During the period from September 16th to 22th, 2025, the following international news occurred:
1. U Mobile picks Sacofa as backhaul fiber partner for Sarawak 5G deployment
U Mobile of Malaysia has signed a ten-year cooperation agreement with Sacofa, leveraging the latter's over 11,000 kilometers of fiber optic infrastructure in Sarawak to provide backhaul connectivity for the 5G network. U Mobile aims to accelerate 5G deployment in the state, targeting 80% coverage in densely populated areas nationwide by the end of 2026, supporting low-latency applications such as smart hotels and 4K live streaming.
2. Ericsson adds agentic AI to enterprise 5G platform
Ericsson has integrated agentic AI into its NetCloud enterprise 5G management platform, enabling workflow automation through AI assistants to enhance network reliability and simplify operations. The solution supports explainable AI diagnostics and fault correlation analysis, laying the foundation for fully autonomous 5G enterprise networks and helping businesses efficiently advance digital transformation.
3. Tech Mahindra pushes private 5G for Industry 4.0
India’s Tech Mahindra is actively promoting the deployment of private 5G networks, having already implemented dedicated networks in sectors such as automotive manufacturing to support Industry 4.0 applications including connected robotics and real-time analytics. Despite regulatory challenges such as unclear spectrum policies, uncertain return on investment, and device limitations, the company continues to collaborate with operators to develop 5G solutions integrating AI and edge computing to accelerate industry digital transformation.
4. Nokia, Deutsche Bahn claim world’s first 5G railway network in n101 band
Nokia and Deutsche Bahn (DB) have collaborated to deploy the world's first commercial 5G railway communication system in the n101 band, utilizing a 5G standalone core network and complying with FRMCS standards. This 5G system features failover, self-healing, real-time monitoring, and low latency, supporting automated train operations and smart infrastructure. It marks a critical transition from GSM-R to 5G in railway communications, providing a model for digital upgrades in railways across Europe and globally.
5. Ookla launches Speedtest certification program for Wi-Fi networks
Internet speed testing company Ookla has launched the "Speedtest Certified" program, using its Ekahau tool to conduct comprehensive assessments of Wi-Fi radio frequency quality, security, and performance in venues such as hotels and office buildings. Certified venues receive an official badge valid for one year. The program aims to provide consumers with reliable network credentials and help property owners attract users with high-quality connectivity experiences.
6. Roaming takes a back seat for IoT
Global IoT connectivity is gradually reducing its reliance on traditional international roaming, with only 2-3% of providers still considering it the best solution. The industry is shifting towards combining local traffic offloading, multi-IMSI programmable SIMs, and SGP.32 eSIM technology to improve performance, compliance, and cost efficiency. Roaming is now primarily used for multi-network redundancy within regions to meet the coverage and resilience needs of critical applications.
7. Virgin Media O2 expands 5G SA to 500 UK locations
UK-based Virgin Media O2 has announced that its 5G standalone (SA) network now covers 70% of the national population across 500 towns, with outdoor coverage exceeding 90%. The network is based on a cloud-native 5G core and supports applications such as autonomous driving, telemedicine, and network slicing. As part of a £700 million investment plan, the operator will continue to enhance 4G/5G coverage and deploy small cells.
8. DT, Iridium extend global IoT coverage with satellite–terrestrial integration
Deutsche Telekom and Iridium are collaborating to integrate their 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) with terrestrial IoT infrastructure to provide global NB-IoT roaming services based on 3GPP standards. The service, planned for commercial launch in 2026, will cover remote areas such as the polar regions and support sectors including logistics, agriculture, and emergency response. Devices will feature standardized designs for seamless switching between satellite and terrestrial networks.
9. MasOrange claims first VoNR offering in Spain
Spanish telecom operator MasOrange has announced the launch of the country's first VoNR voice service based on a 5G standalone (SA) network, initially covering major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. The technology offers high-definition audio, lower call latency, and improved multitasking experience, with devices like the Xiaomi 14T Pro among the first certified. The service is currently available to 5G postpaid users and will later be expanded nationwide and to more devices.
10. True deploys network at Thailand-Cambodia flashpoint
Thailand's True Corporation has built a new mobile base station on Phu Makua mountain, a disputed area on the Thai-Cambodian border, providing 3G/4G/5G services with priority given to the communication needs of the Thai military and government agencies. Using 700MHz and 900MHz bands, the signal is strictly limited to areas controlled by Thailand, and an AI self-healing network system is activated to automatically compensate for signal interruptions, enhancing the stability and continuity of border security communications.
11. Nokia opens private 5G and AI edge hub in Switzerland
Nokia, in collaboration with Datwyler IT Infra, Intel, and the Swiss Innovation Park Biel/Bienne (SIPBB), has established a new center to help startups and non-profit organizations test private 5G and AI edge applications. The center is equipped with Nokia's relevant networks and tools, as well as Intel processors, enabling trials of use cases such as predictive maintenance, lowering the barrier to innovation and promoting industrial digitalization in Switzerland.
12. Cellular by the numbers: CTIA’s 2025 survey reveals growth in demand
The annual survey by the U.S. wireless association CTIA shows that U.S. cellular data usage reached 132 trillion MB in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 32%, marking the largest growth on record. 5G connections exceeded 259 million, accounting for nearly half of the total, while fixed wireless access subscribers reached 12 million. The association has called on Congress to release more spectrum resources as soon as possible to meet continuously growing network demand.
13. Samsung loses in UK 5G as Vodafone reverts to Ericsson and Nokia
VodafoneThree, the new company formed by the merger of Vodafone and Three, has selected Ericsson and Nokia as its primary suppliers for the UK 5G network, responsible for approximately 10,000 and 7,000 sites respectively, replacing Samsung's previously tested open RAN solution. Although Samsung has faced a setback in the UK, it is expected to secure large-scale deployment opportunities in Vodafone's European Spring6 tender. This move may return the UK 5G market to a duopoly dominated by Ericsson and Nokia.