The 27th China International Optoelectronic Exposition (CIOE 2026), the world’s leading comprehensive event spanning the entire optoelectronics industry chain, will take place from 9–11 September 2026 at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center. CIOE 2026 visitor registration is now officially open, and those who sign up early will receive the complete set of CIOE 2025 show catalogue, featuring over 3,000 exhibitor profiles and contacts.

• An Industry Benchmark Event Featuring Eight Sub-Expos, Spotlighting Cutting-Edge Optoelectronics

Established in 1999 and having successfully run 26 editions, CIOE holds UFI certification and is recognized as one of the first key exhibitions supported by China’s Ministry of Commerce, a Top 100 Exhibition of Guangdong Province, and one of Shenzhen’s Top 10 Brand Exhibitions, cementing its status as a globally influential industry benchmark.

CIOE 2026 will expand to 260,000 square meters, expecting to attract over 4,000 high-quality exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions. Eight concurrent themed sub-expos will cover the full optoelectronics ecosystem, featuring core sectors including information and communication, precision optics & camera technology and application, laser technology & intelligent manufacturing, infrared technology & application, intelligent sensing, photonics innovation, display technology, and AR & VR. Together, they will showcase end-to-end innovations spanning core materials, key components, advanced manufacturing, and real-world terminal applications.

Information and Communication Expo: Showcasing the latest products, technologies, and market trends across chips, materials, components, modules, equipment, and solutions, as well as semiconductor core materials and manufacturing equipment.

Precision Optics Expo & Camera Expo: Featuring optical materials and components, lenses/modules, cameras, optical fabrication and production equipment, optical measurement instruments, imaging systems, machine vision, telescopes, and astronomical instruments.

Lasers Technology & Intelligent Manufacturing Expo: Highlighting laser materials and components, laser sources, laser equipment, mechanical and CNC systems, 3D printing/additive manufacturing, intelligent electronics manufacturing equipment, robotics, and industrial automation.

Infrared Applications Expo: Presenting infrared materials, chips, modules, thermal imagers and related applications, night vision and imaging detectors, terahertz detection and imaging, ultraviolet technology, millimeter-wave technology, and inspection systems.

Intelligent Sensing Expo: Focusing on sensor chips and materials, 3D sensing, 3D imaging, LiDAR, MEMS and sensors, smart sensors, industrial sensors, biometrics, measurement and inspection systems, spectral sensing, quantum sensing, software, and algorithms.

Photonics Innovation Expo: Bringing together over 100 research institutes, universities, incubators, specialized and sophisticated SMEs, and high-tech enterprises to showcase optoelectronics R&D achievements.

Display Technology Expo: Concentrating on display materials, panels/modules, and core manufacturing processes.

AR&VR Expo: Displaying AR display modules, imaging systems, sensing devices, AR glasses, integrated headsets, and other core products and end devices.

• Over 1,000 Leading Brands Unveiling New Products, Focusing on Frontier Photonics Technologies

Over a thousand industry-leading brands will showcase their latest product launches and technologies, highlighting the event’s role as a premier sourcing and technology evaluation platform. CIOE 2026 will also feature theme pavilions spotlighting hot-topic solutions for applications such as in-vehicle optical communication, embodied robotics, laser welding, laser medicine, and telescopic/astronomical equipment.

• 90+ Concurrent Forums to Deepen Industry, Research, and Academia Collaboration

CIOE 2026 will feature more than 90 concurrent forums designed to foster close collaboration between industry, academia, and research communities. This comprehensive forum series provides a multidimensional exchange platform that bridges advanced research, practical application, and international dialogue, systematically exploring cutting-edge trends and key innovations across the optoelectronics landscape.

Industry-focused forums will dive into five major themes: information & communication, precision optics, laser technology, infrared applications, and quantum technology, with in-depth discussions on technology evolution, system solutions, and industrialization. Key sessions include:

• Information Communication Industry Forum: High-speed optical transmission in the AI era, 10G PON, AI computing optical interconnects, and optoelectronic integration.
• Optics Industry Forum: Computational optical imaging, precision optical manufacturing, nanoimprinting, medical imaging, and optical coatings.
• Laser Industry Forum: Laser micro-machining, semiconductor and intelligent manufacturing, and optoelectronic medicine.
• Infrared Industry Forum: Infrared detection technology and industrial intelligent inspection.
• Quantum Technology Industry Forum: Quantum communication, quantum computing, and quantum measurement.

Complementing these, the “Optoelectronics+ Application” forum series will highlight how optoelectronic technologies are being integrated into real-world sectors such as automotive, consumer electronics, robotics, smart sensing, AR/VR, display, security, and healthcare.

CIOE 2026 will also host high-level international conferences in partnership with global organizations including Yole Group​ and the European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC), offering insights into worldwide market dynamics. Additionally, the IEEE Global Optoelectronics Conference (OGC)​ will convene leading academics and researchers, fostering scholarly exchange and promoting cross-border innovation.

• Three Co‑Located Expos: A Unified Hub for Cross‑Industry Ecosystem Collaboration

CIOE 2026 will be co-located with the International Integrated Circuit Innovation Expo (IICIE 2026) and the 23^rd Shenzhen International Electronics & Embedded Expo (elexcon 2026). This powerful three‑event synergy creates a fully integrated industry chain spanning upstream chips and core components to downstream end products and application ecosystems, serving as a critical resource hub across the entire AI device lifecycle.

In response to the growing convergence of photonics and electronics, these joint events bridge the full spectrum of the industry, from component manufacturing and hardware design to system integration and end-user applications. The shows provide a one-stop platform for professionals and decision-makers across diverse sectors, including consumer electronics, smart vehicles, robotics, AR/VR, communications, medical electronics, security, and displays, to explore cutting-edge technologies, source key components, integrate solutions, and accelerate commercial deployment all while showcasing the latest advances in semiconductor manufacturing processes and equipment.

By bringing together global technologies, innovative products, and industry thought leaders, the trio amplifies collaboration and drives deeper integration between the optoelectronics and semiconductor industries. This synergy helps build a more cohesive and open ecosystem, injecting fresh momentum into the global electronics sector and accelerating collective progress.

CIOE 2026 visitor registration is now open. Thanks to the tri-expo format, one single badge grants full access to all three co-located shows!​ Be sure to register by April 21​ to receive the complimentary CIOE 2025 Digital Show Catalogue and enjoy exclusive pre-show updates.

Rohde & Schwarz has designed the PVT360A performance vector tester with a minimal footprint for maximum performance. It is a comprehensive solution for non-signaling 5G NR FR1 and LTE small cell testing in the design verification stage and in production. LITEON has selected the test platform for the manufacturing lines of their new FlexFi 5G femtocell, boosting the overall testing speed by 50%. At MWC 2026, the two companies will showcase a femtocell production testing setup characterizing four DUTs using a single PVT360A.

The single‑box vector signal generator (VSG) and vector signal analyzer (VSA) solution delivers efficient, high‑performance RF testing and pairs seamlessly with the R&S VSE Vector Signal Explorer software for reliable timing verification as well as comprehensive 5G NR downlink and uplink signal analysis. Engineered to significantly accelerate 5G production testing and streamline design validation workflows, the PVT360A features an innovative 2×8 port architecture, coupled with a unique Smart Channel feature that dynamically optimizes resource allocation. This dramatically increases test throughput and enables manufacturers to test more devices in less time.

Beyond core testing efficiency, the PVT360A supports advanced 5G scenarios including multi-component carrier testing and highly accurate MIMO measurements with optional dual signal generators and analyzers. This combination of speed, versatility and support for complex 5G technologies makes the PVT360A a critical tool for manufacturers looking to rapidly scale 5G device production and deliver cutting-edge performance.

To enhance both the production efficiency and quality of its 5G femtocell products, LITEON has successfully integrated the PVT360A performance vector tester into its manufacturing lines, enabling fully automated calibration and verification processes. Leveraging its proprietary Smart Channel technology, a single unit can now simultaneously test four 5G femtocells. This enhancement has delivered a 50% increase in overall testing speed, significantly boosting production throughput while maintaining superior product consistency.

Richard Chiang, General Manager of LITEON Smart Life Application SBU, said: “To enhance our manufacturing excellence, we are embarking on a long-term partnership with Rohde & Schwarz. By adopting their PVT360A platform, we aim to achieve higher levels of automation and precision in our testing processes, ensuring that our products consistently meet the highest market standards.”

Goce Talaganov, Vice President Mobile Radio Testers at Rohde & Schwarz, said: “We are proud to support

LITEON in advancing its smart manufacturing strategy with our PVT360A platform. Their ability to achieve higher throughput and consistent quality demonstrates how our scalable multiport architecture and smart channel technology can transform production efficiency. We look forward to deepening our collaboration and enabling even greater innovation in 5G small cell manufacturing.”

Visitors to MWC Barcelona 2026 can experience the joint demo of high‑throughput 5G femtocell testing at the Rohde & Schwarz booth 5A80 in hall 5 from March 2 to 5, 2026.

For more information on solutions for small cell testing from Rohde & Schwarz, visit: https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/solutions/wireless-communications-testing/mobile-network-infrastructure-testing/small-cell-testing/small-cell-testing_256717.html

www.rohde-schwarz.com

The main challenge facing these companies is the highly fragmented nature of global telecommunications each country requires a separate local provider, introducing operational complexity and a constant need for local telecom expertise. A second critical pain point is purchasing power: because mobile spend is split across multiple local providers and contracts, international companies are unable to leverage their full global volume to negotiate better pricing and terms.

Telgea consolidates employee connectivity into a single global solution utilizing eSIM technology and extensive AI driven automation. The solution provides businesses with full visibility, centralized management, and a single global contract. By developing what is essentially a ready-made, seamlessly integrated network across markets, the company sees strong demand from local telecom operators seeking a true international footprint for their enterprise customers.

Expansion to 26 countries by end of 2026

Telgea currently serves more than 60 enterprise customers and has tier-1 network partnerships in 10 countries. The company’s combined voice and data footprint now reaches more than 650 million people across its active markets.

Telenor Group is one of the largest operators in the Nordics, with more than 160 million subscribers globally. Its venture arm, Telenor Amp, has made a strategic investment in Telgea, reflecting confidence in the company’s technology and growth potential.

Telgea plans to expand its operator friendly platform to 26 countries by year end 2026, and to 50 countries by 2027. Within two years,Telgea will cover every major business hub and reach 3 billion people worldwide.

“Multinational enterprises are an underserved segment that operators have struggled to serve efficiently across borders. Telgea changes that by providing a unified platform that reduces operational complexity for operators while delivering a seamless experience for enterprise customers. We see this as a significant opportunity to unlock a market with substantial untapped potential and we’re excited to support the company through our investment,” said Dan Ouchterlony, Head of Telenor Amp.

“Telenor’s strategic investment is a strong signal to global enterprises that Telgea has the operator credibility and financial backing to deliver on its promise of unified international connectivity. When one of the world’s largest telecom operators chooses to bet on our platform, it speaks directly to the confidence enterprises need when consolidating their global mobile infrastructure under a single provider. Our goal is straightforward: make mobile connectivity as simple and borderless as the cloud and with this partnership, enterprises have every reason to make that move with confidence,” said Andreas Åfeldt Franke, founder and CEO of Telgea.

Exabeam, a global leader in intelligence and automation that powers security operations, today announced the findings of its new multinational report, From Adoption to Accountability: The New Economics of AI in Cybersecurity. Based on a survey of 750 IT decision-makers responsible for security in organizations with 500+ employees across 12 countries, the research reveals a critical paradox. While cybersecurity budgets surge with unprecedented growth, security leaders race ahead on AI transformation while falling behind on measurement, justification, and strategic alignment.

According to the study, 95% of organizations are increasing cybersecurity budgets in 2026, with 74% seeing double-digit growth. However, AI simultaneously holds three contradictory positions in budget planning: it’s the top driver of increases (44%), the first investment that would be cut if budgets tightened (44%), and the most challenging spend to justify to business stakeholders (32%).

“Security leaders are getting mandates to invest in AI, but nobody’s given them a way to prove it’s working. You can’t measure AI transformation with pre-AI metrics,” said Steve Wilson, Chief AI and Product Officer at Exabeam. “The problem isn’t that security teams lack data. They’re drowning in it. The issue is they’re tracking the wrong things and speaking a language the board doesn’t understand. Those are the budgets that get cut first. The window to fix this is closing fast.”

Unprecedented Budget Growth Driven by AI Transformation

Cybersecurity investment trends in 2026 represent a significant shift, with AI and automation emerging as the primary catalyst for budget expansion (44%), followed by cloud infrastructure growth (33%) and mainstream business AI adoption (32%). This surge being channeled into technology, rather than the usual suspect of headcount, signals how the AI era is fundamentally shifting security operations.

The Value Demonstration Gap Creates Vulnerability

While 87% of security leaders express confidence that their investments are delivering business value, 30% cite a lack of board understanding of the link between cybersecurity investment and business resilience as their biggest challenge in defending spend. The disconnect reveals a critical vulnerability: 63% of security leaders report using quantified ROI and 59% use outcome metrics, yet boards and executives still don’t understand the connection between security investments and business risk.

The problem isn’t a lack of information, but a mismatch between security metrics and business-decision metrics. Security teams are relying on traditional security measurements that don’t translate into the business impact language boards need to evaluate investment decisions.

“In AI-assisted environments, traditional metrics like mean time to resolution (MTTR) becomes almost automatic, so speed alone doesn’t prove risk has been reduced,” said Kevin Kirkwood, CISO at Exabeam. “We need new ways to measure security effectiveness that actually show business impact, because boards don’t fund faster ticket closure, they fund measurable risk reduction and business resilience. We have to show that we’re not just responding quickly but eliminating and improving the conditions that allow incidents to happen in the first place.”

Regional Variations Show Diverse AI Adoption Strategies

Regional differences in AI adoption are striking. Saudi Arabia demonstrates the most aggressive position, with 75% reporting AI is already improving security operations, nearly triple the rate of Japan (27%) and the Netherlands (30%). These variations reflect different organizational priorities. Saudi Arabia’s figures align with broader national digital transformation initiatives, while European and Asian organizations emphasize careful evaluation and workforce preservation before scaling deployment.

Closing the Justification Gap

The cybersecurity industry is experiencing a rare moment of budget abundance, yet this creates a sustainability challenge. Security leaders are investing heavily in AI transformation while simultaneously struggling to articulate its business value to boards and CFOs. This isn’t a sustainable dynamic budget abundance creates expectations, and organizations that can’t demonstrate clear value from AI investments risk seeing those budgets retracted when economic conditions shift.

The organizations that will thrive are those that recognize deployment is only half the challenge. Success requires developing new frameworks for measuring AI impact, creating outcomes-based metrics that tie security performance directly to business resilience, and establishing executive-ready communication that translates technical improvements into business impact language.

To access the full report, From Adoption to Accountability: The New Economics of AI in Cybersecurity, visit: https://www.exabeam.com/from-adoption-to-accountability

Methodology

This report is based on research conducted by Sapio Research on behalf of Exabeam in December 2025. The survey captured insights from 750 IT decision-makers responsible for security in organizations with 500+ employees. Respondents represented 12 countries across Europe (UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Netherlands), North America (USA, Canada), and Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions (India, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Japan, Australia), spanning key sectors including technology, financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, telecommunications, and government.

Existing users will appreciate the familiar usability and engineering teams building for the next generation of automotive and industrial CAN networks get the powerful functionalities they need.

The next major evolution of PEAK’s professional CAN communication software for analyzing, monitoring, and simulating CAN, CAN FD, and CAN XL networks contains many helpful features for engineers. PCAN-Explorer 7 marks a significant step forward, adding full CAN XL support for faster bit rates (up to 20 Mbit/s) and higher payload (2,048 Bytes). Users can now assign multiple description data bases per connection such as symbol files or CANdb files, which makes it easier to work with several data bases in parallel avoiding manual merging effort. The addition of Python scripting brings a modern automation environment to the platform heavily used in automotive testing applications.

Another major improvement is the introduction of a new licensing system based on CodeMeter. Customers can choose between single user or floating licenses. In addition, USB license dongles are available to make single user licenses portable. For users who want to test the software, trial licenses are available. These options make the Explorer software more flexible for both individuals and teams.

PCAN-Explorer 7: New features, that convince

Another helpful functionality is the fine-grade trace playback, allowing users to step through trace files message by message, pause automatically on defined breakpoints, and create highly controlled test and replay scenarios. PCAN-Explorer 7 also introduces support for J1939 FD, enabling engineers who work with heavy-duty and off-highway applications to analyze and simulate next-generation protocol variants. Another practical enhancement is the highlighting of data changes in the receive list. This makes it easier to spot dynamic values, detect anomalies, and follow changing signals in real time.

The Product Manager for the PE7, Kristofer Koch, summarizes the goal of the new version as follows: “With PCAN-Explorer 7, we are anticipating the shift to CAN XL and empowering our users to be future-proof already today. Plus, we succeeded to deliver these advanced capabilities without changing the familiar interface and established workflows of version 6.” Users, that have relied for many years on previous versions of the most famous CAN software on the market, can still relate to its core functionalities, its user interface and all well-established add-ins – plus now benefit from strong new features of the future. “The new version is the essence of all previous editions combined with new capabilities”, adds Koch. “This means, we have integrated profound user feedback over years and added state-of-the-art technologies and functionalities to lift the Explorer to the next evolution stage.”

PCAN-Explorer: The standard CAN software

PCAN-Explorer has long been known as a powerful and versatile Windows software tool for working with CAN and CAN FD networks. Its core functionality is built around simultaneous access to multiple CAN channels, which allows users to observe, analyze, and log communication in complex network environments. A central element is the symbolic representation of messages, which transforms raw CAN data into readable and meaningful signal information using symbol files. In everyday use, PCAN-Explorer enables both manual and periodic transmission of messages, making it ideal for testing, network trouble shooting and system development.

The new Features at a Glance

• Support for CAN XL
• Support for J1939 FD
• Multiple symbol files per connection
• Python scripting support
• Fine-grade trace playback with step control, break points, and playback areas
• Highlighting of data changes in the receive list
• Improved performance with 64-bit foundation and separate UI and communication engines
• Flexible license options: Single, Floating, Trial, Add-Ins with license dongle option
• Optional maintenance contracts for updates and support
• All proven PCAN-Explorer 6 core functions included

Get more information on our website: www.peak-system.com/explorer7

HMS Networks AB (publ) is a market-leading provider of solutions in industrial information and communication technology (Industrial ICT) and employs over 1 100 people. HMS develops and manufactures products under the Anybus®, Ixxat®, Ewon®, and Intesis® brands (Red Lion® Controls and PEAK-System is also a part of the HMS Group as of 2024). Local sales and support are handled by branch offices all over the world, as well as through a worldwide network of distributors and partners. HMS reported sales of SEK 3,059 million in 2024 and is listed on the NASDAQ OMX in Stockholm in the Large Cap segment and Telecommunications sector.

euNetworks, a European digital infrastructure provider, has appointed Ilex Content Strategies, a global B2B marketing and communications agency, as its public relations agency of record following the launch of its refreshed brand. Ilex will lead international media relations and strategic communications to support euNetworks as it strengthens its profile across European and global markets.

euNetworks is Europe’s leading data centre connectivity provider, directly connecting 585+ data centres today. The company operates one of Europe’s most densely connected metro fibre networks, enabling latency-sensitive connectivity between data centres, trading venues, IXPs and cloud on-ramps. As customers demand greater performance, predictability and control, euNetworks is using its rebrand to more clearly articulate its role in supporting mission-critical digital infrastructure across Europe.

“As part of our recent rebrand, we wanted to work with a communications partner that understands the European connectivity landscape and the challenge of clearly communicating the value of complex infrastructure,” said Marisa Trisolino, CEO at euNetworks. “Ilex brings that understanding, along with a strong track record in strategic media relations. Based on past experience, we’re confident Ilex can help us position euNetworks as a trusted infrastructure provider at the heart of Europe’s digital economy.”

Ilex will work closely with euNetworks’ leadership team to develop brand messaging, thought leadership and undertake international media relations. Using its Borderless PR model, Ilex will ensure consistent messaging and maximum return on investment across priority markets, without the need for multiple local agencies.

“euNetworks plays a critical role in Europe’s digital infrastructure ecosystem, yet much of the work it enables happens behind the scenes,” said Lucia Barbato, CEO and Co-Founder at Ilex Content Strategies. “Our role is to translate that technical excellence into a clear and compelling story that resonates with carriers, hyperscalers, enterprises and the wider technology community that ultimately drives sales and delivers commercial momentum.”

Founded in 2012, Ilex Content Strategies works with telecoms, cloud, cybersecurity, data centre and digital infrastructure organisations at key moments of growth, repositioning and market expansion. Its clients range from fast-growing regional specialists to billion-dollar global enterprises. It enables organisations to build credibility, visibility and sustained momentum through strategic communications that ultimately drives sales.

With this move, T-Mobile is making high-speed internet across Florida more accessible than ever before. The massive investment enhances America’s Best Network even more with more capacity, coverage and better performance, benefiting residents and businesses in both rural and urban communities. The expansion provides faster than ever data speeds, improved reliability and broader coverage for 22 million Floridians, while also supporting emergency response systems and smart city initiatives.

The multi-year investment expanded 5G coverage through new and upgraded existing cell sites — meaning faster internet speeds for businesses, schools, healthcare providers, first responders and all T-Mobile customers.

“T-Mobile has redefined connectivity in Florida. The investment we’ve made is bringing real benefits to the people and businesses that call this state home, not just with the fastest speeds, but with increased resiliency and reliability in moments that matter most,” said Ulf Ewaldsson, President of Technology, T-Mobile. “And we’re not done yet. With the country’s only 5G Advanced network and as the nation’s first provider with a direct-to-cell satellite network, we’re on track to deliver an even better network experience to Floridians — years before anyone else.”

Investment Highlights:

• Network Sites: 1,282 new or retained sites from the merger with Sprint.
• Site Upgrades: Nearly 1,350 sites upgraded across the state, boosting speed, capacity and reliability.
• Resilience: Hardened 1,375 sites to improve emergency response and disaster recovery for people to stay connected when it matters most.
• Speeds: Average statewide 5G download speeds of 266.7 MB per second, a 216% increase since 2021.
• Coverage: Nearly 100% of Floridians are now covered by T-Mobile’s 5G network.

Ericsson is building on its strong UK presence with continued long-term investment in world-leading research focused on 6G and next-generation network technologies. First launched in 2022, the UK-based research centre is advancing key technology innovation areas including multiple Transmission Reception Point (multi-TRP) and Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) architectures, cognitive networks, 6G network deployment optimization, energy efficiency, resilience, and network security, which are core pillars of future global digital infrastructure as we move towards the 6G era.

The initiative fosters close collaboration between researchers, PhD students, academic institutions, communications service providers (CSPs), and industry partners, driving forward breakthrough projects that shape global technology development, and network evolution, targeting product innovation.

Ericsson is proud to have contributed to initial UK 6G research collaborations, including ongoing participation in the REASON project, and the TUDOR project which concluded earlier this year. Ericsson Research in the UK, in collaboration with its UK customers and partners , are already actively contributing to the development of new 3GPP specifications.

These initiatives have laid important groundwork for next-generation network innovation, reinforcing the UK’s position as a leader in the future of advanced connectivity. This aligns with the government’s recently published Digital and Technologies Sector Plan, which allocates £370 million to advanced connectivity technologies, with the aim of establishing the UK as a leader in frontier technologies and driving economic growth.

Ericsson remains committed to supporting the Government in driving innovation in advanced communications technologies, in close collaboration with UK academia, research institutions, and industry, supporting cutting-edge research and playing an active role in shaping the technologies and standards that will define 6G.

Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “Ericsson’s continued commitment to 6G research in the UK demonstrates the strength of our nation as a global hub for telecommunications innovation.

“By bringing together UK academia, industry and world-class researchers, we’re not just developing the technologies of tomorrow – we’re securing Britain’s position as a world leader in developing and deploying Advanced Connectivity Technologies, a key frontier technology that will help grow the economy and deliver on our Plan for Change.”

Magnus Frodigh, VP & Head of Ericsson Research, said: “Ericsson’s continued investment in UK-based research reinforces our commitment to driving global innovation in communications technology. Through this collaborative initiate, we’re not only shaping the future of 6G, but also ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of developing international standards for next-generation networks. This research program will play a crucial role in realizing the potential of 6G to create a more connected and sustainable world.”

Katherine Ainley, CEO of Ericsson UK & Ireland, said: “Ericsson has been a leading player in UK telecommunications for well over a century. We’re proud to recommit to this 6G research program, which continues to support the government’s ambition to lead the world in advanced connectivity technologies. By partnering with local academia, mobile operators, and industry players, we’re driving future innovation and creating new opportunities for the UK’s digital ecosystem.

6G is expected to emerge in the 2030s, expanding on the transformative potential of 5G. It is set to enable a smarter, more sustainable and efficient society by integrating the digital and physical worlds. Anticipated applications include multi-sensory extended reality, precision healthcare, smart agriculture, robots, and intelligent autonomous systems.

Ericsson’s ongoing investment in UK-based research reflects its long-standing role in the country’s telecoms ecosystem, and support of the Government’s ambition to position the UK at the forefront of future communications technologies and global standards.

Transaction to stimulate investment, expand world-class connectivity in the U.S., create new jobs and make high-speed fiber internet access available to millions of Americans

AT&T will extend its industry-leading fiber network with plans to reach approximately 60 million total fiber locations by year-end 20301

Key Takeaways:

• AT&T will acquire substantially all of Lumen’s Mass Markets fiber business, which today totals about 1 million fiber customers and reaches more than 4 million fiber locations across 11 U.S. states.
• AT&T reiterates full-year 2025 financial and operational guidance and share repurchase plans.

AT&T has reached an agreement to acquire substantially all of Lumen’s Mass Markets fiber business for $5.75 billion, subject to purchase price adjustments, in an all-cash transaction that will expand investment in critical U.S. connectivity infrastructure, create new middle-class jobs, and accelerate high-speed fiber internet access to millions of Americans.

“We’re leading the race to connect more Americans with fiber, the best broadband connectivity technology available,” said
John Stankey, Chairman and CEO, AT&T. “This deal with Lumen represents a significant investment in U.S. connectivity infrastructure that will create jobs and spur economic activity in numerous regions and major metro areas across 11 states. As we advance our fiber build, we’ll serve more communities with world-class connectivity and expect to roughly double where AT&T Fiber is available by the end of 2030.”

The Lumen Mass Markets fiber assets included in the deal today total about 1 million fiber subscribers across more than 4 million fiber locations. Over time, these subscribers will transition to be AT&T Fiber customers and enjoy the many benefits of being connected by America’s fastest-growing fiber provider.2

Customers with AT&T Fiber today enjoy every day, simple pricing and a premier home internet experience – delivering unmatched value and service. AT&T Fiber is backed by the AT&T Guarantee and offers multi-gig speeds3, built-in security, dependability and optimal in-home coverage.

Serving more Americans with the best connectivity experience

The transaction will enable AT&T to significantly expand access to AT&T Fiber in major metro areas like Denver, Las Vegas, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Orlando, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City and Seattle, as well as additional geographies. AT&T expects this transaction to deliver significant value to consumers, shareholders and the Company. Highlights include:

Expanding the availability of AT&T Fiber. AT&T expects to significantly grow the number of AT&T Fiber customers within the acquired fiber footprint, using its extensive distribution, the strengths of AT&T Fiber, and the value of the AT&T Guarantee. Over time, AT&T expects to increase fiber customer penetration within the acquired footprint to levels more consistent with its current penetration of AT&T Fiber.

Accelerating an efficient build engine for constructing fiber home internet connectivity outside of AT&T’s traditional wireline operating region. Through this transaction, AT&T will gain access to Lumen’s substantial fiber construction capabilities within its incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC) footprint and plans to accelerate the pace at which fiber is being built in these territories. AT&T now expects to reach approximately 60 million total fiber locations by the end of 2030 – roughly doubling where AT&T Fiber is available today.

Giving American consumers more choice when selecting broadband and wireless services the way they prefer – with fiber and 5G together. Customers with both AT&T Fiber and the Company’s wireless services are more likely to recommend AT&T, remain customers longer and provide the best returns. AT&T expects that its ability to offer 5G wireless and fiber broadband connectivity within Lumen’s Mass Markets fiber footprint will enable the Company to grow its base of high-value converged customer relationships and drive gains in its Mobility business.

Transaction details and ongoing agreements with Lumen

The acquired portion of the Lumen Mass Markets business includes last-mile Mass Markets fiber assets and the associated network elements in central offices that enable fiber services, as well as substantially all of Lumen’s Mass Markets fiber customers. This will position AT&T to deliver a consistent experience to AT&T Fiber customers within Lumen’s Mass Markets footprint over time.

AT&T will hold the acquired fiber network assets, including certain fiber network deployment capabilities, in a new, fully owned subsidiary (“NetworkCo”). It is expected that along with the fiber assets, certain employees will move, or receive offers to move, from Lumen to AT&T or NetworkCo as a part of this deal.

Lumen’s enterprise fiber customers and Mass Markets copper-based customers as well as the associated assets to support them are not part of this agreement.

After closing, Lumen will provide AT&T with services and support under multiple transitional agreements. These agreements are expected to last approximately two years after deal close and will cover certain field operations, network deployment, IT systems, billing, customer support, and other services. As part of the transaction, AT&T will also receive long-term access to certain Lumen central offices, poles, and conduits.

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026 and is subject to regulatory approval by the Department of Justice as well as other customary closing conditions.

AT&T plans to engage an equity partner after closing Lumen transaction

After closing the transaction with Lumen, the Company plans to sell partial ownership of NetworkCo to an equity partner that will co-invest in the ongoing business. AT&T expects to identify an equity partner and close a transaction within approximately 6-12 months of closing the transaction with Lumen.

Upon closing a transaction with an equity partner, the Company expects NetworkCo will be deconsolidated from AT&T’s financial statements and operate as a wholesale commercial open access platform, providing fiber access services to AT&T as the anchor tenant. All acquired Lumen Mass Markets fiber customers will remain AT&T customers.

AT&T believes this planned structure is consistent with its balanced approach to capital allocation – supporting the accelerated and capital-efficient expansion of AT&T Fiber outside of its traditional wireline operating region.

Based on AT&T’s position as the operator of the largest and fastest-growing fiber broadband network in the U.S. and track record of generating attractive returns on its fiber investments, the Company is highly confident it can secure an equity partner for NetworkCo.

AT&T remains committed to long-term priorities, financial targets and capital returns plans

This transaction aligns with the priorities outlined at AT&T’s 2024 Analyst & Investor Day, including its goal of becoming the best connectivity provider in America while providing more value to customers, shareholders and the Company. These priorities have not changed, and AT&T continues to operate the business to achieve the financial plan and capital returns outlined in December 2024.

The Company expects that this transaction will drive returns that are comparable to AT&T’s current fiber investments, as outlined at its 2024 Analyst & Investor Day. In the 12-24 months following close, the impact of the transaction is expected to be immaterial to consolidated adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EPS and free cash flow, and accretive over the long-term.

AT&T expects to continue operating within its net leverage target of net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA in the 2.5x range following the transaction with Lumen and anticipated transaction with an equity partner for NetworkCo.

The Company remains committed to repurchasing shares under the previously announced $10 billion authorization, with plans to repurchase at least $3 billion of common stock by year-end and the remainder during 2026. AT&T reiterates all full-year 2025 financial and operational guidance.

GTC—NVIDIA today unveiled partnerships with industry leaders T-Mobile, MITRE, Cisco, ODC, a portfolio company of Cerberus Capital Management, and Booz Allen Hamilton on the research and development of AI-native wireless network hardware, software and architecture for 6G.

Next-generation wireless networks must be fundamentally integrated with AI to seamlessly connect hundreds of billions of phones, sensors, cameras, robots and autonomous vehicles. AI-native wireless networks will provide enhanced services for billions of users and set new standards in spectral efficiency — the rate at which data can be transmitted over a given bandwidth. They will also offer groundbreaking performance and resource utilization while creating new revenue streams for telecommunications companies.

“Next-generation wireless networks will be revolutionary, and we have an unprecedented opportunity to ensure AI is woven in from the start,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. “Working with leaders in the field, we’re building an AI-enhanced 6G network that achieves extreme spectral efficiency.”

Open Ecosystems Drive Innovation

Research-driven breakthroughs harnessing the power of AI are necessary to maximize the performance and benefits of AI-native wireless networks. To drive innovation, NVIDIA is collaborating with telco and research leaders to develop an AI-native wireless network stack based on the NVIDIA AI Aerial platform, which provides software-defined radio access networks (RANs) on the NVIDIA accelerated computing platform.
Developers across the globe are building AI-RAN as a precursor to AI-native 6G wireless networks. AI-RAN is a technology that brings AI and RAN workloads together on one platform and embeds AI into radio signal processing.

To deliver enhanced spectral efficiency and lower operational complexity and costs, AI will be fully embedded into the network stack’s software and hosted over a unified accelerated infrastructure, capable of running both network and AI workloads. Also at the solution’s core will be end-to-end security and an open architecture to foster rapid innovation.

T-Mobile and NVIDIA will expand their AI-RAN Innovation Center collaboration announced last year with the goal of providing additional research-based concepts for AI-native 6G network capabilities, working alongside these new industry collaborators.

“This is an exciting next step to the AI-RAN Innovation Center efforts we began last September at our Capital Markets Day in partnership with NVIDIA,” Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile. “Working with these additional industry leaders on research to natively integrate AI into the network as we begin the journey to 6G will enable the network performance, efficiency and scale to power the next generation of experiences that customers and businesses expect.”

As the founding research partner, MITRE, a not-for-profit research and development organization, will research, prototype and contribute open, AI-driven services and applications, such as for agentic network orchestration and security, dynamic spectrum sharing and 6G-integrated sensing and communications.

“MITRE is working with NVIDIA to help make AI-native 6G a reality,” said Mark Peters, president and CEO of MITRE. “By integrating AI into 6G in the beginning, we can solve a wide range of problems, from enhancing service delivery to unlocking required spectrum availability to fuel wireless growth. Through all of our collaborations with NVIDIA, we look forward to creating impact in 6G, AI, simulation, transportation and more.”

Cisco plans to take a lead position in this collaboration as the provider of mobile core and network technologies and will tap into its existing service provider reach and expertise.

“With 6G on the horizon, it’s critical for the industry to work together to build AI-native networks for the future,” said Chuck Robbins, chair and CEO of Cisco. “Cisco is at the forefront of developing secure infrastructure technology for AI, and we are proud to work with NVIDIA and the broader ecosystem to create an AI-enhanced network that improves performance, reliability and security for our customers.”

ODC, a portfolio company of Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., will deliver cutting-edge layer 2 and layer 3 software for distributed and centralized units of virtual RAN as part of the AI-native radio access stack. Tapping into decades of experience in large-scale mobile systems, ODC is pioneering next-generation AI-native 5G open RAN (ORAN), surpassing existing networks and seamlessly paving the way for 6G evolution.

“The mobile industry has always taken advantage of advances in other technology fields, and today, no technology is more central than AI,” said Shaygan Kheradpir, chairman of the advisory board of ODC. “ODC is at the forefront of developing and deploying AI-native ORAN 2.0 networks, enabling service providers to on-ramp seamlessly from 5G to 6G by taking advantage of the vast AI ecosystem to redefine the future of connectivity.”

As a leader in AI and cybersecurity to the federal government, Booz Allen will develop AI RAN algorithms and secure the AI-native 6G wireless platform. Its NextG lab will conduct functional, performance integration and security testing to ensure the resiliency and security of the platform against the most sophisticated adversaries. The company will lead field trials for advanced use cases such as autonomy and robotics.

“The future of wireless communications starts today, and it’s all about AI,” said Horacio Rozanski, chairman and CEO of Booz Allen. “Booz Allen has the technologies to make AI-native 6G networks a reality and revolutionize secure communications for an entirely new generation of intelligent platforms and applications.”

Expanded Aerial Research Portfolio

These collaborations build on NVIDIA’s AI-RAN and 6G research ecosystem, supported by advancements in the NVIDIA Aerial™ research portfolio for developing, training, simulating and deploying groundbreaking AI-native wireless innovations.
New additions to the NVIDIA Aerial Research portfolio, also announced today, include the Aerial Omniverse Digital Twin Service, the Aerial Commercial Test Bed on NVIDIA MGX™, NVIDIA Sionna™ 1.0 — building on the open-source Sionna library, which has nearly 150,000 downloads since its launch in 2022 — and the Sionna Research Kit on the NVIDIA Jetson™ accelerated computing platform. 

The NVIDIA Aerial Research portfolio serves over 2,000 members through the NVIDIA 6G Developer Program. Industry leaders and more than 150 higher-education and research institutions from the U.S. and around the world are harnessing the platform to accelerate 6G and AI-RAN innovation — paving the way for AI-native wireless networks.

Learn more by watching the NVIDIA GTC telecom special address and register for sessions from NVIDIA and industry leaders at the show, which runs through March 21.