Susana Schwartz
AI and data-driven planning accelerate need for ubiquitous connectivity, leveraging satellite Integration and 6G research
Operators are using AI and data-driven planning to close the connectivity gap in underserved rural, marine, and urban environments. As mentioned in the top-3 list, below, our RCR Wireless Non-Terrestrial Networks Market Pulse Report explores how terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks can be integrated for further resilience in the AI era. If AI-powered agents are to deliver real value, there has to be a reliable, almost ubiquitously available fabric of connectivity for phones, devices and sensors.
That’s driving efforts to quickly integrate AI with satellites and to research spectrum for future 6G networks that will handle the bandwidth needed for high data throughput. Operators are aligning coverage with real-world demand by leveraging AI, big data and predictive analytics capabilities to analyze diverse datasets —including usage patterns, mobility, socio-economic, and geographic factors — to better determine where new infrastructure is needed.
Some interesting R&D projects worth a closer look include Softbank-Nokia field trials; NTT-SKT-Nokia; XGMF; T-Mobile and Starlink; AST SpaceMobile; Lynk Global and Omnispace; Iridium and Skylo; Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper); and the 6G-NTN Project.
Susana Schwartz
Technology Editor
RCRTech
AI Infrastructure Top Stories
Non-terrestrial networks for ubiquitous and resilient global connectivity: For AI-driven applications in rural or maritime regions, such as precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, autonomous logistics, there’s a need for extended network coverage. This RCR Wireless Market Insights report examines how non-terrestrial networks will enhance resilience by filling the gaps in coverage and how to approach the challenges of interoperability and deployment.
SoftBank field trials of 7GHz band show potential for 6G: With AI-driven services expected to drive heavy increases in mobile data usage, operators are looking for frequency bands that can support both high capacity and broad coverage. SoftBank tests of the 7GHz band — now being considered for 6G — proved it worked nearly the same as 3.9GHz in open areas, and maintained enough strength for practical urban use in obstructed areas.
Telus talks digital transformation AI-powered process automation: In RCR’s Reader Forum, Mouti Wali explores the Telus roadmap for digitizing planning through AI orchestration, data fabric architecture, and automated workflows. No longer viable, operating in data silos and coordinating with spreadsheets, slide decks, and endless email threads has to give way to AI-powered process automation and a unified planning environment.
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AI Today: What You Need to Know
Trump Administration authorizes AI chip export to UAE and Saudi Arabia : In a major reversal of policy about direct exports to state-backed AI companies in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the U.S. Commerce Dept. announced it will allow exports to Gulf tech giants. The announcement came after the Saudi Crown Prince’s Washington D.C. visit this week.
Discovery of alleged Nvidia chips smuggling to China: Three Chinese nationals have been charged with smuggling Nvidia AI chips to China through a shell company with ties to Thailand and Malaysia. The men allegedly set up a shell company to purchase the chips. Some politicians in the House are proposing chip tracking in the Chip Security Act.
Second Amazon DC planned in Mississippi: Amazon announced a new $3 billion data center project for Mississippi, the second data center campus in Mississippi. In the last two years, Mississippi has seen major data center construction announcements in Madison, Meridian and just three months ago in Brandon.
Brookfield raising $10 billion as part of Nvidia pact: Brookfield Is raising $10 Billion for its New AI Infrastructure Fund, with $5 billion already promised from Nvidia, KIA and Brookfield’s own balance sheet. This will help fuel the $100 billion global AI infrastructure program the Canadian company launched with Kuwait Investment Authority.
China is building alternatives to Nvidia chips and U.S. AI infra: Huawei’s Ascend processors and a supplier network of 60+ semiconductor companies now backed by Huawei’s investment arm, Hubble, are part of a new initiative to build a domestic, fully independent AI ecosystem that will include AI chips, optical networks, photoresists, gas delivery systems, and advancing design toolchains.
Nvidia DC partner Foxconn announces DC delivery date : Nvidia stock fell this morning as Foxconn announced its $1.4 billion Taiwanese data center would be done by first half of 2026. Foxconn partnered with the Taiwanese government to build the 27-MW data center for Nvidia. It will be powered by Nvidia’s GB300 NVL72 and leveraged by TSMC to optimize its chip manufacturing.
