Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Telefonica, DoT, S&P Global Ratings, Singtel, among others.
Telefonica Digitises Negratin’s 38.4 MWp Solar Projects in Colombia with IoT, Tracks 215 Devices and Assets
Telefonica is deploying an advanced digital project-management system for Negratin Group’s energy operations, starting with three solar projects in Colombia with a combined capacity of 38.4 MWp. The projects at La Mina, La Tabla and Tropezón represent around 10 percent of Negratin’s activity and serve as a pilot for wider deployment across its energy portfolio. The solution combines IoT connectivity, real-time location tracking and smart access controls to centralise operational information from construction sites. Supported by Telefonica’s connectivity infrastructure, the platform manages 215 devices and assets, continuously updating data on workforce locations, site access and critical material movements. Negratin expects the technology to improve project coordination, operational efficiency, traceability, safety and risk management while enabling faster, data-driven decisions across increasingly complex energy projects.
DoT Tightens India’s Nine-SIM Connection Limit
India’s Department of Telecommunications has directed telecom operators to deny new mobile connections to subscribers who already have nine SIM cards registered in their name. Under an official circular, operators must implement technical and organizational measures from August 24 to identify customers attempting to obtain connections beyond the prescribed limit. The DoT is requiring operators to use the Digital Intelligence Platform, which contains subscriber information uploaded by telecom companies, including details of customers who have reached the nine-connection threshold. From August 23, a representative image of each subscriber at the limit will also be available on the platform. The measures are intended to strengthen enforcement of the connection cap and prevent subscribers from obtaining additional mobile numbers.
S&P Upgrades Singtel to A+ on Stronger Balance Sheet
S&P Global Ratings upgraded Singtel’s issuer credit ratings to A+/A-1 from A/A-1, citing stronger financial flexibility, asset monetization and an expected earnings recovery. The agency also raised Singtel’s senior unsecured notes to A+ from A and guaranteed subordinated perpetual securities to BBB+ from BBB, with a stable outlook. Singtel’s adjusted debt declined to S$7.5 billion at the end of fiscal 2026 from S$12.3 billion in fiscal 2021, while adjusted debt-to-EBITDA improved to 1.7 times from 2.5 times. S&P expects leverage to remain below two times over the next 24 months. The agency also expects Singtel to realize the remaining S$2.2 billion of its S$9 billion asset-recycling program by fiscal 2028.
SHAFANA FAZAL
