Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Starlink, IHS Towers, India Mobile Congress 2025, Nokia, Ericsson, among others.
Starlink Brings High-Speed Internet to Private Jets
Starlink high-speed internet is now available on the Cessna Citation Longitude after FAA approval of AeroMech’s Supplemental Type Certificate. The aircraft can connect to Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, enabling internet access over land, water, and remote areas where traditional in-flight Wi-Fi is not available. The Starlink Aviation Kit includes an Aero Terminal (antenna), Power Supply Unit (PSU), and Wireless Access Point (WAP), requiring only a power input from the aircraft. Textron Aviation provides this upgrade at North American Service Centers and select International Service Centers.
IHS Towers Sells 1,467 Rwanda Towers to Boost Telecom Infrastructure
IHS Towers completed the sale of its Rwanda operations, including 1,467 tower sites, to Paradigm Tower Ventures for $274.5 million. Paradigm and its partners plan to expand and manage telecommunications infrastructure in Rwanda, supporting digital services and connectivity. The sale is part of IHS Towers’ strategy to focus on core assets and optimize its portfolio.
India and UK Join Forces to Drive Next-Gen Telecom Innovation
India and the UK signed an agreement at India Mobile Congress 2025 to set up the India-UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre (CIC), committing £24 million (₹282 crore) over four years. The centre will bring together researchers, innovators, and businesses from both countries to develop new telecom solutions and improve digital connectivity. CIC will focus on three areas: Artificial Intelligence in Telecommunications, using AI to optimize networks and improve operational efficiency; Non-Terrestrial Networks, developing satellite and airborne systems to provide connectivity to rural and remote areas; and Telecom Cybersecurity, strengthening network security and creating open, interoperable solutions to improve resilience.
India’s Telecom Manufacturing Set to Grow as Nokia, Ericsson Push PLI Extension
Nokia and Ericsson requested the government to extend the telecom production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme by five years to increase local manufacturing and value addition. The companies emphasized sourcing electronic components in India to support domestic production and reduce dependence on imports. Axiro highlighted challenges in achieving competitive pricing for chipsets due to limited scale. TCS suggested using the Telecom Technology Development Fund to support product design and scaling. Extending PLI would help manufacturers produce telecom equipment for domestic use and export, boosting India’s role in global telecom manufacturing, Economic Times reports.
Shafana Fazal
