Data Center Policy: Harford County, Maryland became the first in the state to outright ban data centers, citing heavy power demand, water use, and rising electricity bills, with a unanimous council vote and immediate effect. Cybersecurity Market: Dell’Oro reports global network security spending topped $7B in 1Q 2026, up 14% year-on-year, as enterprises expand enforcement across users, apps, clouds, and agentic AI-era workflows. Cross-Border Connectivity: Malaysia’s MCMC says it will fully support the Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link with reliable digital connectivity as regulators and project teams coordinate on-site. Telecom Disputes & Regulation: China Unicom’s US unit and a US telecom group filed FCC objections to a proposed interconnection ban with Chinese carriers, warning of global network disruption and harm to US firms. Mobile Service Complaints: Australia’s telecom ombudsman says mobile complaints rose again, with more reports of delays, outages, and persistent access issues. Security for Critical Infrastructure: Australia’s Home Affairs Minister launched a seabed security assessment and expanded “human firewall” training for office workers under a new cybersecurity push. Network Slicing Debate: India’s Airtel rebrand of “Fast Lane” and its priority postpaid approach is drawing net neutrality scrutiny, with a parliamentary panel seeking TRAI and DoT responses on slicing impacts. Digital Skills: Ghana’s telecom chamber launched TechEmpower GH to boost STEM and robotics skills for students, partnering with Helios Towers Ghana and the Mingo Foundation.