Vodafone Idea and AST SpaceMobile to bring space-based cellular connectivity to India
24 July 2025
Vodafone Idea has announced a strategic partnership with AST SpaceMobile, a company developing a space-based cellular broadband network that connects directly to standard smartphones. This collaboration aims to expand mobile coverage into India’s unconnected and hard-to-reach regions, complementing existing terrestrial networks.
India boasts over 1.1 billion mobile subscribers, with extensive 4G and emerging 5G coverage. However, AST SpaceMobile asserts that satellite connectivity can play a crucial role in bridging the remaining coverage gaps, particularly in challenging terrains where deploying traditional infrastructure is difficult or costly.
The partnership will integrate Vodafone Idea’s extensive national network with AST SpaceMobile’s innovative space-based cellular technology, which allows ordinary smartphones to connect directly to satellites without requiring specialized hardware or software updates. This ecosystem aims to deliver voice, video, data streaming, and internet services across the country.
Tees Valley to map mobile coverage using bin lorries
24 July 2025
The Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) in North East England has announced a new initiative to map local mobile network coverage by equipping refuse collection trucks with monitoring technology.
The project, funded by £32,490 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), aims to create the most detailed and accurate picture yet of 4G and 5G signal strength across the region, including Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees.
Motorola Solutions selected by Brazil’s EAF for mission-critical communications
24 July 2025
Motorola Solutions has been chosen by the Band Administration Entity (EAF), established by Brazil’s Telecommunications Agency (Anatel), to deploy a comprehensive federal mission-critical communication system. This initiative aims to enable seamless, real-time collaboration among Brazil’s defense and public safety agencies during joint operations.
Brazil has faced longstanding challenges in coordinating front-line response efforts across multiple jurisdictions. To address these issues, Motorola will integrate existing land mobile radio (LMR) systems with new broadband services, enhancing interoperability and data sharing capabilities.
Ericsson signs new agreement with Bharti Airtel to boost 5G FWA in India
24 July 2025
Ericsson has announced a new partnership with Indian telecommunications provider Bharti Airtel to support the rollout of 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) services through network enhancements.
Under the agreement, Ericsson will deploy its Local Packet Gateway (LPG) platform, which is designed to facilitate high-capacity FWA with a more compact footprint and improved total cost of ownership.
