MEF Mobile News

AWS Outage Exposes Cloud Fragility

We start with a major cloud disruption: Amazon has blamed a software bug for this week’s massive AWS outage that knocked thousands of apps and connected devices offline worldwide. According to a detailed post-mortem, an error in Amazon’s automated DNS management system disabled access to its DynamoDB database, triggering a chain reaction that affected everything from banking apps and Ring doorbells to Signal, Snapchat, and even smart beds.

AWS has temporarily shut down the faulty automation globally and is adding extra safeguards. Experts warn this outage, which impacted over 8 million users, highlights the risks of heavy reliance on just a few cloud giants. In today’s mobile economy, it seems even your bed depends on the cloud.

iPhone 17 Demand Surges, Apple Hits New Heights

Next, Apple is riding high. Stock prices hit a record this week, fueled by early demand for the iPhone 17 series. Research from Counterpoint shows sales are up 14% compared to last year’s iPhone 16 launch in the U.S. and China.

The base iPhone 17 dominates in China, while U.S. carriers’ subsidies for premium users are driving strong sales of the Pro Max. Together, these trends have pushed Apple past Microsoft to become America’s second-largest company by market value, trailing only Nvidia. Analysts say this marks a rebound for Apple and signals a fresh upgrade cycle across the mobile ecosystem.

Huawei HarmonyOS Goes Cross-System

Huawei is pushing interoperability further with the launch of an upgraded HarmonyOS. The new version now allows file sharing with Apple devices using near field communication, meaning users can transfer data without an internet connection.

This update, following four months of developer testing, also brings stronger security and an expanded app ecosystem, now supporting more than 90 Huawei devices in public beta. With HarmonyOS 6 accommodating over 80 third-party AI agents, Huawei is strengthening its mobile ecosystem against Android and iOS rivals. Cross-system sharing is here—Huawei devices, now talking to Apple.

Telkom Indonesia Spins Off Fiber Business

Turning to infrastructure, Telkom Indonesia is spinning off its wholesale fiber connectivity business into a new subsidiary, Telkom Infrastruktur Indonesia, in a $2.16 billion deal.

The move aims to sharpen the company’s focus and maximize its fiber optic network, while the firm says overall financial impact will be limited. Analysts suggest this spin-off could streamline operations and boost efficiency in Indonesia’s fiber market—fiber growth, streamlined operations, Telkom is betting on connectivity.

European Satellite Giants Unite

Europe’s satellite industry is getting a makeover. Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales are merging their satellite operations into a joint venture called Project Bromo, aiming for €6.5 billion in annual revenue and 25,000 employees.

The merger, excluding launch services, combines satellite manufacturing, digital systems, and network operations, positioning Europe to better compete in defense, communications, and space-based mobile services. Airbus will hold 35% of the venture, with Leonardo and Thales each owning 32.5%, and operations will be based in Toulouse, France. The venture is expected to be operational by 2027. Europe’s satellites are joining forces—taking aim at global giants.

Starlink Eyes Early-2026 for Launch in India

Meanwhile, Starlink is testing satellite broadband in India ahead of a potential launch in early 2026. The service aims to integrate directly into the mobile ecosystem, selling straight to consumers—including rural users with limited connectivity.

The company is building at least ten satellite gateways, with Mumbai as the operational hub. By complementing existing mobile networks, Starlink could provide seamless satellite-to-smartphone connectivity, expanding the reach of digital services across India.

Vodafone Rolls Out AI Network Platform

Back in Europe, Vodafone is rolling out a new generative AI platform to speed up mobile network applications. Partnering with Zinkworks, the operator’s Rapid Radio Access Network Intelligent Controller platform lets engineers create rApps—software that optimizes signal quality, boosts capacity, and reduces energy use—in weeks rather than months.

Using Vodafone’s secure Google Cloud data ocean and a visual AI interface, the system requires minimal AI expertise, with built-in simulation for validation. Full deployment is expected by early 2026, with potential availability for other telecom operators, strengthening Europe’s open RAN ecosystem.