Dialog Axiata launches the IAX submarine cable system

15 May 2025

Sri Lankan service provider Dialog Axiata has announced the launch of the India Asia Xpress (IAX) submarine cable system, a key component of its broader international connectivity investments exceeding US$100 million. This initiative aims to bolster Sri Lanka’s global network and future-proof the country’s digital infrastructure.

The launch was achieved through collaboration with regional telecom partners and global hyperscalers, with India’s Reliance Jio leading the project.

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Telkomsel expands 5G coverage in Makassar with 73 new base stations

12 May 2025

Telkomsel has announced the expansion of its 5G network in Makassar, on Sulawesi island, with the addition of 73 new 5G base stations.

This deployment aims to bring widespread high-speed connectivity to nearly all parts of the city, including shopping centres, residential neighbourhoods, industrial zones, tourist attractions, and Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport.

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Reliance Jio admits using unlicensed spectrum for 5G FWA to cut costs

08 May 2025

Reliance Jio has acknowledged that it has been utilizing unlicensed spectrum, as well as licensed 5G spectrum, to connect some customers through its 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) services. The company claims this approach helps reduce deployment costs, making it easier to expand its network rapidly.

During a post-earnings call for Reliance Industries, Anshuman Thakur, Jio Infocomm’s head of strategy, revealed that the company has been deploying unlicensed band radio (UBR) equipment for certain FWA deployments. Unlicensed spectrum includes bands such as 2.5 GHz and 5 GHz, commonly used for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The latest 3GPP standards — Release 16 and Release 17 — have introduced specifications for 5G New Radio-Unlicensed (NR-U), allowing 5G networks to operate in unlicensed bands below 7 GHz and in millimeter-wave bands from 57 GHz to 71 GHz, respectively.

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BSNL partners with ACES India for Kanpur Metro's underground network

07 May 2025

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has joined forces with ACES India to deliver seamless voice and data connectivity throughout the deep underground stations and tunnels of the Kanpur Metro. Kanpur is the second largest city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

This collaboration is set to ensure that passengers traveling within the underground sections of the Kanpur Metro will experience uninterrupted mobile network coverage.

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