Today’s telecom news includes announcements on AT&T, Airtel Madagascar, SpaceX, Ericsson, among others.
AT&T Begins Historic Transition Away from California Landlines
AT&T has announced plans to discontinue its traditional copper-based landline services across California, marking a major shift 150 years after Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone. The move is part of the company’s network modernization strategy, replacing aging infrastructure with fiber and wireless technologies that offer faster and more reliable connectivity. AT&T has committed to investing 19 billion dollars in California through 2030 while ensuring customers continue to have access to voice and 911 emergency services through alternative technologies. The transition remains subject to regulatory oversight and has sparked debate over protecting rural communities and vulnerable customers who still depend on legacy landline networks.
Airtel Madagascar Tests SpaceX Direct-to-Cell Technology for the First Time
Airtel Madagascar has become the first mobile operator in the country to successfully test SpaceX’s Direct-to-Cell satellite technology, marking a significant milestone in expanding mobile connectivity. The trial demonstrated the ability of standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites without requiring specialized hardware, enabling coverage in remote and underserved regions where terrestrial mobile networks are unavailable. The initiative is expected to improve emergency communications, rural connectivity, and digital inclusion across Madagascar. By partnering with SpaceX, Airtel Madagascar is preparing to deliver seamless satellite-based mobile services that complement its existing terrestrial network and help bridge persistent coverage gaps across the country.
Ericsson to Increase Telecom Equipment Prices as AI Demand Raises Costs Ericsson plans to raise prices for telecom equipment as growing demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure increases the cost of critical electronic components. The company said rising prices for semiconductors, memory, and other hardware used in AI data centers are putting pressure on manufacturing costs across the telecom industry. Ericsson expects operators to absorb part of the higher equipment costs as they continue investing in 5G expansion and network modernization. The pricing adjustments reflect broader supply chain pressures driven by the rapid growth of AI technologies, which are competing with telecom vendors for key components and influencing the cost of future network deployments.
SHAFANA FAZAL
