Satellite & Mobile Connectivity Deals: 4iG Group and SpaceX signed agreements to roll out Starlink Mobile direct-to-cell services across Hungary and the Western Balkans, plus a “Sovereign Solutions” framework for encrypted defense communications. UAE Satellite Internet Launch: Starlink says its high-speed service is now live in the United Arab Emirates after the regulator granted a 10-year public-network licence. Private 5G Assurance (UK): Innovate UK selected Digital Catapult to deliver the Assured 5G Technical Authority, including a vendor-neutral assurance capability for secure private 5G and an auditing framework for AI-native telecoms networks. Data Centres Under Scrutiny: Equinix argues the public debate is over-focused on data-centre power and water use, saying the real value is the services and connectivity they enable. Cybersecurity & Identity Risk: The FBI is reportedly investigating a suspected IDScan.net data breach after a forum post claimed massive sales of North American identity documents; separately, Iranian hackers warned of potential attacks on US energy, water and telecom infrastructure. Regulation & Fraud Controls: India’s telecom regulator push on TRAI’s 1600-series for regulated financial call identification faces clarification requests on what counts as recovery calls. Local Telecom Growth: Econet introduced Zimbabwe’s new 079 mobile number range as 077/078 capacity is exhausted; Kosovo telecom revenue rose in Q2, driven by mobile and internet. Universal Service & Inclusion: Fiji’s National Universal Service Scheme is improving connectivity for remote island communities, boosting access to education and online information. Timekeeping Tech Risk: Plans to abolish the leap second could leave some clocks wrong, raising concerns about outages in critical infrastructure including telecom networks. Starlink Enterprise Expansion (Africa): Starlink targets Uganda businesses via a Roke Telkom and Paratus partnership. Government Broadband Push: Bangladesh reports connecting 12,000 institutions to broadband in its first 180 days, alongside new cyber and data laws.