Satellite operator SES said it plans to meet the FCC’s accelerated timeline to clear part of the C-band spectrum in the US. The FCC wants to clear the band so that it can hold an auction for the spectrum, which will then be used for 5G. The move means SES will be entitled to receive up to USD 3.97 billion in accelerated relocation payments.
Wholesale and Capacity
Leading telcos announce a transformative subsea cable
China Mobile International, Facebook, MTN GlobalConnect, Orange, stc, Telecom Egypt, Vodafone and WIOCC announced that they will partner to build 2Africa, which will be the most comprehensive subsea cable to serve the African continent and Middle East region. The parties have appointed Alcatel Submarine Networks (“ASN”) to build the cable in a fully funded project which will greatly enhance connectivity across Africa and the Middle East.
CenturyLink expands fiber network to 400,000 homes this year
US operator CenturyLink announced that it connected around 300,000 homes and small businesses to its fiber network last year. It has plans to add another 400,000 to the network across several cities in the US.
Sparkle expands Pacific routes with Google’s subsea cable
Sparkle, the first international service provider in Italy and among the top ten global operators, announces the enhancement of its American backbone boosting its Pacific routes with a new fiber pair on Curie submarine cable system connecting Chile to US.
Intertelecom to proceed with CDMA to LTE switch despite tensions
Ukranian operator, Intertelecom, has issued an updated to its users which outlined its progress in switching from CDMA to 4G LTE technology.
Vodafone UK increases entry-level speed for fiber-based broadband offering
Vodafone UK has reportedly increase the speed requirements of its entry-level fiber-based fixed broadband offering.
DEA announces auction for 450MHz spectrum in June
Danish Energy Agency (DEA), Energistyrelsen, has announced that it plans to hold a spectrum auction in the 450MHz frequency band on 23rd June this year.
Sweden unveils plans for November 5G auction
Post & Telestyrelsen, the Swedish Post and Telecom Agency, has announced that its plans for a 5G auction featuring spectrum bands in the 2.3GHz and 3.5GHz range.
AOI and Benya Capital join forces to build fiber optic cable factory in Egypt
The Egyptian Minister of Trade and Industry, the Chairman of the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) and the Chairman of the Suez Canal Economic Zone attended a partnership signing ceremony between AOI and Benya Capital.
Altice finalizes sale of stake in FTTH wholesale unit to Morgan Stanley
Altice Europe has announced the launch of Fastfiber, a new wholesale fiber division, which was devised in a collaboration with Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners, making it a part owner.