Today’s telecom news includes announcements on SK Telecom, KT, LG Uplus, SoftBank, Ericsson, Qualcomm Technologies, among others.
South Korea Trials Mandatory Facial Recognition for New Mobile Numbers
South Korea has launched a three‑month trial of mandatory real-time facial recognition for anyone registering a new mobile phone number, using the PASS identification app developed by the country’s major carriers (SK Telecom, KT, LG Uplus) across physical and remote channels, with full implementation planned for March 2026. This innovation aims to combat illegal registrations, identity theft, and scam-related fraud by ensuring the applicant’s face matches the photo on their ID, without storing biometric data to protect privacy.
Pakistan Gears Up for 5G Revolution with Major Spectrum Auction
Pakistan plans a major telecom spectrum auction early next year, unlocking frequencies to launch 5G services for the first time in the country. The government has benchmarked auction design internationally to improve internet speeds and network quality, aiming to reduce congestion and boost digital connectivity for users and businesses nationwide. Expanded spectrum access is expected to enhance mobile broadband, support tech innovation, and attract investment in Saudi‑UAE and global markets. Earlier growth initiatives include strengthening trade and investment ties with the UAE to spur economic collaboration.
SoftBank Unleashes Ultra-Low Latency 5G Trials, Paving the Way for Next-Gen XR Experiences
SoftBank, together with Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies, announced successful field trials of 5G and 5G Advanced technologies — including Low Latency, Low Loss, and Scalable Throughput (L4S) — on its standalone 5G network, demonstrating up to 90 percent lower wireless latency. The collaboration focused on real-time applications like XR content streaming on smart glasses, highlighting the innovation potential of next-generation connectivity.
SHAFANA FAZAL
