The latest telecom news includes announcements from IHS Towers, Airtel, Jio, Vodafone Idea, HPE, Comcast Business, and others.
IHS Towers and Zambian Government Drive USD 100m Telecom Investment
IHS Towers, in collaboration with the Government of Zambia, is advancing a USD 100 million investment to strengthen the country’s telecom infrastructure. The initiative aims to expand network coverage, improve service quality, and accelerate digital inclusion across underserved and rural communities. The investment will focus on deploying new tower sites and upgrading existing infrastructure, enabling mobile operators to enhance 4G connectivity and broadband access. Improved telecom infrastructure is expected to support economic growth, financial inclusion, e-government services, and digital entrepreneurship. The partnership reflects Zambia’s commitment to expanding nationwide connectivity while leveraging private-sector expertise. For IHS Towers, the move reinforces its role as a leading African tower company supporting scalable, resilient telecom networks across high-growth markets.
Airtel, Jio and Vodafone Idea Urge TRAI Not to Block Mobile Numbers
India’s leading telecom operators — Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) — have urged the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) not to block certain categories of mobile numbers amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny. The operators argue that blanket restrictions could disrupt legitimate business communications and essential services. The issue relates to measures aimed at curbing spam, fraudulent calls, and misuse of telecom resources. While supporting efforts to tackle cyber fraud and unsolicited communications, the telcos have cautioned that indiscriminate blocking may impact enterprises, banking alerts, OTP services, and customer outreach operations. The discussions highlight the challenge of balancing consumer protection with operational continuity, as regulators and operators work to strengthen safeguards without hampering legitimate digital and telecom services.
Self-Driving Network Powers Digital Upgrade at Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has implemented its AI-driven self-driving network at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium, transforming the venue’s connectivity and digital operations. The deployment leverages automation, real-time analytics, and intelligent network management to deliver seamless, high-capacity wireless performance for tens of thousands of fans. The advanced infrastructure enhances Wi-Fi reliability, security, and application performance, supporting mobile ticketing, in-seat ordering, live streaming, and immersive digital experiences. Automated monitoring and optimization reduce downtime and enable IT teams to proactively manage network performance during major events.
Comcast Business Powers February’s Biggest Broadcast Events
Comcast Business played a central role in supporting some of February’s largest live broadcast events, delivering high-capacity connectivity and resilient network infrastructure to ensure seamless coverage. The company provided dedicated fiber, advanced Ethernet services, and scalable bandwidth to broadcasters and production teams managing high-traffic, real-time transmissions. With live sports and entertainment events demanding ultra-reliable, low-latency performance, Comcast Business enabled uninterrupted video feeds, remote production workflows, and secure data transmission. Its network redundancy and proactive monitoring capabilities helped minimize disruptions during peak viewing periods. The deployment highlights the increasing reliance on robust, enterprise-grade connectivity to power large-scale media productions, reinforcing Comcast Business’s position as a key infrastructure partner for mission-critical broadcast and live event operations.
SHAFANA FAZAL