Today’s telecom news includes announcements from Vodafone Idea, Ethio Telecom, Somcable, and others.
Vodafone Idea Bets on Loans and AGR Relief, Rules Out Fresh Equity
Vodafone Idea (Vi) has said it will not raise fresh equity at this stage, instead relying on bank loans, promoter backing and expected adjusted gross revenue (AGR) relief to drive its three‑year turnaround plan. CEO Abhijit Kishore highlighted a target of ₹25,000 crore in bank funding and ₹10,000 crore in non‑funded support to help fund about ₹45,000 crore in planned capex over the next three years. The company believes its current funding strategy and operational cash flows are adequate for growth, network investment and meeting spectrum payment obligations.
NEC Unveils Energy-Saving 5G Amplifier to Slash Power Use
NEC has developed a high‑efficiency, compact Power Amplifier Module (PAM) for 5G base station Radio Units (RUs), aimed at reducing energy consumption and operational costs. The PAM, designed for the sub‑6GHz band, uses advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology and achieves about 50 percent Power‑Added Efficiency, resulting in roughly a 10percent reduction in power use compared with traditional modules. Since PAMs account for around 75percent of an RU’s total power draw, this improvement can significantly cut energy bills as 5G networks expand. NEC plans to integrate the module into its next‑generation RUs in early 2026.
Digital Alliance Set to Transform Africa’s Connectivity: Ethio Telecom & Somcable Join Forces
Ethio Telecom and Somcable are exploring a strategic collaboration to boost digital and telecom services across Africa. In a high-level meeting, Ethio Telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru and Somcable leaders discussed opportunities for cross‑border cooperation aimed at expanding into international markets and leveraging advanced digital solutions. The partnership aligns with Ethio Telecom’s “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028” strategy, which focuses on extending digital services beyond Ethiopia and enhancing infrastructure and expertise sharing. Somcable executives praised the alliance, highlighting a shared vision for Africa’s digital future. Both companies plan to deepen their business relationship, including upgrading current internet capacity agreements.
SHAFANA FAZAL