Telecom/Network News
AT&T gets FCC green-light for $1.02 B spectrum buy from UScellular
In early December, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved AT&T’s $1.02 billion acquisition of wireless spectrum licenses from UScellular. The approval was conditioned on AT&T ending its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) programs — a controversial requirement under the current regulatory environment. reuters.com+2reuters.com+2
FCC rescinds telecom cybersecurity rules — prompting industry self-regulation concerns
In November 2025, the FCC voted 2-1 to roll back previously enacted telecom cybersecurity rules under CALEA, reversing protections put in place after major cyberattacks (e.g., "Salt Typhoon"). Critics warn this may weaken the security posture of critical infrastructure going forward. Axios
Boom in private 5G, 6G-readiness, and enterprise network deployments
Throughout Q4, there was a surge in deployments of private 5G/LTE/CBRS networks across industries — from airports to logistics, energy, agriculture, and ports — often combined with edge AI, automation and industrial IoT. This trend was highlighted in a November 2025 “Telecom & Tech Briefing,” underscoring how private networks are reshaping enterprise connectivity. TeckNexus
Expanded M&A activity across fiber, broadband and connectivity firms
The latter months of 2025 saw growing M&A activity, with deals like Greenlight Networks agreeing to acquire FastBridge Fiber in November — part of a broader trend of consolidation in fiber broadband, cloud, and tech infrastructure. TeckNexus+1
Emerging tension over home-router security — US scrutiny on TP-Link
In late October, several U.S. federal agencies reportedly pushed to restrict TP-Link over national-security concerns, as supply-chain and device-security risks gain renewed attention in light of geopolitical uncertainty. Total Telecom
Major investment expansions by hyperscalers: Amazon and beyond
In October and November, Amazon increased its investment in South Korean data centers, as demand for cloud, AI infrastructure, and high-capacity data transit continued rising. This reinforces how cloud-centric infrastructure remains central to the global internet backbone. Total Telecom+1
Global undersea-cable & satellite ambitions grow — reshaping international connectivity
The industry is seeing renewed emphasis on alternative backbone infrastructure — including undersea cables — to improve redundancy and global reach. Meanwhile, satellite-backed broadband and low-Earth orbit (LEO) systems continue gaining traction. Telecoms+2Light Reading+2
Shift in end-user networking: Wi-Fi performance becomes a core differentiator
2025 (including Q4) saw a noticeable trend: instead of just focusing on cellular / 5G, smartphone makers and network providers emphasized Wi-Fi performance — reflecting demand for better in-home and local wireless connectivity, not just wide-area cellular. Telecoms Tech News+1
AI, automation and edge computing accelerate telecom-cloud convergence
The telecom industry’s 2025 wave of private network builds often includes edge-AI, automation, and security — signalling a shift toward integrated cloud-network-AI solutions, rather than standalone connectivity. This is shaping future-ready networks optimized for IoT & industrial use cases. TeckNexus+1
Heightened regulatory and public-policy influence on telecom-industry structure
From the FCC’s regulatory choices (spectrum approvals tied to DEI, cybersecurity rollbacks) to national security reviews of hardware suppliers and shifting global investment, policy and geopolitics clearly reshaped which players and technologies gain favor. This continues to influence strategic decisions across the industry. Telecoms+3reuters.com+3Axios+3 |
