Major mobile network operators from Europe, Asia, and North America have announced a groundbreaking collaboration to accelerate the deployment of 5G networks in underserved rural and remote areas. The initiative, dubbed «5G Beyond Borders,» aims to provide high-speed connectivity to millions of people who currently lack access to reliable internet.
The consortium, which includes companies like Vodafone, Verizon, SoftBank, and Orange, has pledged an initial investment of $10 billion. The funding will be used to build new infrastructure, such as towers and fiber-optic cables, and deploy innovative technologies like satellite-powered 5G.
«Bridging the digital divide is not just a business opportunity; it’s a moral imperative,» said Karen White, CEO of Orange, during the press conference in Geneva. «We are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.»
The partnership also seeks to address environmental concerns by using eco-friendly materials and renewable energy sources for their infrastructure projects. The initiative is expected to create thousands of jobs and significantly boost economic development in remote regions.
Analysts predict that this collaboration could serve as a model for future global partnerships in the telecom industry, as demand for 5G continues to rise. With this initiative, the operators aim to bring not only connectivity but also opportunities for education, healthcare, and business to areas that have long been excluded from the digital revolution.
The first phase of the project is set to launch later this year, with pilot regions in Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and rural North America.
