Today’s telecom news includes announcements on 6G Revolution in India, SK Telecom, Eutelsat Antenna Sale, among others.
India and EU Join Forces to Lead the 6G Revolution
India and the European Union have agreed to deepen cooperation, focusing on 6G technology and secure digital infrastructure. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the partnership brings together India’s Bharat 6G Alliance and the EU’s 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association to jointly shape future telecom standards and promote research, innovation, and resilient supply chains for next‑gen networks. The collaboration, highlighted during the recent India‑EU summit, aims to ensure secure, trusted, and future‑ready 6G systems while enhancing interoperability and competitiveness on a global scale.
SK Telecom Refuses $69 Per Customer Compensation After Massive Data Breach
SK Telecom has refused a consumer‑agency arbitration proposal recommending it pay 100,000 won (~$69) per customer affected by its massive data breach that exposed the personal information of 23 million subscribers. The Korea Consumer Agency suggested a settlement 50,000 won off mobile bills plus 50,000 membership points per customer which, if applied to all affected users, could total around 2.3 trillion won ($1.6 billion). SK Telecom stated it had already implemented its own compensation measures and security improvements. With the arbitration rejected, customers seeking compensation must file separate civil lawsuits, and the company is also contesting a 134.8 billion won regulatory fine in court.
France Blocks Eutelsat Antenna Sale Over Security Concerns
French Finance Minister Roland Lescure has blocked the planned sale of satellite operator Eutelsat’s ground antennas, citing national security and strategic interests. The antennas, which link satellites with terrestrial networks and serve both civilian and military communications, were to be sold to Swedish private equity firm EQT for about €550 million. Lescure emphasized that the assets are crucial for sovereign communications and France, which holds a significant stake in Eutelsat, could not allow the deal to proceed. Following the announcement, Eutelsat’s shares fell. The move underscores France’s focus on maintaining control of sensitive infrastructure amid growing geopolitical concerns.
Yemen Aid at Risk: Houthis Seize Vital UN Telecom Equipment
The United Nations has warned that Yemen’s Iran‑aligned Houthi forces have seized crucial telecommunications equipment and vehicles from at least six unstaffed U.N. offices in Sanaa, undermining humanitarian operations. The U.N.’s Yemen coordinator, Julien Harneis, said the gear is essential to aid programmes and maintaining U.N. presence. The move coincides with the World Food Programme suspending operations in northern Yemen, affecting 365 staff contracts by March due to operational and funding challenges. With around 21 million people needing aid, the crisis deepens as the Houthis continue restricting humanitarian access.
SHAFANA FAZAL