Today’s telecom news includes announcements on SLT-Mobitel, Ericsson, MediaTek, SK Telecom, among others.
Sri Lanka Telecom Accelerates Fiber, 5G and AI Expansion
Sri Lanka Telecom and its SLT-Mobitel business are accelerating investments in nationwide fiber connectivity, data infrastructure, 5G and artificial intelligence as the company transitions from a traditional voice operator toward a broader digital technology provider. The operator is prioritizing broadband expansion to extend high-speed connectivity across the country while upgrading infrastructure to support growing data and digital-service demand. SLT is also increasing its focus on AI integration as part of its wider digital transformation strategy. CEO Riyaaz Rasheed said broadband expansion is a major priority for connecting the country digitally. The strategy positions fiber, 5G and AI as central pillars of Sri Lanka Telecom’s efforts to support rising digital consumption and contribute to the country’s broader digital-economy development.
Ericsson and MediaTek Complete High-Precision 5G Positioning Test
Ericsson and MediaTek have completed what they describe as a world-first end-to-end test of high-precision outdoor positioning using 5G technology. The demonstration focused on improving positioning accuracy through cellular networks, potentially expanding 5G’s role beyond conventional connectivity applications. High-precision positioning could support emerging use cases such as industrial automation, connected vehicles, asset tracking and other location-sensitive services requiring greater accuracy than traditional mobile positioning. The successful test highlights ongoing efforts by network equipment and chipset companies to unlock additional capabilities from 5G infrastructure. Ericsson and MediaTek’s work also supports the development of advanced network functions that could help operators create new enterprise services while laying technical foundations for future connectivity applications.
Ericsson and SK Telecom Deepen AI-RAN and 6G Collaboration
Ericsson and SK Telecom are strengthening their long-term technology partnership around AI-powered 5G networks and future 6G development. Their agreement establishes a framework for joint research, technology validation, trials and potential commercialization of next-generation network technologies. The collaboration focuses on advancing AI-powered radio access networks while continuing to improve 5G capabilities and laying groundwork for 6G research and standardization. The memorandum is effective through March 2, 2031, providing a long-term framework for cooperation. Ericsson has also been selected as SK Telecom’s sole global technology partner for its AI-RAN pilot project. The partnership highlights growing industry efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into network infrastructure while accelerating development of technologies expected to shape future mobile networks.
Egypt Conducts Africa’s First 6 GHz Mobile Connectivity Trial
Egypt has conducted what has been described as Africa’s first mobile telecommunications trial using the 6 GHz frequency band, marking a significant step in exploring additional spectrum for next-generation wireless connectivity. The trial focused on the upper 6 GHz band, which is attracting global attention as demand for mobile capacity continues to rise. Opening additional spectrum could provide operators with wider channels and greater capacity for advanced 5G services and future mobile technologies. Egypt’s demonstration strengthens its position in regional telecommunications innovation and provides practical experience with using the band for mobile connectivity. The trial also adds momentum to the global debate over how the 6 GHz spectrum should be allocated between mobile networks and other wireless technologies.
SHAFANA FAZAL