsylvania
Astound Broadband announced an $81 million investment to upgrade and expand its fiber-optic network in Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania. The project will extend fiber coverage to more homes and businesses, as part of a broader plan to reach over one million new locations. This investment follows a $400 million refinancing led by Stonepeak to support network expansion. Astound is deploying Harmonic’s cOS platform and Distributed Access Architecture to modernize its infrastructure and enable a future transition from DOCSIS to full fiber (PON). The company is also launching symmetrical multi-gigabit fiber services and integrating AI tools from Actifai to streamline sales and customer interactions.
Apple Expands in Saudi Arabia with Online Store Launch, Developer Training, and Apple Pay Transit Integration
Apple launched the Apple Store online in Saudi Arabia, offering access to its full product lineup and Arabic-language support. Physical Apple Stores will open in 2026, including one in Diriyah. The Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh, established in 2021, has trained around 2,000 women developers with Princess Nourah University and Tuwaiq Academy. The Apple Foundation Program completed a session in summer 2024 and will resume in spring 2025. Developer earnings in Saudi Arabia have increased 1,750 percent since 2019. Apple has invested over SAR 10 billion in the country in the past five years. Apple Pay, launched in 2019, is integrated into Riyadh’s public transport system, including Metro and buses, using Express Mode for tap-to-pay with iPhone and Apple Watch.
Kerala Launches Massive Fiber Optic Network to Connect 4mn Homes, Including 2 Million Below Poverty Line
Kerala State deployed the Kerala Fiber Optic Network (KFON) to provide internet connectivity across the region. The project is led by the Kerala State Electricity Board and Kerala State IT Infrastructure Limited, using existing infrastructure to lower costs and speed deployment. The network covers over 31,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable with 375 Points of Presence and a Network Operating Center for management. KFON targets connecting 4 million households and offices, including 2 million families below the poverty line, offering free internet to disadvantaged groups. Ribbon Communications supplied Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing technology for high-speed data transmission.
TelecomLead.com News Desk
