5G

e& and Huawei Complete Middle East’s First 5G-Advanced Dynamic Network Slicing Test
e& UAE and Huawei complete the Middle East’s first proof of concept for 5G-Advanced dynamic network slicing, achieving 100% SLA compliance in enterprise networks.

Ericsson and Saudi Arabia Expand Digital Infrastructure Partnership
The Ericsson Saudi Arabia partnership expands its digital infrastructure scope, focusing on 5G networks, cloud services, and artificial intelligence investments in the Kingdom.

Nokia and Orange Partner to Develop AI-RAN Capabilities with Nvidia Support
Nokia and Orange partner to develop AI-RAN capabilities with Nvidia support, focusing on network performance, energy efficiency, and 6G readiness through GPU-accelerated radio processors and AI integration.

ZTE and CIMB Sign MoU to Advance 5G and Digital Infrastructure Across ASEAN
ZTE Corporation and CIMB Bank Berhad signed an MoU on April 14, 2026, to support 5G deployment and digital infrastructure across ASEAN. The agreement covers Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Cambodia.

Vodafone Oman and Red Hat Partner to Unify IT Infrastructure Ahead of 2028 Cloud Target
Vodafone Oman and Red Hat are consolidating the operator’s IT infrastructure on Red Hat OpenShift, targeting 100% cloud-native production workloads by 2028 to cut costs and support 5G growth.

ZTE Showcases 5G-A, AI, and Zero-Carbon Solutions at GITEX Africa 2026 in Marrakech
ZTE Corporation displayed 5G-A, AI-driven solutions, and zero-carbon energy products at GITEX Africa 2026 in Marrakech. The company also introduced AI-powered smartphones and Wi-Fi 7 terminals targeting African markets.

Private 5G System XCOM RAN Launched by Globalstar Targeting Industrial AI and Automation
Globalstar has launched the XCOM RAN private 5G system for industrial enterprises, targeting AI-driven automation, warehouse robotics, and demanding IoT environments.

5G Coverage Is No Longer the Goal: GSMA Intelligence Declares a Capability Era in 2026
GSMA Intelligence’s 5G Connectivity Index benchmarks 46 markets and finds that coverage alone no longer defines 5G leadership. Advanced capabilities, from standalone networks to industrial IoT, now separate the leaders from the rest.

Siemens Expands Private 5G Networks to 15 Countries, Targeting Industrial AI Demand
Siemens is expanding its private 5G offering to 15 countries, adding the US, Canada, and six European markets to support industrial AI workloads with licensed-spectrum connectivity.

Huawei Techco2.0 Framework Targets Telecom-to-Techco Shift at SAMENA Summit 2026
Huawei unveiled its Techco2.0 framework at the SAMENA Leaders’ Summit 2026 in Dubai, outlining a three-layer AI model to help telecom operators generate new revenue and automate operations.

UAE Launches World’s First Commercial U6GHz Network, Targeting 10Gbps Connectivity
The UAE launched the world’s first commercial U6GHz network at the SAMENA Council Leaders’ Summit 2026, targeting 10Gbps speeds and laying early groundwork for 6G.

Rakuten Mobile Extends Netcracker Partnership for AI-Enabled Digital BSS in Japan
Netcracker Technology and Rakuten Mobile have extended their partnership for an AI-enabled Digital BSS platform supporting Japan’s 4G and 5G networks. The agreement continues a relationship that began when Rakuten Mobile launched in 2019.

Huawei NG WAN White Paper Sets Roadmap for Next-Generation Carrier Networks
Huawei released its NG WAN white paper at the Upperside World Congress 2026, outlining a target network architecture for 2030 built on AI, IPv6, and autonomous operations.

Qualcomm Pushes Back on Research Suggesting Apple’s C1X Modem Nears Parity
Qualcomm disputed Ookla research comparing its X80 modem with Apple’s C1X chip, saying the study used an outdated product and lacked methodological clarity.

Apple C1X Modem Matches Qualcomm in Downloads, Trails in Upload Speeds
Ookla’s Q4 2025 Speedtest Intelligence data shows Apple’s C1X modem matches Qualcomm’s X80 in downloads and latency, while trailing by up to 32% in upload speeds.

SKT and Ericsson Partner on 6G Research Through 2031, While SoftBank Cuts Antenna Power Use
SK Telecom and Ericsson signed a joint 6G and 5G research agreement running through 2031. Separately, SoftBank and AGC reported antenna simplification that cuts base station power use by up to one-eighth.

Netcracker Digital OSS Upgrade Powers BICS Operations Support Modernization
BICS, a Proximus Global subsidiary, will upgrade its Netcracker Digital OSS deployment as part of a strategic modernization program covering all core OSS components. The initiative targets stability, security, and long-term platform support for wholesale and carrier services.

IoT Satellite Connectivity and 5G Convergence Open New Use Cases, Experts Say at MWC26
Experts at MWC26 Barcelona said IoT satellite connectivity combined with 5G is expanding use cases from emergency vehicle calls to cattle tracking. Specialists from Deutsche Telekom, Verizon Business, and Skylo Technologies addressed certification, cost, and coverage challenges.

GlobalData Releases Voice Evolution White Paper at MWC 2026, Outlining AI Integration Roadmap for Telecom Operators
GlobalData released a white paper at MWC 2026 outlining a three-phase roadmap for integrating AI into voice networks. Principal Analyst Andy Hicks argues that a fully converged voice core is essential for operators managing multi-generational networks.

GSMA Releases User Experience Specifications for AI Calling Services at MWC 2026
GSMA published a white paper at MWC 2026 in Barcelona defining user experience specifications and evaluation models for AI calling services on native telecom voice networks.

Ericsson and Future Technologies Venture Expand Collaboration to Accelerate Private 5G Adoption in North America
Ericsson and Future Technologies Venture have expanded their collaboration to accelerate private 5G adoption across North American manufacturing, logistics, energy, and transport sectors.

Global Cellular IoT Module Shipments Rise 15% in 2025, Driven by Smart Meters and Automotive Demand
Global cellular IoT module shipments grew 15% year-on-year in 2025, led by smart meters, PoS terminals, and automotive demand, Counterpoint Research reported.
