Today’s telecom news includes announcements on SK Telecom, Deutsche Telekom, Huawei, among others.
SK Telecom Hit by Massive Profit Slump After Widespread Data Breach
SK Telecom reported a sharp 73 percent year-on-year fall in net profit for 2025, declining to 375.1 billion won, as heavy compensation and recovery costs followed a major data breach. The cyber incident exposed personal data linked to the operator’s entire 25 million subscriber base, leading to increased customer churn and heightened regulatory scrutiny. Operating profit fell 41.1 percent to 1.07 trillion won, while annual revenue slipped 4.7 percent, reflecting rising costs and weaker subscriber momentum. In response, SK Telecom rolled out free USIM replacements and customer compensation measures valued at over 1 trillion won and is contesting a record fine imposed by South Korean authorities.
Deutsche Telekom Ditches Huawei and US Hyperscalers in Bold Sovereign Cloud Move
Deutsche Telekom is overhauling its cloud strategy to reduce dependence on Huawei and major US hyperscalers, marking a decisive shift toward digital sovereignty. The operator has unveiled a new cloud portfolio built without technology from Chinese vendors or American cloud giants, instead relying on open-source software and European partners. Its T-Cloud Public platform avoids hyperscaler software altogether, while the Industrial AI Cloud, launched in Munich, excludes Huawei equipment. The strategy targets enterprise and public-sector customers seeking stronger data control, security, and regulatory compliance.
Massive Cyber Fraud Bust: 39.43 Lakh Mobile Numbers Disconnected Across India
The Indian government has intensified its crackdown on cyber fraud and telecom-related financial scams by disconnecting 39.43 lakh mobile connections and blacklisting 2.27 lakh handsets, while also blocking 1.31 lakh SMS templates linked to fraudulent activities. The action, led by the Department of Telecommunications through the Sanchar Saathi platform, enables citizens to report suspected fraud using the Chakshu facility via a web portal and mobile app. Officials said these coordinated measures have helped prevent potential fraud losses exceeding ₹1,000 crore by enabling timely transaction blocks and alerts. In parallel, WhatsApp has deactivated around 28 lakh accounts associated with flagged mobile numbers as part of broader efforts to curb the misuse of digital communication platforms.
SHAFANA FAZAL