Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Vodafone Idea, Supernet UAE, Athena Telecom, ZTE, among others.
Vodafone Idea Nears Major AGR Relief, Paving Way for Network Investment and Customer Gains
Vodafone Idea (Vi) is nearing significant adjusted gross revenue (AGR) liability relief as the Indian government considers offering a four‑ to five‑year interest‑free moratorium on roughly ₹83,000 crore of dues, potentially halving the amount payable after reassessment. This follows a Supreme Court decision allowing AGR liabilities to be reviewed, improving investor confidence and lifting Vi’s share price to multi‑month highs. The relief and policy clarity boost prospects for fresh funding and network investment, including 4G/5G expansion, enhancing customer experience and coverage. A stronger balance sheet could help Vi focus on competitive tariffs and service quality.
Supernet UAE and Athena Telecom Join Forces to Revolutionize Maritime Connectivity
Supernet Limited’s UAE subsidiary, Phoenix Global FZE (PGF), has entered a three-year joint collaboration with Athena Telecommunications Equipment Trading. The partnership focuses on delivering maritime connectivity, safety, security, earth-observation, IoT, and other digital infrastructure solutions across regional and international markets. Initiatives include co-branded offerings, joint sales and marketing, and project-based commercial and revenue-sharing arrangements.
TRAI Enforces Uniform Satellite Spectrum Levy, Boosting Competition and Investment
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has rejected the Department of Telecom’s proposal to allow state-owned BSNL to pay a reduced 1 percent spectrum charge for satellite services, instead supporting a uniform 4 percent Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) levy for all satellite operators. TRAI deemed the lower concession discriminatory as India’s satellite communications market opens to private and global entrants, promoting a level playing field and fairness. The regulator maintained urban user levies to encourage service expansion into rural and remote areas, while pointing to targeted subsidies to support affordability.
ZTE Powers the Future: AI-Driven All-Optical Networks Take Off
ZTE Corporation, in collaboration with industry partners, has completed the initiation of the TAPI standard, a key step in enabling AI-driven all-optical networks. The standard addresses interoperability challenges across multi-vendor SDN devices, ensuring seamless integration and operational efficiency. ZTE successfully conducted TAPI northbound interface tests with China Unicom’s SD-OTN orchestrator and deployed it in a live network, demonstrating real-world applicability.
Shafana Fazal
