Today’s telecom news includes announcements on SK Telecom, Axian Telecom, Cisco, HFCL, Sateliot, among others.
SK Telecom Centralizes AI Division to Boost Innovation
SK Telecom introduced a voluntary retirement program for employees in its AI division, AI CIC, weeks after the division’s formation. The program allows staff whose roles or locations may change to opt out, while employees who remain may be reassigned to regional offices. The AI CIC division, employing around 1,000 staff, manages SK Telecom’s personal AI agent A., AI data center operations, enterprise AI business, and global AI partnerships.
Axian Telecom and Cisco Join Forces to Boost Africa’s Digital Connectivity
Axian Telecom and Cisco have formed a partnership to advance Africa’s digital infrastructure. The collaboration aims to provide secure connectivity to businesses and governments across the continent by combining Axian Telecom’s managed services and network infrastructure with Cisco’s networking and cybersecurity solutions. Under this partnership, Axian Telecom’s enterprise brand, Yas, launched the Next Generation Secure Business Connect Portfolio.
India Pushes Telecom Innovation, Ranks Among Top 3 Globally
India’s telecom services are among the top three globally, according to Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. The government has introduced new monitoring norms at the cell level, effective from October 1, to improve service quality. TRAI has shifted quality assessment from the circle level to the cell level, and telecom operators have submitted initial reports under the new standards. BSNL plans to upgrade all 92,500 4G towers to 5G within six to eight months using an indigenously developed software and hardware stack. India also aims to secure 10 percent of global 6G patents and expand satellite communications, projected to grow from $4 billion today to nearly $15 billion by 2033, Business Standard reports.
HFCL Lands $32M Global Order for Optical Fibre Cables
HFCL has secured an export order worth $32.02 million (₹281.2 crore) for supplying optical fibre cables to an international customer. The order was received through HFCL’s overseas wholly owned subsidiary and is scheduled for execution by December 2026. The deal involves supplying optical fibre cables according to customer specifications, demonstrating HFCL’s manufacturing and technological capabilities.
Sateliot and ESA Team Up to Power 6G IoT Connectivity
Sateliot, a Spanish satellite company, is partnering with the European Space Agency (ESA) on a project called FreeGNSSNetwork, which allows Internet of Things (IoT) devices to determine location using satellite signals instead of GPS, enabling connectivity in areas where traditional networks may be unavailable. The initiative is part of Sateliot’s work within the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) framework, contributing to 6G network development. ESA has also partnered with the Bharat 6G Alliance to develop satellite-enabled 6G networks, focusing on integrating satellite and terrestrial networks to expand global connectivity and support IoT applications.
Shafana Fazal
