AGP Executive Report

Satellite Competition: SpaceX’s push toward mobile service is raising pressure on traditional carriers after it secured low-band spectrum. In India, Elon Musk is promising affordable Starlink pricing while regulators say satellite operators still need security clearance before launch. Network Expansion: New Zealand has eased planning rules for mobile upgrades, but the 3G shutdown has left many farms struggling for coverage. 5G Plans: India’s BSNL says expanding 4G is paving the way for an indigenous 5G rollout. Cybersecurity: Telecommunications companies faced an average of 3,483 cyberattacks a week in September, ranking the sector second among those tracked by Check Point Research.

Satellite Competition: Venezuela has authorised Starlink nationwide, while in India Elon Musk is pressing for access and promising affordable prices as SpaceX and Reliance Jio await security clearance. Network Oversight: Nigeria’s NCC introduced *315# so users can check whether their phones are approved, ahead of possible disconnections for unverified devices. Pakistan’s regulator inspected 115 telecom sites to address service quality. Closing the Usage Gap: A GSMA-backed roadmap says 906 million Africans live under mobile broadband coverage but still don’t use mobile internet, making smartphone access and migration to 4G and 5G key priorities. Infrastructure Resilience: A fresh flood in Nepal damaged two telecom towers, while growing concern over attacks on undersea cables highlights the vulnerability of vital communications links. Campus Connectivity: Malaysia’s MCMC added about 1,010 Wi-Fi access points at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, with further university upgrades planned.

Leadership: The Philippines’ ICT Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda has reportedly resigned, with the Ombudsman saying Malacañang accepted his departure; the Palace had not confirmed it. The news follows criticism of the department’s Discord ban. India’s Satellite Broadband Battle: Elon Musk renewed his attack on Mukesh Ambani over Starlink’s delayed launch, arguing competition would benefit consumers and promising affordable pricing. India says licensed satellite operators can launch once spectrum and security requirements are met. Network Resilience: A Russian strike damaged TENET’s telecom facility in Odesa, including power and cooling systems, putting service continuity at risk as staff reroute traffic. Coverage and Quality: Pakistan’s regulator inspected 115 mobile sites to check coverage, dropped calls, slow data and backup power, and ordered operators to address deficiencies. Malaysia, meanwhile, says the next JENDELA phase will focus on expanding internet access in remote Sabah and Sarawak. Satellite Expansion: Venezuela authorized Starlink to provide nationwide service, following emergency connectivity support after earthquakes. Access Restrictions: Delhi suspended mobile internet near eight temporary detention centres during protest arrests, citing public safety and public order.

Satellite Competition: SpaceX’s planned acquisition of nationwide 800 MHz spectrum, pending FCC approval, rattled telecom stocks and signals a push toward direct-to-phone coverage. Venezuela also authorized Starlink to operate nationwide, while its India launch remains tied up in a public dispute over licensing, security checks and competition rules. Rural Connectivity: Malaysia’s JENDELA 2 plan targets 3,000 underserved locations, with much of the next phase focused on remote Sabah and Sarawak. Industry Cooperation: MTN South Sudan pledged to work with the reappointed telecom regulator chief on network expansion, service quality and coverage for underserved communities. Conflict Risks: Yemeni media reported strikes on telecom infrastructure in Hajjah province as fighting escalated around the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Rural Connectivity: KDDI and Japan Post tested using post offices as drone hubs for deliveries, infrastructure checks and disaster support, with nationwide expansion targeted for fiscal 2027 or later. Starlink in India: Elon Musk escalated his dispute with Mukesh Ambani over Starlink’s delayed launch, while India says satellite operators must meet licensing and security rules. Satellite Competition: SpaceX acquired Grain Management’s 800 MHz spectrum portfolio to build a standalone U.S. mobile carrier, unsettling traditional telecom shares. New Market: Venezuela authorized Starlink to offer satellite internet nationwide under local regulation. Digital Services: MTN Ghana launched One TV, a platform for local and international entertainment across devices.

SpaceX’s Wireless Push: SpaceX’s deal for low-band spectrum has rattled U.S. and European telecom stocks as the company moves toward building a mobile network. FCC approval is still required. India’s Satellite Rules: Elon Musk accused Indian business interests of holding up Starlink, but the government says all satellite operators face the same security checks before launch. Service Disruptions: MTN Nigeria apologized after an outage affected customers in Lagos, Abuja and other states, disrupting calls and transactions. Delhi also ordered a 24-hour mobile internet suspension around a planned protest, affecting service across a four-kilometre zone. Africa’s Connectivity: Nigeria plans to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre across its 36 states by 2028. Senegal’s new telecom regulator chief, Cheikh Tidiane Sarr, meanwhile, wants stronger oversight and real-time service-quality monitoring as the sector evolves. Skills Partnership: AFRALTI and Vodacom Tanzania are exploring joint training and ICT capacity-building initiatives.

Satellite Broadband: The FCC approved SpaceX’s plan for 15,000 additional Starlink satellites, bringing its planned constellation close to 22,000. In India, Musk accused unnamed business interests of delaying Starlink, while the government said all three licensed satellite operators face the same security review and still need spectrum approval. Network Investment: Nigeria plans to add 90,000 kilometres of open-access fibre by 2028, expanding its backbone to about 125,000 kilometres and reaching more than 200,000 public institutions. Privacy and Security: Senator Maggie Hassan pressed Trump Mobile for answers on customer data breaches, scam prevention and FCC compliance. Affordable Access: California regulators approved LifeLine changes that more than double wireless data allowances for eligible low-income households while tightening safeguards on program spending. Telecom Partnerships: Deutsche Telekom and Cloudflare will combine network and security services for enterprise customers across Europe.

Satellite Broadband: India rejected Elon Musk’s claim that vested interests are blocking Starlink, saying satellite rules apply equally to all operators. Starlink says it has built 20 gateways and is awaiting spectrum and security clearances, with a rollout targeted for early 2027. India’s Mobile Push: At India Mobile Congress, officials highlighted 5G coverage in every district and more than 550,000 base stations, while showcasing 6G and satellite technologies. UK Telecoms: BT’s rescue of TalkTalk is drawing scrutiny over competition and national infrastructure; rival Opus Broadband has urged the government to seek a different outcome. Network Buildout: A new Algeria–Niger fiber link aims to strengthen connectivity across the Sahel, while Ooredoo’s fiber unit and iQ Networks are expanding Iraq’s role as a Gulf–Europe transit route. Infrastructure Risks: A Ukrainian drone strike forced Russia’s Yandex to suspend operations at a major data center, underscoring growing threats to the digital infrastructure telecoms and cloud services rely on.

India Satellite Row: New Delhi rejected Elon Musk’s claim that “oligarchs” are blocking Starlink, saying Starlink and two rival providers are at a similar stage of security review. Starlink still needs spectrum assignment and final clearances before launch. Fibre Expansion: Ooredoo’s fibre arm and Iraq’s iQ Networks signed a dark-fibre deal to expand Iraq’s role as a Gulf–Europe connectivity corridor. Network Investment: Global telecom capital spending rose 5% in the first half of 2026, while a GSMA forecast sees 6G reaching 2.4 billion connections by 2035. Customer Trust: Australia’s telecom ombudsman says mobile connectivity complaints rose 22% last year, despite a 6.5% drop in overall phone and internet complaints.

International Connectivity: Ooredoo’s OFN and Iraq’s iQ Networks signed a dark-fibre deal to extend a planned subsea and terrestrial route from the Gulf through Iraq toward Türkiye and Europe, adding diversity for international data traffic. Network Expansion: Algeria and Niger launched a 100 Gbit/s fibre link, while Rostelecom completed its trans-Eurasian backbone connecting Russia’s western and eastern borders. MTS also introduced a self-powered mobile tower for remote areas without grid access. Policy and 5G: Egypt’s telecom regulator and ICT minister discussed the sector’s growth, a 2026–2030 spectrum roadmap and 5G expansion. Pakistan proposed tougher competition rules, including national roaming obligations for dominant operators. Satellite Governance: ITSO’s 42nd Assembly concluded after 85 member parties discussed the organization’s future direction.

AI & Digital Trade: Pakistan opened a tech showcase at AI Everything Global 2026 in Abu Dhabi, with five firms pitching AI data intelligence, surveillance, sales tools and autonomous services to 150 investors. Capital Markets: India’s Jio Platforms is nearing a major IPO, with a DRHP-style SWOT spotlighting its scale, network traffic share and growth upside alongside risks investors are watching. Privacy-Safe Analytics: Beijing Post Data’s TAPC-509-1 targets people counting without identity capture, using 3D LiDAR plus 4G reporting and cloud analysis. Regional Connectivity: Niger and Algeria launched a 100 Gbit/s fiber link as part of the trans-Saharan backbone, aiming to improve reliability and lower service costs. Regulation & Spectrum/Media: Hong Kong’s Communications Authority starts a two-month consultation on renewing sound broadcasting licences. Network Policy: Tokyo plans to remove all public phones from Toei subway stations by Nov 2028. Infrastructure Buildout: Digital Realty began construction of Japan’s KIX15, a 24 MW data center in Osaka, scheduled for 2028 operations. Operator/Service Moves: etisalat marked its 50th anniversary with SMS-triggered free data (1GB per year as a customer, valid to Oct 12). Data Center Rules: Missoula closed a data-center zoning loophole by tightening definitions tied to actual use and requiring public hearings. Satellite Competition: Starlink received authorization to begin operating in Curaçao after a concession signing. Security & Fraud: Cyber police in Thailand raided a student scam network, seizing THB100m in assets.

Mission-Critical Connectivity: Malaysia’s Maxis says it has launched a Mission-Critical Communications solution for defence and security, prioritizing frontline voice, video and data to command centres during congestion and emergencies. Emergency Networks: Sweden’s Civil Defence Agency has selected Telia to build the radio access network for SWEN, a shared 4G/5G emergency communications backbone. Regulatory Diplomacy: Qatar is preparing to host ITU’s PP-26 in Doha (Nov 9–27) after signing the host country agreement with the ITU, with about 3,000 participants expected. Telecom Resilience in Practice: CaribNOG 32 opens in Curaçao Oct 7–9, focusing on Caribbean digital resilience across cables, data centres, power and cybersecurity. Network Security Trust: The World Economic Forum reports confidence in government cyber incident handling is falling, with major regional gaps that could leave critical telecom-linked services exposed. Market Access & Affordability: Nepal’s top ISPs have dropped low-speed broadband packages under 50 Mbps, pushing minimum costs higher while Nepal Telecom keeps a 50 Mbps entry option. Operator Deal Watch: BT has executed an emergency £400m rescue acquisition of TalkTalk and wholesale unit PlatformX to protect service continuity for 2.5M customers, as regulators review competition concerns.

Wholesale Access Reset: South Africa’s minister has withdrawn spectrum reserved for the long-stalled wholesale open-access network, freeing the band for licensing by Icasa and ending a years-long policy that never delivered a working national network. AI Content Controls: OpenAI says it will roll out invisible text watermarking for eligible ChatGPT and Codex outputs in the EU, using subtle word-choice changes to help identify AI-generated text. UAE Branding Move: Emirates Telecommunications Group is reviving the “etisalat” identity for its 50th anniversary, framing it as a bridge to the AI era. Cross-Border Telecom Cooperation: Pakistan and Sri Lanka plan a joint working group to expand IT and telecom collaboration, including B2B exchanges and startup links. Regulation & Youth Online Safety: Pakistan’s Lahore High Court has summoned the attorney general over a petition seeking restrictions on social media use by children under 16, citing lack of age-verification mechanisms. Network & Infrastructure Industry: Nokia’s CEO says data centres could be built twice as fast if memory and energy supply constraints ease, while demand remains strong. UK Broadband Rescue: BT has acquired TalkTalk and PlatformX out of administration to protect customer service continuity and critical national infrastructure.

Subsea Cable Recovery: PLDT says internet services are fully restored nationwide in the Philippines after a Philippines–Singapore submarine cable cut, with normalization reported by 4:30 p.m. Wholesale Market Outlook: A study projects Poland’s wholesale telecom services market will grow at a 5% CAGR through 2031, with open networks gaining importance. Device Control: Bangladesh’s BTRC will relaunch the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) on Jan. 1, 2027 to block illegal handsets, in two phases. Direct-to-Smartphone Satellite: TELUS and AST SpaceMobile complete initial end-to-end integration testing for direct satellite-to-cellular broadband on standard smartphones. 5G Spectrum Boost: MTN Ghana secures additional 700 MHz and 3 GHz spectrum to expand 5G and mobile broadband capacity. Satellite Sovereignty & Inclusion: Es’hailSat highlights sovereign satellite capabilities at CABSAT; Curaçao is urged to set strict data center/AI rules to protect its power and water grid. Regional Connectivity Projects: Indonesia advances the 6,870km SGI domestic submarine cable system targeting data-center and AI demand by 2028. Security & Resilience: Nepal’s top judge calls for stronger assessment of internet disruption risks, while an IFJ report warns surveillance laws are undermining journalists worldwide.

Subsea Cable Recovery: PLDT says internet services are fully restored nationwide after a submarine cable cut between the Philippines and Singapore, with rerouting bringing normalization by 4:30 p.m. Mobile Money Security: Kenya proposes rules forcing M-Pesa and Airtel Money-type providers to report material cyber incidents to the Central Bank, with fines or permit risk for non-compliance. AI Adoption in Telecom Economies: Singapore’s digital economy topped $144.1B in 2025 as enterprise AI use rose to 23.5%, with fastest growth in AI, data and cybersecurity roles. Regulatory & Network Investment: Telefónica COO Emilio Gayo urges more flexible regulation to sustain Spain’s fibre and 5G investment momentum. Caribbean Connectivity Buildout: EllaLink launches the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment toward service by end-2029. Internet Resilience Milestone: Nigeria’s IXPN marks 20 years of local internet interconnection with a skills and resilience-focused programme. Mobile Money Valuation: Airtel Money sets an offer price ahead of its London IPO, targeting a £5.3B valuation. Cybersecurity Push: Zimbabwe launches National Cybersecurity Awareness Month to strengthen defenses for its digital economy. Satellite Direct-to-Device: AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon form a joint venture to standardize satellite direct-to-device connectivity.

AI & Disinformation: Anthropic says Russian agents used Claude to generate pro-Russia propaganda and monitor opposition in the Central African Republic, highlighting how AI is being weaponized through local media. Critical Connectivity Under Fire: Ukraine warns Russia’s infrastructure strikes will trigger proportional retaliation, as recent attacks hit telecom facilities alongside warehouses, bridges and other civilian systems. Network Resilience in Practice: Ghana faces major service disruption after a double fibre cut isolates parts of the Central Region, affecting tens of thousands of Telecel Ghana subscribers while engineers work on restoration. Subsea/Backbone Disruptions: The Philippines-Singapore cable segment was restored after outages caused intermittent or slower internet for multiple ISPs, showing how quickly international links can impact local service. Operator Modernization: Bangladesh’s Robi completes nationwide 4G modernization in Chattogram, boosting coverage and performance and positioning the network for 4G/5G readiness. Competition & Policy Debate: A US policy panel argues competition still hinges on forcing network interconnection, while warning against extending such rules into platform algorithms and AI source code. New Market Entrant: Nigeria’s STN secures a unified access licence, setting up fixed and mobile voice/data ambitions—though rollout details remain unclear. Satellite Internet Escalation: Russia’s Rassvet satellite internet draws warnings of “space war” if disruption attempts target the system.