Madagascar’s Operators Push Ahead in the Race for Connectivity

According to GSMA Intelligence, Madagascar had around 18.2 million active cellular mobile connections at the start of 2025. It’s worth noting that many people use more than one SIM or subscription, so mobile connection counts often surpass the number of individuals in the country. Someone might carry one line for personal calls and another for work, and the growing availability of eSIMs has made juggling multiple connections even easier.

In Madagascar, however, the total number of mobile lines has not yet overtaken the population itself. GSMA estimates show that in January 2025, active connections were equivalent to 56.2% of the country’s population.

The market has still been growing at a healthy pace. Between early 2024 and early 2025, the total number of connections rose by 1.4 mil, an increase of 8.5% year on year.

Most of these lines are already broadband-capable. GSMA’s data suggests that 84.6% of connections now run on 3G, 4G, or 5G networks. That doesn’t necessarily mean all of them are used for mobile internet, though, since some subscriptions provide only voice and SMS services.

The leading mobile operators in Madagascar are Telma (Yas), Airtel, and Orange. Market shares are Yas about 50%, Orange about 30%, Airtel about 7%, and SpaceX Starlink around 10% of Madagascar’s internet market as of 2024–2025.

As of early 2025, about 6.6 million Malagasy were online, roughly 20.4% of the population, leaving about 25.8 million people offline. 4G coverage reaches roughly 71% of the population, while overall mobile signal availability sits around 92%.

The market is highly concentrated, but rivalry among the major players is pushing network upgrades. The recent entry of satellite provider Starlink is also intensifying competition, particularly for internet access in underserved areas.

Yas, previously known as Telma Madagascar until its rebranding in late November 2024, is the long-standing market leader in Madagascar’s mobile telecom sector with approximately 5 million mobile subscribers.

In mid-2020, Yas made history by launching Africa’s first commercial 5G service in Antananarivo and Toamasina, in partnership with Ericsson. but broader rollout remains limited with only about 7% of the population having 5G access by 2025. Although the regulator ARTEC later raised technical and permission issues that temporarily delayed further 5G expansion, Yas continues to invest in its core network and fibre infrastructure, positioning itself for future advanced mobile deployments.

Airtel Madagascar is firmly positioned in second place in subscriber count, with around 4.9 million users. 

In May 2025, the company secured a forward-looking 15-year global operating license valued at $32.5 million, reinforcing its commitment to long-term infrastructure development and service expansion. In 2021, Airtel divested its passive tower infrastructure in Madagascar to Helios Towers for about $52 million, using the proceeds to reduce debt and fund improvements in its network and sales footprint. While Airtel has not publicly announced a 5G rollout plan, its strategic investments indicate reparatory groundwork for the future market shift.

Orange Madagascar holds the third-largest share of mobile subscriptions, trailing behind Yas and Airtel, with around 3.3 million customers.

In December 2023, Orange secured a €30 million comprehensive global license that empowers it to deliver services across multiple platforms, including mobile, fixed, satellite, and fiber networks. The agreement involves the deployment of up to 500 rural networking telecommunication sites under the NaaS business model in the east coast of Madagascar.

The operator planned to boost its population coverage from approximately 56 percent to 90 percent by the end of 2024, supported by a multilayered rollout of 500 new rural base stations through partnerships with NuRAN Wireless and AMN under a Network-as-a-Service model. Whether they have been successful is yet to be conformed. 

Although Orange has not yet launched full commercial 5G, it opened a local 5G Lab in September 2023 to showcase 5G technology and support co-innovations with businesses and developers.

Madagascar’s internet sector is entering a period of rapid change. Long hampered by limited coverage and fragile infrastructure, the country is now seeing fresh investment and new technologies that promise to narrow its digital divide. Mobile networks are steadily reaching deeper into rural regions, while the arrival of satellite services such as Starlink adds another layer of connectivity. Together, these shifts are setting the stage for what many describe as an internet revolution.

Currently Yas remains the dominant operator with pioneering 5G credentials. Orange is accelerating coverage expansion and pioneering 5G exploration through its innovation lab. Airtel is strengthening its position with strategic licensing and infrastructure reinvestments. For consumers in Madagascar, the immediate benefit continues to lie in improving 4G performance and wider coverage, while next-generation 5G adoption unfolds gradually.

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• Operator Watch Blog: Madagascar gets 5G but 2G, 3G & 4G coverage still very patchy 

CelcomDigi’s Journey Toward AI-Powered Autonomous Operations for Enhanced Customer Experience

CelcomDigi is taking bold steps towards transforming its network operations with the goal of creating a fully AI-powered, autonomous environment. At FutureNet Asia 2025, the company outlined its ambition to evolve beyond traditional network management and place customer experience at the centre of its operational strategy.

As one of Malaysia’s largest operators, serving over 20 million customers and running the country’s most extensive mobile and fibre network, CelcomDigi sees network intelligence and resilience as national priorities. Mobile connectivity has become the backbone of Malaysia’s digital economy, underpinning everything from education and healthcare to e-commerce and industry. Customer expectations are now focused less on basic coverage and more on the quality of experience, whether that means smooth video streaming, consistent gaming latency or reliable digital payments.

To meet these expectations, CelcomDigi has identified three major challenges that must be addressed. The first is the growing complexity of networks as new services such as IoT, network slicing and smart industry solutions are introduced. The second is the demand for real-time responsiveness, with customers expecting zero downtime and instant performance. The third is the ongoing paradox of rising data traffic without equivalent revenue growth, which puts pressure on costs and efficiency.

CelcomDigi believes that the way forward lies in AI-driven autonomous operations. By 2028, the company aims to achieve level four autonomous operations, supported by closed-loop systems, predictive intelligence and generative AI. The transition involves moving from reactive processes towards predictive, self-diagnosing and self-healing networks that can assure customer experiences at scale.

The operator is already making progress on this roadmap. Working closely with Ericsson, CelcomDigi has deployed AI platforms that enable predictive maintenance, automated fault detection and real-time root-cause analysis. Processes that previously took hours can now be resolved in minutes, and continuous optimisation ensures 24/7 network performance. Examples already live on the network include nationwide AI-powered root-cause analysis, closed-loop traffic balancing with significant efficiency improvements, and intelligent change management that boosts success rates. Even everyday applications such as WhatsApp calls are being enhanced through AI-driven quality optimisation, reflecting how closely network performance is tied to customer experience.

These initiatives are delivering measurable results. The operator reports higher availability, fewer call drops, smoother video streaming and faster recovery times. Improvements in customer experience are also reflected in stronger satisfaction scores.

Looking ahead, CelcomDigi’s vision is a zero-touch, customer-centric network that runs seamlessly in the background. The company sees autonomous operations not only as a means of simplifying complexity and reducing costs, but also as a way to differentiate connectivity, support innovation and sustain market leadership in Malaysia’s fast-growing digital economy.

You can watch the full session in the video below. For more insights like this, make sure to follow FutureNet World, where industry leaders regularly share their strategies for the networks of tomorrow.

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• Operator Watch Blog: Malaysia Builds Momentum in 5G and Mobile Growth
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• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Malaysia Looks at Small Cells for 5G
• Operator Watch Blog: Malaysia Decides on Innovative Approach for 5G Spectrum 

Libya’s Mobile Industry Amid Recovery and Change

In recent years, Libya has faced significant challenges in rebuilding its economy and infrastructure after the civil war and ongoing political unrest. The telecom sector was hit particularly hard, around a quarter of the country’s mobile towers were destroyed or looted in the aftermath of the 2011 uprising. Efforts to restore services were repeatedly delayed by political and military instability, especially during the decade when rival governments in Tripoli and Tobruk failed to agree on a unified national reconstruction strategy despite numerous mediation attempts.

The formation of a UN-brokered Government of National Unity in March 2021 brought cautious optimism, though it was intended only as an interim solution ahead of the presidential and legislative elections scheduled for December that year.

Even amid political deadlock, some progress has been made in reviving the telecom network. Mobile operators have collaborated to expand LTE coverage in the south, a development made possible by improved political stability. Previously, telecom towers were frequent targets in the conflict, making such cooperation difficult.

There are two main mobile operators in Libya: Libyana and Almadar Aljadeed. Both are state-owned. Libyana has a market share of over 55% and Almadar Aljadeed at 44%, according to Media Landscapes. Overall mobile coverage in Libya extends to about 90% of the population, concentrated in urban regions along the coast; but geographic coverage remains limited, less than 20% of the country's land area. The mobile market is supported by some of the lowest tariffs on the continent.

According to GSMA Intelligence, Libya had 14.6 million mobile connections at the start of 2025. It is important to note that many people use more than one mobile line, so the number of connections often surpasses the size of the total population. For instance, a person may keep one line for personal communication while maintaining a second for work. The growing use of eSIM technology in recent years has made it even easier for individuals to manage multiple connections.

Based on GSMA Intelligence data, mobile connections in Libya were equal to about 197 percent of the country’s total population in January 2025. The number of connections has also continued to grow. Between early 2024 and the beginning of 2025, Libya added 299 thousand new mobile connections, representing growth of just over 2 percent. At the same time, GSMA Intelligence reports that 92.9% of all mobile connections in the country now qualify as “broadband.” This means they are capable of connecting through 3G, 4G, or 5G networks.

However, it is important to understand that a broadband-capable connection does not always translate to actual mobile internet use. Some subscriptions are limited to voice and SMS services only, so this figure should not be treated as a direct measure of internet adoption.

Established in 2004, Libyana was Libya’s first GSM operator and quickly became a market leader. The company holds the largest share of the market, with over 6.3 million subscribers across government institutions, businesses, and individuals. It recently expanded its services to include 4G+ and VoLTE coverage in most Libyan cities and is currently testing 5G technology. While praised for its widespread network, Libyana struggles with an oversubscribed network and its internet service is considered the least reliable among the available options.

Almadar Aljadeed (Almadar) is the second-largest operator, holding 44% market share. It is known for its competitive rates, extensive coverage, and more stable and flexible connections compared to other options, according to Media Landscapes. Almadar recently introduced H+ services, seen as a positive step for the industry. 

5G is in early stages, with planning and trials by both major operators.

Rural expansion is being explored through solar-hybrid towers and VSAT aggregation, supported by multilateral funding to close the digital divide.

Libya’s mobile industry is shaped by the state-managed duopoly of Libyana and Al-Madar with overlapping strengths and constraints. Libyana's affordability and reach make it popular among the masses, while Al-Madar appeals to those seeking stability and premium offerings.  Though infrastructural and geographic gaps remain, especially in rural areas, expanding international links and emerging private players are promising signs of sector maturation.

Bermuda’s Mobile Landscape and 5G Adoption

Bermuda, a British island territory in the North Atlantic, combines natural beauty with cultural and economic significance. Spanning 54 square kilometres across an archipelago of 181 islands, its main landmass is linked by bridges and centred on the capital, Hamilton. Known for its unique blend of British and American influences, Bermuda also offers a strong maritime heritage through sites such as the Royal Naval Dockyard, alongside a reputation as a global hub for finance, insurance, and international business.

According to GSMA Intelligence, Bermuda had 65,200 active mobile connections at the start of 2025. That figure is higher than the island’s total population, which is not unusual as many people use more than one SIM, often separating work and personal numbers. The rise of eSIM technology has made managing multiple lines even simpler. In fact, GSMA data shows mobile connections now stand at 101% of the total population.

Looking at growth, connections rose by 3,892 year-on-year, a 6.3% increase between January 2024 and January 2025.

Importantly, the majority of these connections are now “broadband” capable, GSMA estimates about 91.7% run on 3G, 4G, or 5G networks. However, not every device actively uses mobile data. Some subscriptions still provide only voice and SMS services, so the broadband-capable figure shouldn’t be read as a direct measure of mobile internet adoption.

Bermuda’s telecom market is going through one of its biggest shifts in years. The arrival of a third mobile operator, commercial 5G launches by all players, and new unlimited plans are reshaping how locals and visitors connect. Here’s a breakdown of the current mobile landscape, market share, and where 5G adoption stands today.

One Communications (formerly CellOne) the long-time incumbent, part of ATN International, still holds the largest subscriber base. OneComm was also the first to launch commercial 5G in Bermuda in late 2023, working with Ericsson on a new cloud core and radio network. The rollout began in Hamilton, with about 75% of the island “5G-ready” on day one. The company markets itself as having the largest and most reliable network, now enhanced by 5G.

Digicel has long been OneComm’s main rival. In July 2025, it officially switched on its 5G+ network island-wide, introducing new unlimited postpaid plans.

The company has also been boosting capacity around major events like Cup Match. Its 5G+ branding emphasizes higher throughput and wider coverage.

The newest entrant, Paradise Mobile, launched services in 2023–2024 with a 5G-first approach. By mid-2025, Paradise had rolled out a 5G+ network and twice won Ookla’s “Fastest 5G in Bermuda” award, including for Q3–Q4 2024. Median 5G speeds were reported around 281 Mbps in late-2024 tests.

The operator positions itself as the performance leader, appealing especially to data-heavy users and tech-forward customers.

So now the Bermuda mobile market is a three-player race, with each operator pushing a different angle:

• OneComm: scale, reliability, and first-mover 5G.
• Digicel: unlimited plans and broad 5G+ branding.
• Paradise Mobile: fastest speeds and “next-gen” positioning.

According to the July 2025 Ookla analysis, Bermuda is seeing rising 5G-device usage and time spent on 5G, the key challenge ahead is network capacity. With such 5G adoption rising quickly, greater investment in small cells, spectrum use, and eventually standalone 5G cores will be expected. For consumers, the outcome should be better speeds, better prices, and more choice than Bermuda has seen in years.

SIMBA Telecom to Acquire M1 in Singapore’s First Major Consolidation

SIMBA Telecom, Singapore’s youngest mobile operator, is preparing to take a major leap with the acquisition of rival M1. This transaction, valued at S$1.43 billion, represents the first significant consolidation in Singapore’s telecoms sector and signals a new phase in the market’s development.

SIMBA’s story began in 2016 when, then known as TPG Singapore, it secured spectrum rights in a government auction. Initially part of TPG Telecom Australia, the Singapore business became independent in 2020 following the merger of its Australian parent with Vodafone Hutchison. The local unit was listed under Tuas Ltd and later rebranded as SIMBA in 2022. Over the past few years, the operator has steadily grown its customer base to more than one million subscribers, doubling its mobile connections in the space of two and a half years. Its lean cost structure, no-frills approach and competitive pricing have allowed it to establish itself as a disruptive challenger in a highly competitive environment.

M1, by contrast, is one of Singapore’s established operators with a history stretching back to the mid-1990s. Today it serves more than two million mobile customers and over 200,000 fixed broadband households. The company has invested heavily in 5G, building a standalone network that covers much of the island, and it has also developed a growing enterprise business. For the financial year ending April 2025, M1’s telecom operations generated S$806.1 million in revenue and S$195.4 million in EBITDA.

Bringing SIMBA and M1 together would create a company with over 3.2 million mobile connections and almost 240,000 fixed broadband lines. That scale would push the merged operator into second place in the mobile market, behind Singtel with its 4.5 million customers and ahead of StarHub with 2.4 million. On the broadband side, the combined business would hold just under 16 per cent of the market, still far behind Singtel and StarHub but with room to grow.

From an infrastructure standpoint, the benefits for SIMBA are clear. The company has been rolling out its own 5G network but remains at an earlier stage than its competitors. By combining with M1, SIMBA gains access to a denser radio footprint, both indoors and outdoors, as well as stronger fixed broadband infrastructure and an established enterprise platform. The merger also consolidates spectrum resources, giving the enlarged operator more capacity to support high-speed services and to compete on network quality as well as price.

Operationally, Tuas, SIMBA’s parent company, expects significant synergies. The two operators have relatively little overlap in resources, which makes it easier to combine their networks and retail footprints while avoiding duplication. Analysts expect efficiency gains in spectrum use, site sharing and core network integration. Together, the businesses generated S$948.8 million in revenue and S$256 million in EBITDA in the past year, providing a strong financial base for further investment.

The deal comes at a time when Singapore’s telecoms sector is under pressure from falling revenue per user. Mobile virtual network operators have been driving down prices with low-cost plans, forcing the main players to compete aggressively for subscribers. Consolidation from four operators to three is likely to ease some of that pricing pressure, allowing the remaining players to focus on improving network quality and investing in new technologies such as advanced 5G and future fibre upgrades.

For the market leader Singtel and its close rival StarHub, the emergence of a larger SIMBA-M1 entity presents both a challenge and an opportunity. On the one hand, competition becomes sharper as a stronger second player emerges. On the other, consolidation reduces the intensity of price competition that has squeezed all operators in recent years.

Regulatory approval will be required from the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). If approved, SIMBA’s acquisition of M1 will mark a turning point in Singapore’s telecoms industry. It will create a more balanced market structure, strengthen investment capacity and reshape competition, with SIMBA moving from a challenger to a genuine contender for market leadership in the years ahead.

Telstra’s Bold Journey to RAN Autonomy and Beyond

At the recent rApp DevCon 2025 hosted by Ericsson, Gavin Spain, Group Owner of Wireless Network Strategy at Telstra, delivered a keynote that set out an ambitious and compelling vision for the future of RAN autonomy. As operators around the globe seek to simplify operations and reduce cost in increasingly complex networks, Telstra’s strategy places autonomy at the heart of network transformation.

Telstra has set clear targets: level 3 RAN autonomy within three years, and level 4 by 2030, as defined by TM Forum standards. Achieving this will demand deep changes across technology, process, systems, and tools. But more than just a transformation project, Gavin Spain framed autonomy as a strategic necessity to meet rising expectations and scale networks efficiently. For Telstra, autonomy is not about buzzwords but about delivering adaptability, optimisation and self-healing capabilities across its vast and varied network landscape.

With tens of thousands of 4G and 5G sites, spanning dense cities to remote regions, Telstra faces a highly diverse RAN environment. Rather than seeing this as a burden, Telstra views variability as an opportunity. Automation at the cell level enables a granularity of control not possible through manual approaches. Autonomy can unlock previously inaccessible value from the existing infrastructure and allow dynamic, performance-driven decisions at scale.

Central to this transformation is Telstra’s four-year agreement with Ericsson, a cornerstone investment of 800 million Australian dollars. This will upgrade the RAN with Open RAN-ready hardware, integrate 5G Advanced software, and crucially, adopt Ericsson’s Intelligent Automation Platform (EIAP) to power rApps and enable intelligent, programmable networks.

Telstra’s early focus is on two operational journeys: streamlining the planning, design and deployment of network infrastructure, and improving performance management and optimisation. This includes energy efficiency use cases, where Telstra is applying machine learning to find the right balance between performance and consumption. The long-term vision extends well beyond 5G. As future generations like 5G Advanced and 6G arrive, the complexity and costs will only grow. Programmability and intelligence must evolve with them.

Gavin Spain also highlighted the key architectural elements required to make this vision a reality. These include open and standardised interfaces to encourage portability and innovation, conflict resolution frameworks to manage competing app intents, integration of AI/ML pipelines to support closed-loop optimisation, seamless support for both traditional and virtualised RAN, and certification frameworks to ensure rApp quality and reusability.

Beyond the technology, the keynote emphasised economics. Operating mobile networks is increasingly expensive, while revenues per user remain flat or in decline. This puts pressure on operators to lower TCO and improve efficiency. For developers, this presents an opportunity. Even small improvements, such as reducing energy consumption by 1% or minimising truck rolls, can translate into significant cost savings. rApps that can deliver this type of value are well-positioned to scale across the global ecosystem.

Gavin encouraged developers to understand operator challenges, build with purpose, and iterate rapidly. He highlighted that the value of AI is not just in rApps themselves, but also in how developers can use AI tools to speed up development and testing. With the network domain evolving rapidly, speed and bold ambition will be essential.

The call to action was clear: no single player can deliver autonomy alone. Operators, vendors, standards bodies, and developers must collaborate closely. Operators like Telstra will contribute use cases and domain expertise. Vendors like Ericsson will provide platforms. Standards bodies ensure interoperability. And developers will bring the innovation and execution speed required to translate vision into reality.

Telstra has already begun migrating legacy Self Organising Network functions to EAIP. Initial use cases include configuration automation, anomaly detection, and intent-based optimisation. These are the first steps on a much longer journey, one that aims to reshape how networks are designed, deployed, and operated for the next decade and beyond.

Telstra’s message to the ecosystem is simple: collaborate, move fast, and focus on real-world value. With the foundations being laid today, the path to RAN autonomy is no longer just a concept but a concrete roadmap for intelligent, adaptive and customer-centric networks of the future.

The video of Gavin Spain’s keynote at rApp DevCon 2025 is embedded below. It is well worth watching for a deeper understanding of Telstra’s strategy and the broader opportunities for developers and partners across the ecosystem.

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Resilient Networks and Future Ambitions in Azerbaijan’s Telecom Sector

Azerbaijan, located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, is known not only for its rich oil reserves and cultural heritage but also for its evolving mobile telecommunications sector. While the telecom industry plays a significant role in the country’s non-oil GDP, its overall progress has been slowed by years of political instability, civil unrest, and systemic corruption.

Despite these challenges, Azerbaijan has made meaningful strides in expanding mobile connectivity and strengthening its 4G infrastructure. Mobile penetration reached 100% as early as 2011, though growth has largely stagnated since. However, mobile operators are steadily extending their LTE networks across the country. This expanded coverage, along with increased access to faster data services, is expected to fuel modest growth in both mobile usage and mobile broadband adoption in the coming years, particularly as users shift from 3G to 4G. While 5G deployment is still in its early stages, the current LTE infrastructure remains sufficient to meet most of the population’s demand for high-speed data and broadband.

According to the latest data from GSMA Intelligence, Azerbaijan had approximately 12.2 million cellular mobile connections at the start of 2025. It's important to note that this number exceeds the country’s total population, a common occurrence in mobile markets globally. Many individuals maintain multiple mobile connections, often separating personal and professional use. The growing availability of eSIM technology has further simplified managing multiple lines on a single device.

In fact, mobile connections in Azerbaijan were equivalent to 118% of the country’s population as of January 2025. This ratio highlights the widespread reliance on mobile services and suggests a mature market in terms of connectivity access.

Looking at year-on-year trends, the number of mobile connections grew by 370,000 (or 3.1%) between early 2024 and the beginning of 2025. This moderate but consistent growth reflects a combination of factors, including population mobility, the rise of connected devices (like smartwatches and tablets), and continued expansion into underserved regions.

Notably, 96.5% of all mobile connections in Azerbaijan are now classified as “broadband connections,” meaning they operate over 3G, 4G, or 5G networks. However, it's worth clarifying that a broadband-capable connection doesn’t automatically equate to active mobile internet usage. Some plans, particularly lower-cost or enterprise bundles, may provide only voice and SMS services without significant data allowances. Therefore, while broadband-capable connections indicate the potential for mobile internet access, they don't necessarily reflect actual usage patterns.

Therefore the mobile network coverage is generally good, with 4G and 3G networks estimated to have 100% coverage in 2025, according to Statista.  Opensignal's Global Network Excellence Index ranks Azerbaijan 65th overall, with an 81% 4G/5G availability.

The country has three major GSM operators: Azercell, Bakcell, and Nar Mobile.

Established in 1996 as a joint venture between the Azerbaijani government and Turkcell, Azercell is today the country’s foremost mobile provider, commanding around 48–51% market share with over 5 million subscribers.

As of early 2024–2025, its 4G network spans roughly 94–98% of both population and territory. In 2023 alone, Azercell installed 300+ new LTE base stations and modernized 1,600+ existing sites, boosting 4G coverage by ~10% and doubling average internet speeds. This ambitious project extended connectivity into reclaimed Karabakh areas, with over 150 base stations deployed in key cities such as Shusha, Agdam, Khojaly, and more.

From 2017 onward, Azercell has actively incorporated solar-powered base stations, notably in Karabakh, where 35 stations derive ~60% of their energy from renewables. In 2024, it joined the GSMA Climate Action Taskforce and became the official telecom partner for COP29 in Baku—underlining its commitment to sustainability efforts.

In 2022, Azercell launched Azerbaijan's first 5G test zone at Baku’s Fountain Square and in select locations. They are also actively collaborating with GSMA Advanced programs, focusing on AI, IoT, and network security training for staff. Currently the 5G network remains in test/trial mode, focused on public hotspots like Fountain Square.

Bakcell serves over 3 million subscribers, positioning it as Azerbaijan's second-largest mobile operator. The operator has been named “Azerbaijan’s Fastest Mobile Network” by Ookla multiple times, three consecutive years from 2018–2019, again in 2021, and most recently for Q1–Q2 2022 . Their extensive network of ~9,000 base stations ensures coverage for 99.9% of the population and ~92.6% of the country's area.

Bakcell was among the first in Azerbaijan to introduce eSIM and VoLTE, often bundled with high-speed 4G infrastructure .Their LTE network rollout has been rapid: by mid‑2019, they had installed nearly 3,000+ 4G base stations, covering 78% of the population and 52% of the land area.

In February 2023, Bakcell officially launched its 5G test network in several central Baku locations: Fountain Square, Khagani Garden, and Deniz Mall. The pilot supports Huawei, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Poco, and Vivo devices, offering 5 GB of free trial data per hour. The trial is fully embedded within existing data packages, no added charges for users testing 5G.

Through its affiliate, AzerTelecom, Bakcell is contributing to the “Digital Silk Way” fiber-optic corridor: improving regional connectivity across the Caucasus and Central Asia, this aims to build a high-capacity fiber-optic corridor bridging Europe and Asia. The infrastructure includes both terrestrial and subsea routes through key countries like Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Georgia, and Türkiye. 

Nar (Azerfon) is the third-largest mobile operator in Azerbaijan with around 2.2 million subscribers.
It offers approximately 97–98.5% territory coverage and serves 99.7–99.8% of the population.

As of early 2025, Nar operates over 7,300–8,500 base stations, including more than 1,620–1,800 LTE sites, up from just 1,000 LTE bases in 2019. In the last year alone, 685 new 4G stations and 150+ 3G stations were added. As of recent reports, 91.5% of the population is within 4G network reach, and active 4G users total around 850,000 (about one in three Nar users).

Although Nar has not launched public 5G trials, it’s building out LTE infrastructure aggressively, strengthening its capacity ahead of future 5G deployment. Infrastructure expansion, especially in liberated regions and transport corridors, provides a solid foundation for next-gen services. With its strong customer satisfaction, regional reach, and ongoing network upgrades, Nar is well-positioned to enter the 5G space once spectrum becomes available and demand accelerates.

Azerbaijan’s mobile market reflects a blend of resilience, innovation, and regional ambition. With three strong national operators, increasing investments in LTE and 5G, and efforts to bridge the digital divide, the country is well on its way to a more connected future.

As demand for faster, more reliable mobile services continues to grow, Azerbaijan’s telecom sector will likely play a central role in shaping its broader digital transformation.

China Mobile's PQC Strategy Advances BASIC6 and 6G Security Vision

China Mobile continues to demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to innovation, especially as it prepares for the security demands of future networks. Its recent white paper on post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) migration in telecommunication networks, published through GTI, outlines both the challenges and roadmap for ensuring security resilience in the quantum era. This work aligns strongly with the operator's broader BASIC6 sci-tech innovation strategy, where 6G and security sit alongside big data, AI, integration platforms and computility networks as core pillars of future readiness.

As quantum computing capabilities evolve, current cryptographic systems face a growing threat. The white paper details how quantum algorithms like Shor's and Grover's could undermine widely used encryption and authentication schemes such as RSA, ECDSA and Diffie-Hellman. While symmetric encryption can be strengthened through increased key lengths, public key systems will require fundamental change. This poses a particular concern for telecom networks, where secure identity, signalling integrity and encrypted communication are vital.

The analysis examines vulnerabilities across key network components, including the 5G core, signalling, bearer, transport and synchronisation networks. Each of these relies on a combination of cryptographic mechanisms that will need to be assessed and upgraded to support quantum-resilient algorithms. China Mobile explores how NIST-approved PQC schemes like CRYSTALS-Kyber and Dilithium can be integrated, though this shift brings practical issues such as increased key sizes, protocol field expansion and processing latency.

Migration to PQC in telecom environments is not straightforward. Beyond technical integration, there are questions of industry alignment, certificate management, hardware support and standardisation. China Mobile points out that new certificate formats must accommodate hybrid cryptography while remaining compatible with legacy systems. Moreover, real-time services, especially at the edge, may suffer from the computational overheads of post-quantum cryptographic algorithms. This makes algorithm selection critical depending on scenario requirements.

These considerations are closely connected with China Mobile's larger push towards future network architectures. Under the BASIC6 umbrella, the company is laying the groundwork for 6G systems that integrate communications, computing, intelligence and sensing. Their work includes development of testbeds, international standardisation contributions and advanced platforms like the computility network, which is already managing over 60 EFLOPS of computing capacity nationwide. With quantum computing systems, quantum-secure communication prototypes and endogenous security now in place, post-quantum cryptography is a natural continuation of this broader effort.

The operator's leadership in 6G standards within 3GPP and ITU, combined with its role in defining the first global 6G requirements and scenarios, places it in a strong position to shape how PQC becomes a core feature of next-generation mobile infrastructure. Post-quantum security is not just about reacting to a threat. It is a foundational design choice that must be embedded from the outset of 6G network development, supporting trust, resilience and regulatory compliance across use cases.

China Mobile's approach provides a model for how national carriers can combine practical migration planning with strategic innovation goals. PQC integration will require deep collaboration across the ecosystem, from chipmakers and protocol developers to equipment vendors and standards bodies. But for operators aiming to deliver world-class secure information services in the 6G era, these efforts are already becoming a competitive necessity.

This important work builds on several topics already covered in detail on the Free 6G Training Blog, including post-quantum cryptography, quantum network architecture and 6G security. As the quantum age approaches, ensuring that security evolves alongside performance and scalability is one of the most pressing challenges for operators worldwide.

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Rising Demand and Competition in Algeria’s Mobile Sector

Algeria, the largest country in Africa, has a fast-growing telecommunications sector shaped by strong state involvement, a youthful and increasingly connected population, and rising demand for mobile internet. Despite regulatory complexities and infrastructure challenges, mobile operators are competing to improve coverage, increase speeds and launch innovative digital services.

The mobile market in Algeria is dominated by three major operators: Mobilis (ATM Mobilis), which is state-owned; Djezzy (Optimum Telecom Algeria), a privatised operator with majority state ownership; and Ooredoo Algeria, a subsidiary of the Qatari Ooredoo Group.

According to GSMA Intelligence, there were 54.8 million cellular mobile connections in Algeria at the start of 2025. It is common for individuals to use more than one mobile connection, often splitting usage between personal and professional needs. The growing use of eSIMs has made this even easier. Mobile connections in Algeria were equivalent to 116 percent of the total population in January 2025. This figure had risen by 3.0 million, or 5.8 percent, over the previous year.

Of these connections, 91.4 percent are classified as broadband, meaning they access the internet via 3G, 4G or 5G networks. However, broadband-capable devices do not always translate to mobile internet usage, as some plans may include only voice and SMS services.

Mobilis holds the largest share of Algeria’s mobile market at 43.7 percent. As the state-owned operator, it plays a central role in national connectivity. Mobilis launched GSM services in 2003 and was the first to introduce 4G LTE in 2016. With strong government backing, it focuses on reaching both urban centres and rural areas. The operator offers a full suite of services including prepaid and postpaid voice, SMS and data plans. It has invested heavily in network upgrades and has been preparing for 5G with successful trials and a commercial rollout expected later in 2025.

Recent tests have shown Mobilis achieving speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps with low latency, demonstrating its ability to meet global performance benchmarks. These trials featured use cases such as virtual tourism, cloud gaming and augmented reality experiences. Alongside its mobile efforts, Mobilis is also expanding its fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) offerings through partnerships with local microenterprises, supporting broader national digital inclusion goals.

Djezzy, established in 2001, commands a 30.84 percent market share. Known for its innovation and wide reach, Djezzy has played a major role in expanding Algeria’s 3G and 4G footprint. The operator offers a variety of competitively priced data plans, particularly attractive to value-conscious users. It has also been involved in 5G trials as it looks to modernise its network and stay ahead of evolving consumer demands.

Ooredoo Algeria holds a 25 percent market share but consistently ranks high on digital service quality. The latest Opensignal report highlighted Ooredoo’s strengths in download and upload speeds, network consistency and video experience. Its portfolio includes data-rich plans aimed at younger users as well as solutions for business customers. The company is actively preparing for 5G through partnerships with global technology providers.

Ooredoo is also participating in the Universal Telecommunication Service project, a government-led initiative to extend coverage to remote and underserved regions. As part of this programme, the operator is working to deploy more than 1,200 new sites across rural Algeria, delivering essential voice and data services to communities that were previously unconnected or poorly served.

The mobile landscape in Algeria remains highly competitive, with all three operators striving to enhance service quality and expand their networks. This competition has helped to keep prices attractive while driving continuous improvements in infrastructure and user experience.

Algeria’s mobile ecosystem is evolving rapidly. With growing demand for data, nationwide 4G expansion and the expected arrival of commercial 5G services, the market is set for further transformation. Government initiatives to promote digital inclusion and the operators' sustained investment in technology suggest a strong trajectory for mobile connectivity across the country.

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How AI Is Reshaping Network Operations at Deutsche Telekom

Michal Sewera, an experienced technology leader at Deutsche Telekom Group (generally written as TDG which stands for 'Telekom Deutschland GmbH'), recently offered a rare behind-the-scenes view of how AI is being used to manage and optimise telco cloud operations. As the head of TDG’s cloud-native 5G core DevOps team, he has led the shift to a new operating model built on cloud-native principles, automation and AI.

Presenting at the FutureNet World conference in London on 7–8 May 2025, Michal shared how TDG’s journey to cloud-native began with the realisation that cloud is not simply about virtualisation or containers. The real transformation lies in a fundamental change in architecture and operations. Moving to a GitOps operational model with declarative deployments and a concept of desired network state has allowed TDG to move from infrequent bulk updates to continuous, incremental changes. In this new approach, change is no longer an exception but an asset.

However, this shift comes with its own challenges. Cloud-native telco systems are composed of highly distributed microservices, open-source components and loosely coupled layers. This creates what Michal refers to as the butterfly effect, where even a small change can lead to unexpected consequences elsewhere in the system. Traditional approaches to validation, configuration and assurance are simply no longer sufficient.

To address this, TDG has integrated AI tools across all stages of the network lifecycle: development, rollout and operations. In the development phase, TDG uses an AI-based validation framework that collects data from across the application, platform and infrastructure layers. It analyses complex interdependencies using pattern recognition across 3GPP signalling, KPIs, logs, Kubernetes, CNIs and service mesh. This approach replaces traditional regression testing with intelligent analysis that highlights functional issues and pinpoints root causes early in the pipeline.

During rollout, the AI-powered Network Configuration Co-Pilot supports configuration changes across distributed clusters. The tool goes well beyond Git automation bots, using a mix of reusable configuration patterns, chat-based interaction with embedded vendor knowledge and natural language integration with systems like Kubernetes. This allows engineers to handle the massive complexity of telco configurations more efficiently and with greater confidence.

In live operations, TDG employs a combination of active and passive monitoring across its Platform as a Service layer. Probes and telemetry continuously monitor performance while AI-driven root cause analysis tools detect anomalies and correlate them with platform and network data. This enables early detection of degradation and supports predictive fault analysis. TDG also applies AI to canary testing and deployment. New releases are gradually introduced in production environments under close AI-assisted monitoring, allowing issues to be caught before full rollout. This model is a marked departure from the old reliance on staging environments and lab testing.

TDG’s new operational model, grounded in GitOps and driven by AI, offers a compelling example of how operators can adapt to the complexity and speed of change in cloud-native environments. The shift transforms telecom networks from silent, black-box systems into transparent, data-rich platforms where actionable insight can be extracted and acted upon in near real time.

Michal’s insights make clear that AI is not an optional add-on in this new environment. It is a fundamental enabler that allows the telco cloud to scale, evolve and remain resilient. For operators looking to modernise their networks, TDG’s experience offers valuable lessons in how to harness automation and intelligence to meet the demands of the future.

You can watch the full video of his talk below:

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Malaysia Builds Momentum in 5G and Mobile Growth

Malaysia has a robust telecommunications infrastructure and a competitive mobile market. According to GSMA Intelligence, Malaysia had 43.3 million cellular mobile connections at the start of 2025. It is important to note that many individuals use more than one mobile connection, such as one for personal use and another for work, so the total number of mobile connections often exceeds the population. The growing adoption of eSIMs has further simplified the use of multiple connections on a single device.

In fact, GSMA Intelligence data shows that, as of January 2025, mobile connections in Malaysia were equivalent to 121% of the country’s total population.

Looking at recent trends, mobile connections grew by 474,000, an increase of 1.1%, between the start of 2024 and early 2025. Additionally, 99.0% of mobile connections in Malaysia are now classified as broadband, meaning they connect through 3G, 4G, or 5G networks.

However, it is worth noting that not all devices on broadband-capable networks actively use mobile data. Some connections may be limited to voice and SMS services only, so this broadband percentage should not be interpreted as a direct indicator of mobile internet usage.

As part of its broader economic development efforts, Malaysia has actively promoted open competition in the telecommunications sector. This approach has led to high penetration rates in both mobile and mobile broadband services, along with near-universal LTE coverage. Since the launch of 5G in 2022, adoption has grown rapidly, with 5G making up 38 % of all mobile broadband subscriptions by September 2024.

The major mobile operators in Malaysia are CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, YTL Communications (YES), and Unifi Mobile. These operators have been actively involved in the rollout of Malaysia's national 5G network and are key players in the country's telecommunications landscape. 

To maintain consistent 5G service quality, Malaysia’s mobile operators continue to utilise the state-owned 5G network operated by Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB). In May 2023, Malaysian authorities announced plans to transition to a dual 5G network model once DNB reached 80% population coverage, a milestone that was achieved in December 2023.

This shift marked a significant policy change, including the revocation of a 2021 ministerial directive that had previously appointed DNB as the sole entity responsible for Malaysia’s 5G rollout.

DNB was established by the government in 2021 as a special-purpose vehicle tasked with developing the national 5G infrastructure. Its network, deployed by Ericsson, is currently used by private telcos to deliver 5G services to consumers and businesses.

As of now, the major mobile operators in Malaysia provide 5G services through DNB’s state-run network. These include CelcomDigi, Maxis, YTL Communications (Yes 5G), and U Mobile. Each of these operators, except for Telekom Malaysia which had its equity deal cancelled, holds a 16.3% equity stake in DNB. The Ministry of Finance retains a 34% share.

CelcomDigi holds a 30.1% market share in the Malaysian telecommunications sector. This is a significant increase from 2023, following the merger between Celcom and Digi in November 2022. The merged entity has become the largest telecommunications company in Malaysia, surpassing its closest rival, Maxis.

Currently, it serves over 20 million customers, two-thirds of the Malaysian population, through 6.7 million postpaid and 13.4 million prepaid subscribers. CelcomDigi operates the widest 4G network, covering over 96 % of the population nationwide from approximately 24,000 network sites and has an extensive fibre network of around 15,000 kilometres.

CelcomDigi and Ericsson have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to introduce AI-driven network analytics across CelcomDigi’s infrastructure, aiming to enhance operational efficiency as 5G adoption continues to rise in Malaysia. As part of the agreement, both companies will collaborate on the development of intent-based autonomous networks, integrating AI and automation to improve network performance and efficiency. They also plan to explore the use of AI in building advanced 5G service assurance solutions, with the goal of delivering more reliable and tailored connectivity experiences for both businesses and consumers.

According to Ericsson, Malaysia registered 18.2 million 5G subscriptions as of the end of 2024, which equates to a market penetration rate of 53.4%.

CelcomDigi also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ZTE to collaborate on integrating AI technologies into its telecommunications infrastructure. The companies plan to explore AI-driven solutions such as new calling, intelligent deep packet inspection for smarter network traffic management, and intelligent operations and maintenance to automate network monitoring and maintenance using AI-powered predictive analytics.

Maxis is the second largest operator in Malaysia. Maxis operates one of the most reliable 4G LTE networks in the country, reaching over 95% of the population. With Malaysia's ongoing 5G rollout under the DNB single wholesale network model, Maxis was initially cautious in adopting the new structure. However, in 2023, Maxis signed an access agreement with DNB, enabling it to begin offering 5G services.

According to Opensignal, Maxis was the first Malaysian operator to win the Reliability Experience award. It also won the Consistent Quality award with 67.3% of tests, closely followed by Digi with 67.1%. Since the last report, Maxis’ Consistent Quality score has improved by 11 percentage points.

U Mobile, despite being a smaller operator, has announced plans to build Malaysia's second 5G network, aiming to rival the first built by DNB. The decision follows government approval for a second 5G network in a move to end the monopoly previously held by DNB. U Mobile has chosen Chinese vendors Huawei and ZTE as technology partners for this project.

The enterprise-grade 5G network will support 5G Advanced and network slicing from day one, enabling tailored services for industries like healthcare, transport, and smart cities. U Mobile’s rollout emphasises improved indoor 5G coverage and prioritises key locations such as transport hubs, medical centres and data centres. U Mobile has stated it will continue working with DNB to ensure quality of service during the transition.

Unifi Mobile is a Malaysian internet mobile network operator and a subsidiary of the national telephone company, Telekom Malaysia. Unifi performed well in the recent Opensignal report, winning the 5G Download Speed Award with speeds of 290.3 Mbps. In the previous report, there had been a three-way tie but Unifi has now emerged as the sole winner. Unifi also won the 5G Video Experience Award with a score of 77.7 on a 100-point scale, more than two points higher than Digi.

Yes Mobile is operated by YTL Communications Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of YTL Corporation Berhad, a leading Malaysian infrastructure conglomerate. Launched in November 2010, Yes Mobile was the fifth mobile operator in Malaysia and distinguished itself by deploying an all-IP, all-4G network from the outset.

In December 2021, Yes Mobile became the first operator in Malaysia to launch 5G services, branded as Yes FT5G. This rollout was facilitated through a partnership with DNB. Yes Mobile's 5G services initially covered areas such as Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Cyberjaya.

The Yes network is built with an all-IP architecture, making it the first and only all-4G and all-IP network provider in Malaysia capable of offering unique services such as user ID-based unified communications and session concurrency for mobile data and telephony services. Yes operates its own network infrastructure in Malaysia, with close to 5,000 base stations and an all-4G network footprint reaching over 85% of the population.

As Malaysia continues to expand its 5G infrastructure, mobile operators are in active competition and are poised to integrate next-generation technologies into their offerings.

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How O2 Telefónica is Redefining the Network with NaaS and Open APIs

At O2 Telefónica Germany, the “network of the future” is no longer a distant vision, it’s becoming an operational reality. Under the leadership of Matthias Sauder, Director Networks, the operator has made substantial strides in transforming its end-to-end infrastructure to meet the demands of a highly agile, programmable, and customer-focused future.

At the FutureNet World conference in London (7–8 May 2025), where leading telco and tech stakeholders gathered to explore network automation and AI in telecoms, Sauder shared how O2 Telefónica’s evolution journey spans radio, transport, core, data centres, and cloud landing zones, all underpinned by a strategy that prioritises automation, flexibility, and openness.

The transformation began with a foundational goal: enhancing radio network quality. Once considered the underdog in a three-operator market, O2 Germany set out to radically improve performance by embracing agile practices and reshaping internal structures. Inspired by the Spotify model, the company introduced agility not just in project management but also in technical delivery. This included frequent software release cycles for radio, positioning itself as a global leader in rapid deployment and continuous integration.

A key initiative known as Tech Strategy 25 laid the foundation for modernising radio, transport, and core networks. Today, over 80 percent of the strategy has already been executed. With a largely cloud-native core in place, O2 Telefónica is among the pioneers of this architectural shift. Its collaboration with Ericsson produced one of the world’s first cloud-native digital cores, while a parallel effort with Nokia deployed core services for one million users in a public cloud environment.

The rationale behind both cloud-native and public cloud approaches is clear. Legacy architectures no longer support the operational agility or cost efficiency needed in today’s competitive telecom landscape. Cloud-native systems enable advanced capabilities such as continuous integration, continuous delivery, and seamless in-service software upgrades (ISSU). O2 Telefónica has shown these upgrades can be executed without disrupting live customer services, challenging the long-standing perception that such practices are too risky for telco-grade reliability.

Beyond infrastructure, the company’s future network model hinges on the integration of open APIs and Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) capabilities. These aren’t abstract concepts, they’re practical tools enabling agility, programmability, and new revenue streams. Open APIs expose network functions to external developers and partners, unlocking opportunities for co-creation and monetisation that were previously out of reach.

This openness also extends to industry partnerships. A standout example is the company’s collaboration with Siemens, which now leverages O2's slicing capabilities to deliver tailored network services to its own customers. These kinds of arrangements demonstrate how NaaS, built on secure and standardised APIs, can unlock vertical-specific innovation.

But transformation isn’t just about technology, it’s also about mindset and culture. Simplifying and standardising network configurations (for example, reducing radio setups from over a hundred to just two) and promoting a service-centric approach are part of a broader shift. The focus is firmly on use cases and customer value, avoiding the trap of deploying technology for its own sake. Every new system or tool must demonstrate end-to-end value.

O2 Telefónica also recognises that data, rather than AI alone, is the foundation of intelligent automation. Without a robust data strategy, ambitions around AI, closed-loop automation, or service orchestration are unlikely to succeed. The company’s investment in OSS transformation and data-driven operations is laying the groundwork for intelligent networks that can scale, adapt, and optimise in real time.

As the line between network and IT continues to blur, O2 Telefónica is aligning its BSS, OSS, and IT systems with its network strategy. This integrated approach supports holistic innovation and positions the company to deliver services with faster time to market and greater cost efficiency.

The transformation journey shared by Matthias Sauder is more than a technical roadmap, it’s a call for industry-wide disruption. With revenues flat and operational costs rising, embracing NaaS, open APIs, and cloud-native infrastructure is no longer optional. It’s the only viable path for telcos to stay competitive, innovative, and relevant in a software-defined, platform-centric future.

Sauder’s full presentation at FutureNet World provides deeper insight into this journey. You can watch it below: