Today’s telecom news includes announcements on KT, MTN, Huawei, Malaysia’s RM2 Billion SALAM Subsea Cable, 5G-Advanced Trial in South Africa, among others.
KT Launches 800 Gbps Optical Network Service for AI Data Centers in South Korea
KT Corporation has introduced dedicated optical connectivity services supporting 400 Gbps and 800 Gbps transmission between AI data centers and large computing facilities. Announced on October 14, the new service increases maximum dedicated-line bandwidth eightfold, compared with KT’s previous 100 Gbps offering. The operator uses all-photonic network technology to reduce optical-electrical signal conversions and minimize transmission latency. KT says its nationwide optical infrastructure comprises approximately 840,000 kilometers of fiber cable, supporting route diversity between distributed computing locations. The service targets data-center operators, hyperscalers and businesses operating large GPU clusters. Commercial pricing, customer contracts and guaranteed latency figures have not been disclosed.
MTN and Huawei Achieve 10.35 Gbps in South African 5G-Advanced Trial Using 400 MHz Spectrum
MTN Group and Huawei have completed a 5G-Advanced trial achieving peak download speeds of 10.35 Gbps using 400 MHz of Upper 6 GHz spectrum. The test was conducted at MTN’s headquarters in Randburg, Johannesburg, under a temporary spectrum licence issued by South Africa’s communications regulator. The trial combined a dedicated 5G Standalone core, ultra-wideband active antennas and advanced beamforming. MTN described the deployment as Africa’s first Upper 6 GHz 5G-Advanced trial. South Africa’s 2026 National Radio Frequency Plan identifies the wider 700 MHz Upper 6 GHz band for mobile telecommunications. Commercial spectrum assignments and nationwide deployment dates have not been announced.
Malaysia Advances RM2 Billion SALAM Subsea Cable with 10 Landing Stations
Malaysia has identified Bintulu in Sarawak as a priority landing location for its RM2 billion SALAM submarine cable project. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil confirmed on October 15 that the system is planned to have 10 landing stations, including three in Sarawak, five in Sabah and two in Peninsular Malaysia. The proposed network spans approximately 5,582 kilometers, according to earlier project specifications. Additional Sarawak landing locations are being evaluated at Matu and Buntal. The government expects construction to begin by late 2026 or early 2027, with completion requiring approximately two to three years. The system will complement Malaysia’s existing SKR1M submarine cable and provide additional domestic network routes.
