Category: Communications

The Maharashtra Urban Development Department has issued a notice (dated Sept 30, 2024) inviting suggestions and objections for the proposed modification and incorporation of an addendum to the Model Building Bye-Laws 2016, issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), as part of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations – 2034 for Greater Mumbai.

In a bid to enhance digital connectivity infrastructure in Mumbai and its suburbs, the Maharashtra Urban Development Department has issued a notice inviting suggestions and objections from architects, developers, and town planners for the incorporation of Common Telecommunication Infrastructure in new building plans.

What does the Maharashtra Urban Development Department’s notice say?
The notice asks architects, developers and planning authority officials to ensure that a plan for the creation of Common Telecommunication Infrastructure including a common duct to access the common space used as a telecom room inside the building is included in new building proposal plans.

The notice issued by the Maharashtra Urban Development Department states that an Occupancy or Building completion certificate to a building is to be granted only after ensuring that the Common Telecommunication Infrastructure as per the prescribed standards is in place.

This is in line with the addendum to Model Building Bye-laws 2016 and has been issued under Section 154 of the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act (MRTP).

“Notice under section 37 (IAA) of the Maharashtra Regional & Town Planning Act, 1966. Proposed modification for Incorporation of addendum to model building Bye-Laws 2016 issued by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA) Development Control and Promotion Regulations -2034 for Greater Mumbai,” the notice reads.

The Maharashtra Urban Development Department has sought inputs from various stakeholders for the creation of a Common Telecommunication Infrastructure in new building plans.

In 2022, the Telecom Regulatory Authority finalised a framework for the creation of an ecosystem for Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI), making it a part of the building development plan similar to other building services like water, electricity or fire safety systems.

“Plan for the creation of Common Telecommunication Infrastructure including the common duct to access the common space used as telecom room inside the building is also a prepared and separate set of draw drawings showing the inter / intra connectivity access to the building with the distribution network,” the notice reads.

The circular specifies that buildings with more than 465 sq mt of built-up area should have a minimum 3.0 m X 2.4 m telecom room. Buildings with a built-up area of less than 465 sq mt, should have a 0.6 m x 2.6 m or 1.3 m x 1.3 m telecom room.

The notice further states that the telecom room should not be susceptible to flooding. It should not be exposed to water, moisture, fumes, gases or dust. It should be able to withstand the designed equipment load (to be specified in the design). It should be located away from any vibrations to avoid dislocation/dislodgement.

At the layout stage, the UDD notice says, the placement and sequence of above-and below-ground utilities at the appropriate location in the right-of-way to be ensured for unconstrained movement as well as easy access for maintenance. Empty pipes (large-size Hume pipes / HDPE pipes) should be laid before planting trees in order to accommodate additional Infrastructure. It also suggests that telecom cables should be ideally placed below the parking area or service lane which could be easily dug up without causing any major inconvenience.

The notice also asked developers to submit a service plan for IBS infrastructure in consultation with a telecom networking hardware consultant.

“The layout plans should clearly indicate the telecom as Utility Infrastructure lines. While submitting the proposed Building plan seeking approval from the relevant sanctioning Authority, the applicant shall also submit a complete Service Plan for In-Building Solutions (IBS) -Infrastructure along with required specifications in consultation with, and certified by a credible Telecom Networking hardware consultant,” the notice reads.

“Occupancy / Building Completion certificate to a building to be granted only after ensuring that the Common Telecommunication Infrastructure as per the prescribed standards is in place,” it said.

What do officials have to say?
An official from the Urban Development Department confirmed that the department has issued a notice seeking inputs from various stakeholders for the creation of a Common Telecommunication Infrastructure in new building plans.

“This is in line with the Central government’s framework for creating an ecosystem for digital connectivity. We have now sought suggestions and objections from various stakeholders,” the official said.

He further said that depending on the suggestions and objections, the department will proceed with the directive. “After the department receives suggestions and objections, we will discuss them with stakeholders and finalize the plan. This generally takes about a month after receiving input from the stakeholders,” he added.

Thumbs up from the stakeholders
Stakeholders from various sectors have welcomed the Urban Development Department’s move to enhance digital connectivity.

Jitendra M. Mehta, President of CREDAI MCHI Thane, said, “We are a developing country, and digital technology is a very important platform. Today, the internet connection is at the heart of our lives. In every home, internet users include senior citizens, children, and housemaids. Just a few years ago, there was a telephone connection.”

“As developers, we should always upgrade facilities for our flat purchasers. Now, locker facilities should be provided so that we can operate the lockers at our convenience, and not just during banking hours. CCTV should be mandatory in every building, covering all floors, lobby areas, and other common spaces, and it should be easy to operate from a centralised room,” he added.

Manju Yagnik, Vice Chairperson at Nahar Group and Senior Vice President of NAREDCO—Maharashtra, said, “The Maharashtra Urban Development Department’s directive to include Common Telecommunication Infrastructure (CTI) in new building plans is a forward-looking initiative aimed at enhancing Mumbai’s connectivity as the city prepares for a more aggressive 5G rollout in 2025. This policy ensures that residential and commercial spaces will be equipped for the growing demand for high-speed internet and smart technologies, positioning Mumbai as the key city in India’s tech-driven urban development. For developers, integrating CTI may involve an initial investment, but it presents long-term benefits, including enhanced property value and marketability. This investment not only aligns with the increasing buyer preference for digitally equipped spaces but also boosts the competitiveness of developers in a rapidly evolving market.”

“The government will be engaging with the developers and urban planners during the planning phase and this collaboration will help identify potential challenges that may arise during the design and execution stages, ensuring that the directive is both practical and feasible. Furthermore, integrating such infrastructure can stimulate the growth of the technical sector, providing opportunities for innovation and creating new markets. This will, in turn, contribute to the country’s overall economic development, driving the GDP higher and positioning India as a technologically advanced, globally competitive nation,” she added.

Sandeep Ahuja, Global CEO of Atmosphere Living, said that the directive from the Maharashtra Urban Development Department to mandate Common Telecommunication Infrastructure in new building plans is a step in the right direction.

“It aligns with the growing demand for seamless connectivity, which has become an essential part of modern living. While the requirement for telecom infrastructure before granting Occupancy or Completion Certificates adds an additional compliance layer, it also ensures that residents have access to uninterrupted digital services from day one. However, effective implementation will require collaboration between developers, civic authorities, and telecom providers. Early consultations and clear guidelines can prevent delays and streamline the process. If the government facilitates a practical framework with adequate timelines, it will help the real estate sector incorporate this change more efficiently. Ultimately, this initiative reflects a future-focused approach to urban planning, enhancing the overall quality of living in Mumbai’s developments,” he said.

Abhishek Tharwani, Director, Tharwani Realty, said, “Inclusion of Common Telecommunication Infrastructure in building new buildings would be a positive move to complement the rising needs of a non-disjoint connectivity network within urban regions. Given that people depend increasingly on digital services, proper telecom infrastructure should be ensured during the initial development stages, both for people living and operating their businesses within these spaces. The directive also underscores the need for more holistic urban planning. As cities grow smarter, integrating utilities like telecom, power, and waste management systems should be part of a larger vision for sustainable development.”

Tharwani further said that while the intent is commendable, the directive could pose challenges in terms of execution. “Developers will need clear guidelines and technical assistance to incorporate CTI efficiently, especially in projects where space and cost considerations are already tight,” he added.

Echoing similar sentiments, Sunny Bijlani, Joint-Managing Director of Supreme Universal, said, “The Maharashtra Urban Development Department’s directive to include Common Telecommunication Infrastructure (CTI) in new building plans is a proactive step in line with India’s expanding digital landscape. With over 1.2 billion telecom subscribers in India as of 2024, as per TRAI, ensuring robust connectivity is essential for modern urban living and future-ready smart cities. A collaborative approach between the government and the developers and the urban planning community can help address challenges like space constraints and cost models, ensuring compliance without compromising on project efficiency. This initiative can lead to long-term benefits, fostering smarter and more connected communities that contribute to the growth of a sustainable urban infrastructure.” Mid Day

Counterpoint’s Consumer eSIM Awareness Survey reveals that only 35% of the respondents were aware of eSIM technology, highlighting slow adoption despite concerted efforts from eSIM vendors, network operators and device manufacturers to streamline eSIM acquisition and activation. The survey also found a strong correlation between eSIM awareness and ownership of eSIM-compatible devices, suggesting that device compatibility remains a key factor in driving awareness and adoption.

Conducted with 3,535 respondents across the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Poland and Japan in their native languages, the survey reveals that 39% of eSIM-aware respondents are currently using eSIMs on their devices. This suggests a reluctance to fully embrace eSIM technology, despite recognizing its importance and the need for multiple SIMs on a single device.

Commenting on the findings, Mohit Agrawal, Research Director at Counterpoint, said, “Despite the clear advantages of eSIM technology, such as enhanced flexibility and multi-SIM functionality, there remains a notable reluctance among consumers to fully embrace it. Our survey data reveals that only 39% of eSIM-aware respondents are actively using eSIMs on their devices, highlighting a gap in adoption. A significant portion of consumers still lack awareness about the full potential and benefits of the eSIM. 61% of the respondents ranked eSIM as their least preferred option for SIM connectivity. Many continue to favor traditional SIM cards or hybrid models due to factors such as device compatibility constraints and a lack of immediate switching needs. Addressing these barriers through increased education and improved user experiences will be crucial for driving wider adoption of eSIM technology.”

The barriers to eSIM adoption and the factors encouraging its use among aware respondents are closely aligned. Only a small percentage of respondents cited the complexity of setup or difficult activation as obstacles, suggesting that the eSIM activation process is generally user-friendly and effective. However, the key challenge remains the lack of widespread awareness and promotion of eSIM technology. While the usage experience appears to be positive for those who adopt it, more targeted efforts are needed to educate consumers and drive mass adoption of eSIM technology.

Siddhant Cally, Research Analyst at Counterpoint, said, “The limited availability of eSIM in iPhones and flagship devices from other smartphone manufacturers remains a significant barrier to widespread adoption, particularly for users who do not own eSIM-compatible devices. This limited device compatibility prevents the perceived benefits of eSIM technology from being fully realized by a broader consumer base. The real breakthrough for eSIM adoption will occur when it becomes more accessible in budget segment smartphones, which dominate mobile markets, especially in emerging regions. As these devices become more widely available with eSIM support, we expect a significant uptick in adoption, helping to unlock the full potential of eSIM across global markets.”

More than 90% of the respondents using eSIM reported being “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with their eSIM services, highlighting the successful realization of the eSIM’s key benefits. These include the flexibility to switch carriers easily, ability to have multiple carriers on a single device, simplified setup and acquisition processes, and enhanced security. Counterpoint Research

The Tata Group plans to create 500,000 manufacturing jobs over the next half-decade in sectors like battery, semiconductors, electric vehicles and solar industries, Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said on Thursday. In his annual letter to group employees, Chandrasekaran said these jobs will come in part from facilities across India – factories and projects that will produce batteries, semiconductors, electric vehicles, solar equipment and other critical hardware destined to play a central role in the economy of tomorrow.

“This is in addition to the many services jobs we expect to introduce across retail, tech services, airlines, and hospitality, among other sectors,” he wrote.

In a recap of 2024 for the salt-to-software conglomerate, Chandrasekaran highlighted key milestones like groundbreaking ceremonies at over seven new manufacturing plants, including India’s first semiconductor fab at Dholera in Gujarat and an outsourced semiconductor assembly and test facility in Assam.

Ground-breaking ceremonies and construction began at over seven new manufacturing plants in 2024, including India’s first semiconductor fab in Dholera, Gujarat and a brand new semiconductor OSAT plant in Assam.

“There is the electronics assembly plant in Narasapura, Karnataka, an automotive plant in Panapakkam, Tamil Nadu and new MRO facilities in Bengaluru, Karnataka. We also have new battery cell manufacturing factories in Sanand, Gujarat, and in Somerset, UK. We inaugurated the C295 final assembly line (FAL) in Vadodara, Gujarat, and began solar module production in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu,” he said.

This year, TCS (NS:TCS) and Tejas Networks delivered the first indigenous 4G mobile telecom stack for BSNL, and stand poised for 5G.

“Our retail companies continue to scale up. Air India has brought together four airlines to create one integrated airline group to serve India and the world. And Indian Hotels’ Taj brand continues to be the world’s strongest hotel brand,” Chandrasekaran told the employees.

Stressing that sustainability remains a focus of growth plans, he mentioned that in Bhutan, “we began our hydroelectric power initiative, with a commitment to developing five GW renewable capacity”.

“With the UK government, we announced 1.25 billion pounds of investment in the transition to high-quality, low-CO2 steel production in South Wales,” the Tata Sons Chairman noted.

While AI-led breakthroughs in healthcare and mobility can help the whole of humanity, manufacturing has the potential to transform our economy in India.

“Global supply chains continue to shift in India’s favour as the world’s largest businesses strike a new balance between resilience and efficiency,” he said. Investing

Rocket maker SpaceX’s internal $350 billion valuation makes it among the globe’s most valuable private startups. That’s still a fraction of the worth of boss Elon Musk’s electric-car company Tesla which sports a $1 trillion market value. In 2025, though, it will become clear that terrestrial ambitions are no match for the stars.

SpaceX encapsulates Musk’s philosophy: do something different, then cut costs to drive out the competition. Sure, Tesla’s 2006 “master plan” similarly pitched producing a premium car and then using the profits to drive down-market. But SpaceX’s growth is more explosive – and harder to catch.

The key is Starlink, SpaceX’s broadband satellite network. Its success is twofold. First, by building bigger rockets that can be reused, costs to launch tumble precipitously. Second, Starlink’s superior performance versus rivals ensures a revenue stream that justifies more launches. The company has around 7,000 satellites whizzing around Earth and is adding about 60 a week. From 1965 to the early 2010s, there was essentially no growth in manmade objects launched into space. Starlink turned that trajectory parabolic.

This is an emergent monopoly. SpaceX accounted for over 85% of all orbital payloads in 2024’s first quarter, estimates BryceTech. This rapidly scaling vertical integration – encompassing rockets, satellites and user terminals – puts would-be rivals like Amazon on the back foot.
Tesla faces fierce competition from upstarts like China’s BYD and cheaper, good-enough fossil-fuel cars. SpaceX enjoys much clearer skies. Starlink only has 5 million users but is available in 114 countries. It’s adding cellphone service and has plenty of capacity. Musk’s connections to President-elect Donald Trump may help it land previously unavailable subsidies, such as $42 billion for rural U.S. broadband.

That leaves plenty of upside from the $6.6 billion of revenue that consultancy Quilty Space predicts for Starlink in 2024. EBITDA is projected to hit $3.8 billion, an astonishing 58% margin. TMF Associates foresees $24 billion of revenue by 2030. At today’s estimated profitability, that’s $18 billion of EBITDA. Given high fixed costs, more users could improve the bottom line.

So what is Starlink worth? Tesla trades at 68 times EBITDA, despite sputtering growth. Assume Starlink’s growth continues on its forecast path, put it on Tesla’s multiple, and the communications business would, at the end of the decade, be valued at well over $1 trillion. That’s not even counting SpaceX’s other valuable businesses like rockets.

Ultimately, it’s not clear why SpaceX is worth so little, Tesla so much, or both. As self-driving gets a reality check while the one-man space race continues, it will become clear that the stars are Musk’s real frontier. Reuters

Ahead of the Union Budget 2025-26, exporters urged the finance ministry to approve a US-focused marketing scheme worth Rs 750 crore to generate an additional $25 billion in exports to the US over the next three years.

According to the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the US’ plan to impose higher tariffs on China presents a “significant opportunity” for Indian exports, particularly in sectors where China has been a dominant supplier.

These sectors include electronics, electrical equipment, footwear, textile, garment, furniture, automotive parts, toy, and chemical. The largest gains are expected in consumer electronics, such as mobile phones, televisions, and electrical components, with an estimated $10 billion in additional exports.

“For that, we need to increase our presence in the US by showcasing in numerous exhibitions, holding buyer-seller meetings, and partnering large local retailer associations. A marketing scheme focusing on the US, with a corpus of Rs 250 crore per year (Rs 750 crore overall) for three years, maybe launched to generate additional exports of $25 billion by the end of three years,” FIEO President Ashwani Kumar said.

In addition, FIEO has requested a tax deduction of 200-250 per cent for research and development spending under Section 35(2AB) of the Income-Tax Act to foster product innovation.

At a pre-Budget meeting with the finance minister and top officials from the finance ministry in North Block, exporters also called for the continuation of the interest equalisation scheme, which ends on December 31, along with additional funds for marketing and trade promotion of specific export items, and income-tax relief for micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) manufacturing units.

The interest equalisation scheme (IES) provides interest rate benefits for pre- and post-shipment rupee export credits, with the government compensating lenders. This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on exporters, particularly those in labour-intensive sectors and MSMEs.

Engineering Exports Promotion Council of India Chairman Pankaj Chadha proposed increasing the annual benefit cap for MSME manufacturers from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 10 crore. This change would offer substantial financial support to MSME exporters.

FIEO noted that a long-term IES would enable exporters to secure orders more effectively, especially in sectors with wafer-thin profit margins, as a 3 per cent interest subvention could make the difference between winning or losing an order.

Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council Chairman Vipul Shah underscored the need for separate funding for marketing, particularly for diamonds.

Exporters also called for government support for energy audits and compliance with the carbon border tax. Chadha recommended reimbursing 50 per cent of these costs under the market access initiative scheme and providing targeted support for compliance with the carbon border adjustment mechanism to help MSMEs adopt sustainable practices and remain globally competitive. Business Standard

The industry wide addition of 6.8 million active users in October 2024 suggests that the industry has more or less absorbed the tariff hikes taken in July this year, experts said analysing the latest telecom subscriber data released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

“The sector’s active subscribers jumped sharply in October after three months of volatility due to price hikes. Since the tariff hikes undertaken in July 2024, active subscriber base has increased by ~5.7mn, suggesting that market has absorbed the price hikes,” analysts from Jefferies said. The increase in active subscriber base was driven by Jio (+3.8 mn), Bharti Airtel (+2.7 mn) & BSNL/MTNL (+0.8 mn), and was partially offset by subscriber fall in VIL (-0.7 mn).

All three private telcos raised their tariffs by 15%-17% in the first week of July, as a result of which, the industry saw a wave of sim consolidation, resulting in subscriber loss for all three. Government owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) consequently saw net subscriber additions since July, which too seemed to moderate in October. Vodafone Idea in its September quarter earnings call had indicated that port-outs to BSNL had started declining in the month of October as well.

Another indicator that the impact of the rate hikes taken by private telcos earlier this year is behind the industry is the slowdown in the industry wide churn seen in October at 3.3 million (as compared to 10.1 million in September), analysts added.

While industry wide churn reduced significantly month on month, Bharti Airtel was the only private telco to add subscribers (1.9 million) while Reliance Jio (-3.8 million) and Vodafone Idea (-2 million) continued to lose users.

“Bharti led the data subscriber additions in October gaining market share, and showcasing better and premium customer mix of Bharti,” Jefferies analysts said.

“This clearly shows that Bharti’s subscriber mix is stickier and less price elastic versus the Jio subscriber base,” analysts from UBS added. In fact, Jio’s subscriber loss moderated on a month-on-month basis, but Vi’s user churn at 2 million intensified as compared to an average churn of 1.6 million subscribers per month between July and September 2024.

“VIL’s MBB (3G+4G+5G) subscriber base declined further by 0.9 million in Oct’24, the 10th time in the last 21 months, primarily driven by delay in its 5G rollout and 4G coverage gaps,” analysts from JM Financial observed.

On Jio’s continuing userbase decline, analysts said that the telco was weeding out inactive 4G users. Even with subscriber churn moderating, mobile number portability requests remained elevated at 13 million (though they were flat month on month). This was possibly due to subscribers moving to BSNL or MTNL for lower tariffs (neither implemented tariff hikes). “We note that MNP requests have remained elevated and higher churn usually drives up dealer commissions/SG&A expenses for telcos,” Jefferies analysts noted. Financial Express

Airtel customers across India are facing a service disruption. Many users turned to social media on Thursday (December 26) to highlight issues with both mobile and broadband connectivity provided by the telecom company.

The outage caused major problems for mobile internet users, who made up 39 per cent of the complaints. Another 39 per cent said they experienced a complete loss of Airtel services, while 22 per cent reported no signal at all. The issues appeared to mainly affect users in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Many frustrated customers took to social media to share their concerns, with some joking about the irony of a tech-dependent world going offline.

How you can book or cancel train tickets When IRCTC Outage
The disruption also affected businesses that rely on Airtel’s broadband services. Employees working from home struggled to join virtual meetings or access cloud-based resources. For households, streaming services and online lessons were suddenly interrupted, causing inconvenience for families.

Customers expressed their frustration on X (formerly Twitter), sharing reports of no internet access, dropped calls, and complete service blackouts. The disruption disrupted daily routines, leaving many unable to work, stream content, or make important calls.

As of now, Airtel has not released an official statement explaining the cause of the outage. Business Standard

Chinese electronics and automobile companies operating in India are increasingly relying on cash reserves or loans to fund their expansion efforts, as government approvals for equity funding from their parent firms face prolonged delays.

Companies like Haier and Midea Group are adopting a combination of cash reserves and external commercial borrowings (ECBs) to meet their financial needs. Meanwhile, financial reports from Lenovo and Xiaomi indicate rising cash reserves and borrowings, signalling preparations to address higher working capital requirements for expansion.

Chinese automaker SAIC, the owner of the MG Motor brand, previously used the ECB route before forming a joint venture (JV) with Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Group earlier this year.

Securing funding becomes difficult
MG Motor India initially turned to ECBs to address working capital needs amid stringent scrutiny on Chinese investments. The company later established a joint venture with JSW Group to secure funding through equity investments.

This is due to India’s Press Note 3 notification issued in June 2020, which mandates government approval for investments from countries sharing a land border with India, such as China. Previously, such investments were permitted through the automatic route. The rule change followed heightened tensions between the two nations after a deadly border clash in early 2020, requiring proposals to undergo multi-ministerial reviews, the report further mentioned.

The restrictions have impacted Chinese investments in India. However, some projects under production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes or involving partnerships with Indian firms have received approvals recently. An executive from a leading Chinese electronics firm said that equity funding from Chinese parent companies has become challenging, prompting them to rely on loans and reserves for immediate expansion.

Haier and Midea’s expansion plans
Last year, Haier India applied for government clearance to receive Rs 1,000 crore as equity from its parent company to fund backward integration projects. Due to delays, Haier opted to self-finance the investment, allocating Rs 400 crore for injection moulding of air conditioners and washing machines at its Greater Noida plant. Additionally, Rs 300-400 crore is being invested in a printed circuit board plant using internal accruals and ECBs.

Haier is also planning to sell a significant stake to localise operations, aligning with the government’s push for partnerships between Chinese firms and Indian entities, the report said.

Likewise, Midea Group is expanding its air conditioner compressor plant near Pune, managed by its GMCC division. The expansion is being funded through profits generated from Indian operations and local borrowings. GMCC, one of the largest AC compressor manufacturers globally, plans to double its production capacity to three million units annually by mid-2025 and further to six million units by 2026, requiring over Rs 300 crore in investments. Business Standard

The Asia-Pacific maritime satellite market is estimated to reach $3.65 billion by 2033 from $1.38 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 10.19% during the forecast period 2023-2033, according to Research and Markets.

Maritime satellites, a specialist satellite communication industry, are made to satisfy the particular requirements of maritime operations throughout the vast oceans and seas of Asia-Pacific. These satellites give commercial cargo ships, cruise liners, private yachts, and naval forces vital services like high-speed internet, voice and data transfer, navigation, and safety solutions.

Throughout the APAC maritime sector, maritime satellites are essential for improving operational effectiveness, safety, and regulatory compliance. They facilitate vital operations like ship surveillance, rescue missions, and smooth international trade by providing dependable connectivity in isolated maritime areas. These satellites play a crucial role in facilitating the digital transformation of the maritime industry by enhancing communication infrastructure, expanding technology integration, and improving logistics.

With the marine sector in Asia acting as a center for global trade and shipping, maritime satellites are essential to ensuring economic growth, regional connectivity, and the development of a smarter, more interconnected maritime ecosystem.

The region’s burgeoning offshore energy operations, maritime trade, and need for continuous communication across huge oceans are all driving the APAC maritime satellite market’s rapid expansion. For commercial cargo ships, fishing vessels, cruise liners, private yachts, and naval fleets operating in remote and open-sea areas, maritime satellites offer vital communication services like high-speed internet, voice and data transfer, navigation, and safety solutions.

Due to the region’s strong reliance on marine trade – which accounts for a sizeable portion of worldwide shipping – reliable communication systems are crucial for both operational effectiveness and safety. Particularly in nations like China, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, which are significant participants in international shipping and offshore, maritime satellite technology improves vessel surveillance, streamlines logistics, and guarantees regulatory compliance.

The market is growing as a result of advancements in satellite technology, such as the use of VSAT systems, IoT-enabled monitoring, and high-throughput satellites (HTS). These technologies enable digitization throughout the maritime industry by providing improved bandwidth, cost effectiveness, and reliable connectivity. APAC’s adoption of maritime satellite communication solutions is also being accelerated by the growing emphasis on crew welfare, safety, and sustainable operations.

The APAC maritime satellite market will continue to play a crucial role in promoting trade, enhancing safety, and cultivating the region’s technologically sophisticated and integrated maritime ecosystem as maritime operations expand. Research and Markets

Iranian authorities have lifted a ban on Meta’s instant messaging platform WhatsApp and Google Play as a first step to scale back internet restrictions, Iranian state media reported on Tuesday.

The Islamic Republic has some of the strictest controls on Internet access in the world, but its blocks on US-based social media such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are routinely bypassed by tech-savvy Iranians using virtual private networks.

“A positive majority vote has been reached to lift limitations on access to some popular foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Google Play”, Iran’s official IRNA news agency said on Tuesday, referring to a meeting on the matter headed by President Masoud Pezeshkian.

“Today the first step in removing internet limitations… has been taken,” IRNA cited Iran’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology Sattar Hashemi as saying.

Social media platforms were widely used in anti-government protests in Iran.

In September the United States called on Big Tech to help evade online censorship in countries that heavily sensor the internet, including Iran. Reuters