Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Satellite Consortium for Direct-to-Device Services, Theta Edge, Vodafone, Elsewedy, Cassava, among others.
Major European Telecom Operators Explore Joint Satellite Consortium for Direct-to-Device Services
Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Vodafone and Telefónica are reportedly in preliminary discussions to form a consortium that could bid for European satellite spectrum and develop direct-to-device mobile services. The operators are considering a joint bid for part of the 2 GHz spectrum that the European Union plans to reserve for satellite communications. Under the proposed framework, spectrum would be divided among a European operator, EU sovereign communications services and international competitors. No final decision has been made on the consortium or any bid. The initiative could give Europe’s leading telecom groups a jointly controlled platform for satellite connectivity, as existing operators expand partnerships with companies such as Starlink and AST SpaceMobile.
Theta Edge Wins Prasarana Contract to Build Telecom Network Along Shah Alam Line
Theta Edge’s wholly owned subsidiary, Theta Telecoms, has been appointed network operator and strategic partner for Prasarana’s telecommunications common network infrastructure along Malaysia’s Shah Alam Line. The initial contract runs for five years from September 1, 2026, with potential renewals for two additional five-year periods. Theta Telecoms will handle network design and engineering, civil works, fiber-optic installation, network integration, equipment installation and telecommunications services. Prasarana will receive at least RM500,000 annually or 13 percent of project gross revenue, whichever is higher. Theta Edge expects the project to generate recurring income and cash flow as data demand increases along the rail line. Funding will come from internal funds or borrowings.
Egypt Targets $1 Billion Data Centre Investment with Vodafone, Elsewedy and Cassava
Egypt is moving ahead with major data centre investments involving Vodafone Business, Elsewedy Electric and Cassava Technologies, with total investment projected to reach $1 billion. The Africa Data Centres Egypt project will begin with 20 MW of capacity during its first three years and is planned to expand toward 200 MW. The first phase is expected to attract around $200 million in foreign direct investment. A separate partnership between Vodafone Business and Cassava will develop what the companies describe as Egypt’s first sovereign AI data centre, including NVIDIA technologies and GPU-as-a-Service. The projects are designed to expand local cloud and AI infrastructure, support data sovereignty and strengthen Egypt’s position as a regional digital infrastructure hub.
