The Jammu and Kashmir government issued new directions on October 30 to accelerate telecommunications infrastructure approvals across the Union Territory. Government Order 1699-JK(GAD) of 2026 requires public authorities to implement the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and Right of Way Rules, 2024, consistently. The directions cover fiber networks, mobile towers, 5G infrastructure and BharatNet installations. Departments must process applications within prescribed timelines and cannot impose unauthorized charges or additional conditions. Government buildings and Gram Panchayat premises may be used for approved telecom equipment. The order also facilitates shared ducts, utility infrastructure and access for BSNL and BharatNet project agencies. It establishes administrative measures rather than announcing a specific construction contract or investment value.

Deutsche Telekom and Volkswagen Complete Two-Year 5G Edge Computing Trial for Automated Vehicle Logistics

Deutsche Telekom and Volkswagen announced on October 28 the completion of a two-year automated vehicle logistics project at the Port of Emden, Germany. The AutoLog initiative also involved Finnish technology company Unikie and the Bremen Institute for Production and Logistics. The system used Deutsche Telekom’s public 5G network, edge computing and fiber connectivity to coordinate driverless vehicle movements. Testing focused on automated and manually driven vehicles operating together in real logistics environments. Unikie’s Marshalling Solution managed vehicle coordination, while local processing supported time-sensitive communications. The partners also tested automated vehicle loading onto railcars at Audi’s Ingolstadt facility. The project has concluded its pilot phase; commercial deployment commitments were not announced.

UK Announces 25 MHz Mobile Spectrum Auction with £5 Million Reserve Price for 2027

The UK’s Ofcom published final auction documentation on October 30 for 25 MHz of mobile spectrum in the 1492–1517 MHz band. The auction will offer one nationwide spectrum licence with a £5 million reserve price and an initial £1 million bidder deposit. Applications are expected to open in mid-January 2027, with the award process targeted for completion before the end of February. The licence will have an indefinite duration, with the auction payment covering its first 20 years. The spectrum can support additional 4G and 5G capacity, particularly in areas requiring improved indoor coverage. The auction has not yet opened, and no winning operator has been selected.

CelcomDigi Receives Final 50 MHz Spectrum Assignment Worth RM381.75 Million in Malaysia

CelcomDigi confirmed on October 30 that Malaysia’s communications regulator had formally issued spectrum assignments covering 2×20 MHz in the 2600 MHz band and 2×5 MHz in the 900 MHz band. The combined allocation represents 50 MHz of paired spectrum. The upfront assignment fees total RM381.75 million, comprising RM366.75 million for 2600 MHz and RM15 million for 900 MHz. The 2600 MHz assignment is valid from November 1, 2026, to October 31, 2030, while the 900 MHz assignment runs until October 31, 2031. The operator will also pay RM42 million annually for 2600 MHz spectrum. Formal issuance is a new regulatory milestone following the earlier award acceptance.

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