During the period from July 28th to August 4th, 2025, the following international news occurred:
1. Viasat intros new satellite IoT service for remote industries
U.S. satellite service provider Viasat has launched a new low-power satellite IoT service, IoT Nano, based on Orbcomm’s OGx technology. Designed for remote industries such as agriculture, transportation, utilities, and mining, the service offers higher capacity and faster bidirectional data transmission. Compatible with existing devices, it supports 1MB message transfers, making it more suitable for medium-data-demand scenarios compared to NB-IoT satellite services. Viasat plans to promote the service through global channel partners to enhance remote asset monitoring and other applications.
2. Vietnam to re-auction 700 MHz spectrum for 4G, 5G networks
Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology plans to re-auction the B1-B1′ and B3-B3′ blocks of the 700 MHz spectrum, with a starting bid of 1.95 trillion VND ($75 million) and a 15-year license term, to expand 4G/5G networks. Viettel, which acquired adjacent spectrum in May, is excluded from the auction. This spectrum will significantly improve urban and rural coverage quality, accelerating Vietnam’s 5G deployment. Existing operators VNPT and MobiFone have already launched 5G services.
3. MediaTek shapes the future of connectivity with 6G
MediaTek is actively advancing 6G R&D, focusing on AI-native systems, new 7-24 GHz spectrum, and integrated terrestrial-satellite networks (NTN). The company has pioneered AI applications in 5G modems to enhance energy efficiency and edge coverage, and introduced the MT6825 IoT-NTN chip supporting satellite communication. MediaTek recently completed a 5G-Advanced low-orbit satellite communication test, laying the groundwork for 6G commercialization by 2030.
4. SoftBank tests quantum computing for 5G RAN optimization
SoftBank has conducted the first quantum computing test in Tokyo’s 5G network to optimize base station carrier aggregation (CA) configurations. Using an Ising machine quantum system, the test achieved a 10% increase in downlink speed and a 50% boost in transmission capacity, significantly improving spectral efficiency. This technology addresses the trillion-level configuration challenges posed by large-scale 5G base station deployments. SoftBank plans to expand quantum optimization to broader network architectures and commercialize its AI-RAN intelligent orchestration system.
5. BSNL targets 30% revenue growth with big 4G push
Indian state-owned operator BSNL aims for 20-30% revenue growth in FY2026, driven by improved service quality and an expanded customer base rather than tariff hikes. The company is deploying 100,000 4G base stations and currently serves 90.7 million mobile subscribers (7.8% market share). BSNL is collaborating with the TCS consortium to build a domestic 4G network, with 5G upgrades planned once the network stabilizes. The government has emphasized increasing ARPU and piloting 5G fixed wireless access services.
6. Europe clears path for satellite LoRaWAN in 862–870MHz band
The European CEPT agency has approved a unified regulatory framework for satellite IoT in the 862-870 MHz band, implemented by 22 European countries. This removes barriers for non-cellular technologies like LoRaWAN in satellite IoT applications, simplifying regional deployments for operators such as Lacuna Space. Several Middle Eastern countries plan to adopt a similar model. The new rules specify technical parameters like power flux density to protect existing terrestrial services while promoting remote monitoring applications in agriculture, logistics, and other sectors.
7. Rakuten Mobile names Cisco, Nokia, and F5 as key 5G SA partners
Japan’s Rakuten Mobile has selected Cisco, Nokia, and F5 as key partners for its 5G standalone (SA) core network. The deployment will leverage Rakuten’s Symphony platform to build a cloud-native, AI-driven virtualized network. Cisco provides the mobile packet core, Nokia delivers cloud-native network functions, and F5 enhances API security and traffic management. The operator is also expanding Sub-6 GHz 5G coverage, achieving 100% coverage in regions like Kyushu, while introducing a new AI assistant to strengthen ecosystem services.
8. True enhances 5G performance with DSS launch
Thai telecom operator True has deployed dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) technology in Bangkok’s Thonglor district, enabling intelligent allocation of 2.6 GHz spectrum between 5G and 4G. The technology dynamically adjusts spectrum resources based on real-time demand, improving network efficiency. True currently has 14.2 million 5G subscribers and plans to upgrade its nationwide network using newly acquired 2.3 GHz spectrum to better serve merged TrueMove H and dtac customers.
9. India’s DoT unveils draft telecom policy to boost 4G, 5G
India’s Department of Telecommunications has released a draft National Telecom Policy 2025, aiming for 4G coverage for 100% of the population and 5G coverage for 90% by 2030, with rural fiber coverage reaching 80%. The policy targets a top-10 global position in 6G R&D, aiming for 10% of 6G IP ownership. It also proposes measures like telecom manufacturing zones to attract $11.5 billion in annual investments, alongside new satellite communication regulations to strengthen data localization and security requirements.
10. SoftBank, Ericsson expand 4G, 5G network gear partnership
Sweden’s Ericsson and Japan’s SoftBank have expanded their partnership to provide 4G and 5G radio access equipment across low, mid, and high-frequency bands in multiple Japanese regions. The collaboration includes cutting-edge products like Massive MIMO, which reduces energy consumption by 35%, and integrates AI-driven automation to enhance network efficiency and user experience.
11. Vodafone Idea’s 5G already active in 17 Indian cities
Indian telecom operator Vodafone Idea has launched commercial 5G services in 17 major cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, with plans to expand to Meerut and Visakhapatnam. The company deployed a non-standalone (NSA) architecture using Ericsson equipment, noting its delayed rollout allowed cost-effective open RAN adoption. Its 4G network now covers 84% of India’s population, with a 35% capacity increase.
12. T-Mobile and Ericsson land expanding private 5G gig with Czech industrial group
T-Mobile and Ericsson have deployed a private 5G network for Czech industrial group Tawesco, covering a 5,000-square-meter main facility and connecting dozens of production devices and AGVs. The project, part of parent company Promet Group’s digital transformation pilot, will later expand to over 40 subsidiaries to build smart factories, improving efficiency and sustainability.