During the period from August 26th to September 1st, 2025, the following international news occurred:
1. Vodafone Idea launches 5G in Pune
Vodafone Idea (Vi), in partnership with Ericsson, has officially launched 5G services in Pune, India, offering entry-level plans with unlimited data. Pune becomes the fifth city in Maharashtra to receive 5G coverage. Vi collaborated with Ericsson to deploy energy-efficient infrastructure and adopted AI-driven self-organizing networks to optimize performance, while also upgrading its 4G network. The service has been deployed in 17 priority regions nationwide, and 5G smartphone users in Pune can immediately access the network. Vi has also introduced unlimited 5G data plans starting at ₹299, significantly enhancing 4G network capacity and coverage.
2. Kuwait deploys 5G-A with Huawei and Knetco
Huawei, in collaboration with Kuwait's Knetco, has completed the nationwide deployment of 5G-Advanced (5G-A) networks in Kuwait. This technology delivers faster speeds, lower latency, and stronger connectivity, supporting applications such as smart cities and industrial automation. It will help Kuwait achieve its digital goals under the "2035 National Vision" and lay the foundation for future 6G evolution.
3. AT&T to acquire $23 billion in spectrum from EchoStar
AT&T announced a $23 billion cash acquisition of spectrum licenses from EchoStar to enhance its low- and mid-band spectrum holdings, covering over 400 markets in the U.S. The transaction is expected to close by mid-2026, accelerating 5G network construction and fixed wireless service expansion while strengthening its integrated fiber and wireless national broadband strategy.
4. Paraguay awards frequencies for 5G services
The Paraguayan government has completed 5G spectrum allocation, awarding 200 MHz bands each to Claro and Argentina's Nubicom, with commercial services planned for early 2026. The tender faced industry criticism due to strict clauses excluding Chinese suppliers, with major operators Tigo and Personal not participating. The U.S. Embassy publicly supported Paraguay's "trusted supplier" strategy for 5G development.
5. Telit Cinterion predicts Nvidia 5G IoT boost
IoT module supplier Telit Cinterion announced it is completing validation tests for NVIDIA's Jetson Thor platform, planning to integrate it into 5G IoT modules (including the FE920C04 and RedCap units). The platform features dual Blackwell GPU architecture, delivering 7.5x higher AI computing power and 3.5x better energy efficiency, aimed at providing high-performance 5G connectivity for next-generation autonomous machines and mobile AI systems.
6. T-Mobile US launches 5G network slicing for enterprises
T-Mobile US has launched "SuperMobile," an enterprise-focused 5G service offering the nation's first 5G Advanced network slicing, end-to-end encryption security features, and direct satellite-to-phone connectivity for remote areas. Delta Air Lines and Axis Energy are among the first adopters, using the service to enhance flight scheduling efficiency and remote oil field communications, respectively. The service aims to meet enterprise demand for high-performance mobile connectivity.
7. Nokia signals 5G benefits for rail industry
Nokia has launched a commercial 5G system for railway operators, featuring the industry's first 1900 MHz 5G radio equipment, which can be paired with an industry-optimized core network and supports the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) standard developed by the International Union of Railways to replace the existing 2G GSM-R system. The system supports mission-critical communications and legacy systems, enabling real-time train control, enhanced passenger services, and digital transformation for railways.
8. Argentina opens 2.3-2.4 GHz band to enterprises for private 4G/5G
Argentina's telecom regulator ENACOM has officially opened the 2.3-2.4 GHz band for enterprise private 4G/5G networks, offering 10-year SPIBA licenses. The band is divided into 10 10-MHz channels, supporting indoor and outdoor industrial IoT applications, with a focus on sectors such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing to improve operational efficiency and technological autonomy.
9. Reliance Jio IPO confirmed for early 2026 amid 5G growing pains
Reliance Industries' Jio Platforms has confirmed its IPO for the first half of 2026, aiming to raise approximately $6 billion at a valuation of $112 billion. The company has over 500 million subscribers, with nationwide 5G coverage but only about 15% utilization. Jio is prioritizing the migration of 4G users to 5G and expanding digital services and AI applications to boost its pre-IPO valuation.
10. ZTE reports 14.5% y-o-y revenue growth in H1
ZTE reported H1 2025 revenue of ¥71.55 billion, up 14.5% year-on-year, with a net profit of ¥5.06 billion. R&D investment reached ¥12.66 billion (18% of revenue), with over 15,000 cumulative patent applications in AI and semiconductors. Overseas revenue totaled ¥20.93 billion, while government and consumer business revenue accounted for over 50% of total sales. The company continues to advance its "All in AI" strategy, strengthening computing infrastructure and 5G-A innovation.