AGP Executive Report

Rural Connectivity & Outages: Telstra reported another service outage across western Cape York after a secondary power fault at a Mapoon base exhausted battery backup, with crews restoring mobile coverage using a portable generator. Rural Broadband Oversight: India’s parliamentary panel flagged uneven BharatNet rollout, saying operational Gram Panchayats lag targets and calling for a state-wise, model-wise performance audit to fix bottlenecks. Consumer Protection & Scams: Australia’s telcos warned of census-related impersonation scams, stressing the ABS will never ask for remote access or financial details; MTN Nigeria also warned subscribers about fake “25GB anniversary giveaway” links, urging use of official MyMTN NG App/eShop only. Regulation & Billing Clarity: Bahrain’s TRA published its 2025 compliance scorecard, praising top performers but urging better retail package transparency and clearer billing. Network Security & Fraud Tech: Researchers warn generative AI is accelerating deepfake-driven fraud, pushing deepfake detection into digital identity and security stacks. Satellite & Mobile Competition: Eutelsat said OneWeb LEO revenue jumped 69.5% on expansion; SpaceX is preparing Starlink Mobile to challenge US carriers. Local Governance & Surveillance: Red Bay Council will hear residents’ concerns over Flock license plate recognition cameras before adopting a policy.

Rural Broadband Accountability: India’s parliamentary panel says BharatNet rollout is uneven and behind targets, with only 78,899 Gram Panchayats having operational PoPs out of about 2.64 lakh, and it wants a state-wise, model-wise performance audit to pinpoint bottlenecks. ICT Policy Push: Bangladesh’s ICT adviser Rehan Asif Asad lays out five priorities for telecom and digital growth, including a forward-looking policy framework, better mobile and broadband quality, “One Citizen, One ID, One Digital Wallet” public digital infrastructure, AI-ready talent, and electronics manufacturing incentives. Consumer Connectivity Tools: Pakistan’s PTA launches a consumer platform to compare Jazz, Zong, Ufone and Telenor packages in one place, including price trends over time. Network Reliability Under Pressure: Australia’s Cape York bushfire knocks out telecom services for thousands, with Telstra and Optus working to restore fixed, ADSL and mobile access and emergency calling. Operator Security Warning: MTN Nigeria warns customers about fake 25GB anniversary giveaways, saying the offer is only available via the MyMTN NG app and MTN eShop. Digital Inclusion Lawmaking: The Philippines’ Leila de Lima files a bill to create a stand-alone digital accessibility law for persons with disabilities, aligning with WCAG 2.2 Level AA. Infrastructure Progress: India’s MRVC reports major works on the Panvel–Karjat suburban corridor, including completed subways and electrification cabling, aiming for CRS safety inspection by year-end.

Broadband Expansion: Indiana is set to deliver high-speed internet to about 123,000 rural homes and businesses via the federally funded BEAD program, targeting 91 of 92 counties to close long-standing connectivity gaps. Network & Pricing Pressure: M-Telekom reported slightly lower revenues but higher operating profit and EBITDA, while applying tariff increases from July to offset inflation as gigabit connection points rise. Regulatory Gridlock: Pakistan’s telecom competition rules remain stuck as a Ministry-CCP authority dispute delays finalization, leaving the sector without clear competition guidance. Cyber & Data Law: Pakistan’s Lahore High Court ruled bank customer data can be treated as “property” under PECA, shaping how SIM-swap and mobile banking fraud cases may be prosecuted. Rural Connectivity & Service Quality: Ghana’s Akwamuhene urged telcos to improve mast coverage in Agona Kwaman to enable reliable calls to health and emergency services. Quantum Security Push: Canada launched a Quantum Defence Innovation Secure Hub in Calgary to speed quantum-secure communications for defence and critical infrastructure. Digital Education & Skills: NTRC’s MyApp robotics/coding program in Mesopotamia awarded top students and supports a pipeline of youth digital literacy. Satellite Market Shift: Satellite operators are redirecting capacity toward mobile direct-to-device and enterprise markets as fixed residential video demand saturates. Mobile Fraud & Access: A Cuba case highlights how blocked phones can leave buyers unable to file complaints due to system access problems.

Network Investment & Profit: MTN Nigeria says it poured N1.62 trillion into network infrastructure between 2025 and H1 2026, with H1 profit up 70.6% to N707.5bn, driven by data growth and rising active users. Infrastructure Resilience: Nova Scotia’s RCMP links rural phone and internet outages to copper wire thefts, warning the crime is dangerous and asking for public help. Global Connectivity Hub: Egypt is positioning itself as a submarine-cable and data-center hub, with officials estimating over 90% of Asia–Europe data traffic passes through the country’s routes. Security & Privacy Law: India’s Chhattisgarh High Court ruled telecom lawful-interception authorisations can’t be retrospectively validated, tightening safeguards around message interception. Identity & Fraud Controls: Egypt’s NTRA addressed reports of identity fraud tied to mobile IDs, urging citizens to complain if lines are registered without their knowledge. Regulatory/Legal Standoff: Thailand’s NBTC chairman Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck lost a court bid to block removal steps, potentially affecting telecom and broadcast decisions. Digital Services & Policy: Pakistan’s PTA rolled out new eSIM pricing rules and transfer limits, while Google will stop automatic Drive-to-Google Photos photo backups from Aug. 10. Industry & Jobs: Bangladesh’s Kaliakair Hi-Tech Park drew major investment proposals, including an AI data center project, as the government pushes tech-led development.

FCC Oversight & China Telecom: A House Select Committee on China urged Congress to expand FCC powers after finding China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom kept network footholds in the US despite FCC revocations, raising cyber-risk concerns. US Cyber Diplomacy: The Senate confirmed Adam Cassady as ambassador at large for cyberspace and digital policy, a role tied to telecom and emerging-tech security. FCC Leadership Move: President Trump nominated Danielle Thumann Severs to the FCC, potentially reshaping the commission’s voting and enforcement posture. Cross-Border Data Security: Vietnam’s draft data security law could fine foreign cross-border telecom and internet providers up to 5% of global revenue for serious violations. Universal Service for Accessibility: Hawaii’s PUC ordered telecom firms to fund Newsline Hawaiʻi, giving blind and print-disabled residents stable access to audio news. Network Resilience After Earthquakes: Venezuela’s CONATEL and broadcasters agreed on a care plan for radio infrastructure hit by double earthquakes, including a “traffic light” damage classification. Infrastructure & Telecom Continuity: Pakistan’s PTCL and PPAF completed a clean drinking water initiative for 150,000 people, while MTN Nigeria reported heavy network investment and data-led growth. Public Safety Telecom Reliability: Bell Canada said Manitoba’s July 911 outage led to no critical incidents, despite 84 callers being unable to reach emergency services.

Regulation & QoS: Nepal’s telecom regulator NTA issued 8 directives to Ntc and Ncell covering mobile service quality KPIs, 4G improvements, nationwide 4G expansion and 5G rollout planning, plus spectrum efficiency, cybersecurity audits, disaster recovery, tariff reviews, and consumer-rights compliance. Network Resilience: Yemen residents in Marib reported a major mobile and internet outage affecting Yemen Mobile and YOU, with no official restoration timeline yet. Infrastructure Procurement Scrutiny: Nepal’s investigation committee flagged legal errors and irregularities in Nepal Television’s digital transmitter and playout/online platform equipment procurement, including unauthorized liabilities and bid-spec mismatches. Security & Privacy: A VulnCheck report says a “backdoor” in about 100,000 Chinese-made routers enables external remote management with admin privileges, while Switzerland’s BIT disclosed a SharePoint-linked breach affecting hundreds of accounts. Industry Moves: Raxio named Dennis Kahindi as Uganda GM as enterprise demand for local hosting/data centres rises; and Motus added former Telkom CEO Sipho Maseko to its board. Public Impact: A proposed 20m telecom mast in Birmingham’s Sutton Four Oaks drew backlash over visual impact concerns. Regional Digital Strategy: COMESA began drafting a regional AI strategy and digital inclusion plan via a Kigali stakeholder consultation supported by the World Bank.

Regulatory Showdown: Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority is pushing lawmakers to restore its original 65% share of the 5% ticket sales and cargo charges, warning cuts could weaken safety oversight. Network Expansion & Modernization: Australia says it has finished a $500m Pacific connectivity push, delivering 10,300km of new undersea cables to connect multiple Pacific nations for the first time. Telco Market Moves: Singapore’s StarHub is migrating all MyRepublic 4G users onto StarHub’s network, extending a broader consolidation plan after earlier wholesale and broadband steps. AI & Consumer Governance: Nigeria’s information ministry says AI-driven advertising and digital innovation must come with responsible consumer protection and privacy/data safeguards. Cloud Infrastructure Race: Microsoft opened its largest India data center in Hyderabad as AI demand accelerates, adding more cloud regions in the country. Cybersecurity Alert: Kaspersky warns aviation groups to strengthen defenses after uncovering new malware used by Mirage Kitten across Middle East and Africa, including telecom targets. Satellite Policy: India is considering a coordination center for global NGSO satellite players to protect domestic constellations and spectrum access. Regulator Deadlock: Thailand’s NBTC leadership dispute is deepening as lawmakers call for dissolving the board to restart the selection process.

AI for venues: Smart City Networks teamed with HIVE to help convention centers move from AI pilots to organization-wide rollout, adding strategy, governance, workforce training and implementation support. SIM blocking rules under pressure: Indian telecom operators rejected a proposal to block suspicious SIMs within 2–3 hours for “digital arrest” cases, agreeing instead to disconnect only twice daily to protect due diligence. Online gambling crackdown: Sri Lanka’s TRCSL ordered operators to block 146 unlicensed gambling sites nationwide, citing its gaming law framework. China telecom security probe: A US House committee alleges banned Chinese carriers (China Mobile/Telecom/Unicom) kept US network presence after FCC actions, raising concerns about access to critical infrastructure. AI infrastructure investment: Ooredoo will invest about $800m in Zankore, targeting 1GW of NVIDIA DSX AI Factory capacity across Southeast Asia. Cybercrime surge in Africa: Interpol says AI now drives over 55% of reported African cybercrimes, with telecom and finance hit hardest. Regulatory enforcement in Pakistan: PTA reports blocking 1.54m+ URLs by July 2026, with an 89% blocking rate. Telecom vandalism in Malaysia: Pahang reported RM3m+ losses from telecom infrastructure theft and vandalism, disrupting services and prompting tighter security reminders. Identity security growth: 1Kosmos added Frank Cohen as CRO to expand sales for identity proofing and passwordless authentication.

US-China Telecom Security: The FCC is reportedly drafting a ban on imports of new Chinese data center components, including optical transceivers, aiming to reduce risks of data theft, malware, and service disruption in AI-critical facilities. AI Risk Governance: JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon is personally rallying more than 40 CEOs across finance, IT, energy, water, and telecom to join a coalition focused on AI deployment safeguards for critical infrastructure. Regulation & Compliance: Nepal’s communications minister says ISPs that haven’t paid RTDF, royalty, and telecom service charges can’t renew licenses, warning of service shutdowns; Pakistan has enforced telecom equipment standards regulations requiring compliance with international technical and safety norms. Network & Infrastructure Deals: UK Project Gigabit is bringing faster broadband to 60,000 rural homes and businesses; Malaysia’s MRT Corp awarded a RM3.028bn turnkey systems contract for the Penang Mutiara LRT Line, including telecom and fare systems. Industry Growth Signals: LG Uplus posted record Q2 operating profit on AI data center growth, while SK Telecom’s Q2 results also surged on AIDC expansion.

US–China Tech Retaliation: China announced countermeasures to U.S. curbs, including tighter drone export controls and a national security review into imported printers/copiers, while warning more steps if Washington expands restrictions affecting telecoms and cables. Regulation & Pricing: India’s TRAI issued draft service quality norms to enable differential pricing for 4G vs 5G and other services, tied to network slicing requirements and capacity/spectrum checks. Device Authenticity: Mozambique launched a free IMEI checker database backed by GSMA to help consumers and operators spot counterfeit mobile devices. Cybersecurity: Switzerland’s Graubünden canton reported a cyberattack on a SharePoint server, saying initial analysis found no account compromise or data leakage. Telecom Enforcement: UAE’s TDRA fined telemarketers Dhs19.2m over 3,300 violations and cut services for 9,433 numbers tied to unwanted marketing calls. Broadband Rollouts: Henry County (Virginia) selected ZiTel to finish a delayed broadband expansion after cutting RiverStreet Networks, while Kinetic announced major fiber additions across multiple U.S. states. AI Risk Coordination: JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon is pushing a cross-industry coalition to share AI risk intelligence across critical infrastructure, including telecom. Network Expansion & Finance: SK Telecom posted Q2 results with operating profit up 67% on AI data center growth, and MTN Nigeria clarified its ₦3 trillion figure is revenue, not profit.

Regulation & Competition: Australia’s ACCC is launching a year-long inquiry into whether mobile providers should be forced to share towers, after outages left regional users without service and raised calls for “domestic roaming.” Network Reliability: The same ACCC move puts Telstra’s network advantage under scrutiny, with the watchdog weighing whether mandated sharing would improve connectivity and consumer outcomes. Broadband Buildout: Nigeria’s communications minister says a 90,000-kilometre fibre optic rollout is ready to begin “within weeks,” aiming to reach every state, LGA and ward. Infrastructure Disruption: In Redmond, Washington, Ziply Fiber says it will correct installation practices after community complaints about damaged lawns, sidewalks, sprinklers and even a sewer line. AI Data Centers & Trade Controls: Chinese optical module makers slid after Reuters reported the US is drafting a ban on imports of new Chinese data-centre components, rattling AI hardware sentiment. Corporate AI Growth: SK Telecom’s Q2 profit jumped 67% as AI data center revenue nearly doubled, with plans to scale AI infrastructure. Cyber & Fraud: India’s Supreme Court ordered stronger safeguards against “digital arrest” scams, directing RBI to set a banking SOP and mechanisms for refunds and grievance redressal. Digital Inclusion: Ethiopia launched FaydaVerse to expand its national digital ID ecosystem into a broader digital infrastructure platform. Local Telecom Impacts: Johannesburg says mobile and telecom services will be fully restored only by end-August after billing and network failures disrupted municipal systems.

Road Safety Tech: India’s MoRTH proposes mandatory V2V communication systems on all newly manufactured vehicles from Oct. 1, 2028, with a phased approach starting Oct. 1, 2027 and compliance to AIS-230, plus a 30-day public consultation. Network & Security: Dell’Oro reports data-center PON spending is set to surge, with 2026 PON equipment revenues forecast up 844% YoY as hyperscalers push point-to-multipoint for out-of-band management. AI Supply-Chain Controls: Reuters says the U.S. is drafting FCC-led curbs that would block imports of new Chinese optical transceiver models for AI data centers, aiming to limit embedded supply-chain risk. Mission-Critical Comms: Grupo CYS will upgrade TETRA networks at nine AENA airports over 36 months, boosting security, authentication and resilience. Public Safety Radio: Kirisun launches the TD60 Pro hybrid DMR-LTE mission-critical radio for MCX-ready voice and broadband data. Fraud Crackdown: India’s Supreme Court orders faster SOPs to curb “digital arrests” scams, including RBI mule-account procedures and quicker grievance redressal. Arctic Satcom: Canada awards Telesat a $2.3B Arctic military satellite communications contract, with access expected via LEO in early 2028. Rural Broadband Ops: CDG says InterBel Telephone in Montana is rolling out its cloud OSS/BSS platform to support broadband growth. Network Outage: Caribbean operator Flow says a fire tied to overhead utility lines damaged both power and fiber, driving a July 31 service restoration effort. Housing Repurpose: TELUS Living opens a second B.C. rental community in Nanaimo, repurposing legacy telecom sites as the company completes its copper-to-PureFibre transition. Policy & Jobs: India’s telecom manufacturing zone in Gwalior gathers fresh ₹2,000 crore commitments in Mumbai, lifting cumulative pledges to ₹5,500 crore and targeting 18,000+ jobs.

Mozambique Internet Rights: Mozambique’s constitutional court struck down parts of a decree that would have let authorities monitor, collect user data, and shut down internet access, saying the rules overstepped powers reserved for parliament. US Telecom Privacy Fight: The full Sixth Circuit will rehear a case tied to the FCC’s expanded data-breach notification rules for telecom carriers, keeping the legality of the requirements in flux. Hawaii Universal Service: Hawaii’s Public Utilities Commission permanently expands its print-disability fund, requiring telecom providers to contribute 0.095% of gross annual revenue to fund no-cost newspapers and magazines for eligible residents. Telegram App Removal: Telegram reportedly disappeared from Apple’s App Store in multiple countries, after regulators previously moved against the platform over alleged failure to remove pro-terror content. Venezuela Connectivity Boost: Liberty Networks and CANTV launched the Fénix submarine cable to cut latency and improve resilience for Venezuela via Curaçao’s IP hub. PSTN Switch-Off Warning: UK businesses are urged to prepare for the January 2027 PSTN shutdown, stressing it’s a resilience test for systems beyond traditional phone lines. Telecom + AI Regulation: European privacy regulators are ramping scrutiny of smart glasses, including Meta’s, with questions over disguised recording and data use for AI training. Maritime IoT Network: Korea’s ETRI and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will build a nationwide ocean IoT wireless network to remotely monitor navigation aids and maritime facilities. AI Talent via Telecom: China-ASEAN education cooperation highlights AI training pathways feeding telecom operators like Thailand’s True Corporation. Kenya Water Finance Lesson for Telecom-Style PPPs: Kenya is pushing private capital for water projects using blended finance and risk-reduction tools—an approach experts say could help close infrastructure funding gaps.

Pakistan Telecom & Fintech: PTCL is reportedly pursuing a majority stake in Easypaisa after its Telenor Pakistan acquisition, with a binding offer approved and due diligence underway, pending regulatory approvals. Satellite & Bankruptcy: EchoStar’s Hughes unit filed for Chapter 11 in Texas with about $1.5B in funded debt, underscoring stress in satellite broadband financing. Maritime Safety: Inmarsat experts visited IMSO to discuss roles in the GMDSS, highlighting continued investment in distress and safety communications. Network Buildout in Europe: Italy’s FiberCop plans a nationwide network of 100+ edge data centres by converting telecom exchanges into distributed digital hubs, starting with Rome. Connected Mobility Rules: India’s MoRTH proposed phased V2V communication rollout from 2027, aiming to improve safety-critical alerts for two-wheelers, passenger and commercial vehicles. Digital Inclusion Funding: GovWorx launched NEAL for adaptive non-emergency call handling for ECCs, while a separate digital inclusion guide pushes co-investment across telecom, education, healthcare, housing, local government and workforce development. Mobile Market Pulse (Nigeria): NCC data shows Nigeria’s active mobile subscriptions hit 189.68M in May 2026, with MTN and Airtel dominating and broadband usage rising.

Network Disruption: TELUS says cable theft cut fibre and knocked out internet, cellular, TV and phone service across northwest B.C., with crews working but no restoration estimate yet. Broadband Funding: The US NTIA extended deadlines for two tribal broadband grant programs to Nov. 17, giving applicants more time to submit stronger proposals. 5G Policy: Ghana’s regulator delayed the 5G spectrum auction and tightened ownership/operational rules, aiming for a more secure rollout. Core Network Economics: Dell’Oro reports carriers are spending far more on 5G Standalone than 4G core at the same lifecycle stage, even as mobile core transformation growth is expected to slow. Access Equipment Outlook: Dell’Oro forecasts broadband access equipment revenue peaking in 2028, driven by DOCSIS 4.0 and fibre upgrades. Infrastructure & Industry: India signed an MoU to create a telecom manufacturing zone in Gwalior, with a plug-and-play industrial cluster and government funding support. Cable & Fibre M&A: Reuters/Bloomberg say Prysmian is in advanced talks to buy US firm Atkore in an all-cash deal. Security & Crime: China launched a yearlong campaign targeting online organized crime and “soft violence,” including illegal lending and extortion tactics. Community Connectivity: CANTV installed satellite connectivity in Venezuela’s La Guaira temporary camps to keep families online after a contingency.

Telecom Policy & Safety: A new wave of child-focused social media bans is being debated as unenforceable rules risk leaving adults with a more dangerous online environment. Network Reliability & Emergency Alerts: Jordan’s National Center for Security and Crisis Management is finishing testing of a National Early Warning System, sending trial alerts to mobile phones in Arabic and English with audible cues. Infrastructure Security: Zimbabwe police arrested a man over alleged copper cable theft in Bulawayo, warning that vandalism disrupts telecom and power infrastructure. Digital Growth Metrics: Bangladesh added internet users faster than mobile subscribers in H1 2026, with internet subscriptions rising to 135.94M versus 189.83M active mobile lines. Service Quality Pressure: Burundi’s consumer group ABUCO says telecom services are deteriorating, with higher prices and poorer connectivity. AI for Network Planning: Iraq’s regulator says AI tools are being used ahead of Arbaeen to forecast a projected 135% traffic surge around Karbala. Calling & Messaging Features: WhatsApp Web now supports voice and video calling, plus transfer of active group calls between devices. Regulatory/Market Moves: Ghana extended its 5G spectrum auction timeline amid stricter ownership controls. Industry & Investment: India’s Semicon 2.0 push includes 12 semiconductor units with about $20B planned, with three already producing chips.