MEF’s Riccardo Amati shares his take on the week’s mobile and tech stories from around the world. Headlines include.. UK Connects First Mobile Network to Starlink Satellites, Netflix-Style Mobile Plans Boost TPG Telecom, MWC 2026 Set to Showcase the Future of Mobile and much more… Alternatively listen On MEF Radio.
The UK has launched its first direct-to-device satellite mobile service, with Virgin Media O2 enabling customers to connect automatically to Starlink when traditional 4G coverage is unavailable.
The service is designed to improve connectivity in rural areas, where regulator Ofcom says around 12% of the country still lacks reliable outdoor data coverage. At launch, access is limited to selected Samsung Galaxy S25 devices, a small group of users, and a handful of apps, with an added monthly fee.
While officials describe the move as a milestone for next-generation connectivity, experts say it may take time before most consumers feel the benefits as the rollout expands.
Demand for cheaper, app-based mobile subscriptions is helping TPG Telecom win customers as users shift toward digital-first plans similar to streaming subscriptions. Its Felix brand is gaining traction, taking market share from rivals Telstra and Optus.
Growing digital customers and a network-sharing deal with Optus helped the company return to profit, highlighting how simpler, lower-cost mobile plans are reshaping competition in Australia’s telecom market.
The world’s biggest mobile industry event, Mobile World Congress 2026, kicks off in Barcelona from March 2–5, bringing together global phone makers, telecom leaders, and tech innovators to unveil the next wave of devices and connectivity trends.
Organised by the GSMA, the annual event is expected to focus heavily on AI, 5G and early 6G development, eSIM adoption, security, and connected devices beyond smartphones. While major brands including Apple and Samsung are hosting separate announcements, manufacturers such as Honor, Nothing, Oppo, and Xiaomi are expected to showcase new smartphones, foldables, and experimental concepts.
With more than 100,000 visitors typically attending, MWC remains a key stage for defining mobile innovation — from next-generation devices to how AI and connectivity will shape the future digital ecosystem.
Global consultancy Accenture has acquired advanced AI technology from Avanseus to help telecom operators accelerate the shift toward autonomous networks. The solution uses AI models for prediction, anomaly detection, and network optimisation, enabling operators to automate complex operations and improve efficiency.
The technology will strengthen Accenture’s cognitive network platform and support the rollout of agentic AI capabilities, reflecting growing industry demand for AI-driven automation as telecom companies seek to reduce costs and modernise network performance.
Capgemini and Deutsche Telekom have partnered to build an open platform designed to automate and simplify Radio Access Network operations, helping operators move toward autonomous networks. The solution enables AI-driven automation across both Open RAN and legacy 4G and 5G infrastructure while reducing reliance on single vendors.
The platform introduces an open architecture supporting AI-powered applications and multi-vendor management, allowing telecom operators to improve network performance, accelerate service rollout, and lower operational complexity. The companies will showcase the system at Mobile World Congress 2026, highlighting growing industry momentum behind open and intelligent network automation.
U.S. President Donald Trump said his administration is pushing major technology companies to build their own power plants to support energy-intensive data centres, aiming to prevent rising electricity costs for consumers.
The proposal, announced during a State of the Union address, reflects growing concern over the power demands driven by AI expansion and large-scale computing from companies such as Microsoft. Officials say the move could ease pressure on ageing electricity grids while ensuring continued growth of AI infrastructure in the United States.
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