Today’s telecom news includes announcements on AST SpaceMobile, BlueBird 6, Bharti Telecom, Cell C, among others.
BlueBird 6 Set to Transform Space-Based Mobile Connectivity
AST SpaceMobile will launch its BlueBird 6 satellite on December 15, featuring the largest commercial phased array ever deployed in low-Earth orbit at nearly 2,400 square feet – delivering about 3.5 times more surface area and 10 times greater data capacity than earlier models. The upgrade advances space-based cellular connectivity by enabling direct-to-smartphone broadband, especially for customers in remote and underserved regions, while the company continues investing in expanded manufacturing and deployment to accelerate global coverage.
Bharti Telecom Races Ahead with Fresh $1 bn Bond Boost
Bharti Telecom, the holding company of Bharti Airtel, is moving ahead with its second $1 billion bond issue in two months, planning to raise ₹90 billion through 2- and 3-year notes carrying coupons of around 7.25 and 7.35 percent. The fresh funds will primarily refinance upcoming maturities, including ₹72.5 billion due in December, strengthening the group’s liquidity position. Supported by a recent AAA upgrade from CRISIL, the issue is set to become Bharti Telecom’s lowest-cost fundraising in four years, demonstrating strong investor confidence and improved capital efficiency.
Cell C Debut Falls Short as JSE Listing Prices Below Expectations
South Africa’s mobile operator Cell C priced its Johannesburg Stock Exchange listing at 26.50 rand, below the marketed 29.50 – 35.50-rand range, indicating softer investor demand and a cautious valuation stance. Majority-owned by Blu Label Unlimited via The Prepaid Company, the listing is intended to support Cell C’s financial restructuring and strengthen its competitive position in South Africa’s telecom sector.
Shafana Fazal
