Editor’s note: The telecommunications sector continues to evolve rapidly, driven by advancements in 5G, the emergence of 5G Advanced, the growing adoption of Open RAN and the integration of AI into network operations. Given the high volume of industry developments, RCR news brief highlights some of the key announcements shaping the future of global connectivity, infrastructure and innovation.
MTN Group and Airtel Africa agree to network sharing in Uganda and Nigeria
MTN Group and Airtel Africa have entered into agreements to share network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeria.
These sharing agreements target improved network cost efficiencies, expanded coverage and the provision of enhanced mobile services to millions of customers, particularly those in remote and rural areas of these countries.
Following the conclusion of agreements in Uganda and Nigeria, MTN and Airtel Africa are exploring various opportunities in other markets, including Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda and Zambia. Among the types of agreements considered are RAN sharing and those aimed at establishing commercial and technical agreements for fiber infrastructure sharing and, if necessary, the construction of fiber networks.
MobiFone officially launches 5G services in Vietnam
Vietnamese telco MobiFone has officially launched its 5G services, becoming the third network operator in the country to do so.
The carrier plans to expand its coverage to all 63 provinces nationwide, ensuring that even the most remote areas in the country will benefit from high-speed connectivity.
MobiFone’s 5G network operates on the 3.8-3.9 GHz frequency band.
For its business clients, MobiFone has introduced over 100 products that address eight key sectors prioritized for national digital transformation. These sectors include industrial manufacturing, smart cities, energy, agriculture, healthcare, education, transportation and smart tourism.
GSMA Board elects Gopal Vittal as new chair
The GSMA Board of Directors has elected Gopal Vittal as chair for the remainder of the Board term, until the end of 2026.
Vittal has served on the GSMA Board for eight years, including as deputy chair since 2023 and most recently as acting chair of the Board since mid-January, 2025. As GSMA chair, Vittal will oversee the strategic direction of the organization, which represents the world’s mobile operators and companies in the broader mobile ecosystem. This includes completing the transition to 5G Standalone, driving new revenue models, and harnessing the potential of AI and GSMA Open Gateway APIs, to ensure growth.
Gopal Vittal is currently the vice chairman and managing director of the Bharti Airtel Group and sits on the boards of Bharti Airtel Limited, Airtel Africa and Indus Towers.
Europe to invest $1.4 billion in AI, cybersecurity and digital skills
The European Commission (EC) confirmed it will allocate €1.3 billion ($1.4 billion) for the deployment of critical technologies that are strategically important for the future of Europe and the continent’s tech sovereignty through the Digital Europe Program (DIGITAL) work program.
The work program chiefly focuses on the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and its uptake by businesses and public administration, cloud and data, cyber resilience and digital skills.
More specifically, key priorities under the DIGITAL work program include improving the availability and accessibility of generative AI applications, including in the health and care sectors. Available funding will go towards testing immersive environments, known as ‘virtual worlds’, implementing the AI Act and deploying energy efficient common data spaces. These measures are key to the implementation of the AI Factories initiative to develop generative AI models for businesses and the public sector.
