6G ISAC technology fast-tracked into late-stage 5G networks
Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), a native 6G feature, is being accelerated into late-stage 5G. Ericsson says ISAC uses cellular signals for simultaneous communication and sensing, detecting low-altitude objects without dedicated radar. Use cases include counter-drone, logistics monitoring, and traffic sensing, helping operators build experience and 5G-Advanced vertical revenue ahead of 6G.
Cellnex: 5G and digital sovereignty to drive Europe's next infrastructure cycle
Europe's largest tower company Cellnex says the continent remains mid-cycle in 5G adoption, with 5G at about half of mobile connections in Western Europe. AI, 5G, and digital sovereignty will drive the next infrastructure investment cycle. Government focus on network sovereignty is translating into tower sharing demand, with edge data center co-location as a new growth area. 5G coverage maturity is expected around 2027-2028.
Industry update: Wi-Fi 7 accelerates, LoRaWAN upgrades and 5G rankings
Enterprise Wi-Fi 7 deployments are accelerating as vendors launch compatible devices. Semtech released a next-gen LoRaWAN transceiver improving sensitivity and power efficiency, fueling smart agriculture and asset tracking. Global 5G connections have surpassed 2 billion, with China, South Korea, and the US leading coverage. ISAC use cases in battlefields and stadiums keep expanding as a 5G-Advanced differentiation lever.
Chunghwa Telecom launches AI data center with 36MW in Taoyuan
Chunghwa Telecom's new Longtan (Taoyuan) data center entered service in Q2 2026, adding 36MW to IDC capacity. The facility targets AI training and inference with high-density racks and liquid cooling for GPU clusters. Chunghwa has signed letters of intent with cloud providers and AI developers, offering bare-metal to GPU-as-a-service, and plans a private 5G network for edge compute integration with surrounding industrial parks.
Network platformization: Liberty Global-Vodafone, NTT Docomo-Ericsson
Liberty Global and Vodafone are evaluating consolidation of European network assets to reduce duplicate investment and accelerate fiber via shared platforms. NTT Docomo and Ericsson are jointly developing a network platform architecture for 5G-Advanced and 6G, focusing on AI-native air interface, automated slicing, and open APIs. TIM is pursuing cloud-native core re-architecture. Major operators are shifting from vertical integration to platform-based operations.
Telstra accelerates 5G SA rollout and network densification
Telstra CEO Vicki Brady said the operator will increase network density and accelerate 5G Standalone deployment. 5G SA core upgrades are complete in major cities, with next focus on mmWave hotspot expansion and indoor coverage. Network slicing is positioned as a B2B priority for mining, government, and retail customers. Telstra targets nationwide 5G SA coverage by 2027.
Rakuten reduces KDDI roaming as own 4G/5G network expands
Rakuten Mobile confirmed that from October 2026 it will reduce KDDI roaming in areas with solid own-network coverage, retaining roaming elsewhere. After adding thousands of base stations, Rakuten's 4G/5G population coverage has risen significantly. The move marks a shift from single-partner roaming dependence to a hybrid model, and cutting roaming will improve margins.
Europe leads global 2G/3G switch-off, refarming spectrum for 4G/5G
Europe is leading the global 2G and 3G switch-off, with operators publishing sunset timelines. Released low-band spectrum — especially 900MHz and 1800MHz — is being refarmed for 4G LTE depth and 5G NR deployment. In rural and indoor scenarios, favorable propagation makes refarmed bands a critical 5G wide-area complement. Major sunsets are expected by 2027-2028.