The latest telecom news includes announcements on Jio, ZTE, STC, Nokia, GSMA on India market, among others.
Jio Holds Tariffs Steady While 5G Users Surge
Reliance Jio has confirmed no immediate plans to increase mobile tariffs, focusing instead on boosting revenue through higher data consumption and user engagement. The company’s average revenue per user (ARPU) rose by 1.2 percent to ₹211.4 in Q2 FY26, driven by increased data usage and the shift of users to shorter-duration plans. Jio’s 5G user base reached 234 million, accounting for 50 percent of its total wireless traffic.
ZTE Revolutionizes Latin America’s Broadband with Smart, Sustainable Networks
ZTE is advancing broadband transformation in Latin America through its “Performance+, Efficiency+, and Experience+” strategy, showcased at the 2025 Broadband User Congress in Mexico City. The initiative emphasizes scalable, high-performance networks using all-optical infrastructure, Wi-Fi 7, and 50G PON technologies. AI-driven operations enhance marketing, reduce churn, and optimize user experience. ZTE’s smart home solutions, such as fall detection for seniors, improve quality of life, while sustainable, cost-effective practices — including solar-powered hybrid systems and award-winning 5G-A applications — highlight environmental responsibility.
MEA’s 5G Revolution: STC and Nokia Unveil First Cloud RAN Deployment
STC, in collaboration with Nokia, has achieved the first commercial deployment of 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) Cloud Radio Access Network (RAN) in the Middle East and Africa. The deployment uses Nokia’s Cloud RAN solution with equipment from Dell and Red Hat, providing a flexible and efficient network infrastructure. This enables enhanced network performance, scalability, and agility, supporting hybrid radio access networks and future technologies like 6G. STC’s CTO Haitham AlFaraj highlighted the strategic vision to lead Cloud RAN evolution, while Nokia’s Mikko Lavanti emphasized strengthening Saudi Arabia’s technological hub role. Dell’s Tibor Fabry-Asztalos noted the collaboration accelerates new business opportunities across the region.
Indian Telcos Face ARPU Pressure to Power Next-Gen Networks
GSMA has highlighted the urgent need for Indian telecom operators—Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi)—to raise their Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) to sustain essential network investments. GSMA Director-General Vivek Badrinath noted that current ARPU levels are insufficient for the scale of investment required to serve customers effectively. Despite financial pressures, Indian telcos continue to invest heavily in their networks, while the sector grapples with some of the lowest mobile tariffs globally.
China-Linked Hackers Exploit ToolShell to Hit Telecom & Government Networks Globally
China-linked threat actors are exploiting the ToolShell vulnerability (CVE‑2025‑53770) to target telecoms and government agencies worldwide. They use backdoors, loaders, and trojans, often via legitimate vendor binaries. Techniques include credential theft and living-off-the-land tools, suggesting mass scanning followed by targeted espionage. Organizations should urgently patch SharePoint servers, monitor for known malware, and review unusual binary or tool activity.
Shafana Fazal
