Telecom Review Asia Pacific - Telecom Network News

Following a successful pilot testing conducted by member states of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and PCCW Global, the representative officers of the Asia/Pacific office of the ICAO and its member states in the Asia Pacific Region (APAC) announced in Bangkok, Thailand commencing use of a new, secure, and robust Common aeRonautical Virtual (CRV) private network commissioned at the beginning of 2019. This gave PCCW Global, the international operating division of HKT, Hong Kong’s premier telecommunications service provider, the green light to begin connecting about 40 ICAO member states/administrations in the APAC to the new service.

Telstra has launched its first 5G device, the HTC 5G Hub, and is preparing to launch Australia’s first 5G compatible smartphone next week.

China granted 5G commercial licenses to four domestic companies, taking a big step in its bid to be a global leader in next generation wireless networks amid fierce rivalry from the United States. The Industry and Information Technology Ministry said state-owned telecom providers China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom and China Broadcasting Network Corporation received business licenses to operate fifth generation digital cellular mobile communication services.

Nokia and U Mobile have signed a three-year contract to deploy a Nokia Single Radio Access Network (RAN) network as well as microwave and IP-based mobile transport technologies to enable U Mobile to expand the delivery of mobile data services across Malaysia. Both companies, via a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will also collaborate on a 5G live network trial later this year.

According to research conduct by Telyste, Australian enterprises are showing great interest in using 5G networks for it will help drive business development. They also estimate that the number of connected devices within their organizations to increase five-times by 2024.

SK Telecom has signed a series of deals in an effort to provide support for startups focused on smart city innovation in the region.

The number of 5G subscribers has reached 260,000 in South Korea, according the government. The Ministry of Science and ICT issued the statement weeks after operators launched 5G mobile commercial services. 

New Zealand Operator Spark has breached the country’s fair trading act and is now subject to a NZD 765,000 (USD 45,536) fine.

SoftBank Corp., a leading telecoms company in Japan, has selected Nokia as a strategic partner to drive its commercial 5G offering with the Nokia AirScale solution. The rollout of Nokia's 5G AirScale will allow the telco to meet growing consumer and industrial demands for 5G.

Sparkle, the first international service provider in Italy and among the top ten global operators, announces a long-term investment for the deployment of BlueMed, a submarine multi-fiber cable linking Palermo with Genoa.