Trends

Fresh Blood: Meet The Newcomers Who Acquired 5G Spectrum in Brazil

Brazil’s long-awaited 5G spectrum auction drew to a close in November. It generated total commitments of BRL47.2 billion ($8.5 billion). 

Alongside bids from major players Telefonica Brasil (Vivo), Claro Brasil, and TIM Brasil—and established regional players like Algar Telecom and Sercomtel—the auction featured a number of lesser-known participants. 

Today we scrutinize the other companies that scooped up 5G frequencies and examine their plans.

Snow Joke: North Pole Telecom

As our thoughts turn toward the festive season, TeleGeography has decided to focus on one of the world’s lesser-known telecom markets.

The North Pole is a hive of activity this time of year, and a good communications network is key to ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Cold as Ice: Former Ice Cream Vendor Scoops Up Telecom Assets Across Europe

When the Portuguese 5G auction concluded in October 2021—after a wearying nine months and 1,727 rounds of bidding—the glacial pace looked set to strip the frequency sale of any remaining excitement.

But not so fast.

How 5G Can Help Combat Climate Change

According to a study commissioned by Swedish equipment vendor Ericsson, 5G connectivity could be fundamental to Europe achieving future climate targets.

The study finds that until 2030, at least 40% of the EU’s carbon reduction solutions will rely on fixed line and mobile connectivity. 5G will play a major part in this trend.

Out of this World: The International Satellite Broadband Battle Intensifies

Starlink—the satellite broadband venture established by Elon Musk’s SpaceX business—has attracted plenty of attention this year, especially as the outspoken entrepreneur continues to share his company’s ambitious plans on social media. 

With fellow tycoon Jeff Bezos plotting an alternative satellite broadband launch via Project Kuiper, the two billionaires have become embroiled in an increasingly bitter public feud in recent months.

But these two heavyweights aren’t the only parties determined to enter the satellite broadband sector. From China, to Canada, to the UK, let’s break down the key international players targeting the low earth orbit (LEO) sector to see how their respective proposals stack up.

Uganda Loses Number-Three Cellco

Uganda’s wireless market has been rocked by the announcement of the imminent closure of number-three player Africell.

Progress Report: The World’s Biggest Mobile Newcomers Ready for Launch

Following last month’s Progress Report in which we examined key wireless newcomers, today we scrutinize would-be major players who are finalizing their launch plans.

3G’s Sun is Setting in Europe

More and more wireless operators in Europe are announcing plans to switch off their 3G networks to free up spectrum for newer, faster 4G and 5G services.

The Billionaire Dealmaker Who Just Acquired a 12.1% Stake in BT

Telecom tycoon Patrick Drahi was born in Casablanca, Morocco in 1963, before moving to France as a teenager.

His cosmopolitan reputation precedes him. He currently holds Israeli, French, and Portuguese citizenship. A renowned art lover, his 2019 takeover of British auction house Sotheby’s thrust him into the UK media spotlight. 

Understandably, his recent £2.2 billion ($3.1 billion) acquisition of a 12.1% stake in British communications giant BT has only intensified scrutiny on the notoriously private Drahi.

Ericsson Awaits Huawei Decision

Swedish equipment vendor Ericsson could face a backlash in China following Sweden’s 2020 decision to ban cellcos from using Huawei gear in 5G networks.