Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Spectrum Auction in Bangladesh, Cablenet, Harmonic, SpaceX, Starlink, and others.
Bangladesh Proposes Base Prices for Lower-Band Spectrum Auction
Bangladesh’s Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has proposed base prices for two lower-band spectrum blocks planned for auction before the end of 2026. The proposed offerings comprise 3.4 MHz in paired 885–888.4 MHz and 930–933.4 MHz bands, and 5 MHz in paired 880–885 MHz and 925–930 MHz bands. The commission proposed prices of BDT 2.14 billion per MHz for the smaller block and BDT 1.78 billion per MHz for the larger block. Both rates are below the BDT 2.37 billion benchmark, reflecting differences in cross-border interference risks and licence duration. Government approval remains necessary before the auction can proceed, potentially expanding operators’ access to spectrum for mobile coverage.
SpaceX Spectrum Deal Triggers Telecom Stock Declines in Australia and New Zealand
Telecommunications stocks in Australia and New Zealand declined after SpaceX secured low-band spectrum, raising concerns about growing competition from satellite-based connectivity services. The development prompted investors to reassess the competitive outlook for traditional mobile operators as satellite providers expand their direct-to-device capabilities. Low-band frequencies are valuable because they offer wider coverage and stronger signal penetration than higher-frequency bands. Satellite connectivity could help extend communications into remote areas beyond conventional cellular infrastructure, potentially changing the competitive landscape. The market reaction highlights investor concerns about how emerging satellite-mobile services could affect established operators’ customer bases, network investment strategies and future revenue growth.
Cablenet Selects Harmonic for DOCSIS 3.1+ Broadband Network Modernization in Cyprus
Harmonic has secured a network modernization contract from Cablenet, the country’s second-largest fixed-network operator. Announced on October 12, the agreement covers deployment of Harmonic’s virtualized cOS broadband platform and distributed access architecture using low-power Oyster nodes. Cablenet will upgrade its DOCSIS 3.1+ network to deliver more consistent gigabit broadband and prepare for higher-speed services. The software-based architecture will replace selected legacy hardware functions, consolidate network infrastructure and improve operational monitoring. Harmonic’s Central AI-driven intelligence platform will support troubleshooting and service assurance. Globally, Harmonic’s cOS technology supports more than 48 million customer-premises devices. The companies did not disclose the contract value or deployment timetable.
