Today’s telecom news includes announcements on AST SpaceMobile, BlueBird 7, GTT Communications, Sisvel, among others.
Satellite-to-Phone Connectivity Takes a Leap with BlueBird 7 Launch Plan
AST SpaceMobile has announced that its next-generation BlueBird 7 satellite is scheduled to launch in late February 2026 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Aboard Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket. The mission marks another step in the company’s efforts to build a space-based cellular broadband network that can connect directly to standard smartphones without the need for specialized equipment. BlueBird 7 will carry one of the largest commercial communications arrays in low Earth orbit, designed to support voice, data and broadband services, including streaming, across wide coverage areas. The launch follows earlier BlueBird missions and supports AST SpaceMobile’s broader plan to expand its satellite constellation and strengthen global direct-to-device connectivity.
GTT Brings Next-Level Cloud Voice Services to Japan with Global SIP Trunking Expansion
GTT Communications has expanded its global SIP trunking voice services to Japan, broadening enterprise voice coverage in the Asia‑Pacific region. The move integrates Japan into the GTT Envision platform’s global SIP‑based infrastructure, enabling businesses to transition to cloud‑based telephony with secure, scalable, and cost‑efficient voice services. GTT’s solution interoperates with major cloud phone systems such as Cisco Webex, Microsoft Teams Operator Connect, Google SIP Link, and Zoom Phone, supporting over 200 million calls monthly. This expansion meets demand from multinational companies seeking high‑quality collaboration tools in key industries.
Sisvel Launches Game-Changing Wi‑Fi Multimode Patent Pool for Wi‑Fi 6 & 7
Sisvel has launched a Wi‑Fi Multimode patent pool, providing streamlined access to standard‑essential patents (SEPs) covering Wi‑Fi 6 and Wi‑Fi 7 technologies. Building on its previous Wi‑Fi 6 pool, which secured licensing deals with nearly 40 companies, the new pool allows companies to license multiple Wi‑Fi generations through a single agreement. Ten founding patent owners including Huawei, Panasonic, Philips, SK Telecom, Orange, ZTE support the initiative, with Sony Group among the early participants. Giorgia Varvelli has been appointed programme manager, underscoring the pool’s focus on efficient licensing and fostering broader industry collaboration.
SHAFANA FAZAL
