The latest telecom news includes announcements on COAI, 6 GHz Wi-Fi Operations in India, Bangladesh Seeks Cut in Spectrum Fee, Amazon Leo, and others.
Reliance Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea Seek Higher-Power 6 GHz Wi-Fi Operations in India
Indian telecom operators Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea are advocating regulatory approval for higher-power outdoor Wi-Fi operations in the lower 6 GHz spectrum band. The proposal covers 500 MHz of spectrum between 5925 MHz and 6425 MHz, with operators seeking permission to transmit at 36 dBm. Higher-power outdoor operations could support fixed wireless access, point-to-multipoint broadband connectivity and improved last-mile internet coverage. India has already permitted licence-free low-power indoor and very-low-power outdoor use in the lower 6 GHz band. Telecom operators argue that standard-power outdoor deployments could reduce broadband infrastructure costs, particularly in rural and semi-urban markets where fibre expansion is expensive. Regulatory discussions also involve potential interference with existing satellite communications systems. The final policy decision will influence broadband deployment strategies, spectrum utilization and future wireless investment.
Bangladesh Telecom Operators Seek Spectrum Renewal Price Cuts on $1.07 Billion Proposal
Bangladesh’s telecom operators are seeking deeper reductions in spectrum renewal charges after the regulator proposed price cuts of 10–30 percent across the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz bands. The proposal covers 79.2 MHz of spectrum held by Grameenphone, Robi and Banglalink. Grameenphone holds 32.4 MHz, Banglalink 24.4 MHz and Robi 22.4 MHz. The proposed renewal valuation is approximately Tk 13,100.5 crore ($1.07 billion), compared with Tk 16,845.2 crore ($1.37 billion) under existing rates. This represents a reduction of approximately Tk 3,744.7 crore ($304 million). Operators are requesting a 20-year renewal period with payments spread across 20 equal annual instalments. Existing licences expire on November 10, 2026. The industry argues that lower spectrum costs would release additional capital for 4G modernization, 5G investment and network expansion.
FCC Approves Amazon Leo’s $11.5 Billion Globalstar Acquisition to Expand Satellite Connectivity
The US Federal Communications Commission approved Amazon Leo’s $11.5 billion acquisition of satellite operator Globalstar on October 27. The transaction gives Amazon access to Globalstar’s approximately 24 satellites, mobile-satellite spectrum and associated infrastructure, strengthening its planned direct-to-device connectivity services. Amazon has committed more than $10 billion to developing Leo and aims to deploy thousands of low-Earth-orbit satellites by 2029. Its constellation has already expanded to several hundred spacecraft. Globalstar currently supports satellite emergency communications for Apple devices. Amazon has agreed to continue those services. The acquisition represents a major consolidation of satellite infrastructure and spectrum assets, although commercial integration and deployment schedules remain to be finalized.