Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Spectrum Auction in Bangladesh, Ericsson, Nokia, Senetas, M360 Eurasia 2026, among others.
Bangladesh Gears Up for Record 700 MHz Spectrum Auction to Boost 4G & 5G Coverage
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) will hold the country’s first auction of the 700 MHz spectrum on 14 January 2026, starting with 25 MHz divided into five 5‑MHz blocks, possibly rising to 45 MHz if demand allows. The base price is set at Tk 237 crore per MHz, aiming to raise over Tk 11,000 crore if fully sold. The low‑frequency 700 MHz band is prized globally for its long‑range coverage and strong indoor penetration, making it ideal for expanding nationwide 4G and future 5G services, improving rural access and indoor signal quality.
Ericsson and Nokia Bet Big on U.S. for 5G and 6G Leadership
Ericsson and Nokia are increasingly pivoting toward the United States due to U.S. economic policies, tariffs, and weak European demand. Both companies are shifting supply chains and manufacturing to the U.S.; Nokia has pledged a US$4 billion investment in U.S.-based R&D and production. Leadership changes support this trend, with Nokia appointing an American CEO and adding U.S.-based executives to top management. The strategy reduces reliance on Asian components, strengthens North American sales, and positions the companies for the global 5G/6G telecom market.
Senetas & Nokia Join Forces to Fortify Defence Networks with Quantum‑Resistant Security
Senetas and Nokia have formed a strategic alliance to deliver joint solutions for mission‑critical networks for defence and government use. By combining Senetas’ globally certified, quantum‑resistant encryption technology with Nokia’s secure mission‑critical network infrastructure (Optical LAN, IP, and optical portfolios under their “Defence‑in‑Depth” cybersecurity framework), the partnership provides end‑to-end security from data centers to tactical edge deployments.
M360 Eurasia 2026 to Be Held in Samarkand for the First Time
GSMA has confirmed that M360 Eurasia 2026 will be hosted in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 20 to 21 May 2026, marking the event’s first appearance in the historic city. The upcoming edition reflects the continuing partnership between the GSMA, Beeline Uzbekistan, and the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, and represents the second consecutive year the country will host the conference.
The event will gather policymakers, industry leaders and technology innovators to discuss the future of connectivity across the Eurasian region. With Uzbekistan advancing its Digital Uzbekistan 2030 strategy and expanding its capabilities in AI, software development and digital policy, M360 Eurasia 2026 will act as a key platform for collaboration, investment and regional digital growth.
Building on the momentum from the 2025 edition in Tashkent, the 2026 programme will highlight the technologies and policy frameworks needed to support an inclusive and innovation-led digital ecosystem. Discussions will span mobile connectivity, AI-driven transformation, cross-border digital cooperation and the role of digital infrastructure in sustainable economic development.
Shafana Fazal
