The latest telecom news includes announcements on Djibouti Telecom, Optus, Nokia, Telecom Italia, among others.
Djibouti Telecom Boosts East-to-South Africa Connectivity with DARE1 Expansion
Djibouti Telecom is extending the DARE1 subsea cable system to connect East and Southern Africa. The current DARE1 cable links Djibouti, Somalia, and Kenya. The expansion will add landing points in Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar, and South Africa, connecting through the Mombasa trunk station. The project aims to improve route diversity and network resilience for regional operators. Construction is scheduled to begin next year, with service expected by 2028.
Optus and Nokia Launch Portable Mobile Tower Drone
Optus and Nokia have developed a tethered drone system with a small cell that acts as a portable mobile tower. The system provides mobile coverage during emergencies and disaster situations. The small cell connects to Optus’ core network via satellite, allowing operation without traditional mobile towers. The drone, manufactured by Melbourne-based XM2, can operate for up to seven days on a single charge, reach altitudes of 120 meters, and provide 4G and 5G coverage over a 2 km radius. The system enables rapid restoration of voice and data services in areas affected by disasters. By integrating satellite connectivity, drone mobility, and small cell technology, this innovation allows mobile networks to function independently of existing infrastructure, supporting connectivity in remote or disrupted locations.
BlackRock Boosts Telecom Italia Stake as Telecom Industry Drives 5G and Fiber Innovation
BlackRock has increased its stake in Telecom Italia (TIM) to 5.1 percent as of August 26, 2025, according to a regulatory filing, up from 4.977 percent. The holding includes 3.585 percent in voting shares, 1.1 percent in potential holdings through financial instruments, and 0.414 percent in other long positions settled in cash. BlackRock declined to comment on the change. The move reflects investor activity in the European telecom sector, where ownership shifts influence strategy on network infrastructure and digital services. Telecom companies, including TIM, are focusing on 5G deployment, fiber expansion, cloud adoption, and renewable energy integration to meet demand and improve efficiency. Institutional investors support these initiatives through capital allocation and governance participation, Reuters reports.
India’s Smartphone Manufacturing Surges with 15 percent Growth and 32 percent Export Rise
Shipments of Made-in-India smartphones increased 15 percent in Q2 2025 compared to the same period last year, while exports rose 32 percent. The growth is supported by higher domestic production, with over 39 million units manufactured during the quarter. Companies including Apple, Samsung, and other smartphone brands are expanding assembly lines in India, strengthening local supply chains. India is emerging as a major export hub, with shipments to the U.S. and other markets rising sharply. Apple increased iPhone production in India under its strategy to diversify manufacturing, with Foxconn exporting more devices from Indian plants, IANS reports.
Shafana Fazal
