Page 3 – Telecom Review Asia

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

Posted on April 22, 20253 min Read

PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), are working together with the anti-trafficking organization, International Justice Mission (IJM) Philippines, to help the Philippine government address the increasing cases of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) in the country.

During a recent public hearing of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, it was highlighted that OSAEC accounted for a significant portion of the 17,600 cases of child rights violations in 2023, as reported by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Women and Children Protection Center.

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Senator Risa Hontiveros also referenced IJM’s study, which revealed that almost half a million Filipino children were trafficked online through live streaming in 2022, involving foreign offenders working with local perpetrators for financial gain. PLDT, Smart, and IJM have been collaborating with law enforcement agencies, child protection advocates, and philanthropists from different countries to address the issue of OSAEC in the Philippines and promote cooperation to protect Filipino children online.

In September 2024, PLDT and Smart supported IJM in organizing a national summit that involved President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., the Department of Justice Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, the Department of Interior and Local Government, PNP units, and leaders from various organizations to prioritize child protection at a national level. President Marcos, Jr. instructed all government agencies and local units to intensify efforts to combat OSAEC and incorporate child safety into all initiatives and regulations.

PLDT and Smart have also been engaging with IJM constituents from the United States of America, Hong Kong, and South Korea to raise awareness about industry solutions and garner international support for local efforts against OSAEC.

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Melissa Vergel de Dios, Chief Sustainability Officer of PLDT and Smart, emphasized, “While rapidly evolving technologies such as AI bring new capabilities beneficial to everyday life, these are also being used to enable OSAEC, making such crimes against children even more difficult to address. Recognizing this, we at PLDT and Smart continue to update our multi-pronged approach to combat OSAEC. This includes complementing our child protection platform with key partnerships like that with IJM to further strengthen our response and support to the Philippine government’s whole-of-society approach against OSAEC.”

Samson Inocencio Jr., National Director of IJM Philippines, added, “The Philippines is setting a global precedent in building a strong, multi-sectoral response to the scourge of online sexual exploitation of children. Tackling this complex crime requires strategic partnerships across both public and private sectors. PLDT and Smart’s commendable collaboration with the Philippine government and child protection advocates is helping pave the way for a safer world for children. IJM remains committed to working with PLDT and Smart to continually refine and strengthen solutions that protect children both online and offline.”

In addition to their work with IJM, PLDT and Smart are cooperating with the National Telecommunications Commission, law enforcement agencies, and courts to investigate and prosecute OSAEC cases. The telcos received and fulfilled 46 lawful requests for information related to OSAEC cases in 2024.

Furthermore, PLDT and Smart have blocked over 1.7 million URLs and online content associated with OSAEC from June 2021 to February 2025, as part of their commitment to human rights and child safeguarding policies in compliance with Republic Act 11930, also known as the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-Child Abuse and Exploitation Materials Law.

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YTL Communications to Lead Major Fiber Optic Project Along Malaysian Railways

Posted on April 22, 20252 min Read

YTL Communications Sdn Bhd, a 60%-owned subsidiary of YTL Power International Bhd, has been selected by Railway Assets Corp (RAC) to develop fiber optic infrastructure along 1,600km of railway tracks from Perlis to Johor and Kelantan.

This decision follows RAC’s request for proposal (RFP) in 2023, which sought to open up the development of telecommunications infrastructure along RAC’s rail corridors to licensed industry players.

The initiative aims to enhance national digital connectivity, aligning with the National Broadband Plan and Jendela, the National Digital Network. However, the project value and timeline were not disclosed. RAC emphasized that the development would optimize the use of national rail assets for the establishment of a high-speed fiber optic network.

Previously, Fiberail Sdn Bhd held exclusive rights to install fiber optics along all railway routes. Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who officiated the announcement, explained that with this policy change, other companies are now permitted to install fiber optics along the rail corridors, which is expected to foster healthy competition, expand digital coverage, and lower costs for the public.

Fiberail, 53.99% owned by Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM), 35.99% by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTM), and 10.01% by Petrofibre Network (M) Sdn Bhd, operates 5,500km of fiber optic network across the country via railway and gas pipeline corridors. The company reported a net profit of RM26.44 million and revenue of RM210.05 million for the financial year ending December 31, 2023.

RAC assured that the liberalization would not impact Fiberail’s existing exclusive rights under the Wayleave agreement with KTM, which remains in effect until 2032. Any new developments will proceed through joint technical negotiations without disrupting existing infrastructure, and the rollout will be transparent and inclusive.

The initiative is expected to generate additional revenue for RAC, which will be used to maintain stations and trains, improve facilities, develop new stations, and reduce reliance on government funding for development.

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Aussie Broadband, Optus Extend Mobile Partnership

Posted on April 21, 20252 min Read

Aussie Broadband announced a significant extension of their current wholesale mobile contract with Optus, one of Australia’s top mobile network operators (MNOs). The two companies have agreed to extend their partnership for an additional five years.

This partnership allows Aussie Broadband to offer Optus’s wholesale network services, including full access to Optus’s mobile network, premium 5G, fixed wireless access (FWA), and mobile back-up services to all their customers.

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“The challenger ethos of both our brands is fundamentally why we are expanding this partnership. Optus was created to provide real choice to Australians, and Aussie Broadband exists to disrupt the industry on behalf of all Australians,” explained Aussie Broadband Group CEO, Brian Maher.

Optus CEO, Stephen Rue, added, “With this re-commitment, we look forward to creating even more mobile choices for Australians, particularly in regional areas, and we know with Optus we can take on the big guys and deliver an exceptional mobile product on a great network. Optus’s investment in their network and their recent multi-operator core network (MOCN) has reset the playing field when it comes to coverage, and we want to help Australians capitalize on that opportunity with some great Aussie Broadband plans.

“The partnership between Optus and Aussie Broadband is another great example of how Optus plays a unique role in the Australian wholesale market. We offer unrestricted access to the Optus mobile network through a broad suite of products and we focus on building long term partnerships, as we’re doing with Aussie Broadband, while also being committed to providing excellence in service through a dedicated delivery team.”

Rue concluded, “As we continue to champion brands like Aussie Broadband by delivering more choice in the MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) market, we are anchored by our commitment to deliver flexible products and network solutions that empower our partners’ customers with world-class connectivity options.”

This partnership is a crucial step in bringing more mobile choices to the market and includes joint marketing opportunities for Aussie Broadband, Buddy, and Optus.

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MobiFone Seeks Approval to Serve National Defense and Security

Posted on April 21, 20252 min Read

MobiFone has officially submitted a proposal to the Prime Minister, requesting approval to operate as a defense and security enterprise, marking a milestone in its transformation journey following its transfer to the Ministry of Public Security.

The move comes as part of broader efforts to restructure the corporation in line with national priorities. General Lương Tam Quang, Politburo member and Minister of Public Security, presided over a working session with MobiFone to assess its transition progress and future strategic direction.

During the meeting, MobiFone reported that it had completed essential procedures, including drafting a new organizational charter and preparing to operate under a special defense-security mechanism. The corporation is also working closely with relevant agencies to update its financial regulations and internal processes to reflect its evolving role.

Looking ahead, MobiFone is formulating a development strategy for 2025–2030 with a long-term vision extending to 2045.

Organizational restructuring is also underway, including streamlining operations by eliminating middle management levels and establishing business units at the provincial level.

A specialized mechanism is being developed to attract top-tier talent, ensuring the company is well-equipped to meet future responsibilities.

Minister Quang stressed the importance of building a robust legal foundation to support MobiFone’s new role. He said this would help eliminate structural barriers and foster stable, long-term growth as the corporation takes on duties tied to national security. He also urged MobiFone to harness its core strengths to develop advanced telecommunications and technology solutions that align with both corporate goals and national interests.

With its new oversight, MobiFone is expected to play a larger role in supporting the government’s vision for a digital government, digital economy, and digital society.

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Money Goes Mobile: Asia Embraces Digital Transactions

Posted on April 21, 20255 min Read

A new GSMA report titled ‘State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money 2025’ revealed that the mobile money industry achieved significant milestones, surpassing two billion registered accounts and over 500 million active monthly users worldwide in 2024. After taking 18 years to reach its first billion accounts, the industry doubled in just five years. This momentum extended to transaction activity, with mobile money platforms processing around 108 billion transactions worth more than USD 1.68 trillion, marking year-on-year growth of 20% in volume and 16% in value.

In an exclusive interview with Telecom Review Asia, Ashley Olson Onyango, Head of Financial Inclusion and AgriTech at the GSMA, unpacked the key findings of this report.

Onyango shared global insights and regional highlights, including East Asia-Pacific’s impressive growth in active mobile money accounts, the evolving role of partnerships with banks and global payment networks, and ongoing efforts to close the gender gap in financial inclusion.

What key global insights or trends does this year’s report reveal about the mobile money ecosystem?

More than half a billion monthly active users and over 2 billion registered accounts is a remarkable achievement. We’re seeing strong growth globally, with values growing by 16% and volumes by 20%. This is driven by a 20% increase in agent registration and more ecosystem transactions, such as bill payments, merchant payments, and international remittances.

East Asia-Pacific recorded the second-fastest growth in active mobile money accounts globally in 2024. What factors are driving this growth?

We saw strong growth in East Asia and the Pacific and South Asia. It’s notable that, in this region, active usage is growing faster than registered usage. That’s what we want to see globally—people using accounts more often. A lot of this is led by enabling regulatory environments and a real focus from regulators and providers on financial inclusion.

In East Asia and the Pacific, international remittances grew by 39%, while merchant payments grew by 37%. These use cases are highly relevant, and once people start using them more frequently, they expand into other use cases. The usability and relevance are really strong, and both providers and regulators have done a great job supporting this.

How has the mobile money landscape evolved across Southeast Asia and what are the main challenges and opportunities in this region?

Digital financial literacy remains a barrier. People’s skill sets and comfort with using digital financial services are still limiting factors. This plays into the gender gap, which is fascinating in South Asia. Countries like Indonesia and the Philippines have a negative gender gap—more women own mobile money accounts than men. In markets like Pakistan, the gender gap in mobile money usage is particularly high – women are 70% less likely than men to have a mobile money account. Similarly, in Bangladesh and India, the gap remains significant, with women being over 50% less likely to own mobile money accounts. Driving mobile phone ownership, mobile money awareness, and digital literacy skills remain significant and ongoing challenges. South Asia presents a complex landscape, home to both some of the earliest and some of the newest mobile money services so the context varies drastically. That lends itself to looking to neighboring markets for innovation and ideas.

With the gender gap still an issue, how is the GSMA working to close it, and are there regional differences in how it’s being addressed?

We work with our members and mobile money providers globally through our GSMA Connected Women Commitment initiative. Launched in 2016, it’s about reducing the gender gap in both mobile internet usage and mobile money services. We partner with mobile network operators (MNOs) who commit to supporting our initiative. Then we work with them based on their market and data to find solutions to drive greater inclusion of women. It’s not off-the-shelf; it’s very bespoke. Some of our key partners in Asia include Dialog Axiata in Sri Lanka, Digital Communications in Malaysia, Indosat in Indonesia, and Robi Axiata in Bangladesh.

How do partnerships between mobile money operators and traditional financial institutions shape the future of mobile money, particularly in Asia?

Partnerships between mobile money providers and banks are critical. Mobile-to-bank and bank-to-mobile transaction volumes have increased drastically. These partnerships unlock new financial products, such as credit scoring, debit cards, and digital loans. In Vietnam and the Philippines, we’ve seen mobile bank transfers and offline interoperable services expand users’ ability to transact across platforms. There’s also growing alignment with global payments networks like Mastercard and Visa. These partnerships support the launch of virtual and physical debit cards and help open remittance gateways. They’re critical to growing the industry and making it relevant and usable for consumers.

How has your experience shaped your vision for the future of mobile money and technology in these sectors?

I’m American, and I moved to Kenya in 2010 when M-PESA was in its early stages. I saw how it changed the way we transact—how seamless and usable it was. I watched M-PESA grow and mature over a decade. It opened up the possibility for mobile money to serve unbanked and underserved users. Seeing that evolution, and looking at markets like South Asia, where there’s so much innovation, I see vast opportunity to connect people who aren’t part of the financial services space and provide them with basic tools. At the same time, we can serve more mature users who want digital loans and products that support their lives. Helping users take that journey through the mobile money industry is fascinating.

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Satellites vs. Subsea: Navigating Asia’s Future of Connectivity

Posted on April 21, 20256 min Read

As economies across the Asia Pacific digitize at record speed, the need for robust, secure, and future-ready internet infrastructure has never been more urgent. Two major players are emerging in the battle to provide the backbone for this digital future: satellites orbiting above and subsea cables stretching beneath the ocean floor.

While both technologies serve the common purpose of ensuring connectivity, their roles, capabilities, vulnerabilities, and strategic implications differ significantly. With Asia projected to generate 43% of global data traffic by 2027, the conversation around satellites versus subsea is no longer hypothetical; it’s foundational to the region’s geopolitical, economic, and technological strategies.

The Unsung Heroes Beneath the Waves

Submarine cables are the arteries of the global internet. Despite the growing buzz around satellites, over 95% of international data traffic still relies on subsea cables. These cables, lying silently beneath oceans, connect continents with thousands of kilometers of fiber-optic threads, enabling everything from social media interactions to high-frequency financial trades.

In Southeast Asia alone, more than 30 subsea cables currently interconnect regional economies, linking nations like Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines to major hubs in the US, China, and Europe, according to Carnegie Endowment. In 2023, Singapore emerged as the most connected hub in Asia, with 25 subsea cables landing on its shores, affirming its position as a digital gateway.

However, these undersea marvels have unique challenges. According to H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, geopolitical tension and supplier dependencies have created vulnerabilities, particularly as the region relies heavily on a small group of cable manufacturers, mostly from the US, Japan, and China. The US-China tech rivalry has escalated these concerns, with nations wary of espionage and potential sabotage.

Reaching the Unreachable

In contrast, satellite communications, particularly low-Earth orbit (LEO) systems, are gaining ground as a viable complement and, in some cases, alternative to traditional cable infrastructure. Satellites like those deployed by Starlink, OneWeb, and AST SpaceMobile are reshaping global expectations by offering connectivity to even the most remote areas—mountains, rural islands, and conflict zones—where cable installations are either impractical or impossible.

The Asia Pacific stands to benefit tremendously. Countries like Indonesia and the Philippines, with their archipelagic geographies, find LEO satellites particularly appealing. According to AST SpaceMobile, LEO satellites can provide lower latency and offer bandwidths comparable to broadband services, making them viable for enterprise and public use.

Moreover, in a region where over 2 billion people remain under-connected, satellite-based solutions promise to narrow the digital divide. With growing investments in space infrastructure and regional satellite alliances, space is no longer the final frontier but a present-day battlefield for digital access and influence.

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The Hybrid Approach

While the debate is often framed as satellites versus subsea, experts increasingly argue for a hybrid approach. The ‘ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience’ 2024 report suggested that a strategic alliance of sea and space could provide the most resilient and inclusive infrastructure model for the Asia Pacific. Subsea cables provide the bulk of capacity and speed, while satellites offer coverage in areas where cables cannot reach.

This synergy is already taking shape. In early 2024, Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy announced plans to expand both its LEO satellite coverage and undersea cable landings, citing resilience against climate-related disruptions and cyber threats. Similarly, Australia and Japan have begun exploring cross-value-chain collaboration to diversify their tech dependencies.

Governments are increasingly weaving connectivity infrastructure into their national security and digital sovereignty agendas. ASEAN, for instance, is exploring a framework to diversify cable suppliers and reduce over-reliance on any single foreign entity.

China, in particular, has doubled down on its Digital Silk Road, aiming to dominate both terrestrial and orbital networks. From 2022 to 2024, China launched over 400 communication satellites and was involved in more than a dozen subsea cable projects globally, including the PEACE cable that connects Asia to Africa and Europe.

Economic Implications and Investment Trends

The financial dimension of connectivity is staggering. According to Equinix, global investment in subsea cables is expected to exceed USD 10 billion by 2026, with the Asia Pacific accounting for the lion’s share due to surging demand for data centers and cloud services. Meanwhile, Asia’s LEO satellite market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 50.2% through 2030. Australia currently leads, but India is set to overtake as spectrum policies evolve. Major players include Starlink, OneWeb, Kuiper, Viasat, and AST SpaceMobile.

Governments, telcos, and hyperscalers are all placing bets on the future. Singapore, for instance, continues to incentivize cable landings while offering orbital spectrum rights for satellite operators. In the Philippines, SpaceX’s Starlink launched commercial services in mid-2023. Since then, SpaceX has deployed 30,000 terminals, bringing high-speed internet to areas lacking fiber infrastructure.

Another trend reshaping the connectivity landscape is the rise of edge computing and cloud infrastructure. These developments are increasing the demand for ultra-low latency, making subsea cables more viable for real-time applications like autonomous vehicles (AVs), artificial intelligence (AI) processing, and blockchain transactions.

Next-generation LEO constellations are being designed with direct-to-device capabilities, enabling seamless cloud access even without ground stations, indicating a potential game-changer for Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile applications in Asia’s remote regions.

Environmental impact is also part of the infrastructure debate. Subsea cables generally have a low carbon footprint once laid but are energy-intensive to manufacture and install. Conversely, satellite launches involve rocket emissions and pose space debris risks, but once deployed, they operate efficiently for several years. Sustainability-conscious governments like New Zealand and South Korea (Act on Human Rights and Environmental Protection for Sustainable Business Management) are now mandating environmental audits for major connectivity projects, including space-based infrastructure. Private companies are also joining the cause. Equinix announced that its subsea cable hubs in Asia will run on 100% renewable energy by 2027.

A Dual Pathway to Digital Dominance

Asia’s digital trajectory will not be defined by a single infrastructure pathway. Rather, it will likely adopt a dual strategy where subsea cables and satellite systems coexist, complement, and reinforce one another.

The region’s future connectivity architecture may resemble a multi-layered web. Dense terrestrial fiber could satisfy urban centers, subsea cables could connect global hubs, and satellites could fill in the rural and last-mile gaps. This model ensures resilience, inclusivity, and security, all of which are key pillars for Asia’s economic growth and digital transformation.

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Malaysia’s Mobile Service Revenue to Hit USD 6.1 Billion by 2029

Posted on April 18, 20252 min Read

Malaysia’s mobile service industry is on track for steady growth, with total revenue projected to rise from USD 5.1 billion in 2024 to USD 6.1 billion in 2029, marking a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5%.

According to GlobalData, the upswing is being fueled by surging mobile data consumption, accelerated 5G adoption, and a growing shift toward over-the-top (OTT) communication platforms.

GlobalData noted a continued decline in mobile voice revenue—set to drop at a CAGR of 1.1% between 2024 and 2029—as consumers increasingly opt for OTT messaging and calling services. In contrast, mobile data revenue is forecast to climb at a 5.1% CAGR, supported by a rise in mobile internet users, expanding data use, and a greater uptake in high-value (HV) 5G plans.

While 4G dominated Malaysia’s mobile landscape until 2024, 5G subscriptions are set to surpass 4G subscriptions in 2025 and will account for 84% of total mobile subscriptions by 2029. The shift is propelled by continued government and operator investment in 5G infrastructure, with network coverage reaching 82.4% of populated areas by the end of 2024.

The expansion of 5G is also expected to boost machine-to-machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) services. M2M/IoT subscriptions are projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.7% through 2029.

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NTT East Invests in WEAVE to Expand FTTH Access

Posted on April 17, 20252 min Read

NTT e-Asia, a part of the NTT East group, is planning to invest in PT Integrasi Jaringan Ekosistem, known as WEAVE, a telecommunications service provider in Indonesia and a subsidiary of PT Solusi Sinergi Digital Tbk, known as SURGE.

NTT East aims to work with WEAVE to expand its Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) business by implementing proper standards and tools for installation and operation and maintenance (O&M). The goal is to address the digital gap in Indonesia.

Indonesia has a low fixed broadband penetration rate of 15% compared to other ASEAN countries, leading to a digital divide. The high cost of FTTH services limits access to high-income urban residents, excluding low- to middle-income households. WEAVE, established in 2018, started offering affordable FTTH services in August 2023 at around USD 6 per month, utilizing its optical fiber network along railway lines in Java. NTT e-Asia has been providing technical support to WEAVE since July 2024.

Currently, WEAVE has around 200,000 subscribers and aims to expand its reach to 40 million. The investment was made through a subscription to new shares via a third-party allotment, with the investment ratio distributed among JIA (50.85%), NTT e-Asia Pte. Ltd. (49.0%), and LMM (0.15%).

Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Senior Advisor of SURGE, said, “This partnership with NTT East is a historic and transformative step for SURGE and Indonesia. By leveraging NTT East’s world-class capabilities, ecosystem, and operational excellence, we are advancing our mission to bridge the digital divide and accelerate the Affordable Broadband Initiative, empowering millions of Indonesians with meaningful digital access.”

Naoki Shibutani, President & CEO of NTT East, added, “NTT East is deeply committed to creating long-term value for society. This investment goes beyond building digital infrastructure; it contributes to human resource development, job creation, and economic growth. We will leverage our expertise in providing high-quality and large-scale services in Japan and collaborate closely with SURGE and WEAVE to foster a more connected, inclusive future.”

Looking ahead, the initiative seeks to strengthen the partnership with WEAVE, accelerate FTTH and other ICT-related businesses, and support Indonesia’s broader economic development.

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StarHub Earns Cisco Certifications, Boosts Tech Leadership

Posted on April 16, 20252 min Read

StarHub has received the Cisco Premier Provider Certification and the Cisco Powered Webex Contact Center Specialization. This solidifies its position as a reliable technology partner for businesses navigating the rapidly changing digital landscape.

These accomplishments showcase StarHub’s ability to provide secure, scalable IT and customer engagement solutions with extensive expertise and a strong service delivery record. With Cisco‘s enhanced technologies, StarHub is better prepared to assist businesses in modernizing their operations and improving customer connections.

Tan Kit Yong, Head of Enterprise Business Group at StarHub, stated, “This recognition goes beyond technical excellence; it confirms our dedication to enabling significant transformation for our customers. As technology becomes increasingly crucial for business success, we are committed to delivering intelligent, future-ready solutions that help our customers operate more efficiently, work smarter, and lead confidently.”

The Cisco Premier Provider Certification is given to partners who consistently offer high-quality managed services with proven technical skills. Additionally, the Cisco Powered Webex Contact Center Specialization acknowledges StarHub’s ability to provide advanced, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered contact center solutions on a large scale.

Jamie Romanin, Director of Webex Customer Experience at Cisco Systems, Asia Pacific, Japan, and China, expressed, “At Cisco, partnership is central to our operations. We are thrilled to collaborate with StarHub as a valued Premier Provider Partner and congratulate them on achieving the Cisco Powered Services Webex Contact Center Specialization. This accomplishment demonstrates their deep understanding of our contact center solutions and their proven ability to effectively deliver managed solutions. Together, we will empower more businesses to utilize Webex Contact Center and Webex AI Agent to transform customer engagement and achieve meaningful business results.”

For businesses, this means quicker solution implementation, streamlined support processes, and consistent service quality, all supported by StarHub’s team of certified experts and Cisco lifecycle services. As customer and IT requirements evolve, StarHub remains committed to keeping technology simple, reliable, and designed to deliver tangible results.

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NTT Reveals AI Chip for Real-Time 4K Video Processing

Posted on April 16, 20253 min Read

NTT Corporation (NTT) has introduced a large-scale integration (LSI) chip to handle real-time artificial intelligence (AI) inference of ultra-high-definition (UHD) video—up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second—while consuming minimal power.

The new technology addresses the limitations of traditional systems, which often require video compression for real-time AI processing, especially in edge and power-restricted environments.

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The low-power LSI presents possibilities for drone operations at higher altitudes. When installed on a drone, the chip can detect objects from heights of up to 150 meters (the legal limit in Japan), far surpassing the current 30-meter range offered by conventional AI systems. This advancement supports use cases such as remote infrastructure inspections beyond the visual line of sight, potentially lowering both labor demands and operational costs.

“The combination of low-power AI inferencing with ultra-high-definition video holds an enormous amount of potential, from infrastructure inspection, to public safety, to live sporting events,” said Kazu Gomi, President and CEO of NTT Research. “NTT’s LSI, which we believe to be the first-of-its-kind to achieve such results, represents an important step forward in enabling AI inference at the edge and for power-constrained terminals.”

Unlike traditional AI servers powered by high-consumption graphics processing units (GPUs), which consume hundreds of watts, edge AI devices typically operate under tight power constraints (tens of watts). NTT’s proprietary AI inference engine reduces computational complexity while maintaining detection accuracy using techniques like interframe correlation and dynamic bit-precision control. The chip supports real-time object detection due to the YOLOv3 algorithm while keeping power usage under 20 watts.

Commercial rollout is planned for the fiscal year 2025 through NTT Innovative Devices Corporation.

NTT researchers are exploring how the new chip could enhance the data-centric infrastructure (DCI) of the company’s Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) Initiative. The DCI, supported by the IOWN Global Forum, utilizes the ultra-fast and low-latency All-Photonics Network to tackle key networking challenges including scalability and energy efficiency.

NTT is also working with NTT DATA, Inc. to integrate the LSI with its proprietary Attribute-Based Encryption (ABE) technologies. ABE offers secure, fine-grained access control and policy customization at the data layer, paving the way for advanced data-sharing solutions across various applications.

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