The latest telecom news includes announcements on TRAI, Ericsson’s takeover of Intel network business unlikely, Nokia, MX Fiber, du and Huawei, among others.
TRAI Issues Manual for Rating Digital Connectivity in Properties
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released the Manual for Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity under the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024. The manual provides a uniform framework for Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs) to assess buildings based on fibre readiness, in-building mobile coverage, Wi-Fi coverage, broadband speeds, and user experience. It guides Property Managers and Service Providers in planning and implementing Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) and enables buyers, tenants, and enterprises to evaluate properties using standard connectivity ratings. TRAI’s initiative aims to improve in-building digital networks, addressing that over 80 percent of mobile data is consumed indoors and that 4G/5G signals face challenges within building structures, IANS reports.
Ericsson Takeover of Intel Network Business Unlikely
Intel plans to spin off its Network and Edge (NEX) business, which earned $5.8 billion in 2024, down from $8.4 billion in 2022. NEX supplies chips for 5G RAN and virtual RAN systems used by Ericsson, Nokia, and Samsung. Ericsson depends on Intel’s x86 processors for many RAN functions, but acquiring NEX could create conflicts of interest, as the unit serves multiple vendors. Technical integration would be challenging because NEX is tied to Intel’s broader architecture. The telecom industry is advancing through virtual RAN, moving network functions to general-purpose servers. Operators are adopting multi-chip strategies, supporting x86 and exploring Arm-based designs to reduce dependency on single vendors. Intel is also integrating acceleration features into CPUs, improving efficiency for RAN workloads, Light Reading reports.
Nokia and MX Fiber expand gigabit access in Southeast Mexico
Nokia and MX Fiber are deploying an optical transport backbone network across Southeast Mexico, covering Chiapas, Tabasco, and Quintana Roo, with future expansion to Campeche and Veracruz. The 1,800 km network uses Nokia’s Flex-Grid DWDM technology and 1830 Photonic Service Switch (PSS) to provide scalable 10 G, 100 G, and 200 G services. It links data centers, industrial parks, and subsea transport hubs. The 1830 PSS enables upgrades to 400 G and 800 G without service disruption. The system includes dynamic network management and real-time performance monitoring using OTDR. This infrastructure supports internet, cloud connectivity, and data-intensive applications in areas with limited access.
du and Huawei Launch Region’s First 5G-Advanced Network in UAE
du, in partnership with Huawei, has deployed the UAE’s and the region’s first live 5G-Advanced network using a 64T64R Dual-Band Active Antenna Unit (AAU) on 3.7 GHz (N78) and 2.6 GHz (N41) bands, enabling hardware consolidation, improved spectrum efficiency, and reduced power use. The network delivers peak speeds of 5.4 Gbps, boosts average speeds by 33 percent, enhances connectivity in remote areas, and supports applications such as 8K streaming, video conferencing, autonomous vehicles, smart city systems, and massive IoT deployment.
Shafana Fazal
