Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Vodafone, Iliad, 1&1, Deutsche Telekom, T-Mobile, Starlink, Kyivstar and SpaceX, among others.
Telecom Giants Warn EU: Looser Network Rules Threaten Competition and Fibre Rollout
European telecom operators, including Vodafone, Iliad, and 1&1, are opposing the European Commission’s proposal to ease fixed network regulations. In a joint letter, they argue that relaxing rules for dominant players like Deutsche Telekom could lead to market monopolisation and reduce competition. The current EU framework requires major operators to provide competitors with access to infrastructure. The proposed changes would shift more regulatory power to national authorities, potentially allowing incumbents greater control. The telecom firms warn this could slow fibre network deployment and violate EU competition rules. This pushback coincides with Germany passing new legislation aimed at accelerating fibre and mobile network rollout. The companies urge the Commission to maintain existing regulations to protect competition and ensure continued investment in network infrastructure, Reuters reports.
T-Mobile Ends DEI Programs to Secure FCC Approval for $9.3 Billion Deals
T-Mobile has ended all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, including related roles, training, and website content. The change was disclosed in filings to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as the company seeks approval for two major transactions. The first is a $4.4 billion acquisition of most of U.S. Cellular’s wireless operations, including spectrum, retail locations, and customers. The second is a $4.9 billion joint venture with private equity firm KKR to acquire Metronet’s fiber assets across 17 states. FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr supported the DEI rollback, while Commissioner Anna Gomez criticized it as a strategy to influence regulatory approval. Verizon has taken similar steps, ending DEI programs while pursuing its $20 billion acquisition of Frontier’s assets, Reuters reports.
Ukraine to Launch Direct-to-Cell Starlink Services with Kyivstar and SpaceX Partnership
Kyivstar, Ukraine’s main telecom operator, partnered with SpaceX to launch direct-to-cell satellite connectivity. This technology enables smartphones to connect directly to satellites, bypassing traditional cell towers, which can improve coverage in areas with limited infrastructure. Kyivstar plans to introduce over-the-top (OTT) messaging services using apps like WhatsApp and Signal by the end of 2025. These services will allow users to send messages without relying on conventional mobile networks. In mid-2026, the company aims to roll out mobile satellite broadband and voice services, expanding access to mobile internet and calls through satellite connections. Kyivstar has received regulatory approval to conduct field tests of Starlink’s direct-to-cell services in Ukraine. Integration of Kyivstar’s SIM cards with Starlink’s satellite network has been completed successfully, marking a key step toward service launch.
TelecomLead.com News Desk
