Operators

Malaysian 5G wholesale operator U Mobile says it signed several MoUs at Mobile World Congress 2026 this week – two with Huawei, one with ZTE and another with Palo Alto Networks – related to 5G-Advanced, AI and security-as-a-service (SECaaS).

Beeline Uzbekistan, Veon’s digital operator in Uzbekistan, and Rakuten Symphony, a subsidiary of Rakuten Group, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at MWC26.

Pan-African (and formerly Middle Eastern) operator MTN is finally leaving Syria and, it seems, a replacement is already being lined up.

Ericsson announced at Mobile World Congress 2026 on Wednesday it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vietnamese operator Viettel to collaborate on autonomous network development.

PTCL’s Ufone and China Mobile Pakistan (CMPak, a.k.a. Zong 4G) have reportedly deposited pre-bids of US$15 million each to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to participate in its upcoming 5G spectrum auction.

Malaysian operator Tune Talk has taken a major step in its evolution from mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) to fully fledged mobile network operator (MNO), partnering with Mavenir to run its own end-to-end network.

Ethio Telecom announced on Friday it has launched an internet-based video streaming service called “teleStream”, which it’s positioning as an alternative to satellite TV.

MTN Congo has reportedly connected to the 2Africa subsea cable system, bolstering its international connectivity and reducing the risk of future service disruptions. 

Axian Telecom has signed a memorandum of understanding with Huawei to establish a framework for network modernisation and the rollout of new digital services across its footprint in Africa and the Indian Ocean.

Qatar’s Ooredoo Group announced on Monday it is carving out a new independent company, Ooredoo Fibre Networks (OFN), that will focus on managing and scaling Ooredoo’s international connectivity and subsea cable infrastructure.

Pakistan telco Jazz announced on Monday it has signed an agreement with the Universal Service Fund (USF) to expand digital connectivity to underserved communities in the Badin district in Sindh province.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has accused MTN Group of illegally providing telecoms services within its territory without the required licence, escalating tensions over spectrum use along its eastern border.

Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) has appointed Maxis as preferred infrastructure and telecoms partner for its East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, which Maxis will co-develop with rival telco U Mobile.

Malaysian telecoms group Axiata has promoted Group CFO Nik Rizal to CEO and managing director, succeeding Vivek Sood after nine years with the company.

Kyivstar has completed the full acquisition of Ukrainian medical digital services platform Tabletki.ua for US$160 million, strengthening the operator’s expansion into healthcare.

Millicom has completed the acquisition of Telefónica’s Colombian unit Coltel in a US$215 million deal, paving the way for a merger with its Tigo operation to strengthen its position in the market.

Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison reported a 12% increase in net profit for its 2025 financial year, pointing to AI-driven initiatives, network upgrades and service innovation as key growth drivers.

Uzbek telco Ucell announced on Monday it has commercially launched 5G services in Termez in southern Uzbekistan.

The Egyptian government has struck a US$3.5 billion agreement with the country’s four mobile operators to double their existing spectrum holdings, in a move designed to underpin future digital transformation and next-generation services.

Singaporean operator Singtel has opened its eighth global office in Brazil as it looks to tap fresh enterprise opportunities in Latin America’s largest economy.

Ethio Telecom, Djibouti Telecom and Sudatel Group have moved their memorandum of understanding for a cross-border optical fibre network into a binding contractual agreement, aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and network resilience.

Vodacom reported a strong third quarter, with group revenue rising 11% year on year to ZAR43.9 billion, driven by growth across its operating units and standout performance in Egypt.

Brazilian operator TIM SA is reportedly in talks to reacquire its stake in fibre company I-Systems in a deal that could be valued at around BRL900 million (US$170 million), Reuters reported. 

United Group has selected Intracom Telecom to upgrade its network as it looks to capture growing enterprise connectivity demand across its southeastern European footprint.

Bolivia’s state-owned operator Entel has reportedly signed an interconnection agreement with Chilean operator Claro Chile to create what is being called a bioceanic route. The route will connect the Atlantic with the Pacific, strengthening Bolivia's position as a regional data corridor.

Philippines-based operator PLDT has invested PHP1.215 billion (US$20.5 million) in its data analytics unit Kayana, doubling down on efforts to unlock new growth engines across the wider group.

Ethio Telecom said on Wednesday it has held talks with telecoms provider and ISP Somaliland Cable (Somcable) in hopes of forging a strategic cross-border digital and telecoms partnership.