Telecom Weekly Roundup: T‐Mobile Goes Full Satellite, Klarna Enters Telecom, and AT&T Faces $177M Settlement

🏆 Top Stories

T‑Mobile Finalizes Satellite Messaging and Data Launch
T‑Mobile confirmed a July 23 launch for its SMS/MMS/audio satellite service, with full satellite-based data arriving October 1. Over 1.8 million users (including AT&T and Verizon customers) have already enrolled in beta tests. Priced at $10/month or included in its premium plan, it extends connectivity to remote U.S. areas.
Source: Telecoms

Fintech Klarna Launches $40 MVNO Plan
Klarna launched an unlimited 5G mobile plan in the U.S. at $40/month via Gigs platform, leveraging AT&T’s network. With 25 million U.S. users, the company is expanding into telecom, showcasing a new wave of fintech-led MVNO competition. Juniper Research predicts fintech MVNOs will shake up market dynamics over the next two years.
Source: Reuters

🧑‍⚖️ Regulatory & Policy

FCC Warns China Mobile of Possible Fines
The FCC notified China Mobile that failure to cooperate with the probe could result in fines. The inquiry, initiated in Nov 2022, examines whether the carrier is evading U.S. telecom restrictions. This reflects ongoing enforcement actions against foreign telecom operators.
Source: Reuters

Olivia Trusty Confirmed to FCC
The Telecommunications Industry Association welcomed Olivia Trusty’s Senate confirmation to the FCC. As a former TIA leader, she’s expected to champion rural broadband, infrastructure resilience, and spectrum policy. Her confirmation strengthens industry-regulator collaboration.
Source: TIA Online

🛠️ Network & Infrastructure

Actelis Scores Major U.S. Carrier Deal for MDUs
Actelis Networks secured an order from a top U.S. telecom carrier to deploy its GigaLine 800/900 solutions in multi-dwelling units. The products deliver gigabit speeds without in-building fiber, helping carriers reduce costs and accelerate broadband expansion in apartments.
Source: Trading View

Ericsson Reports 5G Traffic Growth and FWA Momentum
Ericsson reported Q1 2025 mobile data traffic rose 19% year-over-year, predicting 2.9 billion global 5G subscriptions by year-end. The report emphasizes fixed wireless access as a monetization avenue and notes accelerating 5G standalone and mid-band deployments.
Source: Telecoms

🛡️ Security & Compliance

AT&T Gains Approval for $177M Data Breach Settlement
A federal judge preliminarily approved AT&T’s $177 million settlement to resolve litigation over 2023–24 data breaches exposing customer data. Affected users may receive up to $5,000, with settlement expected early next year. The case highlights growing consumer protection and data security pressures on telecom providers.
Source: Reuters

Stay tuned for more telecom highlights next week!