AGP Executive Report

Satellite Broadband: India rejected Elon Musk’s claim that rivals are blocking Starlink, saying security reviews for all satellite operators are underway. Separately, the FCC approved up to 15,000 additional Starlink satellites, bringing its authorised total close to 22,000. India’s Mobile Push: At India Mobile Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said 5G now reaches every district, with more than 550,000 base stations in service. Industry leaders put 6G, satellite links and cybersecurity on the agenda. UK Broadband: BT’s £400 million TalkTalk rescue faces fresh objections from Opus Broadband, which wants the consumer business sold to an independent owner. Business Connectivity: Safaricom launched managed SD-WAN plans for multi-site businesses, bundling equipment, security and round-the-clock support for a monthly fee. Network Resilience: A drone strike damaged a Yandex data centre in Russia, forcing the site to suspend operations as the company assesses whether its equipment can be restored.

India’s Starlink Standoff: New Delhi rejected Elon Musk’s claim that “oligarchs” are blocking Starlink, saying the satellite provider and two rivals are at a similar stage, with security checks still underway. Starlink says it has built 20 gateways but is waiting for spectrum and final clearances. US Spectrum Policy: The FCC is set to consider a new spectrum auction and other wireless initiatives. Pricing and Service: Airtel is raising postpaid plan prices by Rs 50 while offering free annual international roaming; in the Philippines, Globe recorded its strongest network performance of 2026 in August, with average download speeds of 45.9 Mbps. Network Expansion: Ooredoo and iQ Networks have agreed to expand fibre connectivity across Iraq, supporting a proposed Gulf-to-Europe digital route. UK Telecoms Deal: BT agreed to acquire TalkTalk for £400 million, aiming to protect service for 2.5 million customers.

Starlink’s India Push: Elon Musk accused unnamed “oligarchs” of blocking Starlink’s entry as the service awaits final approval; the company says it has built 20 gateways and will keep Indian user data in the country. Pakistan Competition Rules: The government is proposing tougher telecom rules, including mandatory national roaming for dominant operators. New Fibre Routes: Ooredoo’s connectivity arm and Iraq’s iQ Networks agreed to develop a fibre route through Iraq towards Türkiye and Europe, while Rostelecom says its new trans-Eurasian backbone links Russia’s western and eastern borders. A separate 100 Gbit/s link between Algeria and Niger has also gone live. Service Quality: The Philippines regulator has imposed daily penalties on Globe, Smart and Dito over internet service quality. UK Market Deal: BT has agreed to acquire TalkTalk in a £400 million rescue deal to protect 2.5 million customers; the regulator is set to examine the transaction.

AI & Exports: Pakistan opened a tech showcase at AI Everything Global 2026 in Abu Dhabi, with five firms pitching AI surveillance, data intelligence and sales tools to 150 investors. Capital Markets: India’s Jio Platforms is moving toward a major IPO, with a DRHP spotlighting strengths like scale and data traffic share, alongside investor concerns over growth risks. Privacy & Smart Sensing: Beijing Post Data proposed a privacy-conscious people-counting system using 3D LiDAR and low-identity depth mapping, aiming to avoid identity-rich camera footage. Regional Connectivity: Niger and Algeria launched a 100Gbps fiber link as part of the trans-Saharan backbone, with plans to strengthen links to Burkina Faso and Benin. Broadcast Regulation: Hong Kong’s Communications Authority starts a two-month consultation on renewing sound broadcasting licences. Data Centres & Power: Japan’s Digital Realty began construction on Osaka’s KIX15 24MW facility for high-density computing, while US localities push ahead on data-centre rules and oversight. Satellite Internet: Starlink received a Curaçao concession to begin operations. Telco Promotions: Etisalat marked its 50th anniversary with SMS-based free data offers for long-time customers.

BT rescue deal: BT has bought TalkTalk and wholesale unit PlatformX out of administration in a ~£400m package to protect around 2.5m customers, with Ofcom and the UK government saying services should continue unchanged while the CMA probes competition concerns. Cybersecurity trust gap: The World Economic Forum reports confidence in government cyber response is falling, with big regional swings that could leave telecoms and other critical services exposed. Emergency networks: Telia won Sweden’s contract to build the radio access network for SWEN, a shared emergency communications layer moving from the Rakel system to 4G/5G. Regional resilience: CaribNOG 32 heads to Curaçao (Oct 7–9) to focus on Caribbean internet resilience, including submarine cables, satellite links and data centre readiness. Coverage push: Malaysia’s U Mobile says it hit 90% CoPA nationwide nine months early, highlighting the push to drive adoption of 5G services. Broadband affordability pressure: Nepal’s major ISPs have dropped low-speed plans under 50 Mbps, pushing minimum prices higher and squeezing smaller households. Data centre zoning: Reading, Pennsylvania, is advancing new rules that would restrict data centres to specific zoning areas with large setbacks. Qatar telecom diplomacy: Qatar’s regulators signed the host-country agreement for ITU PP-26 in Doha (Nov 9–27), setting the stage for a major global telecom policy event.

Wholesale Access Reset (South Africa): South Africa’s minister has withdrawn spectrum reserved for the long-stalled wholesale open-access network, freeing the band for Icasa licensing and effectively ending a years-long experiment that never delivered a national network. Digital Cooperation (Armenia–Sweden): Armenia and Swedish development finance institution Swedfund discussed public-private support for digitalisation, telecoms and secure communications, with a focus on sustainable infrastructure and startup enablement. Enterprise AI Trust (Network Providers): New research says many enterprises back AI plans but lack confidence in how fast network vendors can detect and respond to major incidents, with AI/data-driven projects among the most affected by trust concerns. UAE Connectivity Push: e& plans to massively expand international digital connectivity capacity by 2030 to support AI and cloud demand, aiming to improve reliability, speed and latency. UK–Taiwan Tech Deal: The UK and Taiwan agreed a collaboration framework covering science, innovation and technology, including digital trade and telecoms cooperation. Pakistan Social Media Age Rules: Pakistan’s Lahore High Court has asked the attorney general to weigh a petition seeking restrictions on social media use for children under 16, citing gaps in age-verification law. UK Telecom Rescue (BT–TalkTalk): BT has acquired TalkTalk and PlatformX out of administration to protect customers and critical services, with a regulatory review expected soon.

Subsea Resilience: PLDT says its Philippines-to-Singapore internet link is fully restored after a submarine cable cut, with services normal again by 4:30 p.m. Wholesale Market Outlook: A study forecasts Poland’s wholesale telecom services market growing at 5% CAGR through 2031, with open networks and monetisation of quality, speed and security driving B2B. Satellite-to-Cellular Push: TELUS and AST SpaceMobile complete initial end-to-end integration testing for direct-to-smartphone broadband across Canada. Handset Control: Bangladesh’s BTRC plans to relaunch the NEIR IMEI database on Jan 1, 2027 to block illegal devices. 5G Spectrum Boost: MTN Ghana secures extra 700 MHz and 3 GHz spectrum to expand 5G and mobile broadband. Data Centre Governance: Curaçao is urged to set strict rules for data centres and AI to protect its power, water and environment. Network Modernisation: Robi completes nationwide 4G modernisation in Bangladesh, improving coverage and readiness for 5G. UK Broadband Deal: BT completes its TalkTalk rescue takeover, while regulators face a fast-track public-interest review. Security & Trust: An IFJ report warns surveillance laws and practices are undermining journalists’ safety and source confidentiality. Rural Connectivity: Zimbabwe’s Ndau FM launches to deliver local-language information, disaster warnings and stronger rural connectivity.

Subsea Connectivity: PLDT says internet services are fully restored nationwide after a submarine cable cut between the Philippines and Singapore, with traffic rerouted to recover service. Mobile Money Regulation: Kenya’s central bank proposes rules forcing M-Pesa and Airtel Money-type providers to disclose cyber incidents tied to mobile money fraud or hacking, with penalties for non-reporting. Cybersecurity Push: Zimbabwe launches a stronger cybersecurity drive under its national awareness push, targeting fraud, phishing, ransomware and identity theft as digital services expand. AI in Enterprise: Singapore reports AI adoption among all enterprises rising to 23.5% in 2025, alongside digital economy growth to $144.1bn. Telecom Markets: Airtel Money sets an offer price ahead of a London IPO, while Singapore’s Tuas shares slide after results amid regulatory uncertainty. Internet Resilience: Nigeria’s IXPN marks 20 years of local internet interconnection with a skills and resilience programme.

AI Disinformation Watch: Anthropic says Russian agents used Claude to generate pro-Russia propaganda and monitor opposition in the Central African Republic, tied to a Wagner-linked radio network. Critical Connectivity Resilience: Ghana’s regulator says Telecel Ghana was hit by a double fibre cut affecting ~72,754 subscribers across the Central Region, with restoration underway after road works damaged routes. Subsea/Backbone Disruption: A Philippines–Singapore cable segment outage has been restored, bringing internet back to normal after intermittent/slower service for multiple ISPs. Network Competition Policy: A US policy debate at Broadband Breakfast focused on forcing incumbents to interconnect rivals, with arguments over how far such rules should reach beyond telecom networks. Satellite Internet Tensions: Russia’s Medvedev warns blocking its Rassvet satellite service could trigger “space war,” as Ukraine urges sanctions against competitors to Starlink. Bangladesh Digital Government: Bangladesh plans AI-enabled public services under “One Citizen One ID,” prioritising privacy, security, inclusivity and interoperability. Operator Updates: Robi completes nationwide 4G modernization in Bangladesh’s Chattogram region, while Robi’s transformation continues toward a 4G/5G-ready “Giga Green” network. New Entrant in Nigeria: STN secures a Unified Access Service Licence to offer nationwide fixed and mobile voice/data, with rollout details still pending.

Subsea Cable Recovery: InfiniVAN says the Philippine–Singapore C2C segment that went down Oct. 2 is now fully restored, with ISPs like Converge, Eastern Communications and PLDT rerouting to bring internet back to normal. Nigeria Telecom Licensing: Swift Telephone Network (STN) becomes a full operator after Nigeria’s NCC grants it a Universal Access Service License to offer voice and data in a competitive market. Ethiopia Conflict & Connectivity: AFP reports Ethiopian federal forces have entered Mekelle as Tigray fighting escalates, while telecom disruptions are making information hard to verify. Kuwait Local Fiber Push: CITRA chair Khaled Al-Zamel highlights benefits of local fiber optic cable manufacturing for faster, more reliable digital infrastructure and reduced import dependence. Space-to-Cell IoT: Sateliot deploys five Alén Space-built CubeSats for its Draconis 5G NTN NB-IoT mission, expanding satellite “coverage” for remote devices. Cybersecurity in the Spotlight: Symantec flags the China-linked Warlock threat actor for continued SharePoint exploitation targeting critical infrastructure, government and education. Ghana Network Outage Pressure: A Northern Ghana MP warns about prolonged MTN disruptions and calls for better outage communication to protect health, education and emergency response. Yemen Telecom Hit Claims: Houthis allege Saudi strikes targeted Yemen’s telecom network in Saada, amid broader escalation.

Subsea Connectivity: A Philippine-Singapore cable segment outage has been fully restored after InfiniVAN said the C2C link was back online, with some ISPs already rerouting to restore service. Regulatory Pay & Policy: Bangladesh’s telecom regulator BTRC is seeking government approval for a new monthly regulatory allowance for staff, while Banglalink asked to postpone an E-GSM spectrum auction until a broader telecom policy is finalised. Digital Inclusion & Skills: Ghana’s GIFEC-backed Africa Girls Can Code programme trained 32 girls from Asokore Mampong, and Senegal’s telecom ministry and Nokia signed a partnership to support digital transformation, resilience, cybersecurity and skills transfer. Cybersecurity Push: Zimbabwe launched National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026, and Tanzania’s financial sector is urged to harden defences as AI accelerates digital services. AI Governance: Indonesia set up a complaint channel over unused mobile data protection after a constitutional ruling, while its National CERT warned organisations to curb “shadow AI” risks from unapproved GenAI tools. Security & Infrastructure: Iran accused of blocking SIM cards to cut dissent, and Yemen’s Houthis claimed Saudi strikes hit telecom networks. Network Reliability & Crime: Norfolk Police jailed an Essex man for £100k copper cable theft that left rural communities without service. Regional Telecom Capacity: Côte d’Ivoire’s ARTCI strengthened digital regulation expertise at a regional ITU workshop in Cameroon.

Mobile Affordability Push: South Africa’s Cell C says weak consumer finances and rising expectations are forcing telecoms to compete on affordability and digital self-service, not just coverage. Hybrid War Watch: Europe is bracing for Russia-linked hybrid attacks as incidents blur the line between sabotage and conventional escalation. Mobile Money IPO: Airtel Money plans a London IPO raising £529m, targeting a £5.3bn valuation and scaling payments across Africa. Semiconductor Supply Security: US senators urge faster action to protect domestic silicon carbide production as China nears ~50% control of wafer supply. Digital Inclusion in Ghana: GIFEC will train 500 girls in coding in 2027 after a pilot for 150 girls, aiming to widen access to the digital economy. Internet Infrastructure Milestone: Nigeria’s IXPN marks 20 years with a programme focused on skills, inclusion and preserving local internet history. Rural Broadband in India: Maharashtra signs onto the Amended BharatNet Program to expand rural fibre and last-mile connectivity. Canada Public Safety Reliability: Bell reports a latent software bug caused a multi-province 911 outage, not a cyberattack, and says a permanent fix is in place. Regulator Coverage Transparency (Canada): The CRTC will standardise how cellphone coverage is reported using clearer service-quality thresholds and let Canadians flag map gaps. AI Boom Reality Check: The BIS warns circular AI investment ties could amplify macro risks, drawing parallels to the telecom boom. Ghana Telecom Market Signals: MTN Nigeria insider sells shares via the NGX as the telecom sector navigates macro headwinds.

Emergency Messaging Rules: Kenya’s CA ordered Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom Kenya and Jamii to send government emergency SMS alerts to all active subscribers, even those on DND or who opted out, ahead of an Early Warning System simulation and El Niño response. Regulatory Crackdown on Devices: Nepal’s NTC held a public hearing on rules for importing and selling refurbished phones and tablets, aiming to curb stolen or tampered devices while requiring type approval and warranties. M&A in Telecoms: PLDT completed its full acquisition of Radius Telecoms from Meralco, taking 100% ownership of the fiber-focused operator. Mobile Money IPO Watch: IFC committed up to $90m to Airtel Money ahead of its London IPO, supporting a share sell-down and valuing the business around $7bn. Network Security & Crime: Police in Malaysia dismantled seven cable-theft syndicates, while UK sentencing highlighted how copper theft can knock out telecom services. Cybersecurity Push: Zimbabwe launched cybersecurity awareness efforts as reliance on mobile money and e-government grows. Digital Rights Flashpoint: Nigeria civil society warned of a multi-week TikTok disruption in northern states, with no clear cause yet.

Regulation & Due Process: The Philippines’ NTC told operators it’s following due process in mobile broadband speed validation, including show-cause orders and penalties under its 2026 standards. Affordability & OTT Oversight: South Africa’s ICASA has withdrawn its telecom affordability and OTT (Netflix/WhatsApp) inquiry notices, promising republished drafts and a fresh chance to resubmit comments. Education Connectivity: Nigeria’s NCC and ALTON launched zero-rated daily data for approved educational platforms, offering up to 100MB free per day for eligible learners. Mobile Device Rules: Armenia postponed a bill to register mobile phone IMEI codes for two months, citing the need for technical refinement. Cybersecurity Policy: Japan’s “Active Cyber Defense” law began on Oct. 1, shifting toward preemptive disruption and stronger critical-infrastructure cooperation, including telecoms. Satellite & Sovereign Comms: Nokia and ICEYE partnered to build secure, government-controlled LEO satellite broadband systems, targeting first launches in 2028. Market Entry: Nigeria’s NCC granted Swift Telephone Network a Unified Access Service Licence, expanding competition beyond incumbents.

Satellite & Sovereign Comms: ICEYE and Nokia are teaming up to build sovereign LEO satellite communications for defense, civil protection and emergency management, with governments owning the space segment, ground stations and terminals. Regulation & Consumer Protection: South Africa’s ICASA has withdrawn its telecom affordability and OTT inquiry notices, promising republished drafts with clearer public participation. Mobile Data Rules (Court Fight): Vodacom and MTN are challenging ICASA’s proposed changes on prepaid data expiry, rollover and out-of-bundle charges. Network & Infrastructure Deals: Zhone has completed its acquisition of Tellabs Access to expand optical LAN and broadband access offerings. AI & Media Efficiency: A new push frames video compression as a strategic lever to cut energy use and infrastructure costs as AI-generated content grows. Africa Digital Finance Security: Ghana reported 3,876 cyber incidents in seven months, with online fraud at ~47%, as regulators and industry call for tighter collaboration. Mobile Money IPO: Airtel Money sets its London IPO offer price at £1.96, valuing the unit at about £5.3bn. Connectivity for Learning: Nigeria’s NCC and ALTON launch zero-rated daily data for approved educational platforms.

Philippines Regulation: The telecom industry is pushing back after the NTC imposed P100,000 daily fines on Smart, Globe and DITO over weak mobile broadband in Metro Manila, with operators saying they only received show-cause orders after the fines were set to start—raising due-process concerns. Emergency Preparedness: Ireland and Britain ran the “Eastern Pearl” exercise to test coordinated responses to attacks on subsea cables, amid growing fears of sabotage against critical links. Cybersecurity & Resilience: Jamaica’s science minister warned that cyber attacks are rising fast, with 5.4m breach attempts recorded in Q1, and urged stronger protections for critical infrastructure. Universal Service Policy: Qatar’s CRA opened consultation on a draft Universal Service Policy to guarantee basic broadband, voice and SMS, including affordability and quality requirements. Disaster Connectivity: Australia’s ACCAN criticised “temporary disaster roaming” as too discretionary, arguing it lacks accountability when networks fail. Network Modernisation: Venezuela’s CANTV said nearly 5,000 Barinas subscribers gained access to upgraded fiber services after construction of new optical ports.