Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Smith Micro Software, Singtel Group, Reliance Jio, RCS Pricing, Apple, among others.
Smith Micro Expands Multi-Year Agreement with U.S. Tier-1 Operator
Smith Micro Software has announced an expanded multi-year agreement with a major U.S. Tier-1 wireless operator, strengthening its position in the telecom software market. The agreement expands the company’s existing relationship with the operator and covers continued deployment of Smith Micro’s software solutions for wireless services. The deal is significant for Smith Micro because its technology supports telecom operators in managing and enhancing customer-facing mobile experiences. The expanded contract also provides greater visibility into recurring revenue opportunities over multiple years. Smith Micro has increasingly focused on partnerships with major wireless operators as carriers seek software capabilities that can support service personalization, device management and digital customer experiences across increasingly complex mobile networks.
Gulf Development and Singtel Partner on Thailand-Singapore Submarine Cable Connectivity
Gulf Development and Singtel Group have formed a strategic partnership to develop new submarine cable connectivity between Thailand and Singapore, targeting rising demand from cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data centers and digital services. The partnership’s first initiative will involve participation in the Vietnam-Thailand-Singapore Cable System, which is expected to enter service in 2030. Gulf and Singtel will develop and invest in subsea cable assets, while Singtel Singapore and its Thai associate AIS will contribute connectivity capabilities, market expertise and customer reach. Capital requirements for the VTS system will be spread across multiple years. The partnership strengthens Thailand-Singapore connectivity and could support further subsea and terrestrial cable investments across Southeast Asia.
Jio Introduces New RCS Pricing as Apple Expands Business Messaging in India
Reliance Jio has introduced new commercial pricing for Rich Communication Services messaging for businesses in India following its partnership with Apple to bring RCS support to iPhone users. The new pricing applies from September 1, with businesses paying for marketing, transactional and one-time-password messages. Apple’s entry expands the reach of RCS beyond Android and strengthens competition in India’s business messaging market, where WhatsApp has traditionally held a dominant position. Jio’s move gives businesses access to richer two-way messaging capabilities across supported devices while creating a new commercial channel for operator-led messaging services. Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel are also expected to join the Apple RCS ecosystem, potentially accelerating adoption in India.
