The latest telecom news includes announcements on SK Telecom, AST SpaceMobile, Fiber Broadband in Wisconsin, and others.
SK Telecom Targets December 2026 Commercial 5G Standalone Launch After Network Verification
SK Telecom plans to introduce commercial 5G Standalone services in December 2026, following completion of technology optimization and commercial network verification. The South Korean operator disclosed the timetable during its third-quarter earnings discussion, with details reported on November 9. Its network team has completed the principal technical preparations required for the transition to dedicated 5G core infrastructure. SK Telecom is also evaluating 5G-Advanced technologies, including software-based enhancements to existing radio and network equipment. The company expects international 6G standardization around 2029, with commercial deployments following 2030. SK Telecom has not disclosed the initial 5G SA coverage area, number of sites, equipment investment or subscriber migration timetable.
AST SpaceMobile Revises Satellite Deployment Target to 45 Satellites by Mid-2027
AST SpaceMobile has revised its near-term satellite deployment timetable, now targeting 45 satellites in orbit by mid-2027. The company disclosed the updated schedule during its November 9 earnings call. Management previously identified approximately 45 satellites as the minimum infrastructure required to support continuous direct-to-device mobile service in its initial target markets. AST continues targeting intermittent satellite connectivity in the United States before the end of 2026. The revised schedule pushes the expected continuous-service milestone beyond earlier projections. AST is developing satellite connectivity that works with conventional smartphones through agreements with mobile operators. The company has not announced a revised date for nationwide continuous service or quantified the additional deployment expenditure associated with the delay.
Wisconsin Awards $58 Million for 46 Broadband Projects Covering More Than 18,000 Locations
Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission announced nearly $58 million in broadband infrastructure grants on November 5, covering 46 projects expected to provide new or improved service to more than 18,000 locations. The State Broadband Expansion Grant Program targets communities lacking adequate fixed broadband connectivity, including areas not covered by federal BEAD projects. The latest funding round received 93 applications requesting more than $160 million, substantially exceeding available resources. State authorities estimate that at least 30,000 locations will remain unserved after accounting for existing broadband commitments. Since 2019, Wisconsin’s broader broadband programs have supported new or improved connectivity for more than 428,000 homes and businesses. The latest grants represent funding awards, not completed installations.
