Developing Telecoms

Cloud & Virtualisation ZTE Corporation, a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with CIMB Bank Berhad (CIMB), to establish a strategic cooperation framework aimed at supporting digital infrastructure development across ASEAN.

Thelaunch of the world’s first commercial upper 6GHz (U6GHz) network and ecosystem was announced at the SAMENA Council Leaders’ Summit 2026, marking the UAE’s leadership on the U6GHz front, led by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). This is a significant step in the evolution of next-generation mobile infrastructure in the UAE and the world.

5G networks are accelerating the digital transformation of society, driving inclusive economic growth and helping to bridge the digital divide. For many countries, 5G networks are now strategic infrastructure for driving industrial upgrades – but, as they continue to scale, operators are seeing their overall energy consumption rise steadily.

Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison CEO Vikram Sinha highlighted how the Indonesian operator is transforming itself from a traditional telecoms provider into an AI-driven technology company. But while much of the global discussion around AI focuses on performance gains or enterprise innovation, Sinha emphasised a different priority: ensuring the benefits of AI reach every Indonesian.

Connectivity has long been praised for linking remote communities to the global economy, lifting populations out of poverty and revitalising once-isolated regions. For years, however, rapid urbanisation shifted attention toward global megacities such as Shanghai, Tokyo, London and New York. That narrative is now changing. Advances in 5G, fibre and satellite connectivity are redistributing opportunity - bringing digital infrastructure to places once considered too remote or too difficult to develop.

At Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2026, we caught up with Tejas Networks to learn more about how their solutions are helping operators prepare for AI and 6G technologies. Sanjay Malik, Chief Business Officer of Tejas Networks, discussed the mobile radio technology that the firm has developed, which it has deployed across 100,000 sites over the past two years, and Dr. Kumar N. Sivarajan gave us a deep dive into Tejas’ products, such as 6G sensing, pragmatic Open RAN, and AI infrastructure.

As digital transformation deepens, enterprise networks are no longer just connectivity tools; they have become the digital foundation that supports full-service operations, internal and external collaboration, and core data flows. Traditional enterprise networks generally rely on manual O&M, reactive fault response, rigid traffic scheduling, and delayed threat response.

Keith Henry, General Manager – Lighting and Telecommunications at CU Phosco, walks us through the CU Phosco Telecoms range showcased at Mobile World Congress 2026. For over 40 years, CU Phosco has delivered reliable infrastructure solutions that support 4G and 5G mobile connectivity across both rural and urban environments. Our Monopole range, designed primarily for rural deployments, provides robust and scalable solutions.

In a recent interview, Shurish Subbramaniam, Director & Chief Technology Officer of XLSMART, highlighted how the XL Axiata–Smartfren merger is accelerating Indonesia's digital transformation—delivering broader coverage, superior user experience, and faster 5G rollout. Ten months after the merger, the integrated network has expanded significantly. "All the parameters are ahead of target," noted Mr. Subbramaniam.

Orange Middle East & Africa and Huawei are addressing one of the biggest challenges in African telecoms – delivering reliable connectivity in remote areas – through the deployment of AI-enabled solar-powered base stations.