Today’s telecom news includes announcements on the number of mobile subscribers in May in India, Axian Telecom in Africa, transmission network (NTTN) licenses in Bangladesh, among others.
Jio and Airtel Capture 99.8 percent of May’s Telecom Growth
Jio and Airtel added 99.84 percent of India’s 43.6 million new telecom subscribers in May. Jio gained 2.7 million wireless users, reaching 472 million, while Airtel added 2.75 million, reaching 390 million, TRAI said. Vodafone Idea lost 2.74 lakh, BSNL lost 1.35 lakh, and MTNL lost 4.7 lakh subscribers. Total wireless connections reached 1.168 billion. In wireline, Jio added 12.8 lakh users, Airtel 99,000, and Tata 4,890, while PSU operators continued losses. Broadband subscriptions rose to 974.8 million, with Jio leading at 494.4 million, Airtel at 302 million, and Vodafone Idea at 126.6 million. Airtel added 1.82 lakh fixed wireless access users; Jio lost 2.86 lakh, PTI reports.
Axian Telecom Secures $600 Million Bond to Expand Connectivity in Africa
Axian Telecom has issued a $600 million bond to enhance connectivity across Africa. The funds will support the expansion of 4G and 5G networks in Madagascar, Tanzania, and Togo. This initiative aims to improve mobile broadband access and reduce digital inequality in these regions. The project focuses on increasing network coverage and enhancing internet access for more people. The bond financing will help develop infrastructure needed for advanced mobile networks in underserved areas.
Bangladesh Considers Issuing Additional NTTN Licenses to Enhance Telecom Network
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is contemplating the issuance of more Nationwide Telecommunication Transmission Network (NTTN) licenses. Currently, two companies—Fiber@Home and Summit Communication Ltd.—hold NTTN licenses and are developing common infrastructure. The government issued these licenses two years ago to promote a unified network. BTRC is seeking public input on revised draft guidelines for new NTTN licenses. Changes in the draft include reducing the bank guarantee requirement from Tk 100 million to Tk 5 million and lowering the license fee from Tk 30 million to Tk 10 million. The move aims to allow more operators to enter the market and improve network coverage, Financial Express reports.
TelecomLead.com News Desk
