Today’s latest telecom news includes announcements on AST SpaceMobile, Tejas Networks, BharatNet, BlueBird Satellite Network, and others.
AST SpaceMobile Targets 500 Million European Subscribers Through BlueBird Satellite Network Integration
AST SpaceMobile has disclosed additional technical and deployment details supporting its European satellite connectivity initiative. The company’s Satellite Connect Europe joint venture is developing European-operated ground infrastructure to connect BlueBird satellites with mobile operators’ core networks. The proposed service addresses a market exceeding 500 million mobile subscribers. AST SpaceMobile reports demonstrated peak download speeds of 98.9 Mbps, while its next-generation satellites are designed to approach 200 Mbps. Its satellite technology can operate across approximately 1,150 MHz of partner operators’ low- and mid-band spectrum globally. The company reports approximately 3,900 patents and pending patent claims. European commercial availability, investment commitments and spectrum authorizations remain undisclosed. This is a technical update to the European initiative, not a separate spectrum agreement.
Tejas Networks Starts Deliveries for South American End-to-End 5G Network Contract
Tejas Networks has commenced equipment deliveries for its first commercial end-to-end 5G network contract in South America. The company secured the order during the first quarter of FY2027 and began initial shipments during the quarter ended September 30, 2026. The project represents an international deployment of Tejas’s integrated wireless network portfolio, extending beyond standalone radio equipment supply. Its products include 5G radio access equipment and mobile-network infrastructure. Tejas also reported continued international demand for 4G and 5G wireless products and advanced commercial negotiations with additional operators. The South American customer’s identity, contract value, number of 5G sites, spectrum allocation and commissioning schedule have not been disclosed.
India BharatNet Upgrade Reaches 30,838 Gram Panchayats After 2,138 September Additions
India’s Amended BharatNet Programme upgraded another 2,138 gram panchayats during September 2026, increasing the cumulative total to 30,838 by September 30. Government network statistics also show that 5,683 kilometers of optical fiber were laid during September, bringing cumulative fiber deployment under the amended program to 61,462 kilometers. Net fiber-to-the-home connections increased by 39,146 during the month to reach 322,100. The figures provide measurable progress on India’s rural broadband modernization program, which is designed to improve middle-mile connectivity and enable last-mile services in underserved communities. These are reported September deployment milestones, not newly announced investment commitments.
