Salt and Sunrise signed a memorandum of understanding to assess closer cooperation in the radio access network through multi-operator core network sharing. MTN Group also reported first-half 2026 growth, and Cell C and Telefónica surfaced in separate moves tied to 5G and satellite connectivity.
Salt and Sunrise are studying a narrower split between shared radios and separate cores
The Swiss pair already work together at some mobile sites. Under the proposed model, they would share antenna sites but operate their own core networks while they evaluate the technical, operational, and regulatory requirements.
Salt and Sunrise said any final agreement depends on the study phase and on regulatory approvals. The plan is framed around deeper collaboration on mobile infrastructure to improve coverage in rural and less populated areas with greater financial efficiency.
MTN’s first-half numbers show where the money came from
MTN Group grew its customer base by 6.7% to 317.7 million across 19 markets at the end of June. Active data subscribers rose 9.1% to 179.3 million in the first half of 2026, and service revenue reached 115.3 billion rand, or US$7.2 billion.
Service revenue rose 9.7% on a reported basis and 17.5% in constant currency terms. MTN said the growth was driven mainly by data services and fintech, while EBITDA increased 20% to 56 billion rand, or US$3.5 billion.
What this means for Swiss RAN-sharing deals
Salt and Sunrise are not announcing a final network-sharing agreement yet; they are setting up a study phase first. For operators weighing RAN sharing, the disclosure matters because it defines the split: shared antenna sites, separate core networks, and regulatory approval before anything is locked in.
Cell C is testing a wider partner set
Cell C reportedly has 5G up and running, but has not yet launched a commercial proposition for the service. The South African operator is also talking with Starlink, Amazon Leo, and others about reselling satellite broadband services and possibly developing a direct-to-device offering.
Cell C is South Africa’s fourth-largest mobile operator and already has roaming agreements with MTN and Vodacom. Starlink is not licensed to operate in South Africa.
Telefónica’s defense contract sits alongside a separate NTN effort
Telefónica won a 5.15 million euro contract with Spain’s Ministry of Defense to provide satellite communications infrastructure. Under the framework agreement, it will deliver systems that let multiple users share satellite network capacity.
Separately, Telefónica recently teamed with Sateliot to develop 5G non-terrestrial network technology for security and defense applications.
Vodafone UK’s franchise dispute has moved into policy territory
The UK government is looking into how franchise businesses are regulated after allegations of misconduct in a long-running legal dispute with Vodafone. The review could lead to new legislation to better protect franchisees.
Vodafone UK settled its dispute with former store franchisees in July 2026. The claim was filed in late 2024 by more than 60 former franchisees seeking more than 120 million pounds, or 161 million dollars, after what they said were irrational and arbitrary business decisions, including sharply reduced commission payments.