1. Deutsche Telekom Ends 2.1 GHz DSS, Dedicates Spectrum Exclusively to 5G
Deutsche Telekom announced the decommissioning of Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) technology in the 2.1 GHz band, reallocating the entire spectrum block exclusively to 5G services. Previously, DSS allowed 4G and 5G to dynamically share the same frequency band; this move marks Deutsche Telekom’s transition to a pure-5G operational model. The operator is simultaneously activating new sites nationwide to extend coverage.
2. 5G Core Growth Shifts Outside China as SA Deployments Accelerate — Dell’Oro
According to the latest data from Dell’Oro Group, 5G mobile core network (MCN) revenue in North America and EMEA grew approximately 20% year-on-year in Q1 2026, while the Chinese market posted a steep decline. The growth is being driven primarily by the accelerating rollout of 5G Standalone (SA) deployments, signaling that 5G core construction is shifting from a China-led phase to a multi-region expansion pattern.
3. Broadcom and Samsung Launch 5G + Wi-Fi 8 Fixed Wireless Access Platform
Broadcom and Samsung jointly unveiled a next-generation Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) platform that integrates 5G cellular connectivity with Wi-Fi 8 technology, delivering a converged broadband solution for homes and enterprises. The platform aims to elevate FWA from a fiber complement to a mainstream broadband access option, and marks one of the first commercial platforms to showcase Wi-Fi 8 capabilities.
4. T-Mobile US Deploys 5G Network Slicing at PGA Championship Venue
T-Mobile US completed a live 5G SA network slicing deployment at a PGA Championship venue, delivering differentiated network service experiences for event broadcasting, media, and on-site spectators. This implementation serves as a notable real-world case study of 5G network slicing in large-scale outdoor sporting events, demonstrating the commercial viability of SA architecture in vertical industries.
5. Cisco SD-WAN Flaw Exposes Systemic Security Risks in 5G Core Centralized Control Plane
Industry security analysts warned that a recent Cisco SD-WAN vulnerability is not an isolated incident but rather exposes systemic architectural weaknesses in modern networks. Threat actors are increasingly targeting centralized control plane systems in both enterprise and telecom infrastructure. The analysis calls on operators to embed distributed security mechanisms at the design stage when migrating to 5G SA architecture.
6. TERAGO and Ericsson Deploy Enterprise Private 5G Network at McMaster University
TERAGO Inc., Canada’s largest mmWave spectrum holder (91% of nationwide 26 GHz and 38 GHz spectrum), partnered with Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions to deploy an enterprise-grade private 5G network at the McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) in Hamilton, Ontario. Utilizing recently released Canadian industry spectrum, the fully managed dedicated network delivers secure, high-performance, low-latency connectivity to support AI-driven automation, robotics, real-time data processing, and smart manufacturing use cases. Ericsson will host an official launch event on June 2.
7. China Becomes World’s First to Approve 6 GHz Band for 6G Technical Trials
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) formally approved the 6 GHz band for 6G technical trials, making China the first country globally to issue 6G trial spectrum licenses. Known as the “golden spectrum,” the 6 GHz band offers wide coverage, large capacity, and high reliability while maintaining strong compatibility with the existing 5G mid-band industrial ecosystem. The approval marks China’s 6G R&D transition from “key technology verification” to “technical solution integration and prototype development.” The second phase of 6G technical solution trials is now underway, with industry experts projecting commercial launch around 2030.
8. 6G Core Features Defined: Space-Air-Ground Integration, ISAC, and Agentic Communication
According to experts from China Mobile Research Institute and the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), 6G will deeply integrate communication, sensing, computing, and AI capabilities to achieve ubiquitous space-air-ground coverage. Key application scenarios include holographic communication, multi-agent collaboration (robots and robotic dogs performing coordinated tasks), high-precision industrial internet coordination, real-time digital twin city governance, and sub-meter-level UAV tracking for low-altitude security based on Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) technology. The first R&D phase has already accumulated over 300 core technology reserves.
9. LoRa Alliance Reports 125 Million LoRaWAN End Devices Deployed Globally, 25% CAGR
The LoRa Alliance announced that global LoRaWAN end-device deployments have surpassed 125 million units, with the ecosystem achieving a 25% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and leading vendors recording growth rates as high as 50%. Smart metering, smart buildings, and smart cities remain the three core verticals driving large-scale deployments. The Alliance also showcased innovations at CES 2026 spanning industrial safety personnel tracking, smart parking, remote healthcare, predictive maintenance, and wildfire/flood disaster early warning systems.
10. Wi-Fi 7 in Multi-Dwelling Units: What the Technology Actually Delivers
Industry analysts published a technical assessment of Wi-Fi 7 deployment performance in multi-dwelling units (MDUs) in the United States. With over 80% of U.S. rental units located in buildings constructed before modern structured cabling, Wi-Fi 7’s actual throughput, coverage range, and Multi-Link Operation (MLO) performance in these challenging RF environments differ significantly from single-family-home benchmarks. The analysis examines the real-world gains and limitations of Wi-Fi 7’s three key technologies — 320 MHz channels, 4K QAM, and MLO — in MDU scenarios.
11. VMO2 Expands Satellite Direct-to-Device Service to iPhone Users in the UK
Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) announced the expansion of its satellite direct-to-device communication service to iPhone devices, leveraging Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology to provide emergency messaging and voice capabilities in areas without cellular coverage. The expansion marks an important breakthrough of satellite D2D services from the Android ecosystem to iOS.
12. Amazon Project Kuiper LEO Satellite Network to Enter Taiwan via Far EasTone Partnership
Amazon’s Project Kuiper low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband network announced plans to enter the Taiwanese market through a partnership with Far EasTone Telecommunications. The collaboration will bring Project Kuiper’s LEO satellite internet services to the Asia-Pacific region, further expanding satellite broadband coverage in the area.
13. Blue Origin New Glenn Rocket Explosion Disrupts Satellite Telecom Launch Plans
Blue Origin’s New Glenn heavy-lift rocket exploded during a pre-launch ground test, creating uncertainty for multiple satellite communications companies dependent on the launch vehicle, including AST SpaceMobile’s direct-to-cell (D2C) satellite constellation deployment plans. The incident has raised broad industry concerns about LEO satellite launch capacity and launch vehicle supply chain bottlenecks.