Today’s telecom news includes announcements on China Telecom, TP-Link, Virgin Media O2, among others.
US Freezes Major China Tech Curbs as Trade Tensions Ease
The Trump administration has paused several major technology restrictions targeting Chinese companies ahead of an April summit between President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping, Reuters reports. Measures put on hold include a potential ban on China Telecom’s U.S. operations, tighter limits on Chinese equipment in American data centers, and proposed restrictions on TP-Link routers and Chinese electric vehicles. The move follows a broader effort to ease tensions after an October trade truce, under which China agreed to delay export restrictions on rare-earth minerals essential for technology manufacturing.
Telecom Crackdown Blocks ₹1,400 Crore in Fraud with AI and Real Time Monitoring
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia informed the Rajya Sabha that targeted risk-based interventions have helped prevent telecom and financial frauds worth over ₹1,400 crore. A key initiative, the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator launched in May 2025, enables real time identification of suspicious mobile numbers, allowing banks and UPI platforms to block high risk transactions swiftly. The Digital Intelligence Platform integrates over 1,200 stakeholders including telecom operators, banks, law enforcement agencies and cybercrime units to curb misuse of telecom resources. Additionally, the AI driven ASTR system has led to the disconnection of nearly 88 lakh fraudulent mobile connections, while incidents of spoofed calls have seen a dramatic decline.
Manchester Gets a Major 5G Boost as O2 Expands Standalone Network
O2 has switched on its next generation 5G Standalone network across Manchester and surrounding areas, delivering faster speeds, improved reliability and lower latency for more than 589,000 residents and businesses. Unlike non-standalone 5G, the upgraded network operates independently of 4G infrastructure, providing stronger and more consistent connectivity for customers with compatible devices at no extra cost. The rollout covers key Greater Manchester locations including Bolton, Wigan, Rochdale, Oldham and Bury. The expansion forms part of Virgin Media O2’s wider Mobile Transformation Plan aimed at enhancing mobile performance and strengthening 4G and 5G coverage across major UK cities and towns.
SHAFANA FAZAL