The latest expansion of 4G LTE in Ethiopia is part of the ongoing program from Ethio telecom for network modernization as well as broadband expansion, with the goal to expand LTE coverage far beyond major urban centers as well as regional capitals.

Operator details show that Oromia, along with Amhara, forms the biggest portion of the new towns connected, making up about two-thirds of the most recent rollout. Smaller expansions have been reported in the Gambella, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Somali as well as Afar regions.

The regional distribution illustrates a continuous effort to expand broadband availability to high-population areas, in addition to historically underserved populations, in support of broader digital connectivity goals along with broad access to standard mobile broadband services.

The expansion comes as Ethio telecom operations are speeding up network modernization. Over the course of time, the operator has carried out several LTE expansion initiatives and upgrades to its infrastructure in an effort to broaden broadband coverage and enhance service quality across the country.

The rising demand for mobile financial services, online education, digital commerce, and government digital platforms continues to push the want for faster and, of course, more dependable connectivity beyond the major urban centers of Ethiopia. The extended LTE coverage is anticipated to enable these services and promote digital inclusion throughout newly connected communities.

This latest rollout is a further move in the ongoing efforts made by Ethio telecom to expand access to high-speed mobile internet services in the wide range of geographical areas throughout Ethiopia.

The CEO of Algeria Telecom, Abdelghani Aït Saïd, presented the project on May 12, 2026, during a government meeting dedicated to the modernisation of telecom infrastructure and the substitution of copper networks which are ageing with fibre optic systems.

The telecommunications minister of Algeria, Sid Ali Zerrouki, has ordered officials to introduce 5G fixed wireless access, or 5G FWA, by the start of 2027 at the latest.

Faster Internet & Improved Network Efficiency

The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications says that the move from 4G LTE to 5G FWA and hence adopting 5G Wireless Home Internet Service in Algeria will do more than just boost broadband speeds.

The technology also ought to lower delay, increase stability of networks, and enhance the overall quality of connections nationwide, officials say.

5G FWA takes advantage of an innovative network structure designed to process more data with greater efficiency than older 4G systems developed for lower internet usage.

The authorities said the system should work more effectively in high-traffic areas, where current networks typically slow down when many individuals are connected at the same time.

The technology is expected to meet rising demand from households, companies, and public services that increasingly rely on internet-based platforms, remote work, streaming services, and digital communication tools.

Algeria promotes broadband development

The 5G rollout is incorporated in an overall national broadband strategy.

This year the government declared faster internet speed for fixed broadband subscribers and said it would phase out the usage of copper infrastructure by 2027 end.

Authorities intend to boost the international internet capacity of Algeria with two more submarine cables, such as the Medusa cable project anticipated by late 2026.

The country already has five undersea cables offering international connectivity.

Internet prices are still more than the affordability goal

But even with the anticipated upgrades, the cost of the internet continues to be an issue for certain users.

In 2025, the price of 5 gigabytes of fixed internet service in Algeria was 2.59% of gross national income per capita, as determined by data from the International Telecommunication Union.

This is still lower as compared to the African average of 15.1% but higher than the ITU affordability goal of 2%.

Algeria had 6.82 million fixed internet subscribers at the September 2025 end, as per data from the telecom regulator of the country.

Fibre subscriptions covered 37.6% of subscriptions, ahead of ADSL at 32.3% and fixed LTE at 30%, with fibre still being the most rapidly expanding segment of the market.

As Trinity platform is launched by MaxLinear, Inc., it is built for the next-gen of intelligent networks. Trinity delivers cloud-managed, AI-optimised backhaul infrastructure that allows operators to broaden 5G coverage while reducing installation and operational expenses via automation and also real-time network intelligence.

It is well to be noted that wireless backhaul is the crucial link which connects cell towers and radios to the central network. With the global surge of mobile data and 5G expanding to remote regions, service providers need wireless backhaul solutions that are easier to set up, more cost-effective and self-managing. Traditional approaches rely on manual provisioning and limited visibility, which results in slower and more expensive deployments, especially in markets with limited Average Revenue Per User – ARPU.

Industry analysts forecast solid growth for millimetre-wave technology as 5G networks consolidate and as the requirement for high-capacity wireless backhaul increases. The global millimetre wave technology marketplace is projected to expand from about $3 billion in 2024 to over $7 billion in 2029, at roughly 20% annual growth, driven partially by the demand for scalable, cloud-managed as well as AI-enabled telecom infrastructure.

The Trinity Platform – A Carrier-Grade and Highly Integrated Solution

URX processors are already deployed on major carrier networks around the world. The Trinity platform from MaxLinear integrates many backhaul functions into a single URX850 chip, taking advantage of the durability and structural enhancements of the URX platform to dramatically reduce the level of complexity, cost and power usage when it comes to the radio systems.

Trinity offers the Open Compute Project – OCP Switch Abstraction Interface SAI in order to strengthen the commitment of MaxLinear to open standards for smooth migration from legacy systems to software-defined, cloud-managed networks.

These advancements combine to put MaxLinear as the primary technology partner for carriers setting up next-generation wireless backhaul.

According to SVP & GM, Network Infrastructure and Carrier Business Unit at MaxLinear, Puneet Sethi, “We are excited about the capabilities of the Trinity platform, which reflect MaxLinear’s leadership in highly integrated system-on-chip solutions for wireless backhaul. Leveraging URX’s built-in AI acceleration and Trinity SAI API, our OEM customers can now deliver highly differentiated 10Gbps microwave and E-band radio systems that enable smarter tech with cost savings up to 50%.

What It Signifies for Original Equipment Manufacturers – OEMs

The Trinity platform enables equipment manufacturers to rapidly design and deliver more capable backhaul radios by way of –

Lower cost and power usage – Up to 50% savings on necessary parts and additional power savings for a more sustainable operation.

Optimized form factor – Smaller size and weight for a simpler installation.

Improved reliability – Fewer components, greatly increased MTBF – Mean Time Between Failures.

Cloud network management – Visibility, provisioning and orchestration throughout distributed infrastructure.

This integration is a major move forward for outdoor wireless radios in which space and power happen to be constrained. The Trinity platform now has functionality that used to call for multiple components, such as switching and quality of service – QoS, aggregation of several wireless links to boost capacity, high-speed data encryption for enhanced safety, and the exact timing needed for carrier-grade networks.

Such functions are usually executed in conventional radio architectures using large, power-hungry ASICs, including programmable logic devices (FPGAs). All of this is done directly in integrated hardware and software on the Trinity platform, which simplifies designs and maximises efficiency.

What this means for mobile network operators (MNOs)

Trinity offers simpler, lower-cost radios that provide rapid, dependable and scalable networks with a number of key differentiators –

Multi-link aggregation – Combines around four microwave wireless links in parallel, automatically adjusting to changing channel conditions.

Ruggedized functionality – Dependable operation from –40°C to +85°C designed for harsh environments.

Increased security – Integrated hardware-accelerated, fast encryption to have data integrity.

Opines Chief Technology Officer at Bharti Airtel, Randeep Sekhon, “Meeting the capacity demands of 5G while maintaining sustainable deployment costs requires a new level of integration and cost optimization in backhaul design. We appreciate MaxLinear’s focus and investment in these areas and look forward to the availability of next-generation optimized backhaul radio solutions.”

Mobile communication technologies are usually created in 10-year cycles, with 6G projected to enter the market around 2030. The ministry has started to review spectrum resources as well as consult existing users of those frequencies, CNA reported.

By the end of 2026, the aim is to put forward a spectrum allocation plan. Spectrum – the radio frequency bands used to send wireless data is viewed as an essential asset for mobile broadband services, Nokia said.

According to the director of Ministry of Digital Affairs’ resource management department, Tseng Wen-fang, the ministry is aiming to mix satellite and non-terrestrial network technologies, in order to provide high-speed, low-latency connectivity to a wider range of destinations. Access to an appropriate spectrum in a timely way will be important in future implementation of 6G networks. The ministry is in charge of spectrum planning and management. Telecom operators must still get approval from Taiwan’s National Communications Commission and build base stations before they can launch services after winning spectrum in government auctions.

It can take over a year to go through the process, so it is important to start spectrum reviews as well as licensing preparations early, said Tseng. Internationally, there are several frequency bands that are emerging as top contenders for 6G development, Tseng said.

Taiwan’s planning will correspond to the world industry trend. Spectrum allocation must be in line with international standards, said Tseng so that devices will work smoothly across global markets.

It is well to be noted that the recent industry discussions on the planning on 6G wireless communications tech in Taiwan have been centred on the 7.125–8.4 gigahertz spectrum band, that has been viewed as a prospective cornerstone of future wireless connectivity. With demand for mobile data continuing to expand, 5G Americas and Qualcomm say the band could offer as much as 10-20 times the network capacity of the present 5G systems.

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.

Rohde & Schwarz invite attendees to the Mobile World Congress 2026 which will be held in Barcelona. One can make a pit stop at the booth of the company to connect with experts and also dig in to solutions when it comes to the next generation of wireless technologies. Notably, the portfolio of the company is going to be on display under the motto – Enabling Connections, Empowering Innovations at Fira Gran Via, hall 5, booth 5A80 starting March 2 to 5, 2026.

The road from 5G to 6G

In order to have a very carefree and seamless evolution from 5G to 6G, Rohde & Schwarz provides future-ready test solutions, particularly for mobile devices along with networks. Of the many innovative solutions, CMX500 one-box signaling tester is a class apart throughout many demos, thereby addressing the barriers that are experienced today and are expected tomorrow.

• Charting the path for 6G, Rohde & Schwarz goes on to highlight carrier aggregation mixing FR1 and FR3 frequency ranges with its CMX500 one-box signaling tester. The showcase goes on to validate end-to-end device behavior throughout the aggregated spectrum. FR3 (7.125 to 24.25 GHz) has gone on to get identified by the industry and research as a perfect ally for combining the wide-area coverage that has high capacity. Equipped with the new and also upgradeable RFU18 board for the CMX500, the tester has a capacity to cover almost 18 GHz, hence offering users required headroom for the FR3 evolution and also a future-ready path so as to test the next-generation networks.
• One more setup points to virtual signaling testing. Based upon CMX500, Rohde & Schwarz showcase a new approach when it comes to shift-left testing, hence enabling the R&D engineers to pinpoint any sort of design flaws much earlier in their mobile radio modem chips before silicon fabrication, which is pretty costly. This early SDR-based validation by all means is going to significantly cut the time-to-market as far as 6G devices are concerned.
• Ray tracing goes on to simulate real-world signal propagation environments, therefore making it quite a valuable technique when it comes to AI receiver testing for the future 6G devices. Rohde & Schwarz are going to demonstrate the CMX500 since it creates a digital twin related to signal propagation within the test environment by way of making utmost use of the VIAVI™ ray tracing engine. This helps a very controlled and reproducible validation of scenarios that are intricate with high measurement accuracy, thereby helping with site-specific optimization of radio links and at the same time decreasing the requirement for field tests that are very burdensome.
• Rohde & Schwarz also makes advancements in the 5G and emerging 6G testing due to the AI Workplace for the CMX500, which is its AI-based toolset, therefore phenomenally enhancing the testing productivity.  TechAssist makes use of natural language in order to control the CMX500, helping with fast test-scenario setup along with addressing the status/configuration queries, while ScriptAssist, which stands upgraded due to its new interface, simplifies and speeds up scripting when it comes to R&D protocol and also application testing along with instrument automation. Visitors can go on to experience these AI-powered tools very much in action within a range of setups with Rohde & Schwarz at MWC Barcelona 2026 looking to make an unmatched presence.

• Mobile XR, along with personal AI devices such as smart glasses and wearables, is indeed a major element for 5G-Advanced and 6G-enabled immersive 3D communications.  Delivering a very compelling and low-latency experience is going to require strict and realistic testing. Rohde & Schwarz are going to showcase an end-to-end testbed, which is going to be centered around CMX500, thereby addressing AI on RAN and also XR testing challenges due to its capacity to emulate 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi networks, hence applying both RF and also IP impairments in order to reproduce the real-world conditions like that of interference along with congestion.
• 6G ISAC, or Integrated Sensing and Communication, which makes optimal use of mobile networks when it comes to object detection, is also gaining traction rapidly. Rohde & Schwarz are going to demonstrate new capabilities of the R&S AREG800A, which includes the emulation when it comes to micro-Doppler signatures besides distance, speed, and also RCS so as to support the object classification, like drones.
• So as to test the base stations along with the network infrastructure, Rohde & Schwarz demonstrates the PVT360, which meets the requirements for testing FR1/FR2 along with small cells as well as O-RU, and that too in a single box. In terms of verification of frequency converting the antennas that are made use of in SATCOM, NTN, or even 5G and 6G applications, visitors can actually have in-depth know-how about CATR-based over-the-air test chambers, hence helping with fast OTA testing when it comes to phased antenna arrays.
• With first off-the-shelf commercial mobile devices that are now available for 5G broadcast, Rohde & Schwarz helps the visitors to explore a very seamless and rich data distribution transmission across the mobile devices, innovative applications such as venue casting and emergency alerts, and advanced solutions in terms of terrestrial positioning, navigation, and timing.

From the ground to up there with NTN

As terrestrial as well as satellite-based networks blend, it becomes all the more intricate to simulate the real-world conditions while at the same time meeting 3GPP requirements, for example, in terms of handovers within the orbits, between the orbits, or even from space to the ground. As the NTN technology shows maturity alongside 5G and towards 6G, coming through the significant technical glitches is indeed the key to realizing the potential of NTN.

• Rohde & Schwarz has also upgraded its CMX500 one-box signaling tester, thereby supporting NR-NTN and NB-NTN as well as Direct-to-Cell (D2C/DTC) technologies on a single platform. The tester builds a digital twin of the sky, simulating the orbits and bands and also certain impairments such as Doppler shifts and even fading. Mixed with smart features such as the Constellation Insights Tool, it helps the engineers to go ahead and visualize the satellite constellations, evaluate any coverage gaps, and also take a thorough notice of the trajectories.
• Rohde & Schwarz also supports the NTN conformance along with carrier acceptance testing, thereby offering the highest number of validated test cases when it comes to NR-NTN as per 3GPP Rel.17. In partnership with Samsung, validations have already been conducted throughout all three test domains, which are RF, RRM, and PCT. At the MWC Barcelona 2026 visitors are not only going to be able to have a feel of these test cases, but they are also going to witness a demonstration of the test plan for NB-NTN from Viasat that covers protocol and performance along with the RF test scenarios.

Industry collaborations to speed up the AI-RAN

It is well to be noted that AI is indeed becoming an integral part of RAN, helping with performance optimization, enhanced energy efficiency, and also a more self-driven operation.  Rohde & Schwarz, being a member of the AI-RAN Alliance, goes ahead with industry collaboration and also offers very dependable test equipment when it comes to navigating the interoperability across a landscape that is evolving by the day.

• Rohde & Schwarz, along with Nokia Bell Labs, has also partnered on an AI/ML-based 6G base station radio receiver, which makes use of Digital Post Distortion – DPoD in order to recover the distorted uplink signals. DPoD enhances the link budget, helps preserve the coverage, and decreases the requirement when it comes to dense site rollouts, thereby lowering costs. DPoD also decreases mobile device intricacy and also power consumption. The testbed located at the Rohde & Schwarz booth, comprising the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator and also the newly launched FSWX signal as well as the spectrum analyzer, is ready to showcase the enhanced performance of the AI receiver from Nokia for uplink signals that have varied distortion levels.
• In partnership with NVIDIA, Rohde & Schwarz are going to exhibit the very latest proof-of-concept that again makes use of digital twin technology along with high-fidelity ray tracing. This kind of an approach builds quite a strong framework when it comes to testing the AI-enhanced base stations for 5G-Advanced along with 6G in the realistic propagation scenarios. This integration looks forward to bridging the gap between AI-driven wireless simulations along with real-world deployment, hence helping with more efficient and precise testing of receiver architectures that are indeed next-generation.

Next-Generation Wi-Fi Feel

Wi-Fi 8 indeed sets novel expectations when it comes to consistent, ultra-high dependability and also quality connectivity. Crafted to handle a number of connected devices that are growing by the day and also demanding applications such as XR or industrial IoT, IEEE 802.11bn goes on to employ ever more intricate MIMO – Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output conditions. Rohde & Schwarz helps the manufacturers due to its solution portfolio, which ranges from R&D to production.

• The CMX500 one-box signaling tester comes equipped now with comprehensive Wi-Fi 8 capacities. The flexibility and embedded IP test capabilities of the tester go on to make it a very flexible solution when it comes to a wide range of Wi-Fi 8-specific tests like that of dRu – distributed resource unit, introducing the distributed resource allocation, and also UEQM – unequal modulation where certain varied MIMO layers make use of different modulation schemes, along with 320 MHz channel bandwidth.
• In order to pass through the technical complexities when it comes to Wi-Fi 8 all across the overall device lifecycle, right from development to production, Rohde & Schwarz are going to showcase the CMP180 radio communication tester, which is crafted for testing in the non-signaling mode and has advanced capabilities along with broad bandwidth support. The CMP180 goes on to mix two analyzers and generators so as to conduct efficient testing of 2×2 MIMO Wi-Fi 8 devices.
• When it comes to high-end MIMO signal generation and analysis tasks within the R&D setup, Rohde & Schwarz are all set to display the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator along with the newly launched FSWX signal and also the spectrum analyzer. Due to its outstanding standard EVM performance and also in combination with the cross-correlation feature that it has, the FSWX explored the details of Wi-Fi 8 signals, which apparently have been hidden up till now, and offers margins for optimization. The multichannel architecture that it has makes the FSWX pretty well suited for evaluating complex scenarios such as multi-user MIMO – MU-MIMO.

Automotive connectivity evaluation 

Notably, the vehicle manufacturers are going ahead and integrating growing levels of wireless connectivity in order to help with user experiences and safety features, as well as higher levels when it comes to autonomous driving. Rohde & Schwarz go on to offer accurate test solutions that cover all the wireless technologies that are used across the automotive sector, right from 5G and ultra-wideband to C-V2X as well as GNSS.

• As NG eCall becomes mandatory across vehicles that are sold across Europe starting in 2026, Rohde & Schwarz are going to showcase compliance testing capacities by way of using the CMX500 one-box signaling tester as well as the R&S SMBV100B vector signal generator. The test solution also goes on to support the upcoming Chinese automotive GNSS test standard – GB/T 45086.1 2024, which is anticipated to be compulsory for the Automotive Emergency Call System in 2027, along with automated testing.
• Non-terrestrial networks have the capacity to offer automotive connectivity that’s all over and need upgrades to major components like the chipsets and TCU as well as antennas. Trade show visitors can also discover at the MWC Barcelona 2026 how the comprehensive NTN test solutions by the company can enable the automotive industry to create always-connected vehicles.

Solutions for mission-critical communications and spectrum tracking

Mission-critical communications – MCX helps with public safety and first responders along with emergency services through offering extremely dependable, low-latency, as well as secure communications even in the most adverse conditions. Rohde & Schwarz is going to showcase its integrated solutions when it comes to testing devices along with mobile networks, hence helping with the ongoing migration when it comes to 3GPP-compliant broadband mission-critical services.

• The QualiPoc platform is going to be demonstrated as having new capabilities when it comes to MCX testing. This smartphone-based solution enables a detailed performance evaluation of MCX private as well as group calls, such as measurement in terms of 3GPP-defined MCX KPIs. New features include the likes of direct MCX app control along with the ability to measure quality of service -QoS and quality of experience – QoE so as to avail public safety communications. The R&S LCM, which is an autonomous tracking probe, along with the R&S TSMS8, which is the fastest network scanner, is also going to be on display, thereby further expanding the capacities for both business as well as mission-critical networks.
• Rohde & Schwarz is also going to showcase a protocol conformance test solution in order to verify that MCX devices as well as client software executions do adhere to the 3GPP specifications.
• Broadening its spectrum monitoring portfolio, Rohde & Schwarz is going to launch two new products at the MWC Barcelona 2026. These solutions are going to help regulatory authorities and network operators, along with public services in more than 100 countries, to go ahead and actively safeguard the electromagnetic spectrum and, at the same time, address the evolving monitoring hurdles. Apparently, the new devices are going to elevate the capabilities in interference hunting along with regulatory compliance.

Endpoint security, network visibility, and network solutions that are secure 

Strong security solutions roll out experiences that are absolutely seamless and dependable when it comes to communications. Rohde & Schwarz subsidiaries are also going to present their innovative solutions that support the wireless spectrum.

• The Rohde & Schwarz Networks & Cybersecurity division, which comprises the subsidiaries Rohde & Schwarz Cybersecurity as well as LANCOM Systems, goes on to offer endpoint security, networks that are secure, and also high-quality cryptography. Because of the products being engineered in Germany, they make sure of trustworthy, dependable, and secure data transfer and specialize in the public, critical infrastructures, retail, defense, health,
  as well as SME verticals. Rohde & Schwarz at MWC Barcelona 2026, with their cybersecurity domain, are going to demonstrate the Layer 2 encryptor R&S SITLine ETH NG along with the R&S ComSec solution, thereby helping with secure mobile working along with sensitive data, especially in iPhones as well as iPads. LANCOM Systems are going to give out an overview of the Wi-Fi 7 access point portfolio, having the latest 5G router models as well as firewalls.
• The fact is that as networks go on to become more distributed and encrypted as well as dynamic, network visibility also becomes quite indispensable.  At the Rohde & Schwarz booth, visitors will have an experience on how the ready-to-deploy, DPI-powered R&S Probe Observer would deliver deep network visibility, real-time traffic analytics that are accurate, and also actionable intelligence. Developed by ipoque, which is a Rohde & Schwarz company, this deep packet inspection – DPI software probe evaluates the network traffic, and that too at the application level, hence helping the operators to gauge, optimize, and even control their networks while at the same time supporting much faster detection, diagnosis, and also resolution of issues related to network and service.
• Rhode & Schwarz will demonstrate its complete portfolio of tests along with measurement and industry solutions at the Mobile World Congress 2026 to be held at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona at hall 5, booth 5A80. Trade magazine editors along with press representatives that are going to be a part of the event are also invited to set briefings with their press contact at Rohde & Schwarz.

For more information, visit: www.rohde-schwarz.com/mwc

Published in the “WBA Industry Report 2026”, the forecasts indicate that Wi-Fi is moving into a new phase of growth. Wi-Fi 7 is scaling rapidly, while preparatory work around Wi-Fi 8 and mmWave continues to advance. At the same time, technologies such as 6 GHz, Wi-Fi HaLow and mesh are broadening dependable coverage from residential settings to factories and smart cities. Developments in offload, fiber, satellite and LEO-enabled in-flight services are also positioning Wi-Fi as a ubiquitous, carrier-grade connectivity layer that supports both 5G today and 6G in the future.

Tiago Rodrigues, President and CEO of the Wireless Broadband Alliance, said: “It is clear that Wi-Fi is becoming fundamental as the digital backbone of modern business. From Wi-Fi 7 and 6 GHz to Wi-Fi HaLow and OpenRoaming, we’re seeing rapid innovation turn into real deployments that improve user experience, unlock new services, revenues and reduce costs for operators and enterprises. As 5G and, in future, 6G increasingly converge with Wi-Fi, organizations can design connectivity to achieve the outcomes they need, whether that’s smarter factories, more resilient cities or new ways to engage customers. The WBA is helping the ecosystem make that leap together.”

Wi-Fi Predictions for 2026 and Beyond

1. Wi-Fi 7 adoption to accelerate: Momentum behind Wi-Fi 7 gathered strongly in 2025, as both consumers and enterprises sought to capitalize on the 6 GHz spectrum band and the standard’s advanced capabilities. Shipments of APs supporting Wi-Fi 7 increased from 26.3 million in 2024 to a projected 66.5 million in 2025. Looking ahead, ABI Research expects adoption to intensify further in 2026, forecasting annual Wi-Fi 7 AP shipments of 117.9 million.

2. Standard Power 6 GHz to gain further traction: Standard Power (SP) 6 GHz experienced early challenges, including lengthy regulatory certification processes and limited infrastructure availability. With greater regulatory clarity now in place and a broader range of SP 6 GHz-enabled equipment on the market, deployments are expected to pick up pace in 2026. Large public venues, education, and industrial manufacturing are likely to lead adoption, alongside anticipated regulatory moves to authorize SP 6 GHz in additional markets.

3. Early prototypes of Wi-Fi 8 to emerge: While the Wi-Fi 8 (802.11bn) standard remains several years from finalization, initial Wi-Fi 8 chipsets were unveiled toward the end of 2025. This activity is expected to expand in 2026, with more chipset announcements and the debut of numerous early prototype Wi-Fi 8 APs. Some of these prototypes are expected to be showcased early in the year at MWC 2026.

4. Wi-Fi offload gains in prominence with OpenRoaming: Multiple factors are set to drive increased investment in Wi-Fi offloading during 2026. Mobile carriers, facing sustained growth in cellular traffic and rising expectations around user experience, are expected to expand their Wi-Fi offload strategies. In parallel, smart cities are likely to adopt Wi-Fi offloading to offer continuous free connectivity for residents and visitors, while supporting applications ranging from smart traffic management to disaster prevention. Further OpenRoaming advancements in 2026 are expected to reinforce this trend.

5. Wi-Fi HaLow momentum accelerates: After a series of successful WBA trials, 2025 marked the year when Wi-Fi HaLow moved decisively into scaled commercialization. The year saw multiple chipset and infrastructure announcements, the first Wi-Fi HaLow Global Summit, and the launch of a new Wi-Fi HaLow marketing program by the Wi-Fi Alliance. This momentum is expected to carry into 2026, with additional product launches and deployments highlighting real-world use cases.

6. Greater clarity on how Wi-Fi and 6G will converge: The WBA’s 6G vision outlines a future 3GPP standard built around collaboration with Wi-Fi, leveraging both technologies to maximize cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency. As the cellular ecosystem begins preparing more actively for 6G in 2026, further details are expected to emerge regarding how Wi-Fi and 6G will work together.

7. Wi-Fi on airplanes witnesses a major advancement: In-flight Wi-Fi Quality of Experience (QoE) is set for significant improvement through connectivity supported by Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, enabling faster speeds, lower latency and uninterrupted service. During 2026, a growing number of airlines, including British Airways (BA) and United, are expected to adopt LEO-backed in-flight Wi-Fi solutions. BA and others will also make Wi-Fi access free for all passengers, regardless of travel class, significantly broadening availability.

8. Advances in broadband access improve and expand connectivity: Fiber broadband penetration is projected to continue rising through 2026, with subscriptions reaching a record 808.7 million by year-end, up from an estimated 776.3 million at the end of 2025 and 745.5 million at the end of 2024. Alongside this, the expansion of satellite broadband is expected to deliver reliable, high-performance connectivity to unconnected and underserved regions. Worldwide satellite broadband subscriptions are forecast to grow from 6.76 million at the end of 2024 to 12.67 million by the close of 2026.

9. Mesh adoption continues to rise: Demand for Wi-Fi Mesh is increasing as consumers seek broader in-home coverage, fewer dead zones and support for additional services. While early demand in the 2020s was largely retail-driven, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are now scaling Wi-Fi Mesh deployments to boost ARPUs (Average Revenues Per User) and enhance customer Quality of Service (QoS). Reflecting this shift, annual Wi-Fi Mesh equipment shipments are projected to rise from 41.7 million in 2024 to 63.6 million in 2026.

10. Important progress on Integrated Millimeter Wave (mmWave) Wi-Fi (802.11bq): Following the initiation of the Project Authorization Request for 802.11bq in December 2024, the 802.11bq working group has begun examining how Wi-Fi can best leverage the 60 GHz spectrum band. Although completion of the standard is not expected until 2029, developments in 2026 are anticipated to provide clearer insight into the direction of 802.11bq and how the industry plans to use the band to enable high-gigabit, low-latency wireless data transfer.

Reeves and Kendall said these steps form part of a broader push to make billing practices more transparent, especially for households and businesses that rely on mobile and broadband services daily. Their letter follows previous correspondence from Kendall to Ofcom earlier in the month, raising concerns about how pricing structures are communicated to consumers. The officials emphasized that telecom consumer protection must remain central to operators’ commitments as the industry manages widespread changes in tariffs and service offerings.

The government will convene a roundtable with senior industry leaders to discuss additional actions that could support telecoms customers. The session will also explore areas where the government can help the sector accelerate investment in the UK’s digital infrastructure. Officials believe this cooperation is essential to balancing consumer safeguards with the industry’s long-term development needs. The discussion is expected to build on continuing scrutiny of billing communication, contract clarity, and the treatment of long-standing customers.

Kendall said, “Mobile and broadband bills are an essential, everyday cost for millions of us across the country. But it is clear to me that companies need to do more to protect their consumers – loyal customers who rely on these services to run businesses and stay in touch with loved ones. When we meet them shortly, I expect company bosses to put forward clear plans to shield Brits from unexpected price rises and improve their customer communications. But we know this must be a collaborative effort. Working together, we want to support industry to invest in the infrastructure we all rely on and ensure even more people across the country can enjoy improved connectivity and access to digital services.” Her remarks underline the government’s expectation that telecom consumer protection should remain at the forefront of operator policy in the months ahead.

As the number of connected devices continues to grow, existing networks face escalating pressure to deliver higher capacity and improved efficiency. To meet this demand, NVIDIA and its partners have designed a network model that embeds artificial intelligence into every layer of hardware, software and architecture. The approach supports integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), which merges digital and physical connectivity to advance real-time responsiveness and spatial awareness. AI-RAN, the underlying architecture, merges computing, connectivity and sensing into a single software-defined platform to make radio spectrum use more efficient.

“6G is being built from the ground up with AI at its core — unlocking extreme spectral efficiency, massive connectivity and breakthrough applications,” said Ronnie Vasishta, senior vice president of telecom at NVIDIA. “Working with industry leaders, we’ve created an AI-native wireless stack with advanced features to ensure that America will play an instrumental role in the journey to 6G.”

Only six months after the launch of its AI-WIN project, NVIDIA and its partners completed the first Made-in-America AI-native wireless stack and conducted the first user-to-user phone call on the network at the company’s Santa Clara, California campus. The system integrates NVIDIA’s AI Aerial platform, 5G RAN software from ODC, Cisco’s user plane function and 5G core software, and 6G applications developed by MITRE and Booz Allen. Cisco’s involvement under the AI-WIN initiative is aimed at advancing secure and efficient network connectivity for the AI-driven era.

“Through this partnership, we are pioneering the future of intelligent, secure connectivity — where AI is infused into the fabric of mobile networks and services,” said Masum Mir, senior vice president and general manager of Cisco Provider Mobility. “Together, we are harnessing AI to enable networks that sense, learn and act in real time, empowering service providers to deliver high-value business and consumer services in the AI era.”

Cerberus ODC’s software-defined 5G RAN, powered by NVIDIA AI Aerial, reportedly achieves seven times greater cell capacity and 3.5 times higher power efficiency than legacy systems. The collaboration has also produced several new applications intended to drive the evolution of 6G standards.

Among them is a multimodal ISAC application developed by NVIDIA and Booz Allen, which merges camera vision with radio-frequency sensing for high-precision object detection and tracking in low-visibility settings. MITRE’s AI-powered spectrum agility tool manages real-time spectrum allocation at cell sites to prevent service disruption while improving spectral efficiency. Booz Allen also presented its AI-based R.AI.DIO spectrum sensing technology at NVIDIA GTC in Washington, D.C., capable of detecting and classifying interference or unauthorized signals in real time.

These advances are enabled by NVIDIA’s AI Aerial software libraries and the NVIDIA Aerial Framework, which offers programmable pipelines for integrating third-party tools directly into the AI-RAN stack for 6G. By allowing access to real-time physical-layer data, the framework supports continuous training and reinforcement learning for AI models. Collectively, these developments form the groundwork for telecom’s transition from 5G to 6G, with AI-native networks expected to deliver ultra-efficient edge computing and sensing capabilities to support hundreds of billions of future connections.