The latest telecom news includes announcements on Maxis, China Mobile, Ericsson, Huawei’s Kirin 9020 Chip, among others.
Maxis and CMI Launch CMLink MVNO to Boost Cross-Border Connectivity
Maxis and China Mobile International (CMI) launched CMLink, CMI’s first mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in Malaysia. The partnership extends CMLink’s presence in Asia and Europe, following launches in the UK, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, and Italy. CMLink operates on Maxis’ nationwide 4G and 5G network and provides services such as one card with multiple numbers and China-Malaysia data sharing. The MVNO targets students, professionals, and frequent travelers between China and Malaysia. This collaboration demonstrates how telecom companies are innovating by introducing MVNOs to address specific user needs and expand service coverage. By leveraging existing network infrastructure, CMLink can offer seamless connectivity and flexible service plans.
Ericsson CEO Urges Faster Push Toward 5G Standalone to Unlock New Services
Ericsson CEO Borje Ekholm has called for a stronger focus on 5G Standalone (SA) networks, stating they are necessary for operators to monetize investments and enable new services. Unlike 5G Non-Standalone, which relies on 4G cores, 5G SA provides capabilities such as low latency, uplink prioritization, and network slicing. These features allow operators to support applications in automation, robotics, and industrial use cases. China has taken the lead in 5G SA deployment, with more than 4 million base stations, which is about ten times the number in the United States. Chinese industries are already applying 5G SA for factory automation and robotics. In contrast, Western markets have been slower to move toward 5G SA, limiting opportunities for service innovation and monetization, Light Reading reports.
Huawei Confirms Kirin 9020 Chip in 5G Phones, Signaling Telecom Innovation Amid Sanctions
Huawei has confirmed the Kirin 9020 system-on-chip inside its 5G smartphones, marking progress in overcoming US sanctions. The Kirin 9020, designed by Huawei’s HiSilicon unit, powers the Pura 80 and Mate 70 series. The chipset details appeared after a system update revealed its name in screenshots, providing the first official confirmation from the company. Earlier, information about Huawei’s processors for the Mate 60 Pro and Mate 70 series came only from teardown reports. The Kirin 9020 is manufactured by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) using a 7-nanometre process, reflecting advances in China’s semiconductor production. Huawei’s disclosure highlights the company’s return to the 5G smartphone market with in-house chip design despite restrictions on access to advanced technology, SCMP reports.
Huawei Patent Targets Longer Smartphone Battery Life
Huawei has received approval for a patent titled “Composite Electrode Material and Preparation Method, Lithium Battery, and Electronic Device,” filed in September 2021. The patent introduces a composite electrode material reinforced with organic fiber, which bonds with the electrode through hydrogen bonds, forming a CONH group. The design aims to stabilize charging, prevent battery bulging caused by gas expansion, and reduce the overall space occupied by the battery inside electronic devices. This approach may help extend smartphone battery life while maintaining device reliability. The technology reflects Huawei’s effort to improve power systems for electronic products and enhance the efficiency of lithium batteries, supporting the telecom industry’s focus on longer device usage and optimized internal space for advanced features, including 5G components and sensors.
Shafana Fazal
