Today’s telecom news includes announcements on SIM Binding, Intracom Telecom, GeoLinks, Reliance Jio, AT&T, among others.
SIM Lock Shock: India’s New Rule Pits WhatsApp & Telegram Against Telecom Giants
India’s new “SIM Binding” rule requires messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal to remain linked to an active SIM card, triggering strong opposition from the Broadband India Forum, which warns of privacy risks, technical challenges and regulatory overreach. Meanwhile, telecom operators including Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Reliance Jio — via COAI — have endorsed the rule, saying it will enhance digital security by improving traceability and helping curb spam, fraud calls and online scams.
Revolutionizing Wireless: Intracom Telecom and GeoLinks Hit 1.6 Gbps in Landmark Fiber-Like Trial
Intracom Telecom and GeoLinks achieved a major breakthrough at WISPAPALOOZA 2025 by demonstrating multi-gigabit, fiber-like wireless performance using GeoLinks’ licensed LMDS spectrum and Intracom’s WiBAS G5 FWA platform. The trial delivered 1.6 Gbps speeds across a 5-mile range on 29/31 GHz mmWave bands, proving that fixed wireless can match fiber in speed, reliability, and security while reducing deployment costs.
Reliance Sets Stage for Mega Jio IPO, Eyeing $170 Billion Valuation
Reliance has begun preparing a draft prospectus for an IPO of its digital arm, Jio Platforms, marking a key step toward taking one of India’s largest tech‑telecom firms public. The move aims to unlock value by tapping capital markets and monetising Jio’s rapidly growing digital and telecom businesses. Industry insiders estimate Jio’s valuation could reach up to US$170 billion ahead of the IPO.
FCC Clears AT&T’s 1.02 Billion Dollar Spectrum Deal After Carrier Ends DEI Programs
The Federal Communications Commission has approved AT&T’s 1.02 billion dollar agreement to acquire wireless spectrum licenses from UScellular, following AT&T’s commitment to end its diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Since President Donald Trump’s return to office, the FCC has required carriers to drop DEI initiatives to secure transaction approvals. The regulator said the deal will strengthen AT&T’s network coverage, capacity and performance. However, the Rural Wireless Association opposed the move, warning it accelerates consolidation, harms competition and could raise prices for rural customers. AT&T told the FCC it does not have and will not maintain any roles focused on DEI.
Shafana Fazal
