Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Vi Business partnering with HPE, Starlink and OneWeb Satellite Internet services in Korea, Thailand’s mobile spectrum auction, among others.
Vi Business and HPE Partner to Provide Managed Networking Services
Vi Business, the enterprise arm of Vodafone Idea, has announced a partnership with Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (HPE) to offer managed networking services in India. The services include wireless LAN, switching, and security infrastructure, all managed by Vi’s Network Operations Center (NOC). This collaboration will operate under defined service-level agreements (SLAs) and incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to support automated network orchestration. Vi and HPE will also co-develop networking solutions for private data centers to meet increasing demands from enterprise and government clients.
Korea Approves Starlink and OneWeb Satellite Internet Services
The Ministry of Science and ICT of South Korea has approved satellite internet services from SpaceX’s Starlink and U.K.-based OneWeb. Local partnerships include Starlink Korea, Hanwha Systems, and KT Sat. These services will operate using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet access in remote areas, on ships, and on aircraft. This approval follows recent changes to the Radio Waves Act, enabling the use of local frequencies for foreign satellite providers. Korea has also announced plans to launch two domestically developed LEO satellites by 2030 using sixth-generation (6G) communication technology, with a government investment of 320 billion won ($234 million). The government projects the global LEO satellite internet market will reach 740 trillion won by 2040. This development reflects how the telecom sector is using satellite networks to extend coverage and prepare for advanced 6G infrastructure.
Metro by T-Mobile Retailers Face Labor Violations Lawsuit in California
Santa Clara County has filed a civil lawsuit against five Metro by T-Mobile stores located in East San Jose and Milpitas, citing violations of labor laws. The complaint alleges that store owners employed minors as young as 14 without permits, failed to pay minimum wage or overtime, and did not provide required breaks. Investigators also found that employees were paid in cash without proper records. The lawsuit names six individuals and several related corporations. T-Mobile responded that Metro stores are independently owned and operated, and the company is reviewing the matter. This legal action is part of a broader effort by Santa Clara County to protect workers’ rights and ensure compliance with labor regulations, ABC7 News reports.
Thailand’s Mobile Spectrum Auction and Market Concerns
Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) opened an auction for mobile spectrum licences in four bands: 850 MHz, 1500 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 2300 MHz. Telecom companies True Move H and Advanced Info Service (AIS) submitted bids. The auction aims to improve digital connectivity but faces criticism from consumer groups. They worry the market is controlled by two players and want reforms to allow new entrants. Experts suggest support for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) to increase competition without heavy investment in infrastructure, The Nation Thailand reports.
Nigeria’s Telecom Infrastructure Expansion and Digital Skills Program
Nigeria’s Federal Government announced the deployment of 7,000 new telecommunications towers to provide services to over 20 million underserved Nigerians. The Ministry of Communications is also leading a $2 billion project to expand fiber optic cables by 90,000 kilometers; current fiber infrastructure stands at 35,000–40,000 kilometers. This aims to close the broadband gap and improve internet quality, especially for broadband-dependent services. The Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program has trained nearly 130,000 youths in technical and digital skills to create one million tech jobs. Broadband has expanded to university campuses including Abuja and Lagos, with seven more campuses planned. Innovation hubs are being rebuilt and launched nationwide, including the Kano Innovation Hub. These initiatives reflect a government effort to boost digital inclusion through infrastructure growth and skills development, supporting economic growth and access to connectivity across Nigeria, Daily Trust reports.
TelecomLead.com News Desk
