During the period from December 9th to 15th, 2025, the following international news occurred:
1. Vodafone picks Spirent to fast-track service rollout on 5G voice core network in Europe
Vodafone has selected Spirent to collaborate on developing an automated software testing platform for validating software updates and services on its European 5G voice core network. Integrated into a CI/CD pipeline and based on a 160-node infrastructure, the platform can automatically execute tests and generate a "digital birth certificate." Initial applications show software deployment time reduced by 75%, supporting Vodafone in accelerating the expansion of its 5G Standalone network in Europe.
2. Ericsson backs private 5G – for clear ROI, plus rising demand, traffic, scale
Ericsson emphasizes that its private 5G business is experiencing sustained growth, with 97% of deployments being 5G networks, and significant increases in enterprise demand and network traffic. The company notes that private 5G sales growth has surpassed the early stages of Wi-Fi, primarily driven by high-value, high-ROI mission-critical applications in sectors like manufacturing and mining. With a long-term market view, Ericsson believes private 5G holds a unique position in Industry 4.0.
3. MasOrange says one-third of its 5G network is O-RAN-ready
Spain's largest operator, MasOrange, announced that nearly 30% of its 5G sites are now Open Radio Access Network-capable, making it the largest commercial O-RAN deployment in Europe by scale. The network utilizes Ericsson's Intelligent Automation Platform, employing rApps for AI-driven operations like network planning, anomaly detection, and energy-saving management, aiming to enhance energy efficiency, flexibility, and multi-vendor interoperability.
4. Easy apps, clear ROI, rapid scale – private 5G is going places, says Ericsson
Ericsson states that private 5G is gaining accelerated adoption in industrial sectors thanks to clear return on investment and rapidly growing enterprise demand. Its early growth rate has already surpassed that of Wi-Fi, primarily serving high-value, mission-critical applications such as AGVs and AI video analytics. Enterprises typically scale deployments to thousands of devices and across global operations within a year. Integrated 5G full-stack solutions provide reliable support for deterministic indoor applications.
5. Making private 5G real for the AI-powered enterprise – the Celona way
US company Celona is dedicated to simplifying private 5G deployments. Its AerFlex cloud-controlled architecture eliminates the need for on-premise servers, enabling rapid multi-site deployment and providing reliable connectivity for industrial "physical AI." Through partnerships with companies like Sutherland, it creates integrated solutions featuring AI orchestration and edge computing, and offers managed services, breaking the perception of private 5G as complex and unwieldy, thereby positioning it as a key enabler for AI-driven digital transformation in enterprises.
6. Intel networks U-turn is a relief for Ericsson and Samsung
Intel's decision to retain its Network and Edge business, rather than considering a spin-off or sale, is a significant relief for customers like Ericsson and Samsung who rely on its vRAN chips. Intel's Granite Rapids chips offer substantial performance improvements over previous generations, supporting 5G virtualization deployments. Previous concerns about a potential sale had prompted customers to explore alternatives like AMD, but now the stabilized business will help maintain industry supply chain stability.
7. The OBBB Act provides a clear path to U.S. 6G leadership, but now the hard work begins
The US OBBB Act establishes a spectrum roadmap for 6G leadership, requiring the planning of auctions for 800 MHz of licensed spectrum before 2034, and the opening of at least 600 MHz of full-power, mobile mid-band spectrum before 2029 to support initial deployments. 6G features AI-native capabilities and 400 MHz wide channels. Companies like Qualcomm are willing to collaborate with stakeholders to advance this agenda. While the Act provides clear direction, subsequent practical work on spectrum coordination and expansion remains crucial.
8. Midco tests mobile, slates 2026 commercial launch
US Midwest cable operator Midco is testing its mobile service, planning a phased commercial launch in 2026. The service will offer data-based billing and unlimited plans, requiring customers to also subscribe to Midco's home broadband. It supports BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). Midco is building an MVNO model in partnership with Telgoo5 and BlueConnects and is expected to use AT&T's network. Soft-launch testing is currently underway in several locations.
9. Verizon's new wireless rates spark price war worries
Verizon recently introduced multi-line discounts valid for three years, making some of its rates lower than those of AT&T and T-Mobile, sparking industry concerns about a price war. New CEO Dan Schulman's move aims to stem customer losses, but analysts believe it could trigger existing customers to renegotiate, putting pressure on industry average revenue. Verizon executives claim this strategy can increase customer migration to higher-value plans and boost penetration of bundled services.
10. Ericsson and Nokia get set for the end of the Gs
5G's failure to deliver expected revenue growth has made operators cautious about investing in 6G. The industry consensus is that 6G should be achieved through software upgrades rather than hardware replacements, which would end the decadal "G" cycle. Ericsson and Nokia are pivoting towards software-driven, hardware-disaggregated approaches, reducing reliance on specialized chips, and have conducted significant layoffs to streamline operations. Future vendors will rely more on general-purpose hardware, potentially improving profitability but operating at a smaller scale.