AGP Executive Report

Satellite Connectivity for Schools: Argentina’s Enacom and Starlink will supply satellite kits for 6,000 rural schools, with service costs covered via the Universal Service Fund after an initial donation period. US–China Telecom Security: The Trump administration plans $175.8m to replace ageing undersea cables in the Caribbean and Central America, as part of a wider push to counter China’s influence in critical infrastructure. Rural Coverage Push (Malawi): Malawi will build more mobile towers in Balaka, Nkhata Bay, Thyolo and Chitipa using the Universal Service Fund, alongside operator tower rollouts. Network Expansion (Alaska): GCI upgrades LTE and 5G across Alaska highways and key corridors to improve mobile data performance and coverage. Wholesale Fibre Growth (US): LiveOak Fiber selected Connectbase tools to accelerate wholesale sales and plan network expansion across Georgia and Florida. AI in Telecom Customer Service (Greece): OTE, Vodafone Greece and banks are deploying generative AI assistants to handle large volumes of customer queries and cut call-routing friction. Regulatory Deadlock (Thailand): NBTC commissioners asked the prime minister to intervene over a chairman-qualification dispute that has stalled regulator decisions. Emergency Alerts Test Exposes Gaps (Australia): An Emergency Alert trial left some residents without the warning tone or message, reigniting concerns about patchy mobile coverage. Nigeria Legacy Telco Divestment: AMCON has started seeking strategic investors for NTEL after restructuring, positioning the operator for a new investment phase. Cyber Resilience Guidance (Australia): Australia’s Cyber Security Centre issued OT separation guidance for critical infrastructure to keep essential services running during incidents.

Emergency Alerts Rollout: Australia begins the first nationwide AusAlert test via cell-broadcast, expected to trigger compatible phones and some wearables with an audible siren and vibration ahead of October 2026 go-live. Regulation & Permits: Oman’s TRA opens consultation on draft telecom permit rules covering everything from network excavation and last-mile services to information security. Spectrum Planning: South Africa’s ICASA publishes its IMT Roadmap 2026 and draft implementation plans for spectrum assignment through the next 5–10 years. Consumer Data Rules Clash: South Africa’s EFF attacks MTN and Vodacom’s court challenge to ICASA’s unused-data rollover protections. Infrastructure Security: US copper theft remains a major telecom risk, with NCTA reporting a sharp rise in infrastructure attacks and major customer impact. Network Resilience in Africa: Nigeria’s EdoICTA urges tighter coordination among governments, operators, regulators and communities to reduce fibre cuts. AI & Telecom Policy: The Philippines’ Marcos uses his SONA to push AI upskilling and child online safety protections, while China and the US trade accusations over AI “hegemonism” and model IP theft. Operator/Network Moves: MTN faces a parliamentary oversight visit focused on investment and ICASA end-user charter rules.

Emergency Alerts Upgrade (Australia): Australia is running a nationwide test of AusAlert today, using cell-broadcast to push a 10-second siren to compatible phones even in silent modes, with hyper-local targeting and a planned October 2026 rollout to replace SMS-based alerts. AI Regulation (Global): Omdia says AI rules will only matter if governments can monitor and enforce them, pointing to penalties and sanctions under frameworks like the EU AI Act. AI Infrastructure (US/Singapore): Rafay and Aolani unveiled an NVIDIA DSX OS deployment on GB200 NVL72 aimed at moving AI infrastructure into production-ready platforms for enterprises. Broadband/Access (Japan): Furukawa Electric and Vecima Networks partnered to supply next-gen FTTH gear, including 10G-EPON with a roadmap toward 50G-PON. Africa Connectivity Policy: GSMA backed the Abuja Declaration on meaningful connectivity, supporting technology-neutral regulation and spectrum reform, alongside ATLAS Umoja AI. Nigeria Telecoms Assets: AMCON reiterated plans to divest NTEL/NATCOM via a structured process to attract strategic investors. Retail Digitisation (Philippines): Globe teamed with Japan’s KDDI to reinvent mobile retail experiences with recurring digital services. Renewables for Towers (Nigeria): NCC and REA signed an MoU to power telecom sites with renewable energy via mini-grids and shared planning. Rural Internet Pressure (New Zealand): ISPs urged a formal market study over Starlink’s growing rural footprint, warning of resilience risks if local expertise fades. Data Centre Power Rules (Thailand): Thailand approved tighter requirements for large data centres, including power bank guarantees and separate tariffs to avoid shifting costs to ordinary users. Vehicle Insurance Digitisation (Sri Lanka): A nationwide digital verification service lets motorists check insurance validity via *1338# or SMS, replacing paper certificates.

Network Resilience Under Fire: A telecom tower in Pakistan’s Harnai district was attacked, disrupting PTCL landlines, DSL broadband and Ufone mobile service while repair teams assess damage. Security & Critical Infrastructure: Kenya’s Garissa County saw suspected al-Shabaab militants attack a Safaricom mast inside a school compound, raising fresh concerns about protecting connectivity along the Kenya–Somalia border. Regulation & Consumer Protection: Bangladesh’s High Court ordered authorities to explain “arbitrary and excessive” mobile financial service charges by bKash, Nagad and Rocket, and whether a dedicated Mobile Financial Services Act is needed. Tariffs & Affordability: South Sudan operators MTN, Zain and Digitel will raise call, internet and mobile bundle prices again under the second tariff exchange-rate adjustment. AI in Telecoms: Zain Bahrain, with Ericsson, says it has deployed AI capabilities in its live 5G radio network. Digital Ambitions: Afghanistan opened a major telecom and IT expo in Kabul, pitching connectivity and digital governance as priorities. Platform Expansion: Cellcom in Israel will bundle HBO Max into its TV+ and fiber packages as streaming competition heats up. Competition & Pricing Pressure: AT&T customers on retired unlimited plans face up to $20 monthly increases unless they upgrade. Policy for Growth: Bangladesh’s science and technology minister said the country is pushing toward an innovation-driven economy, including AI and semiconductor design.

TSTT Board Shake-up: Trinidad and Tobago’s TSTT has lost a second director in weeks, leaving just three board members after Nadira Parbhudial resigned due to frequent overseas travel, following Kyle Maloney’s earlier July 3 exit. Nigeria Security Vetting: A retired DSS official alleges Isa Pantami’s communications appointment bypassed proper security checks, pointing to weaknesses in Nigeria’s vetting process for leaders tied to telecom and digital infrastructure. Red Sea Telecom Risk Backdrop: Houthi attacks on Saudi targets—including claims involving Aramco facilities in Yanbu and Jizan—signal escalating pressure on the region’s shipping routes that underpin global connectivity and supply chains. Caribbean AI Push: The Caribbean Telecommunications Union and partners opened CAIF 2026, launching a regional AI task force report covering governance, cybersecurity, data sovereignty and resilience. Mobile Fraud Crackdown: Georgia launched a criminal probe into nationwide power blackouts, while other coverage highlights growing cyber and infrastructure security concerns across telecom-adjacent systems. Regional Digital Services: Kuwait’s communications ministry signed an MoU with stc’s E-Portal to expand digital government services via the Sahel app. Africa Telecom Governance: Morocco was elected to the ATU administrative council for 2027–2031, reinforcing cross-border telecom and AI cooperation plans.

Digital Connectivity Push (Africa): The African Telecommunications Union conference in Abuja adopted the 2026 Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity, backing cheaper internet and smartphones, tech-neutral rules, stronger consumer protection and cybersecurity, plus digital literacy for women, youth and people with disabilities. Regional Telecom Leadership: Zambia’s Kezias Mwale was elected ATU Secretary-General for 2027-2030, with Nigeria taking the next chairmanship cycle. Network Expansion (Lesotho): Econet Telecom Lesotho added three towers (Lejoe-Motho, Moteng, Maama) to boost coverage and capacity and support digital inclusion. Indoor Telecom Upgrade (Bangladesh): Teletalk will install an advanced indoor Active DAS at HSIA Terminal 3 to deliver seamless 4G and future-ready 5G with small cells and Wi‑Fi. Security & Fraud (Pakistan): Bangladesh’s BTRC fined Grameenphone Tk 18.4 lakh over 184 connections linked to illegal VoIP, while India’s DoT used AI to disconnect 88 lakh suspicious mobile connections. Affordability & Competition (Kenya): Vodacom Business Kenya’s liquidation nears completion, with a final members’ meeting scheduled. Semiconductors & Chips (Bangladesh/Global): Bangladesh launched a National Semiconductor Symposium and BEAR Summit, while Qualcomm warned of double-digit chip price hikes from September 1. Cybercrime (Hotels): A new campaign compromised hotel Wi‑Fi gateways to reroute travellers to fake Microsoft login pages and steal credentials. Energy-Grid Policy (India): India’s power ministry discussed allowing multiple discoms to use existing distribution networks via regulated wheeling charges, aiming to cut duplication and spur investment.

Public Safety Networks: South Dakota’s SDLETS director Kelli Erickson was elected president of NLETS, putting a state leader at the helm of the secure law-enforcement information network used across the US and internationally. Network Resilience & Infrastructure: Claro Puerto Rico is investing $35m to land the AMX-1 submarine cable in Ponce, adding a redundant international route to strengthen connectivity during storms and outages. Data Centres & AI Capacity: Pakistan inaugurated the carrier-neutral, AI-ready Sky47 Karakorum-01 data centre (8.5MW), positioning it as a major boost for secure data handling and emerging tech. Competition & Regulation: Rural California stakeholders urged the FCC to reject AT&T’s push to shed state carrier-of-last-resort duties, arguing Congress hasn’t clearly authorized the FCC to override state rules. Cyber & Fraud: Ontario OPP warned of a telecom “upgrade” scam where fraudsters pose as carriers, collect details, then trigger charges after victims are tricked into sending devices back. Connectivity Expansion: CANTV modernized fibre in Anzoátegui, adding 54km of network and backup infrastructure to improve high-capacity services. Identity & Biometrics: Innovatrics said its Face Liveness tool renewed certification and passed injection-resistance testing for remote identity verification.

US Telecom Policy: California lawmakers urged the FCC to block AT&T’s plan to discontinue legacy landlines, warning about coverage gaps during outages in wildfire and disaster-prone areas. Enterprise Connectivity: Verizon signed a $1B+ dark-fiber deal with Google to support AI and cloud data-centre growth, underlining how fibre backbones are becoming core infrastructure for AI. Regulation & Data Sovereignty (India): India’s DoT rules require telecom network data to stay inside the country, with strict limits on sharing logs and information abroad. Network Disruption & Rights (India): A Delhi High Court challenge is back in focus over mobile internet shutdowns around Jantar Mantar during protests, with legal groups arguing the curbs interfere with speech and assembly. Rural Broadband (US): Alaska’s Matanuska Telecom Association secured a $108M BEAD award to extend fibre to 10,000+ homes and businesses despite harsh terrain and weather. Fraud Controls (Ghana): Ghana made biometric verification mandatory for Ghana Card transactions, tightening identity checks to curb misuse. EU Sanctions: The EU added five Iranian judges and a cybercriminal to its sanctions list tied to repression of dissidents and minorities. AI & Telecom Partnerships (Thailand): Cognizant and Gulf Edge announced a strategic alliance to accelerate enterprise AI using sovereign digital infrastructure.

Africa Connectivity Push: Nigeria hosted ATU talks where officials warned nearly one billion Africans are still offline, saying coverage alone won’t close the gap without affordability, devices, digital skills, trust, and local content. Regulation & Data Sovereignty (India): India’s DoT barred telecom infrastructure providers from sharing network data, logs and information outside the country, tightening compliance under its authorisation framework. Disaster-Reliability (Canada): Bell faced scrutiny after a severed fibre cut knocked out Manitoba’s 911 for hours; Bell said legacy systems lacked the fail-safes of newer NG911. Quality Crackdown (Pakistan): PTA imposed Rs3.41bn in penalties on mobile operators for QoS and coverage breaches, backed by root-cause plans and follow-up surveys. Cyber Fraud (Global/SIM): Kaspersky flagged SIM and mobile-connection scams using fake operator login pages to steal phone numbers and banking details. Satellite & Telecom Strategy (Taiwan/China): Taiwan eased rules for foreign satellite operators, potentially paving the way for Starlink, while China unveiled an in-orbit AI computing satellite network. Emergency Roaming (India): DoT activated intra-circle roaming in rain-hit J&K, Assam and Nagaland to keep mobile service running during outages. Market/Industry: Nokia said AI and cloud demand lifted Q2 sales, while restructuring charges hit earnings.

Mobile Internet Controls: India’s telecoms were ordered to shut down mobile internet around Jantar Mantar during student protests, with services later extended to midnight and leaving thousands unable to call or message. Election Online Safety: Malaysia’s regulator says social media activity in the Negeri Sembilan campaign is “largely under control,” with most complaints tied to telecom network issues and only a small share to fake accounts. Exam Integrity Blocking: Jordan’s TRC will block IP messaging apps near Tawjihi exam halls from July 23–30, starting minutes before each test. Identity Verification Push: Ghana tells banks, telcos, hospitals and schools to stop using Ghana Card photocopies and move to biometric checks by Nov. 2, 2026; Indonesia reports 10 million SIM registrations completed via biometric verification. Network Security & Crime: Police in Pahang and Selangor dismantled a syndicate accused in solar cable and telecom component thefts worth over RM900,000. Commercial Network Upgrade: Zain KSA launches Saudi Arabia’s first commercial 5G-Advanced service in Riyadh and Jeddah using 600 MHz spectrum. Pricing Pressure: Pakistan’s PTA says call and data packages rose, with some hybrid bundles up to 33%.

US Broadband Mapping: Senators John Thune, John Fetterman and Deb Fischer have introduced the Broadband Mapping Accurate Providers (MAP) Act to push the FCC to improve its broadband map and provider challenge process. Satellite Broadband Push: Amazon Leo says it’s eyeing India for fixed home satellite broadband, with security conditions reviewed through an inter-ministerial committee. AI in Public Services: Ellis County, Texas will roll out an AI-assisted voice system for non-emergency calls from July 24, with 9-1-1 still handled by humans. Regulatory & Competition: Nigeria’s WASPAN has appealed a court ruling upholding the FCCPC’s DEON digital lending rules, seeking to pause enforcement while the case proceeds. Africa Digital Inclusion: The ATU and GSMA urged African governments to cut smartphone taxes to boost affordability and digital access. Network Resilience: GCI will use Starlink’s dedicated bonded gateways to strengthen connectivity across remote Alaska hubs. Enterprise AI Software: KPMG and OpenAI announced a strategic alliance to reshape enterprise software around AI-first engagement. Infrastructure Update: Venezuela’s CONATEL says a key submarine cable repair is in its final stretch after successful fusion work by Cirion’s vessel.

Mobile Data Value War: Zimbabwe’s Econet Wireless launched XtraData Bundles that effectively double data via bonus allocations, with bonus consumed first and main-bundle validity starting after bonus ends. Tariff Pressure: Pakistan’s PTA says Jazz, Zong, Ufone and Telenor raised prices on key call-and-data and data-only packages by up to Rs500 (annual increases up to 33%). Regulation for Broadcasting: India released Draft Telecommunications Rules 2026 to unify TV and radio rules under the Telecom Act 2023, aiming to simplify compliance for DTH, HITS, private FM and IPTV. Net Neutrality Debate: UK industry group Net Fatality argues decade-old net neutrality rules are blocking new services and investment, warning agentic AI could be held back. Satellite Licensing Overhaul: The US FCC replaced old Part 25 satellite rules with Part 100 to speed approvals, while keeping the biggest pending applications on the older process. 5G Rollouts: Ukraine began a 5G pilot in central Kyiv with planned expansion to Odesa, using Nokia-supplied equipment for one operator. Competition & Infrastructure: Singapore’s CSE Global bought US firm SEI Wireless Solutions for $8m to expand mission-critical wireless in the US. AI & Telecom Awards: Fierce Network opened submissions for its 2026 Innovation Awards, adding new categories spanning AI in live networks, AI-RAN and autonomous operations. Identity & Security: A global study finds biometrics are the most trusted identity verification method, though no single evidence type dominates. Israel Media Policy: Israel’s coalition pushed a sweeping media overhaul, but the High Court froze immediate implementation and the law faces legal challenge.

Emergency Alerts Upgrade (Australia): Australia’s AusAlert system will replace SMS emergency alerts with faster cell broadcast delivery, with a nationwide test on July 27. Network Strategy (Nigeria): ntel unveiled a “Beam, Eden and Titan” plan to pivot toward fibre, towers, e-SIM and real estate as it seeks to rebuild its telecoms position. Regulation & Consumer Protection (Nigeria): The NCC urged more deliberate, systematic regulator-to-regulator learning across Africa to support evidence-based telecom rules, spanning resilience, cybersecurity and AI. 5G Rollout (US): GCI expanded upgraded 5G across Alaska communities, moving more areas off legacy networks. Public Safety Spectrum (US): A US appeals court upheld the FCC’s move to let FirstNet use additional public-safety spectrum beyond the original 700MHz band. Telecoms Governance (Kenya): Kenya’s CA tightened import and wholesale rules, requiring a Communications Equipment Distributor licence before equipment can be imported or distributed. Satellite Access (Taiwan): Taiwan lawmakers passed a bill easing entry hurdles for foreign firms, aiming to strengthen communications resilience via low-earth-orbit satellite options. Market & Infrastructure Fees (US): Oregon proposed new charges for undersea fibre use of state seabed areas as data centres surge. Industry Leadership (Ericsson/Vonage): Ericsson appointed Christophe Van de Weyer as Vonage CEO, as Vonage’s current CEO steps down in August.

Malaysia Digital Governance: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil told regulators that stronger cybersecurity, data governance and proportionate rules are key to building digital trust as Malaysia pushes Jendela, 5G and the Online Safety Act. Privacy Crackdown: Malaysia’s MCMC has been ordered to investigate claims that influencer Khairul Aming’s personal data was accessed and leaked via alleged telco internal systems. Nigeria Airtime Lending Ruling: Nigeria’s Federal High Court upheld FCCPC’s power to regulate airtime and data credit, while confirming NCC controls telecom licensing—urging regulators to coordinate rather than clash. US Sports Piracy + Malware: DOJ seized 1,000+ domains used to stream World Cup 2026 illegally, warning infections may have started when viewers clicked play. Taiwan Starlink Path: Taiwan lawmakers removed legal hurdles for Starlink to operate, with security checks still required. Pakistan Data Localisation: Pakistan plans to move most public and private data from foreign servers to local data centres to reduce cyber risk. MTN Home Broadband: MTN Ghana pledged $1bn to expand home broadband and connectivity as part of its Ambition 2030 strategy. Connected Living Room Market: A new report forecasts the smart living room market hitting $116.2bn by 2033, driven by broadband and smart home adoption.

Emergency Comms Funding: Delaware has signed HB 468 to raise the monthly 911 surcharge from 60 cents to 90 cents from Oct. 1, funding a statewide Next Generation 911 upgrade including network, call-handling, software, cybersecurity and training. Regulation & Competition: The FCC has opened a review of Universal Service Administration Company (USAC), questioning whether the current USF administration setup still fits the job. Universal Service Oversight: In Nigeria, a Lagos federal court upheld FCCPC DEON Regulations, ruling the watchdog can regulate competition and consumer protection but can’t issue telecom licences. Education Access: Nigeria’s NCC says stakeholders back its zero-rated access plan for educational platforms, aiming to expand equitable digital learning. Election Monitoring: Malaysia’s MCMC has activated a Network Monitoring Centre to handle telecom and online content complaints during the Negeri Sembilan state election. Cybersecurity Law: Malaysia’s Dewan Negara passed a Cyber Security Bill 2026 to strengthen its legal framework and enable extraditable offences. AI Governance Debate: A UN-focused piece argues global AI governance still overemphasises “demand” (use) while leaving “supply” (frontier development) with little multilateral presence. Scams Crackdown: Fiji reports losses of $1.3m in 1,672 scam cases since 2017 and plans a national scam response centre with Australia. Online Safety for Minors: Pakistan is debating restricting social media for under-16s with parental consent and PTA age verification. Broadband Progress: California’s BEAD plan was approved, shifting funding away from LEO and toward fiber and fixed wireless.

Regulation & Enforcement: Malaysia’s MCMC ordered CelcomDigi to fix weak coverage in Kampung Tinagat after WBAS tests found two of three locations failing mandatory standards, while Maxis was told to carry out maintenance at the tower site. Cybercrime Law: Malaysia tabled its Cyber Crime Bill 2026 for a second reading, citing 8,014 online fraud charges as of May and saying telecom-linked arrests are rising. Digital Identity: The World Economic Forum recognised UAE PASS as a global GovTech model, praising shared, reusable digital infrastructure and trust-led, human-centric service delivery. Mobile Policy Scrutiny: Airtel’s “Unlimited 5G” is under renewed questions after reporting claims it doesn’t actively distinguish hotspot use, with a 300GB fair-use threshold and “commercial usage” throttling. Network Reliability & Safety: Pakistan’s PTA pushed operators to speed national 5G rollout, including adding 1,000 new 5G towers per operator within a year and improving 4G/5G service issues. Infrastructure Delays: Sabah’s Pan Borneo Highway delays were linked to utility relocation, including telecommunications cables, which must be moved before construction can proceed. Tech & Standards: Experts at WAIC debated whether AI standards can keep pace, arguing for stable principles plus “living” technical metrics. Market & Investment Signals: AmpliTech raised about $21.9m in a Series A rights offering to scale AI-RAN/Open RAN work.