Latest telecom news includes announcements on VEON, Mastercard, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, Infra Fiber Teknologi (IFT), U Mobile, Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), among others.
VEON and Mastercard Join Forces to Expand Digital Financial Services Across Emerging Markets
Telecom operator VEON has partnered with Mastercard to accelerate the rollout of accessible and intelligent digital financial services across Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan, with the potential to expand into additional markets. The collaboration will combine VEON’s digital ecosystem with Mastercard’s payments technology to strengthen financial inclusion through secure digital payments, embedded financial products and AI-driven services. The initiative aims to make financial tools more accessible for consumers and businesses while supporting the growth of digital economies in VEON’s key markets. The partnership reflects both companies’ focus on expanding digital financial ecosystems and increasing access to innovative payment solutions across emerging markets.
Indosat Launches Independent Fibre Operator After Strategic Business Spin-Off
Indonesian telecom operator Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison has completed the spin-off of its fibre business, relaunching it as an independent wholesale infrastructure company named Infra Fiber Teknologi (IFT). Backed by Indosat and Arsari Group, IFT will focus on expanding fibre infrastructure and providing open-access connectivity services to telecom operators and enterprises across Indonesia. The transaction completes Indosat’s fibre carve-out strategy, allowing the company to monetize infrastructure assets while retaining a significant minority stake and directing proceeds toward 5G, AI and broader digital transformation initiatives. The move is expected to accelerate nationwide broadband deployment and strengthen Indonesia’s digital connectivity ecosystem through a dedicated fibre infrastructure platform.
U Mobile Completes Nationwide Migration to Its Own ULTRA5G Network
Malaysia’s U Mobile has successfully migrated all customers to its own nationwide ULTRA5G network after ending its wholesale access agreement with Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) on 1 July 2026. The milestone establishes U Mobile as a fully independent 5G network operator, with its ULTRA5G network now covering more than 85 percent of populated areas nationwide. Since launching its rollout in July 2025, the operator has also deployed over 190 in-building coverage sites and plans to expand that figure beyond 600. The transition enables U Mobile to independently deliver 5G services, introduce new products and enhance customer experiences while supporting Malaysia’s evolving dual-network 5G landscape.
SHAFANA FAZAL