Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Ribbon Communications, VodafoneThree, Kazakhstan’s Telecom Investment, among others.
Ribbon Communications Expands Optical Network Contract with Viaero Fiber Covering 3,500 Miles
Ribbon Communications announced on November 10 an expanded optical networking partnership with Viaero Fiber Networks. Viaero is deploying Ribbon’s Apollo 9408 and Apollo 9608 optical transport platforms to increase transmission capacity and improve connectivity between regional fiber routes, carrier networks and data centers. Viaero operates more than 3,500 miles of underground fiber infrastructure across the western and midwestern United States. Its network connects more than 200 communities and supports connectivity services ranging from 1 Gbps to 800 Gbps wavelengths, with scalable multi-terabit capacity. The modernization will strengthen long-haul transport and data-center interconnection across Viaero’s four-state footprint. Contract value, additional route mileage and deployment completion dates were not disclosed.
VodafoneThree Proposes Scotland–Norway Subsea Cable with Potential £8.2 Billion Economic Value
VodafoneThree announced on November 10 a feasibility study for a new high-capacity subsea telecommunications cable connecting mainland Scotland, the Shetland Islands and Norway. The proposed digital corridor could generate up to £8.2 billion in economic value over ten years, according to research commissioned by Vodafone Business. The study is expected to begin in mid-2027 and will examine potential cable routes, landing locations near Bergen and commercial partnerships. VodafoneThree estimates that an alternative northern route could protect up to £6.6 million in economic activity per day during severe disruptions affecting existing connectivity routes. The project remains at the feasibility stage. Construction expenditure, cable length, fiber-pair capacity and commissioning dates have not been established.
Kazakhstan’s Telecom Investment Exceeds $2.2 Billion as Rural Fiber Connectivity Remains Limited
Kazakhstan’s telecommunications investment exceeded $2.2 billion over the past three years, but rural broadband connectivity remains a significant infrastructure challenge. As of October 2025, only 2,606 of the country’s 6,179 villages were connected to backbone fiber-optic networks. The government aims to provide high-speed wired internet to more than 90 percent of villages by the end of 2027. With World Bank support, a separate project will connect households in 1,123 villages, targeting more than 445,000 households and approximately 2.3 million people. Operators can receive reimbursement of up to 50 percent of verified capital expenditure, with minimum broadband speeds targeted at 100 Mbps.
