AGP Executive Report

IMF Tax Push on Telecoms: The IMF urged Nigeria to extend VAT to fuel and add excise duties on telecommunications services, warning admin gains won’t be enough to sustain capital spending. UAE AI Governance: Sheikh Mohammed approved a new Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority to unify data, AI and digital government under one Cabinet-linked body. Bangladesh Spectrum Upgrade: Grameenphone started nationwide rollout of 700 MHz spectrum, aiming to boost indoor coverage and rural connectivity. Disaster Response & Connectivity: After the Mindanao 7.8 quake, Globe activated emergency measures as outages hit multiple provinces, with restoration underway. Critical Comms Tech: Telox previewed its next-gen MCX ecosystem at CCW 2026, including the TE850 smart handheld for mission-critical broadband. Africa Connectivity Deals: Telecom Namibia signed ANGOTIC 2026 agreements with Angolan partners to expand broadband and resilience, including a satellite VSAT pilot. AI Safety Collaboration: Singapore’s IMDA and Microsoft signed an MOU focused on AI safety research, including agentic systems and multilingual safeguards. Digital Sovereignty in Cameroon: CAMTEL highlighted public data protection and its Zamengoé data centre as a strategic state asset at SAGO 2026. Network Resilience Warning: Telecom infrastructure providers were warned networks can be disrupted by diesel shortages, underlining power-dependence risks. Operator/Community Moves: MTN Cameroon’s Y’ello Care 2026 set up a healthcare lab push in Japoma, while stc backed a regional sports trivia show as part of CSR.

Space & Connectivity: SpaceX put 29 more Starlink satellites into orbit on a Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral, pushing its 2026 pace to 68 missions and topping 10,600 active satellites worldwide. AI Governance: The UAE approved an Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority to unify public data, AI and digital government under the Cabinet, with Omar Sultan Al Olama leading. Network Resilience: India’s telecom tower operators warned diesel supply curbs could disrupt mobile networks, as generators remain vital during power outages. Emergency Comms: India temporarily suspended cell broadcast/public warning services after NDMA advisories, highlighting how quickly alert systems can be affected. Digital Skills & Jobs: Indonesia is training vocational students for fibre optic network work to reduce reliance on workers from other regions. Policy & Taxes: Nigeria’s IMF-backed push includes potential telecom excises and fuel/VAT changes, raising the stakes for affordability and operator costs. Security & Disruption: ETECSA reported sabotage and theft that knocked out multiple mobile radio bases in Santiago de Cuba, cutting service for thousands. Digital Identity: Bangladesh unveiled a “One Citizen-One ID-One Digital Wallet” plan to power access to public and private services.

AI Export Controls: The US ordered Anthropic to block foreign nationals from accessing its most advanced AI models, forcing the company to suspend public access to Fable 5 and Mythos 5. Space & Telecom Finance: Elon Musk became the world’s first trillionaire after SpaceX’s record IPO, a reminder of how space, AI and telecom-linked bets are reshaping capital markets. Satellite Connectivity in Africa: Angola’s GGPEN and Africel signed an MoU to expand Angosat-2 services and roll out space-tech applications beyond Luanda. Disaster Connectivity: DITO restored services and offered free WiFi, calls and charging in Mindanao after a 7.8 earthquake, while other operators also pushed emergency support. Infrastructure Sabotage: Cuba’s ETECSA reported theft and sabotage that knocked out multiple mobile radio bases in Santiago de Cuba, cutting service for thousands. Regulation & Consumer Impact (Canada): Canada pledged $600m for audio/AV while reviewing streaming rules that could raise subscription costs. Competition & Lending (Nigeria): Nigeria’s airtime lending fight heats up as FCCPC-approved operators face scrutiny over market power and consumer protection. Emergency Alerts (India): India temporarily suspended cell broadcast warning services after NDMA advisories. Policy Push (Kenya): Kenya’s National Addressing Bill 2025 advanced through stakeholder consultations to modernize fragmented addressing for logistics and emergency response. Port & Trade (Bahrain): Khalifa Bin Salman Port hit 19th globally in container efficiency rankings, handling 97,000 containers and 238 vessels in early 2026.

US Surveillance: Section 702 of the US FISA spy law expired after Congress failed to agree on an extension, raising fresh security and privacy alarms as the World Cup kicks off. World Cup Tech & Media: FIFA’s “clean stadium” rule forced several US venues to drop sponsor branding, renaming stadiums for the tournament; meanwhile, Bangladesh’s state broadcaster BTV secured World Cup rights for a nominal cost. Broadcast Regulation: India’s I&B ministry published draft rules for TV and radio under the Telecom Act, including daily “national importance” programming requirements and security-clearance conditions for key posts. Public Warning Systems: India’s Cell Broadcast emergency alert service was temporarily suspended by NDMA pending technical/procedural review; Pakistan also moved to formalise digital monetisation with new withholding tax rules for social media earnings. Telco Security & Resilience: Zimbabwe’s NetOne said it is deploying AI to defend critical telecom infrastructure as cyber threats rise; Namibia reports repeated fibre/copper theft and vandalism disrupting services. Network & Market Moves: Singapore’s M1 reassured customers after a Simba takeover collapsed; Pakistan’s PTA ordered operators to use dedicated USSD codes so users can check and deactivate value-added services. Digital Economy Policy: Pakistan extended a 0.25% withholding tax concession for IT exports to 2029 and cut withholding on cross-border card transactions. Infrastructure & Connectivity: DITO launched a temporary connectivity hub in quake-hit Mindanao, while Dominica warned against installing telecom equipment on new stadium lighting towers after past collapses.

CRTC Consumer Rules: Canada’s telecom regulator is consulting on merging and simplifying consumer protection codes across internet, wireless, home phone and TV, aiming to cut confusion for bundled customers and reduce compliance burden for carriers. Canada Switching Fees: The CRTC’s activation-fee ban is now in effect, with some carriers removing fees while others look for workarounds. Spy Powers Fallout: In the US, Section 702 of FISA is set to expire after Congress failed to extend it, raising alarms about intelligence gaps and the knock-on impact for telecom and tech data requests. Data Privacy Shock: South Korea hit Coupang with a record $409m fine over a breach affecting 33m users, citing weak safeguards and late notification. Fraud Pressure in Moldova: Moldova’s police say they’re handling 754 phone-fraud cases, with lawmakers pushing for stronger protections and better coordination with telecoms. Digital Identity Push: Bangladesh is advancing “One Citizen-One ID-One Digital Wallet” to link identity, payments and services, alongside plans for broader fibre and 5G coverage. EU Age Verification: Ireland and EU ministers are pushing age verification for online safety, with the EU Digital Identity Wallet in the mix. Emergency Connectivity: In the Philippines, DICT and telcos deployed free Starlink-based internet and emergency communications after the Mindanao earthquake.

Disaster Connectivity: Philippines’ DICT and major telcos used Starlink kits, free Wi‑Fi, charging points and emergency calling to keep people connected after a 7.8 quake in Mindanao, with Globe activating satellite-to-mobile in affected provinces. Regulatory Streamlining (India): India’s MIB released draft Telecommunications (TV, Radio and Associated Services) Rules 2026 for consultation, aiming to merge multiple broadcasting guidelines under the 2023 Telecom Act and digitise authorisations. Public Safety Upgrades (Canada): Bell says Manitoba will migrate all PSAPs to next-gen 911 by end-2026, aligning with CRTC requirements for voice and text by March 31, 2027. Digital Fraud Fight (Ghana): MobileMoney Fintech published a white paper calling for ecosystem-wide, intelligence-led collaboration to tackle rising digital fraud. Network Quality (Pakistan): PTA published Q1 2026 mobile QoS results across 18 cities, measuring voice, SMS and mobile broadband performance. AI in Government (Cambodia): MPTC urged ministries to lead by example on responsible AI adoption after training for nearly 1,000 officials. Spectrum/Infrastructure Funding (US): California CPUC approved $18.2m for rural fiber, planning consortia and digital inclusion grants. Corruption Case (Nepal): Special Court ordered argument notes in a billing-system corruption case involving former NTC MD Sunil Poudel and 18 others.

Disaster Response: Heavy rains and strong winds damaged the Flagstaff Communications Tower in Tobago, disrupting utility and communications services and affecting marine channels; TEMA is running an emergency meeting June 12 to assess repairs and safety. Regulation & Policy: Spain is pushing back against an EU plan that would let the European Commission ban “high-risk” Chinese telecom vendors like Huawei/ZTE from networks, arguing national governments should decide supply-chain risks. Satellite Broadband Pricing: Starlink is raising prices for rural U.S. customers, with advocates warning the lack of alternatives leaves isolated users exposed to higher bills. Mobile & Connectivity Rollouts: Flow launched Jamaica’s first 5G network across key areas, with coverage targeting about 70% of the population and more communities planned. Spectrum Planning: NTIA cleared study plans for opening the 4.4–4.94 GHz band for commercial mobile use. Budget Moves for Telecoms: Bangladesh proposed major ICT and telecom allocations for FY2026-27, including a startup fund and tax changes aimed at digital inclusion. Legal Ruling: Texas Supreme Court tossed a long-running cities’ telecom fee lawsuit, ending nine years of litigation over reduced rates for using public rights-of-way. Emergency Services Standards: UK Home Office’s Emergency Services Mobile Communication Programme joined the Global Certification Forum to support the Emergency Services Network on 4G. Digital Identity in Education: Cameroon plans student digital IDs for secondary schools via MTN Cameroon, linking credentials to records and services. Competition Deal: Philippines’ PCC cleared BlackRock’s GIP to take a 40% stake in Aboitiz InfraCapital, a step toward closing the infrastructure transaction.

Disaster Resilience: A 7.8 quake in Mindanao has damaged 8,642 schools, disrupting classes for 4.9 million learners—another reminder that telecom and connectivity planning can’t ignore physical infrastructure risk. AI Infrastructure: Armenia’s Team Telecom will build a 1Tbps-ready fiber backbone for the Firebird AI megaproject, positioning the country as an AI data hub. 6G Policy & Patents: India’s 6G roadmap is shifting toward AI-based architecture, with satellite-and-tower integration and a target to reach 10% of global 6G patents by 2030. Broadband Access at Scale: Türkiye’s Türk Telekom says its Netsia BB Suite has passed 1 million homes using open, cloud-native broadband access tech. Mission-Critical Rules: The UK’s TCCA is pushing for a common definition of “mission-critical users” as broadband replaces legacy narrowband systems. Cyber Threats: Belarus-linked FrostyNeighbor used phishing PDFs themed around Ukrtelecom to deliver malware, including location-based payload delivery. Digital Fraud Fight: Ghana’s MobileMoney Fintech released a white paper calling for ecosystem-wide coordination to tackle digital fraud. Satellite Market Watch: India has reportedly blocked Starlink’s commercial launch over security concerns tied to the Iran conflict. Network Automation: Nokia unveiled an agentic AI framework for its Network Services Platform to enable trust-based, policy-bound automation in IP networks.

Data Center Moratorium: Harford County, Maryland became the first in the state to outright ban data centers, citing power demand, water use, and rising electricity bills, with the emergency bill signed and effective immediately. Network Security Demand: Dell’Oro reports the global network security market topped $7bn in 1Q 2026, up 14% year-on-year, as enterprises push policy coordination for agentic AI-era threats. Cross-Border Rail Connectivity: Malaysia’s MCMC says it will fully support the Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link with reliable digital connectivity as the project hits key milestones. US-China Interconnection Fight: China Unicom and a US telecom trade group filed objections to an FCC proposal to ban interconnection with Chinese carriers, warning it could fracture global communications and harm US firms. Mobile Service Complaints: Australia’s telecom ombudsman says mobile complaints rose again, including more reports of delays and outages, as regulators tighten coverage-map rules. Cyber Resilience Push: Australia’s Home Affairs minister is expanding “human firewall” training for office workers under a government cybersecurity program, after concerns about seabed security and hacking risk. Nigeria Consumer Transparency: Airtel Nigeria launched a Web Data Calculator to help users estimate data usage amid ongoing subscriber complaints about disappearing bundles. Starlink Under Pressure: Russia approved a ban on selling satellite-communications equipment without authorization to use Russian frequencies, targeting Starlink terminals. AI Market Jitters: Another sell-off in AI-linked stocks dragged Wall Street lower, adding to volatility fears across the sector.

Canada Telecom Oversight: CCTS published Compliance Report Cards showing gaps in how telecom and TV providers surface complaint options online, including search tools failing to return CCTS-related results. Cyber Risk Prioritisation: CISA says a new binding directive will push agencies to focus on the real impact of vulnerabilities, not just the number of known flaws. AI Infrastructure Deals: Reliance and Meta agreed a 168MW AI data centre in Jamnagar, while Team Telecom Armenia will back the Firebird AI megaproject with up to 1Tbps fibre capacity. Data Centre M&A: Gnomon Capital acquired Croatia’s DC North to expand carrier-neutral colocation and connectivity. Quantum-Safe Connectivity: Colt and Ciena demonstrated quantum-safe transatlantic transmission at 800GbE across 6,900km. Starlink Roadblocks: India reportedly froze Starlink commercial clearances over security concerns tied to Iran conflict use; Starlink disputes the claim. Mobile Consumer Controls: Pakistan PTA rolled out simple USSD codes so users can view and cancel value-added services. Enterprise Wi-Fi for Critical Sites: Lantronix and Cherry & White launched a Rapid Wi-Fi platform aimed at fast, secure connectivity for utilities and mission-critical operations. Regulatory/Policy Watch: Korea proposed rules on equal access for OS providers and expanded “dark pattern” definitions. Sports Streaming: VEON’s Banglalink secured World Cup 2026 rights for all 104 matches on Toffee.

Subsea Cable Security: The UK moves to toughen submarine communications cable protection with new security duties, harsher criminal penalties, and emergency powers for government direction. Consumer Switching Rules: Canada’s CRTC bans activation, plan-change and cancellation fees for phone and internet from Friday, aiming to lower switching friction. DDoS Defense Push: Nokia launches Deepfield Genome Shield, pitching proactive, always-on DDoS automation against fast, rotating attacks driven by residential proxy botnets. Robocall vs Privacy: The FCC’s anti-robocalling KYC push is drawing alarm that it could effectively kill burner phones and force more personal data collection. Competition in Mobile Markets: Panama opens a tender for a third mobile operator to break a Tigo/Cable & Wireless duopoly and target better pricing and next-gen rollout. Network Oversight in Nigeria: Nigeria’s NCC starts independent audits of compensation claims for 75m+ subscribers as it tightens scrutiny of mobile operators’ QoS results. Infrastructure Finance: PLDT plans a data center REIT listing to raise capital and cut debt, with an initial phase covering eight sites. Rural Connectivity Partnerships: Integrity Technologies and World Mobile explore integrated rural and tribal connectivity using fiber backhaul plus last-mile wireless. EU Undersea Investment: The EU commits $42.8m to a Google-linked East Africa undersea cable extension to boost open-access capacity.

Philippines Space Policy: President Marcos approved new satellite and space resolutions under the Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment (MULA), with the fully built craft in UK testing and a possible April 2027 SpaceX launch to support agriculture, maritime monitoring, disaster response and security. Disaster Impact on Telecoms: A 7.8 quake in southern Philippines killed at least 41 and damaged 1,159 classrooms across Mindanao, underlining how connectivity and emergency communications are critical during large-scale disruptions. Green Data Centres: Scotland industry groups launched a charter for “green” data centres, pushing renewable power, efficiency, district heat readiness and community benefits. AI Infrastructure Race: China is reportedly drafting a plan to spend about 2 trillion yuan over five years on interconnected data centres, with state firms like China Mobile and China Telecom expected to run much of the buildout. Cyber & Governance: Nigeria’s data protection regulator reported 2,000 cyberattacks in a week, while Deutsche Telekom and Palo Alto Networks expanded “sovereign” security services. Regulatory & Security Tensions: Palau protested Russia over a fake-news operation tied to alleged Russian-linked telecom infrastructure. Network Modernisation: Nokia and Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison teamed up to modernise Indonesia’s 5G with AI-ready network capabilities.

France Consolidation: Orange, Bouygues Telecom and iliad have signed an MoU with Altice France to acquire SFR, aiming to strengthen France’s telecom investment capacity while stressing service continuity and the social impact of migrating millions of customers. US Privacy Ruling: The Supreme Court upheld FCC authority in the AT&T and Verizon location-data privacy fight, keeping major telecom penalties in place and underlining regulators’ power to fine without a jury trial. Subsea Security: Finland and investigators continue probing undersea cable damage, with multiple suspects named as governments push for stronger protections for critical connectivity links. AI Governance for Telcos: IDC profiled FIOR as an agentic AI enforcement player, highlighting “trust enforcement” and rapid revocation at the network boundary for enterprises deploying AI agents. Digital Inclusion Push: Angola’s telecom ministry reaffirmed commitment to digital inclusion, pointing to its Ilumina Angola coverage expansion model and public-private partnerships around infrastructure and digitised services. World Cup Connectivity: In Dallas, TRE rail and charter buses are set to move thousands of fans to CenterPort and then to Dallas Stadium, while local road closures and traffic plans are rolling out for match days.

Network Reliability Watch: Namibia’s regulator CRAN has ordered Telecom Namibia to fix repeated nationwide mobile and data outages, citing equipment failures, power issues, fibre breaks and copper theft, with a four-month deadline for short-term stability measures. Consumer Data Transparency: Nigeria’s MTN is under fire after its CEO said truly unlimited mobile data doesn’t exist, as subscribers complain about faster-than-expected depletion and demand clearer billing. Regulatory & Competition: Norway’s Competition Authority approved Telenor’s NOK 6bn acquisition of GlobalConnect’s residential fibre business, with remedies including divesting overlapping infrastructure and transferring resale customers. Direct-to-Device Satellite Push: OQ Technology plans a Germany trial of direct-to-smartphone satellite messaging and voice using Telefonica Germany spectrum, aiming to compete with U.S.-led direct-to-device services. AI Infrastructure Investment: NTT is setting up an “IOWN AI Fund” (70bn yen+) with SK Group and Chunghwa Telecom to back optical AI infrastructure and AI model development. Infrastructure Build-Out: Shimla laid the foundation for a Rs 246 crore underground utility duct project to reduce road cuts and improve urban aesthetics. Tech Security Concern: A report highlights Wi‑Fi sensing that can track movement through walls using ordinary routers, raising privacy alarm bells. Disaster Impact on Comms: A 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered tsunami warnings and reported telecom disruptions in Sarangani, with aftershocks expected.

US Supreme Court Rulings: The court backed the FCC’s power to fine telecoms without jury trials in FCC v. AT&T, a major win for regulators and a warning about how broadly agencies can punish. Satellite Internet Watch: Zimbabwe’s ICT minister says Starlink entry could be finalised by end-July, with the market expected to treat it as a complement to mobile networks. Regulatory Crackdown: Portugal’s competition authority fined telecom operators and a consultant EUR 13.3m over an anti-competitive pay-TV and TV-recording advertising deal. Network Security & Fraud: Android is rolling out Fake Call Detection to fight AI voice-cloning scams and spoofed caller IDs. Consumer Data Tensions (Nigeria): Activist Omoyele Sowore challenged MTN Nigeria’s CEO over claims that “unlimited” data plans don’t exist globally, hinting at protest. Infrastructure Theft: Two men in Bulawayo appeared in court over alleged TelOne copper cable theft. Market Moves (France): Bouygues, Free and Orange agreed a 20.4bn-euro joint bid for SFR, setting up a big consolidation test for regulators. Broadband Expansion (Philippines): Globe is expanding community broadband centers across the Visayas to boost fiber access and local support. Energy Complaints (New Zealand): Power dispute complaints jumped 500% over five years, underscoring rising pressure on utilities and customer services.

Network Security & Consumer Impact: Ghana’s Telecel says it’s hit by 3–9 deliberate fiber cuts a day, with vandalism and theft driving major repair costs and threatening everyday connectivity. Regulation & Enforcement: The US Supreme Court backed the FCC and SEC, strengthening regulators’ power to impose fines and seek disgorgement over market and privacy violations. Operator Accountability: MTN Nigeria launched “Data on Trial,” inviting the public to scrutinize billing and network issues behind rapid data depletion complaints. Industry Dealmaking: France’s Bouygues Telecom, Orange and Iliad agreed to buy SFR from Altice for €20.35bn, potentially cutting the market from four to three major operators. Cyber & Scams: WhatsApp is developing a “Scam Alert” feature that flags suspicious messages locally on users’ devices. Infrastructure Risk: Ukraine’s unmanned systems struck Russian areas, including knocking down six telecommunications towers. Connectivity Policy: Egypt reported $6bn+ telecom investment since 2019 and plans for thousands of new towers after a 410MHz spectrum allocation.