Telin signs MoU with ITCO Niaga to expand Indonesia Cable Express II (ICE II) Subsea Network into East Malaysia
02 September 2025
Telkom Indonesia’s international division, Telin, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysian engineering company ITCO Niaga to collaborate on planning and developing the Indonesia Cable Express II (ICE II) subsea cable system, now including landing stations in eastern Malaysia.
Launched in September 2023, Telin’s ICE programme aims to establish seven subsea cable systems connecting Indonesia to key regions including Japan, the US, the Middle East, Europe, and Australasia by 2028. Initially, ICE II was planned to link Singapore with Manado in North Sulawesi, with additional connections to Batam, Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, and Balikpapan.
Find out moreSmart Communications launches 5G Standalone in Iloilo City
01 September 2025
Smart Communications, the wireless subsidiary of PLDT, has launched 5G Standalone (SA) technology in Iloilo City, in the Western Visayas region. This milestone marks the beginning of a broader nationwide deployment of 5G SA across the Philippines.
The upgrade in Iloilo City significantly doubles the capacity for 5G users and introduces advanced features such as network slicing, which allows dedicated bandwidth for data-intensive applications like gaming and mission-critical business services.
Find out more
Philippines’ data market liberalisation bill becomes law
29 August 2025
Legislation aimed at opening up the Philippines’ data services market officially became law on Sunday after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. chose not to veto the bill within the constitutional deadline.
Known as the “Konektadong Pinoy” bill, it was ratified by Congress in June and sent to the President last month, with the 30-day period lapsing on 24 August.
Find out more XLSmart launches autonomous 5G drone for manufacturing logistics
29 August 2025
XLSmart has announced the launch of an autonomous 5G-enabled drone designed for goods delivery, developed in partnership with ASTRAtech, a polytechnic university affiliated with the Astra Group. Unveiled on Friday under the brand XLSmart For Business, the drone aims to provide a cutting-edge logistics solution tailored for the manufacturing sector.
The drone features fully autonomous flight capabilities, equipped with live 5G streaming cameras that allow real-time video monitoring. Its advanced computer vision system ensures accurate recognition of delivery points and safe landings, even in congested or restricted areas. Users can also plan and oversee flight routes through an intuitive dashboard, enhancing operational control.
Find out more