The latest telecom news includes announcements on FCC, iWay, Nokia, and Kyndryl, MTN, ZTE, among others.
FCC Moves to Shut Down Chinese-Controlled “Bad Labs”
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched proceedings to withdraw recognition from seven electronics testing labs owned or controlled by the Chinese government, citing national security risks. Four additional Chinese-controlled labs have already lost their recognition due to expiration and will not be renewed. This action follows rules adopted in May that prohibit the recognition of labs and Telecommunications Certification Bodies tied to foreign adversaries. The FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) issued notices to begin the withdrawal process, marking the first enforcement step under the new rules. The agency emphasized that foreign adversary governments should not oversee labs certifying devices for the U.S. market, framing the move as part of broader efforts to safeguard supply chains and restore trust in equipment authorization.
iWay, Nokia, and Kyndryl Team Up to Fully Automate Telecom Data Centers
Swiss telecom provider iWay has partnered with Nokia and Kyndryl to automate and modernize its data center infrastructure. The collaboration uses Nokia’s Data Center Fabric (DCF) and Event-Driven Automation (EDA) platform alongside Kyndryl’s network deployment services. This integration allows full automation of iWay’s data center environment, supporting faster rollout of features and reducing human error.
MTN and ZTE Launch Africa’s First 5G-Advanced Sensing Network to Monitor Maritime Activity
MTN and ZTE deployed Africa’s first 5G-Advanced Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) solution in Hout Bay, South Africa. The system uses mmWave technology and ZTE’s intelligence platform to monitor maritime activity in real time. The network tracks vessel position, speed, and trajectory with over 99 percent accuracy using pulse-Doppler radar and beamforming. It includes software-defined geofencing, creating virtual zones around sensitive areas such as seal habitats, triggering alerts when vessels enter these zones. Edge processing on-site reduces latency and supports privacy by limiting the need for cameras.
Shafana Fazal
