The latest telecom news includes announcements on Ribbon Communications, Nokia, L&T Technology Services, BCE, La Caisse, and others.
Ribbon Communications Reports 17% Optical Network Revenue Growth and Two New US ISP Customers
Ribbon Communications reported on October 27 that revenue from its IP Optical Networks business increased 17 percent sequentially during the third quarter of 2026. The division also recorded 5 percent year-over-year growth, supported by equipment demand and two new US Tier 2 internet service provider customers. Ribbon’s Cloud and Edge segment grew 11 percent sequentially, benefiting from modernization activity at a major US telecommunications operator. Service-provider revenue within that business increased 15 percent sequentially. Ribbon generated total quarterly revenue of $219 million, compared with $215 million a year earlier. The results indicate continued spending on optical transport, IP routing and network modernization. Individual contract values, equipment quantities and deployment schedules were not disclosed.
Nokia Awards Five-Year 5G Engineering and Network Automation Contract to L&T Technology Services
L&T Technology Services announced on October 26 that it had secured a five-year engineering and research agreement with Nokia. The partnership covers telecommunications product engineering, software development, system integration and support for next-generation network technologies. LTTS will establish a dedicated Offshore Development Center in India to support Nokia’s global engineering operations. Work areas include 5G networks, intelligent network automation, AI-driven operations and infrastructure engineering. The agreement strengthens Nokia’s research and product-development capabilities in India rather than representing a commercial mobile-network deployment. Nokia’s latest quarterly results showed 43 percent growth in IP Networks revenue, reflecting strong demand for high-capacity connectivity. The companies did not disclose contract value, staffing commitments or specific product-development milestones.
BCE Sells 49.9 Percent Stake in 5,000-Tower Business to La Caisse for C$2.45 Billion
Canadian telecom operator BCE has agreed to sell a 49.9 percent stake in its newly established TowerCo business to institutional investor La Caisse for C$2.45 billion, valuing the tower company at approximately C$4.91 billion. The transaction covers more than 5,000 wireless tower sites across Canada. BCE will retain a controlling 50.1 percent ownership stake, while Bell Canada will continue leasing infrastructure to support its mobile network operations. Bell will retain ownership of wireless spectrum, active network equipment and associated land assets. The transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of 2027, subject to approvals. BCE intends to use the proceeds to strengthen its balance sheet and support growth investments, including AI-related services. The company is targeting a net debt leverage ratio of 3.5 times by the end of 2027.