Autonomous Networks & Energy Efficiency: Amazon AWS and Nokia are expanding their partnership to help operators run fully autonomous, AI-powered networks, with early reports of 90%+ automation and faster service delivery. Operator Innovation Awards: Mavenir won Deutsche Telekom’s Partner of the Year for network innovation tied to energy-saving 5G core work, while Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison and Huawei picked up TM Forum 2026 excellence for AI & data operations. Security Breach Alerts: KDDI disclosed a breach tied to a shared email platform used for six ISPs, potentially exposing 14.2M logins; Brazil’s emergency alert system was hacked and taken offline after “extreme” false broadcasts. Fraud & Consumer Protection: Pakistan’s PTA warned WhatsApp access could be disrupted if SIMs are inactive or unregistered, and Singapore police flagged a scam chain starting with telecom impersonation and ending in “safe account” loan fraud. Bangladesh Affordability Push: PM Tarique Rahman urged Banglalink/VEON to cut smartphone and internet prices to widen digital access, alongside a proposed $1B “Invest in Bangladesh NOW!” initiative. International Telecom Deal: Verizon and BT agreed a $4B 50:50 JV to combine international enterprise operations, with a $625M equalisation payment. Data Sovereignty Policy: Pakistan unveiled a National Data Governance Policy 2026 giving the Pakistan Digital Authority sweeping oversight of government data, including hosting and cross-border rules. Satellite Connectivity Demand: Gilat received $43M in additional Sidewinder in-flight connectivity orders for airline deployments over the next 18 months.