The latest telecom news includes announcements on EchoStar, MDA Space, Bluebird Fiber, Everstream, BT, Ericsson, Intel, among others.
EchoStar and MDA Space to Launch First Open RAN Direct-to-Device LEO Satellite Network
EchoStar Corporation has selected MDA Space as the prime contractor for a new low Earth orbit (LEO) direct-to-device (D2D) satellite constellation. This network aims to provide global messaging, voice, broadband, and video services directly to standard 5G devices, eliminating the need for hardware modifications. The system will adhere to 3GPP non-terrestrial network (NTN) standards and incorporate Open RAN architecture to integrate satellite and terrestrial infrastructures. MDA’s AURORA software-defined satellites will offer reconfigurable services from orbit, utilizing onboard optical intersatellite links to form a mesh network for coverage. Manufacturing will occur at MDA’s facility in Montreal, supporting large-scale satellite production. EchoStar plans to launch the initial satellites in 2027, with commercial service expected to commence in 2029.
Bluebird Fiber to Acquire Everstream in $384.6 Million Deal
Everstream has received court approval to sell its business to Bluebird Fiber for $384.6 million. The sale follows a competitive auction process and is expected to close by the end of the year, pending regulatory approval. Bluebird Fiber is a regional provider of fiber-based connectivity solutions. The acquisition will combine Everstream’s fiber network with Bluebird Fiber’s infrastructure, aiming to expand network reach and improve service capacity. The deal reflects ongoing activity in the telecom industry where companies pursue mergers and acquisitions to grow their networks. This consolidation helps telecom providers increase capacity and meet changing connectivity demands.
UK Court Blocks £1.3 Billion BT Overcharging Lawsuit Appeal
A UK court refused BT’s request to appeal a £1.3 billion lawsuit alleging overcharging around 3.7 million customers for standalone fixed telephone lines from 2009 to 2017. The Competition Appeal Tribunal previously ruled in BT’s favor, stating the pricing was not unfair. The Court of Appeal’s refusal ends the legal challenge. The lawsuit, led by Justin Le Patourel, was the first opt-out collective action under the UK’s class action-style system. Claimants argued BT charged high prices for standalone fixed voice connections during that period. Ofcom’s 2017 intervention led BT to reduce charges in 2018, but the tribunal found no unfair pricing.
UScellular Exits Illinois and Wisconsin Markets to Boost Network Focus Amid Telecom Industry Shift
UScellular completed the sale of its wireless operations in Illinois and Wisconsin to another telecom company, including assets, network infrastructure, and customer accounts in those regions. This sale marks UScellular’s exit from these markets and allows the company to focus resources on other areas and network investments. The acquiring company will operate and maintain the network and serve the transferred customers. The telecom industry continues to adjust company footprints and assets to support network upgrades and expansions, including 5G deployment.
Ericsson Eyes Major Investment in Intel’s Network Chip Unit to Boost Telecom Control
Ericsson is discussing an investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in Intel’s Network and Edge Group (NEX), which provides chips for telecom infrastructure. This investment would give Ericsson a minority stake in NEX and support its goal of gaining more control over network components. Intel is restructuring and plans to spin off NEX as a separate entity, seeking investors to back its growth.
TelecomLead.com News Desk