Today’s telecom news includes announcements on TM Forum, Space42, Viasat, Angola Cables, Ciena, among others.
TM Forum Urges Tighter Controls as Telecom Operators Deploy AI Agents
TM Forum is calling on telecom operators to impose clear controls on AI agents and verify their actions as autonomous systems move from experimentation toward production networks. The industry body says operators need to define limits on the authority granted to AI agents, particularly as they begin performing tasks involving network operations and automation. The issue is becoming more important as communications service providers explore AI for network optimization, fault management and autonomous operations. TM Forum has identified AI-related incidents, legacy infrastructure, governance and compliance requirements, and data quality as key barriers to wider deployment. The organization’s broader work highlights the need for stronger governance and reliable network data as operators progress toward increasingly automated and autonomous telecom environments.
Space42 and Viasat Commit Up to $1 Billion for Global Direct-to-Device Satellite Network
Space42 and Viasat have agreed to establish Equatys, a shared satellite and ground-infrastructure platform designed to provide direct-to-device mobile connectivity outside terrestrial coverage. The companies plan an initial combined equity contribution of up to $1 billion, with Viasat expected to become prime technology contractor. Equatys will operate a multi-orbit architecture and work with mobile operators to extend existing cellular services through satellite coverage, including geographic gaps within populated markets. The partners are developing the initial constellation alongside terrestrial gateway infrastructure. The investment represents one of the larger new commitments to standards-based satellite-to-mobile connectivity and positions Equatys as another potential wholesale infrastructure provider for operators seeking to expand coverage without constructing terrestrial radio sites in every location.
Angola Cables Upgrades 12,780-km Transatlantic Network for 800 Gbps Services
Angola Cables is upgrading its MONET and South Atlantic Cable System networks with Ciena optical technology to support 800 Gbps services between Africa and the Americas. The upgraded route covers approximately 12,780 km, linking Angola, Brazil and the United States. MONET extends 10,556 km between Brazil and the US, while SACS spans 6,165 km between Angola and Brazil. Combined, the systems provide a direct Angola-US path with approximately 130 milliseconds round-trip latency, avoiding routing through Europe. Angola Cables is deploying WaveLogic 6 Extreme optics, Waveserver, the 6500 platform and Navigator automation software. Customers will be able to purchase capacity ranging from individual 100 Gbps connections to complete fiber pairs, supporting cloud, hyperscale and AI traffic.
