The latest telecom news includes announcements on COAI, spectrum allocation in India, BSNL, Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, Nokia, STC Group, Huawei, among others.
COAI Opposes Direct Spectrum Allocation to Enterprises in India
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) stated that direct spectrum allocation to enterprises is not feasible in India, recommending that enterprise 5G needs be met through licensed Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) via spectrum leasing or network slicing. COAI cited national security, revenue protection, and regulatory parity as primary reasons. It warned that enterprises lack the scale and expertise to manage telecom infrastructure, which could raise long-term costs, and that private unregulated networks could create security risks, including inability to ensure lawful interception and user traceability. The association added that bypassing spectrum auctions would remove a significant revenue source, such as ₹1.5 lakh crore earned in 2022, and disrupt market parity, IANS reports.
BSNL & Global Tech Firms Launch 5G and AI Skills Programme in India
BSNL has signed Memorandums of Understanding with Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia to enhance skills in 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), networking, and cybersecurity at the Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) in Jabalpur. Ericsson will set up a 5G Centre of Excellence, Qualcomm will provide AI/ML resources, Cisco will offer networking and cybersecurity programs, and Nokia will support with 5G and broadband expertise. The initiative aims to train over 2,000 students annually with hands-on labs and industry projects.
NCC Sets Cooling-Off Period for Former Telecom Regulators
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced a cooling-off rule requiring former senior officials to wait before joining telecom operators. Former Chairmen, Executive Vice-Chairmen, and Board Commissioners must observe a five-year gap before taking any position with a telecom licensee, while former Department Directors have a three-year restriction. The rules also prevent a Board Chairman or Vice-Chairman from serving as Managing Director, CEO, or holding any executive position in the same company or its affiliates for five years after leaving the board. Additionally, no more than two members of the same family may serve on the board of the same telecom licensee simultaneously. The NCC stated the measures are intended to maintain a clear separation between regulatory responsibilities and operational roles in the telecom industry.
STC Group & Huawei Break Global Record with 2.4 Tbps Optical Network Speed
STC Group and Huawei have trialed an optical transport system achieving 2.4 Tbps per port using the OptiX OSN 9800 K12 platform. The test reached a single-fiber capacity of 96 Tbps. The system uses Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) for secure data transmission. Intelligent automation enables service provisioning within one day and allows real-time fiber performance monitoring. The solution reduces implementation time by more than 70 percent and moves toward Level-4 self-healing networks.
TelecomLead.com News Desk