Satellite-to-phone emergency trials: PLDT Smart and Lynk ran direct-to-device satellite tests in Batangas, simulating disaster scenarios so standard phones can receive emergency alerts when cell sites go down. Sovereign AI push: Algeria approved a roadmap to deploy AI in public services using sovereign open-source models, domestic data hosting and stronger protections to cut foreign supplier dependence. Local telecom infrastructure politics: A 20m 5G mast in Birmingham’s Sutton Four Oaks was approved despite resident complaints about visual intrusion and “overbearing” impact. Digital identity and payments: Sri Lanka’s President reviewed progress toward a first digital ID by year-end and moving vehicle fine payments online from September. Internet disruption in conflict: A partial blackout hit Moscow and affected MMTS-9, with reports of website and service failures across major operators. Regulatory shift on legacy networks: SK Telecom will stop new sign-ups for 3G from August 20 and plans to phase out 3G by end-2027. Starlink seeks India approval: Starlink applied for direct-to-device satellite network permission in India, but regulators say the framework for D2D connectivity is still missing. Cyber safety at the network level: New Zealand’s 2degrees enabled default blocking of malicious domains using threat feeds from the government’s Malware Free Networks service. Open-access fiber expansion: Kyivstar and Ukrtelecom agreed to cooperate under an open access model to speed fiber broadband rollout across Ukraine. Scam warning: Toronto Police warned of telecom-impersonation scams that lead victims to return devices to third-party addresses. Digital economy trust theme: An opinion piece argues trust is the “invisible infrastructure” needed for AI and the wider digital economy to be adopted safely.