The latest telecom news includes announcements on Simba Telecom, Nextlink, Texas Broadband Project, and others.
Singapore’s Simba Telecom Faces Spectrum License Action Involving 133 Mobile Sites
Simba Telecom faces possible suspension of spectrum rights or its operating license following a show-cause notice disclosed by parent Tuas on October 26. The regulator alleges unauthorized dynamic spectrum sharing at about 133 sites using 2100 MHz frequencies for 4G and 5G in 2022–2023. It also questions use of 2340–2360 MHz spectrum at approximately 92 sites between 2023 and 2026 and early deployment of indoor 5G equipment at two locations. Potential penalties include S$1 million or 10 percent of relevant annual turnover, whichever is higher. Simba must respond by November 16. The allegations are under investigation; no final regulatory finding or license cancellation has occurred.
Marshall Islands Secures US Support for National 4G and 5G Network Modernization Study
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency announced on October 21 an agreement to fund a feasibility study for modernizing the Marshall Islands’ national mobile network. The Marshall Islands National Telecommunications Authority selected Virginia-based Widelity to evaluate options for a more resilient 4G/5G system, including Open RAN and virtualized RAN technologies. The work will assess equipment choices, network architecture, implementation approaches and financing for a future upgrade. The agency pointed to its earlier technical assistance in Palau, which led to selection of suppliers for that country’s nationwide 4G/5G project. No equipment procurement, network construction award, spectrum allocation or deployment timetable has been announced for the Marshall Islands. The study’s funding amount was not disclosed.
Nextlink Launches $9 Million Texas Broadband Project Covering 2,700 Rural Households
A $9 million broadband infrastructure project entered its launch phase in Newton County, Texas, on October 22, with Nextlink Internet and the Deep East Texas Council of Governments participating. Supported by a $9,008,688 state mitigation grant, the first phase is intended to connect more than 2,700 households and approximately 6,700 residents in northern Newton County. The design combines fixed wireless broadband with about 60 miles of supporting fiber infrastructure. The work forms part of a wider $51 million regional program covering portions of six East Texas counties. The latest milestone marks project commencement, not service activation for every household. The companies did not disclose completion dates or installed radio-site quantities.