Today’s latest telecom news includes announcements on Nokia, Mobiuz, ZTE, MTN and Airtel in Nigeria’s telecom market, among others.
Nokia Powers Europe’s Railways with 5G and AI for Real-Time Operations
Nokia has deployed a 1900MHz 5G network on active railway tracks with Deutsche Bahn in Germany. The network uses a standalone 5G core and supports the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), which is planned to replace GSM-R. FRMCS integrates AI to manage train operations, maintenance, and railway infrastructure. The 5G network provides low latency, high capacity, and IoT connectivity to support automation, monitoring, and real-time data collection. Features include failover, self-healing, and network monitoring to ensure availability and operational continuity.
Uzbekistan Boosts Internet Speeds with Mobiuz and ZTE Network Upgrade
Mobiuz and ZTE completed the first phase of a network modernization project in Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan and Khorezm regions, activating over 1,200 new base stations. Internet speeds improved by 20 percent in Karakalpakstan and 33 percent in Khorezm, with data traffic increasing by 36 percent and 34 percent. Independent tests confirmed Mobiuz leads in internet speed and network reliability.
Taliban Shuts Down Fiber Internet in Balkh, Telecoms Rely on Mobile Data
The Taliban has banned fiber-optic internet in Balkh province, Afghanistan, citing prevention of immorality. The ban affects government offices, businesses, and homes that relied on wired internet, while mobile data services continue to operate. The authorities stated plans to develop a domestic alternative for essential services. This action shows the Taliban’s control over digital infrastructure, forcing the telecommunications sector to adapt. Internet service providers in the region now face operational challenges, including maintaining connectivity, ensuring data flow, and supporting users without fiber-optic access, Hindustan Times reports.
MTN and Airtel Dominate Nigeria’s Telecom Market with 86 percent Share
MTN Nigeria and Airtel Africa account for 86.12 percent of the Nigerian telecom market by subscriber base. MTN leads with 89.14 million subscribers, representing 52.7 percent market share, while Airtel has 56.52 million subscribers, equal to 33.4 percent share. Globacom holds 20.86 million subscribers with 12.3 percent share, and 9mobile has 2.64 million subscribers, representing 1.6 percent. Total active telephony subscriptions declined month-on-month and year-on-year. Internet subscriptions also decreased, largely due to SIM disconnections linked to mandatory National Identification Number (NIN) integration and corrections in previously reported data. The telecom industry is innovating by adopting regulatory compliance measures such as linking SIM cards to the national identity system, ensuring accurate subscriber records, and reactivating valid but disconnected lines.
Shafana Fazal
