Smartcom Expands Push-to-Talk Services Across Indonesia

Smartcom, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) based in Singapore, is now expanding its services to Indonesia. The goal of this expansion is to introduce Smartcom’s mission-critical push-to-talk (PTT) solutions to a larger market, catering to the communication needs of various industries. Since 2015, Smartcom has been collaborating with TASSTA and Singtel to provide reliable PTT communication coverage across Singapore.

Related: M1, Airbus, CitiCall Partner to Launch Agnet in Singapore

However, entering the Indonesian market poses new challenges due to its larger and more diverse nature. Indonesia, boasting the largest economy in Southeast Asia, offers a growing market for mission-critical communication solutions. With initiatives like ‘100 Smart Cities’ and a workforce of around 160 million, there are vast opportunities for expanded PTT services. The adoption of TASSTA’s solutions by key Indonesian industries like the police force and national railway operator underscores the demand for reliable communication systems.

Indonesia’s industrial landscape, especially the mining and oil and gas (O&G) sectors, requires specialized push-to-talk solutions. Large events and gatherings also necessitate mission-critical PTT communication that can withstand high network congestion. To address these needs, Smartcom is partnering with Telkomsel, Indonesia’s largest telecommunications provider, to offer priority bandwidth during peak events. Additionally, solutions like ATEX-certified mobile devices will cater to O&G companies operating in hazardous environments.

Also Read: Indosat Champions AI Adoption in Mining Sector

The expansion into Indonesia is part of Smartcom’s strategy to grow its customer base and enhance its services. By entering this new market, Smartcom aims to improve its product range, customization capabilities, and local technical support. Smartcom is also exploring partnerships with software providers to enhance its PTT platform and collaborating with Samsung Knox Mobile Device Management to ensure the security of its cellular-based communication solutions. Despite the challenges of entering a new market, Smartcom is working with Enterprise Singapore to navigate Indonesia’s business landscape.

NEC Advances Free-Space Optical Communication for Future Connectivity

NEC Corporation (NEC) has successfully achieved Japan’s longest terrestrial wireless optical communication, or free-space optical (FSO) communication, over a distance of more than 10 kilometers.

FSO communication is a method that facilitates high-speed, high-capacity communication, surpassing traditional radio waves. It works by transmitting and receiving light beams without the need for physical paths like optical fibers. FSO has high directionality, meaning it doesn’t spread beams, reducing the risk of interception by third parties and minimizing interference and congestion in communication.

Connectivity News: YTL Communications to Lead Major Fiber Optic Project Along Malaysian Railways

From January to February 2025, NEC conducted a communication demonstration between a pair of FSO communication devices located more than 10 kilometers apart in Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture. As a result, NEC confirmed that automatic capture and tracking of bidirectional optical beams functioned correctly even over long distances, enabling communication.

Building on this in March 2025, NEC conducted a demonstration of FSO communication between the rooftop of a TOKYO SKYTREE observation deck, which is 350 meters above ground level, and a point on the ground approximately 3 kilometers away. As a result, NEC confirmed that communication was possible and also measured the effects on communications from atmospheric turbulence due to elevation differences.

Also Read: BharatNet Expands Connectivity to Rural India

NEC will advance technological development based on the success of this demonstration to improve communication quality and reduce the device size from approximately 2 m³ to about 1% of the current size, so that it can be carried by one person, with plans to commercialize it by 2028.

Furthermore, by combining quantum cryptography communication technology—which is expected to be applied to national-level critical infrastructure systems—with FSO communication technology, NEC aims to develop free-space quantum key distribution (QKD) technology in the future, thereby enabling more secure communication. NEC also aims to apply this technology to communications between ground and satellites while continuing to advance its efforts in providing networks tailored to the diverse needs of its customers.

PLDT Gears Up for Largest Data Center Project

PLDT Inc. (PLDT) announced it is advancing plans to build its biggest data center yet, following the inauguration of its 11th facility, VITRO Sta. Rosa (VSR), in Laguna.

PLDT Chairman, Manuel V. Pangilinan, said the company plans to expand its data center capacity to 500 megawatts (MW), aiming to match Malaysia’s capacity and reaffirm their commitment to establishing the Philippines as a data center hub.

Also Read: PLDT Strengthens Digital Growth with Data Center Expansion

Spanning five hectares, VITRO Sta. Rosa is the country’s largest data center campus to date, offering a capacity of up to 50 MW. With this addition, ePLDT’s VITRO network—covering sites in Makati, Taguig, Pasig, Parañaque, Subic, Clark, Cebu, and Davao—now boasts a combined capacity of nearly 100 MW to serve both enterprise and hyperscale clients.

ePLDT President and CEO, Victor S. Genuino, revealed that the company has secured the site for its next facility in General Trias, Cavite. According to Pangilinan, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) owns a 20-hectare property at the site, with at least 10 hectares earmarked for the new data center.

The upcoming facility, targeted to start construction in 2026 and finish by 2028, will initially launch with a 20 MW capacity and expand in phases to reach up to 100 MW (twice the size of VITRO Sta. Rosa).

Read More: PLDT Expands International Capacity with Apricot Cable System

Designed for energy efficiency and featuring cutting-edge cooling technologies and power redundancy systems, the VITRO Sta. Rosa data center also offers high network reliability through at least three fiber routes supported by PLDT and other providers. It is equipped with NVIDIA-powered graphics processing unit (GPU) servers to enable artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

In a statement, PLDT said that, with the growing global adoption of AI, VITRO Sta. Rosa enhances the Philippines’ position as a regional hub for digital innovation, supporting efforts to attract investments, develop local tech industries, and boost economic growth.

Indosat Champions AI Adoption in Mining Sector

In line with its pledge to advance Indonesia’s artificial intelligence (AI) sovereignty, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (Indosat or IOH) has hosted the Indonesia AI Day for Mining Industry, an initiative that aims to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence in the country’s mining sector.

Held under the theme ‘Navigating the Future of Indonesia’s Mining Industry,’ the event gathered hundreds of participants, including industry leaders, regulators, and global technology partners. It served as a strategic platform to explore how AI and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies can drive industrial digitalization while boosting efficiency, sustainability, safety, and competitiveness.

Also Read: Indosat Deploys AI-RAN Nationwide with Nokia, NVIDIA Partnership

Rosan Roeslani, Minister of Investment and Downstreaming/Head of Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), emphasized that the initiative reflects the private sector’s real contribution to industrial transformation through advanced technology, noting that AI has become a strategic necessity to enhance competitiveness, particularly in the mining sector, and to support the transition to environmentally friendly energy. The government will issue policies on AI adoption and foster human capital development, involving all stakeholders.

The event facilitated collaboration among policymakers, tech innovators, and industry players to shape a unified strategy for digital transformation in mining. Discussions highlighted how technology could serve as a catalyst for resilience and sustainable economic growth.

Read More: Cisco, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison Partner to Strengthen Indonesia’s Cybersecurity

Vikram Sinha, President Director and CEO of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, stated, “As a company transforming into an AI technology company, we believe the future of Indonesia’s mining industry will be deeply shaped by technology adoption. Through Indonesia AI Day for Mining Industry, we aim to build an intelligent, secure, and sustainable ecosystem while ensuring this digital transformation drives equitable and inclusive economic growth.”

Indosat closed the event with a call to action, urging cross-sector collaboration to foster a robust digital mining ecosystem powered by advanced technology and skilled digital talent.

Asia’s Mobile Networks Are Powering Reinvention in 2025

Mobile networks are no longer confined to their traditional role in telecommunications; across Asia, they are emerging as powerful engines of innovation, catalyzing breakthroughs in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and finance.

With 5G deployment picking up pace and 6G already on the horizon, mobile networks are laying the digital rails for the next era of interconnected, intelligent systems.

From real-time surgical procedures enabled by ultra-low latency to smart factories leveraging automation and artificial intelligence (AI), mobile networks are at the heart of this transformation. This impact is profound in the Asia Pacific, where a fast-growing digital economy is fueling inclusive growth.

A Backbone for Industrial Reinvention

Mobile networks are becoming the nervous system of modern economies. With the roll-out of 5G, and the anticipated shift toward 5G-Advanced (also referred to as 5.5G), industries are gaining access to capabilities that were once purely aspirational. This includes near-instant communication, massive machine-type connections (mMTC), and reliable, secure networks that can support mission-critical applications.

In manufacturing hubs like Japan, South Korea, and parts of Southeast Asia, smart factories powered by mobile-connected sensors and robotics are boosting efficiency and precision. Thailand witnessed a landmark collaboration as ZTE, TrueBusiness, and Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) transformed the country’s manufacturing sector with smart factory deployments, leveraging 5G to streamline operations and drive productivity. This was echoed in Vietnam, where Viettel, in partnership with Qualcomm, launched the country’s first commercial Open RAN 5G network, emphasizing openness, vendor diversity, and cost-effective scaling.

Meanwhile, in rural communities across countries like India and Indonesia, 5G-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) devices are supporting precision farming, helping farmers monitor soil conditions, track crop health, and optimize water use.

In the healthcare sector, remote patient monitoring, telemedicine, and even AI-assisted diagnostics are becoming viable through stable, high-speed mobile connectivity. The ability to deliver these services reliably, and in real time, is particularly valuable in countries with large rural populations and limited access to healthcare facilities.

In 2024, mobile network operators (MNOs) across Asia laid the foundation for industrial reinvention. Nokia and IOH (Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison) extended their long-standing partnership to accelerate the rollout of 4G and 5G networks in Indonesia, reinforcing the nation’s digital infrastructure. In Malaysia, Telekom Malaysia supported the government’s bold shift to a 5G dual network model, paving the way for broader access and increased market competitiveness.

In South Korea, KT integrated AI systems into its operations, ushering in next-gen autonomous network management, enhancing both efficiency and responsiveness. Meanwhile, BBIX selected Nokia to upgrade its backbone infrastructure with 400GE technology, boosting capacity to support data-intensive services across East Asia.

Rounding out the regional push, U Mobile embarked on an ambitious rollout of thousands of 5G sites across Malaysia, marking a major milestone in national digital transformation and innovation for enterprises and consumers alike.

Interesting Read: Redefining Global Benchmarks: China Mobile and Huawei on the Power of 5G-A and AI

More Than Speed

Although 5G is still gaining ground, the conversation around 6G is already taking shape. This next-generation technology promises to enhance everything 5G offers—faster speeds, lower latency, and more efficient energy use—while presenting entirely new frontiers, such as holographic communication, advanced mixed-reality experiences, and ubiquitous connectivity powered by AI.

In this context, 5G-Advanced serves as a stepping stone. It will introduce enhanced network slicing capabilities, energy-saving features, and improved support for edge computing.

Elaborating on this at the 2024 Mobile Broadband Forum, Wasit Wattanasap, Head of Nationwide Operations and Support Business Unit, AIS, explained that, “AIS’s Care Growth strategy focuses on creating a ‘Living Network’ that adapts in real time to customer needs, offering on-demand 5G services powered by AI and machine learning (ML).”

By analyzing user behavior, network conditions, and service quality in real time, the network can automatically adjust to optimize experiences, such as prioritizing bandwidth for high-value users or enhancing quality for streaming and gaming.

These upgrades are crucial for more complex applications such as autonomous vehicles (AVs), remote-controlled drones, and AI-driven logistics, all of which require ultra-reliable performance and real-time decision-making capabilities.

Collaboration and Open Innovation

The driving force behind this rapid evolution is not only technology; it’s also collaboration. Across Asia, mobile operators, tech developers, governments, and international alliances are working together to build open, secure, and scalable infrastructure.

Australia’s remote communities are experiencing enhanced connectivity through satellite broadband, while Aussie Broadband and Optus have deepened their partnership to enhance national coverage.

In Southeast Asia, CelcomDigi is pioneering AI-powered autonomous network operations, setting a new benchmark for self-optimizing systems.

Meanwhile, Northeast Asia is seeing radical innovation. NTT, DOCOMO, and NEC recently achieved a record 140 Gbps wireless transmission using orbital angular momentum (OAM), indicating a leap in bandwidth capabilities. SoftBank’s AI-powered large telecom model is bolstering Japan’s AI-native networks.

Moreover, NEC’s near-real-time RAN controller is being used to equip radio access networks with intelligent capabilities, and HFR mobile’s private 5G safety network in Korea is showcasing how custom 5G solutions can serve mission-critical applications. In India, Vodafone Idea’s 5G rollout in Mumbai marks a pivotal step toward urban, ultra-fast connectivity.

From a regulatory perspective, initiatives like the Open Gateway framework, which enables developers to access network capabilities via standardized application programming interfaces (APIs), is creating a dynamic ecosystem where new services can be rapidly developed and deployed across borders.

Standardization is also key. Efforts to harmonize spectrum allocation and network equipment standards are helping ensure that technological progress isn’t siloed within national boundaries but shared across the region.

Dr. Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), explained that the “ITU also organizes the Digital Transformation Dialogues, a series of webinars, fireside chats, and ask-the-expert sessions on emerging technologies. These dialogues are a place for cities to share knowledge, identify policy needs, and develop international standards that support digital transformation.”

Our ITU-T Study Group 20 develops international standards (ITU-T recommendations) that provide guidance for implementing IoT technologies, city services, policy frameworks, and more.

Addressing Security in a Hyper-Connected World

As connectivity increases, so too does responsibility. Similarly, as networks become more complex and integrated with critical services, cybersecurity has become a top priority. Advanced threats now target both devices and networks, exploiting virtualized infrastructure and real-time data flows.

In response, operators and regulators are adopting a zero-trust approach, whereby no user or device is automatically trusted, and continuous authentication is required at every layer. There’s also a rising interest in quantum-safe encryption and AI-powered threat detection tools.

Foundation for Economic Growth

At its core, this transformation encompasses more than just faster internet; it serves as the foundation for sustainable, inclusive economic growth. According to the GSM Association’s (GSMA) Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2024 report, the mobile industry is expected to contribute over USD 1 trillion to the Asia Pacific economy by 2030. This growth is projected to outpace the global average, driven by the region’s accelerated adoption of 5G technologies.

To fully realize this potential, ongoing investment in infrastructure, policy support, and skills development will be essential. Public-private partnerships will play a critical role, especially in ensuring that rural and underserved areas aren’t left behind.

Asia’s mobile networks are becoming far more than connectivity providers; they are platforms for innovation, collaboration, and progress. As the region moves from 5G to 6G and beyond, the focus must remain on enabling meaningful, secure, and inclusive digital transformation. The promise is vast , yet requires a collective commitment to innovation, ethics, and resilience. If implemented correctly, mobile networks could be the cornerstone of Asia’s next great leap forward.

Exclusive Interview: Money Goes Mobile: Asia Embraces Digital Transactions

Satellite Broadband Connects Australia’s Remote Communities 

For decades, Australians living in rural and remote regions have experienced stark digital exclusion, cut off from reliable and fast internet due to distance, terrain, and lack of infrastructure. But today, satellite broadband is shifting that dynamic, bringing high-speed connectivity to some of the country’s most isolated places, and with it, new opportunities in education, healthcare, and economic growth. 

Related: Aussie Broadband, Optus Extend Mobile Partnership 

Evolving Towards Satellite Broadband 

The Australian government’s efforts to deliver equitable internet access date back to the early 2010s when the National Broadband Network (NBN) was first introduced.

Realizing that extending fiber or fixed-line connections to every part of the country was economically and technically impractical, the government opted for a multi-technology mix.

For Australia’s remote and regional areas, satellite broadband became the most viable option. To support this strategy, NBN launched two major satellites—Sky Muster I in October 2015 and Sky Muster II in October 2016—into geostationary orbit, approximately 36,000 km above the Earth’s surface. These satellites were engineered to serve up to 400,000 homes and businesses in hard-to-reach locations, delivering download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 10 Mbps. 

Sky Muster marked a turning point in Australia’s digital landscape, but early implementations faced limitations. Latency, due to the long distance the signal had to travel, posed challenges for real-time applications like video conferencing or online gaming. Moreover, initial plans included data usage caps, restricting users from fully benefiting from the connectivity.

Over the last few years, a new generation of satellite systems, those operating in low Earth orbit (LEO), has emerged. Unlike geostationary satellites, LEO satellites orbit between 500 to 2,000 km above the Earth, drastically reducing signal latency.

Read More: Bridging the Market Share Blind Spot: Why Broadband Providers in Asia Need Granular Insights to Drive Growth 

Digital Advancement  

This advancement pushed the Australian government to reevaluate its digital policies. Significant policy updates were implemented in 2023. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland explained that thousands of Australians living in regional and remote areas would benefit from uncapped data on NBN’s Sky Muster Plus service.

The removal of data caps, one of the most criticized limitations of early satellite broadband, meant that users could now stream, work remotely, and access critical services like telehealth and online education without worrying about exceeding data allowances.

More recently, in March 2025, the Albanese government discussed incorporating LEO services into its Universal Service Obligation (USO), a legislative framework that mandates the provision of standard phone and internet services to all Australians regardless of location. This shift could further eliminate mobile black spots and extend outdoor mobile coverage through satellite integration, potentially transforming the daily lives of many Australians in outback regions. 

“In telecommunications, public safety and reliable connectivity are paramount,” Rowland emphasized, noting that improved speeds and data capacity would help level the digital playing field for all Australians. 

Satellite broadband’s impact stretches beyond just basic connectivity; it’s proving instrumental in empowering First Nations communities. According to the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), internet usage in remote Indigenous communities has grown significantly. Yet, cost remains a key barrier. Many households face high upfront installation costs or are locked into inflexible plans that do not reflect their seasonal- or community-based lifestyles. RMIT stressed the need for more culturally informed digital policies. Inclusion, after all, must go beyond infrastructure; it must consider affordability, digital literacy, and community-led deployment models. 

Partnership: Globe Telecom Expands Partnership with Netcracker 

Anticipation of Hybrid Models 

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the latest generation of Sky Muster Plus and LEO services offers sufficient speed for video streaming, virtual meetings, and even some gaming activities once considered out of reach for rural users.

The availability of government subsidies like the Regional Connectivity Program (RCP) and the Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP) is making it more viable for rural Australians to adopt high-speed internet at affordable rates. 

As satellite technology matures, industry experts anticipate the rise of hybrid models that combine geostationary, LEO, and terrestrial services. Telstra has already begun testing satellite-to-mobile capabilities with global partners. In 2025, Telstra announced its collaboration with OneWeb and Starlink to explore how mobile handsets can directly connect to satellites when out of cellular range. If successful, this could pave the way for emergency communications, agriculture technology integration, and disaster resilience in some of the most rugged and least accessible corners of the country. 

Looking forward, the combination of policy reforms, technological innovations, and increased private-sector involvement promises to close Australia’s digital gap further. Throughout 2025, NBN is planning to refresh its satellite strategy to include LEO partnerships and potentially launch updated satellite payloads with expanded capacity. Similarly, the federal government is expected to allocate additional funding to regional digital inclusion programs, prioritizing community-led internet deployment in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander regions. 

Satellite Broadband at the Forefront

The societal impact of these efforts cannot be overstated. With broadband access, rural Australians gain access to a world of opportunities, from online education and telehealth consultations to e-commerce, e-government services, and virtual social networks. Farmers can use real-time weather updates, GPS tools, and Internet of Things (IoT) systems to boost productivity. Children in remote schools can access the same learning materials as their urban counterparts. Isolated communities can engage with the digital economy and advocate for their rights with newfound digital tools. 

Australia’s remote regions are no longer being left behind; they’re becoming pioneers in satellite-powered connectivity. What began as a necessity to bridge geographic isolation has evolved into a sophisticated national strategy, driven by innovation, collaboration, and the recognition that digital access is not a luxury, but a right. Satellite broadband is no longer just about catching up; it’s about launching forward into a truly connected future. 

Broadband in Asia:  

Starlink Close to Securing Approval for India’s Satellite Broadband 

SKY Cable, Converge Join Forces to Boost Fiber Broadband Services 

HKBN, Nokia Redefine Broadband Services in Hong Kong 

Rakuten Mobile, Cloudflare Partner to Offer Zero-Trust Services

Rakuten Mobile and Cloudflare have announced a strategic partnership to provide zero trust as a managed service to corporate clients. This partnership aims to support Japanese businesses in enhancing their security measures and facilitating safe digital transformations. Rakuten Mobile will now offer Cloudflare’s Zero Trust and Network Services as a managed service, protecting corporate devices and data in remote work and cloud environments.

The increasing complexity of hybrid work and the evolving threat landscape pose challenges for Japanese businesses. Cloudflare’s security measures have been successful in preventing an average of 385 million cyber threats in Japan daily, with industries like retail, gaming, information technology, and telecommunications being the most targeted. Rakuten Mobile and Cloudflare recognize the need for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to have easier access to zero-trust network security, as these businesses often lack the resources for robust cybersecurity.

Recent Company News: Rakuten Mobile Introduces AI Service to Boost Productivity

Cloudflare’s Zero Trust supports security measures for various organizations, protecting them from cyber threats. By implementing strict access authentication and enhancing data protection, unauthorized access is prevented, and internal and external communications are secured.

Through the partnership, companies of all sizes in Japan can now integrate Cloudflare cybersecurity into their existing services via Rakuten Mobile, without needing in-house security expertise. Rakuten Mobile is now an authorized managed security service provider for Cloudflare, offering fully-managed, zero-trust and network security services.

Kazuhiro Suzuki, Co-CEO of Rakuten Mobile, highlighted, “By combining Cloudflare’s solutions with our comprehensive network services and support, we will empower our clients’ digital transformation with a one-stop solution for network and security. Through this initiative, we aim to deliver a secure and reliable infrastructure environment for our corporate clients.”

Related: Rakuten Mobile Launches Upgraded Rakuten Link App

Tom Evans, Chief Partner Officer of Cloudflare, added, “We believe Cloudflare is the only company offering a broad range of network security and SASE services through a unified platform built on our own infrastructure, delivering the most comprehensive set of managed solutions. Service providers like Rakuten Mobile are fundamental to extending critical security protections and we are thrilled to be partnering to protect businesses in Japan. As demand for managed security services grows, Cloudflare’s connectivity cloud platform is set to enable partners to deliver cost-effective, scalable cybersecurity. By combining Cloudflare’s global infrastructure and operational efficiencies with Rakuten Mobile’s regional expertise, we’re empowering businesses of all sizes in Japan to strengthen their security posture while controlling costs.”

Latest Reads:

U Mobile Transfers GoBiz to NTT DATA Cardpay

PLDT, Smart, IJM Partner with Law Enforcement Agencies to Combat OSAEC

YTL Communications to Lead Major Fiber Optic Project Along Malaysian Railways

SK Telecom Hit by Cyber Attack

SK Telecom has disclosed that it suffered a cyber attack over the weekend, leading to a data breach involving customer information linked to universal subscriber identity modules (USIM).

The mobile carrier reported that the breach occurred due to malicious code infiltrating its systems. While the exact scope and nature of the data leak are still under investigation, the company stated it took immediate steps to report the incident to the Korea Internet and Security Agency (KISA), aligning with regulatory requirements.

Related: Indian Telecom Regulator Orders Security Audit Amid Alleged 1.8TB Data Breach

In a message to employees, CEO, Ryu Young-sang, conveyed his regret and accepted responsibility for the breach. He urged staff to take stronger measures to improve the company’s cybersecurity framework and enhance efforts to protect customer data.

SK Telecom confirmed it has notified the Personal Information Protection Commission of the incident and is working closely with investigators. The company added that it promptly deleted the malicious code and isolated the affected equipment upon detecting a possible breach. There have been no confirmed reports of the leaked data being misused.

The company said it will adopt stronger security measures, including comprehensive system inspections, upgraded detection and blocking systems for illegal SIM-related activities, and improved alert protocols in cases of potential threats. A free SIM protection service is also being offered through its website and T World platform.

Also Read: NCSA Plans Cyber Fraud Insurance Framework

In response to the incident, the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) has set up an emergency task force in collaboration with the Cyber Security and Network Policy Bureau. The ministry requested that SK Telecom preserve and submit relevant data for analysis. Officials from KISA were dispatched to the telecom provider’s Seoul headquarters for an on-site investigation.

Depending on the outcome of the investigation, the government may form a joint task force encompassing both the public and private sectors to conduct a more thorough review. If security management lapses are identified, corrective measures could be mandated.

More on Cyber Attacks:

Ransomware Attacks: A Growing Cybersecurity Crisis in Asia

Thailand Boosts Cybersecurity with Google Cloud, NCSA Alliance

Holiday Season Attacks Powered by AI

Moratelindo Taps Ribbon for Jakarta-Singapore Route Upgrade

Moratelindo, one of Indonesia’s largest telecommunication infrastructure and network providers, has selected Ribbon Communications Inc.’s (Ribbon) cutting edge technology and optical infrastructure to enable high capacity and automated management on its 1,055-kilometer Jakarta-Singapore submarine network.

Ribbon is dedicated to assisting the world’s largest service providers, enterprises, and critical infrastructure operators in modernizing and safeguarding their networks and services.

”Ribbon’s innovative technology and track record were critical factors in our decision to work together,” said Michael C. McPhail, Moratelindo’s Chief Technical Officer. “This deployment extends and expands our successful partnership, and enables us to provide our customers with superior connectivity while optimizing our network operations.”

Moratelindo is gaining unparalleled performance and efficiency by leveraging Ribbon’s advanced 5nm-140Gbaud optical transport solutions, 25 800G links for 20 Tbps capacity, and Muse Multilayer Automation Platform, all of which maximizes the value of IP optical network investments through comprehensive control, analysis, design, and planning applications.

Moratelindo plays a critical role in ensuring connectivity for people and businesses across Indonesia, and we’re pleased to extend our collaboration.

Mickey Wilf, Vice President of Sales Asia, Ribbon, continued, “We’re confident that our advanced solutions will enable them to continue delivering exceptional services to their customers.”

Read More:

Keppel, Sovico Plan Vietnam-Singapore Subsea Cable Project

Vietnam Faces Triple Subsea Cable Outages

Converge ICT Solutions Anticipates Subsea Cable Completion by 2025

U Mobile Transfers GoBiz to NTT DATA Cardpay

U Mobile is driving the adoption of 5G and 5G-Advanced (5G-A) in enterprises by consolidating its focus on digital solutions tailored for businesses across industries. As part of this strategy, U Mobile has transferred its merchant acquiring arm, GoBiz, to NTT DATA Cardpay, a subsidiary of NTT DATA Payment Services Sdn. Bhd. (formerly GHL Systems Berhad).

The move is expected to strengthen U Mobile’s ability to develop and deliver enterprise-focused 5G solutions while ensuring uninterrupted service and support for GoBiz’s existing merchant base.

Latest: U Mobile, EdgePoint Accelerate 5G In-Building Rollout

“As the nation’s next-gen 5G network provider, U Mobile is committed to drive the country towards becoming a digitally-enabled, high-income nation, and 5G adoption by enterprises is a key success factor to that goal. U Mobile is looking forward to accelerating enterprise digitalization with artificial intelligence, autonomous technology, Internet of Things (IoT), and more; and, as such, this agreement with NTT DATA Payment Services paves the way for us to fully leverage our strengths to realize these ambitions, especially for the SME sector,” said Neil Tomkinson, Chief Information Officer of U Mobile.

In line with its push for digital transformation, U Mobile also plans to explore collaborative opportunities with NTT DATA Payment Services. These potential partnerships aim to bring enhanced digital tools to Malaysia’s small and medium enterprise (SME) market by leveraging 5G, artificial intelligence, and advanced payment technologies.

“By combining NTT DATA Payment Services’s expertise in payment solutions with U Mobile’s next-gen 5G and 5G-A technology, we aim to enable businesses with seamless, digital payment solutions that enhance efficiency and growth. This collaboration underscores our commitment to driving innovation and supporting businesses in embracing the future of digital commerce,” added Sean Hesh, Group Chief Executive Officer of NTT DATA Payment Services. 

Also Read: U Mobile Receives MCMC Letter of Award for 5G Network