The latest telecom news includes announcements on Maxis, Virgin Media O2, 6 GHz Spectrum in UK, and others.
Maxis Secures Final 20 MHz Spectrum Licence for Malaysian 4G and 5G Network Capacity
Maxis announced on October 30 that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission had formally issued its additional 2×10 MHz spectrum assignment in the 2600 MHz band. The assignment became effective on November 1, 2026. The latest confirmation follows Maxis’s earlier acceptance of the spectrum award in October. The additional 20 MHz provides capacity for mobile broadband services and future radio-network optimization. Maxis previously disclosed a combined financial commitment of RM287 million, including RM203 million upfront and RM84 million in annual fees over the assignment period. The new filing confirms the regulatory issuance rather than announcing another spectrum purchase. Network activation dates, additional radio-site requirements and expected capacity improvements were not disclosed.
UK Releases Additional 160 MHz of 6 GHz Spectrum for Licence-Exempt Wireless Connectivity
Ofcom published new regulations on October 30 extending licence-exempt Wi-Fi access in the United Kingdom from 5925–6425 MHz to 5925–6585 MHz. The decision makes an additional 160 MHz available for wireless connectivity. The regulations are scheduled to take effect on November 10, 2026, following updates to technical interface requirements. The expansion is intended to support higher-capacity wireless networks in homes, offices and other indoor environments. It is also relevant to telecom operators integrating fixed broadband and managed Wi-Fi services. The latest decision specifically concerns licence-exempt Wi-Fi access; it does not constitute an award of upper 6 GHz spectrum to mobile operators. Separate work on commercial mobile use continues.
Virgin Media O2 Expands 2 Gbps Broadband to More Than 10 Million UK Households
Virgin Media O2 has begun commercial deployment of 2 Gbps broadband over its existing hybrid fiber-coaxial network. The October 27 announcement confirms upgrades across 18 UK locations, including Manchester, Newcastle, Oxford, Preston and Portsmouth. Approximately 3 million cable-connected homes have received the necessary network upgrades. Combined with full-fiber areas, more than 10 million households can now access the operator’s Gig2 broadband service. The cable-based service offers average download speeds of 2,000 Mbps and upload speeds of 100 Mbps. The operator expects to extend the capability across most of its remaining cable network during 2027. The upgrade uses existing infrastructure and does not require extensive new civil engineering.
Fidium Fiber Expands Broadband Availability to 31,300 Locations Across Four Maine Communities
Fidium Fiber announced service expansions across four communities in Maine during October 26–29, bringing fiber broadband availability to approximately 31,300 homes and businesses. The operator reported 15,600 eligible locations in Sanford, 6,700 in Presque Isle, 4,400 in Bridgton and 4,600 in Machias. Sanford and Presque Isle support symmetrical broadband plans reaching 8 Gbps, while Bridgton and Machias offer speeds up to 2 Gbps. Fidium’s wider Maine infrastructure includes more than 22,000 miles of fiber, with availability extending to over 539,000 premises statewide. The local figures represent addresses eligible for service, not newly activated subscribers. Individual construction expenditure and additional route mileage were not disclosed.
