Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Nigeria, Free Internet Day in Bangladesh, 5G innovation in Pakistan, Starlink service in Bangladesh, among others.
Vandalism Surge Hits Nigeria’s Telecom Infrastructure, Disrupts Services Nationwide
Telecom operators in Nigeria, under the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), reported increased vandalism and theft of telecom infrastructure between May and July 2025. Incidents were recorded in Rivers, Ogun, Osun, Imo, Kogi, Ekiti, Lagos, and the Federal Capital Territory. Stolen items include power cables, batteries, diesel generators, and solar panels. The attacks disrupted services and caused network outages for millions of users. ALTON highlighted that telecom infrastructure is classified as Critical National Infrastructure under a 2021 federal gazette. Damage from civil works and road construction also affected underground fiber cables. Operators are making infrastructure investments, including fiber optic expansion and system upgrades. ALTON urged national security agencies to intervene and address the threat.
Bangladesh Telecoms Offer 1GB Free Data on Free Internet Day to Boost Digital Access
On July 18, 2025, Bangladesh observed Free Internet Day to mark the July Uprising Day. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) directed all mobile operators to provide 1GB of free internet data to subscribers. This data is valid for five days. The initiative aims to increase digital access and encourage internet use among the population. Mobile operators across Bangladesh participated by offering the free data as instructed. This measure supports digital inclusion by reducing barriers to internet connectivity and helping more people access online services, communication platforms, and information. The move reflects efforts to expand internet reach and improve digital infrastructure in the country. It also aligns with government priorities on enhancing internet penetration and promoting digital growth.
Pakistan’s Telecom Industry Tackles Basic Challenges to Enable 5G Innovation
Pakistan’s telecom sector is working to adopt 5G technology but faces challenges such as low mobile internet usage, high taxes, and limited access to devices. Only 54 percent of the population uses mobile internet despite over 80 percent mobile broadband coverage. Barriers include high GST on telecom services, exchange rate-linked spectrum fees, and gaps in digital literacy, especially among women and rural users. The Asian Development Bank recommends reforms such as reducing GST to 5 percent, delinking spectrum fees from the US dollar, and promoting public-private partnerships to expand coverage. Industry leaders say basic issues like affordable smartphones and digital literacy must be addressed before 5G adoption, The Express Tribune reports.
Starlink Launches in Bangladesh as Telecom Industry Pushes AI, 6G, and Cloud Innovations
Starlink launched in Bangladesh, providing satellite internet service across the country, including remote areas. The Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology acknowledged this as a step to improve connectivity, supporting sectors like education, healthcare, and digital business. Netcracker’s Digital Platform uses AI to update Business and Operational Support Systems, improving service delivery and monetization. India funded over 111 research projects on 6G technology with ₹300 crore, aiming to develop terahertz networks with speeds up to one terabit per second. India is among the top six countries in global 6G patent filings. Telecom operators are moving to cloud-native, API-centric BSS/OSS platforms to increase agility, cut costs, and improve customer experience. Companies like AT&T and Telefonica report faster service delivery and better operational efficiency.
TelecomLead.com News Desk
