1. Jio scales 5G and AirFiber amid rising data demand
Jio Platforms’ fourth-quarter results show that 5G users have reached 268 million, accounting for nearly 55% of mobile traffic; fixed wireless access JioAirFiber contributed nearly 75% of new home broadband connections. The company is enhancing efficiency and coverage through AI-driven network automation and proprietary beamforming technology. Enterprise services are also expanding integrated connectivity solutions.
2. SK Telecom targets AI growth as 5G recovery lifts Q1
SK Telecom added 210,000 net new 5G users in the first quarter, with wireless business recovery driving improved performance; AI data center revenue surged 89.3% year-on-year, driven by strong demand for GPU-as-a-service. The company is integrating AI infrastructure, models, and service capabilities to target the enterprise AI market, and has launched a personal assistant platform "A." based on its sovereign AI model. Both core telecom business and AI business are driving growth.
3. India's 6G ambition faces a 5G monetization reality check
India has one of the world’s leading 5G infrastructures, covering over 90% of its population, but average revenue per user is only about US$3, only 3% of the population pays personal income tax, and enterprise digitalization levels are low, making 5G monetization difficult. Without a sustainable business model, India’s 6G ambitions may be disconnected from economic reality. The government has launched the Bharat 6G Vision strategy, aiming for India to hold 10% of global 6G intellectual property by 2030.
4. Virgin Media O2 leans on networks as revenue falls
Virgin Media O2’s first-quarter service revenue fell 3% year-on-year to £2 billion, facing competitive pressure and customer churn. However, network investment continues: full-fibre coverage has reached 8.7 million premises, 5G+ outdoor population coverage stands at 86%, and satellite direct-to-device services have been launched. Wholesale business growth partially offset retail declines. The company reiterated its full-year guidance and received spectrum support from Vodafone UK for 5G standalone.
5. After less than a year, Vodafone takes back control in UK
Vodafone Group will acquire CK Hutchison’s 49% stake in the VodafoneThree joint venture for £4.3 billion, achieving full ownership. The joint venture was established in May 2025, integrating Vodafone UK and Three UK. Vodafone said it will retain the Three brand as part of a multi-brand strategy. CK Hutchison continues to seek buyers for its other European telecom assets. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.
6. BT preps 5G network slicing services this summer
BT announced plans to launch 5G network slicing services by the end of summer, and has become the official telecommunications partner for the UEFA Euro 2028 tournament, co-hosted by the UK and Ireland. BT will provide dedicated network slices at 24 training grounds, reserving priority network channels for players and coaches. The company also committed to improving network performance by 20% before the tournament begins. Vodafone had previously claimed to be the first operator in the UK to provide SLA-based 5G slicing services.
7. Samsung, Qualcomm advance 5G FWA uplink performance
Samsung Electronics and Qualcomm Technologies have successfully validated 5G Power Class 1 (PC1) technology for fixed wireless access (FWA). Tests show that PC1 improves uplink throughput at the cell edge by up to 10 times and extends coverage by 40% compared to the PC1.5 standard, better supporting high-bandwidth applications such as AI, AR/VR. The two companies have completed field testing on a Tier 1 US operator’s network, with commercialisation expected in 2027.
8. Verizon 5G gets match ready for World Cup
Verizon has deployed private 5G networks at 16 stadiums for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, supporting real-time video transmission from referee-worn Lenovo Referee View cameras, with AI-based stabilisation and clarity processing integrated into global broadcasts. Meanwhile, 5G capacity in venues has been increased three to five times, with an estimated data volume of up to 50 TB per match. The company is also providing 5G fixed wireless access and network slicing services to support operational needs.
9. Tower companies bullish on spectrum, AI and the edge
US tower company executives remain optimistic about the industry’s outlook, believing that 6G spectrum allocation, demand for AI at the edge, and a renaissance in edge infrastructure will drive growth. American Tower has deployed its first edge data centre in North Carolina, Crown Castle is conducting trials, and SBA believes fixed wireless access will also drive business growth. They generally see satellite communications as complementary rather than threatening.
10. Here's the latest on US efforts to find spectrum for 6G
The US National Telecommunications and Information Administration has updated progress on opening spectrum for 6G, with the most significant progress made in the 7 GHz band and a final report expected in December. Studies in the 2.7 GHz and 4.4 GHz bands are also progressing. China has already authorised the entire 6 GHz band for 6G trials, while the US has allocated that band to Wi-Fi. 6G supports downlink channel bandwidths of up to 400 MHz, creating greater demand for contiguous spectrum.
11. T-Mobile’s private 5G goes to bat for MLB’s ball-strike system
T-Mobile has deployed a private 5G network at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park to support Major League Baseball’s automated ball-strike system (ABS). When players dispute an umpire’s call, they can challenge by tapping their helmet; the system confirms or overturns the call within approximately 15 seconds using 12 Hawk-Eye cameras and low-latency 5G, with the result displayed in real time on the scoreboard. The system went live on opening day, 13 April.
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12. T-Mobile uses mmWave – but it’s mostly on the sidelines
T-Mobile uses millimetre wave (mmWave) spectrum at events such as the Kentucky Derby, employing new radio dual connectivity to link with mid-band spectrum to support high-speed live streaming. However, the company’s overall strategy remains focused on 2.5 GHz mid-band spectrum, with mmWave deployed only in limited scenarios such as stadiums, in contrast to Verizon’s extensive deployment across 91 markets. Although mmWave is fast, it has short range and poor penetration. T-Mobile primarily uses it for private networks and temporary large events.
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13. Nokia Federal, Lockheed bring modular 5G to US military
Nokia Federal Solutions and Lockheed Martin have launched a joint 5G service for US military and allied forces’ vehicles and platforms, featuring a modular architecture compliant with the US Department of Defense’s open systems standard (CMOSS). The technology enables plug-and-play operation, simplifies integration, and enhances interoperability. This is Nokia’s latest move to accelerate its footprint in the defence sector, following its commitment to invest US$4 billion in the US, including for defence applications.
14. Inseego hires product chief to steer Nokia integration
Broadband equipment maker Inseego has appointed Koroush Saraf as chief product officer to lead product strategy and execution, overseeing the integration of Nokia’s fixed wireless access CPE business. Saraf previously led product management at companies including Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks. Inseego’s CEO said his experience in networking, security, and cloud platforms will help the company integrate assets, simplify its product portfolio, and deliver cost-effective, secure end-to-end connectivity solutions in the edge computing era.