• Telecom Egypt and SubCom complete the landing of the India-Europe-Xpress (IEX) subsea cable system at two stations in Egypt.
• Starlink nears approval to launch satellite internet in India.
• CTA warns CRTC decision could stall telecom infrastructure investment and limit consumer choice.

Telecom Egypt and SubCom have completed the landing of the India-Europe-Xpress (IEX) subsea cable system at two stations in Egypt: Zafarana2 on the Red Sea and Sidi Kerir on the Mediterranean coast. The IEX system spans 10,000 km, connecting Mumbai, India, to Milan, Italy, with landing points in Oman, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Greece. Each segment contains 13 fiber pairs for high-capacity transmission. Telecom Egypt provided landing facilities and terrestrial crossing routes between the two stations, integrating the IEX system into Egypt’s infrastructure. SubCom engineered, manufactured, and deployed the system using space-division multiplexing (SDM) and Wavelength Selective Switch (WSS) ROADM technology. This significant achievement marks a major milestone in Egypt’s efforts to expand its international connectivity and enhance its position as a key player in the global telecommunications landscape. The completion of the IEX system underscores the growing importance of subsea cables in facilitating global communication and data exchange. Starlink, the satellite internet service developed by Elon Musk, is under review by India’s National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) for approval to operate in India. The Indian government has completed its due diligence on the application, and IN-SPACe is evaluating the authorization. Starlink plans to partner with major Indian telecom companies, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, to provide satellite internet services. The collaboration aims to expand internet access in remote and underserved regions where traditional networks have limited reach. Starlink’s satellite-based internet can offer connectivity without relying on ground infrastructure, addressing connectivity challenges in rural and difficult terrains. If approved, Starlink will join India’s internet ecosystem as an alternative delivery method alongside existing terrestrial networks, IANS reports. The approval of Starlink in India would be a significant development for the country’s internet landscape, offering a new option for consumers and businesses looking for reliable and high-speed internet connectivity. This could also lead to increased investment in the country’s telecommunications infrastructure, as companies like Starlink seek to expand their services and reach new customers. In contrast, the recent CRTC decision allowing Bell, Rogers, and TELUS to resell services on competitors’ networks has raised concerns among industry stakeholders. The Canadian Telecommunications Association (CTA) has criticized this move, stating that it may reduce investments in telecom infrastructure, especially in rural areas, and could limit consumer choice. The CTA called on the Government of Canada to overturn the decision and prevent major telecom companies from reselling services on other networks. The CTA emphasized that competition based on building and owning network infrastructure is vital for the telecom sector. They argued that investments in infrastructure lead to improved services, better prices, and service variety. The CTA stressed that the current decision may have a negative impact on the development of rural telecommunications infrastructure, as companies may be less inclined to invest in new infrastructure if they can resell existing services. The implications of this decision are far-reaching, and it is essential to consider the potential consequences for consumers, businesses, and the broader economy.