MTN Uganda runs Digital Literacy Programme training in Western region
UGANDA 10:40

MTN Uganda runs Digital Literacy Programme training in Western region

MTN Uganda, through the MTN Foundation, has trained 105 participants from its Digital Literacy Programme in the Western region, underscoring a broader nationwide effort to equip Ugandans with practical digital skills as the country accelerates its transition to a technology driven economy.

NTT Docomo to launch direct-to-smartphone satellite service using Starlink
JAPAN 05:58

NTT Docomo to launch direct-to-smartphone satellite service using Starlink

NTT Docomo will launch a satellite-to-smartphone communication service, branded 'docomo Starlink Direct', on 27 April, enabling connectivity in areas without terrestrial network coverage. The service uses SpaceX's Starlink satellite network to support text messaging and limited data communication via compatible applications. It is designed for use in locations like mountainous regions, remote islands and at sea, as well as during disasters where ground infrastructure is unavailable.

SoftBank to launch satellite-to-smartphone service, no date revealed
JAPAN 05:55

SoftBank to launch satellite-to-smartphone service, no date revealed

SoftBank said it plans to introduce a direct-to-device communication service using SpaceX's Starlink satellite network, enabling smartphones to connect in areas without terrestrial coverage. The operator said the service will support text messaging and limited data communication through compatible applications in locations such as mountainous regions, remote islands and at sea, as well as in disaster scenarios where ground infrastructure is unavailable.

Memory price surge to impact smartphones, consumer devices in Q2
GLOBAL 05:27

Memory price surge to impact smartphones, consumer devices in Q2

Rising demand from AI and cloud infrastructure is expected to drive significant increases in memory prices in the second quarter of 2026, with implications across telecom-related end markets including smartphones, consumer devices and data centre services, according to analysis from TrendForce. Contract prices for DRAM will increase by 58-63 percent quarter-on-quarter, while NAND flash prices are expected to rise by 70-75 per cent, as suppliers prioritise higher-margin server and AI-related applications.

M.Video collects 30% more used devices in 2025
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 1 APR

M.Video collects 30% more used devices in 2025

Russian mobile and electronics retail chain M.Video said that it collected 2,100 tons of old, unused devices in 2025, up by 30 percent year-on-year. Around 6 million batteries have been collected, up by 20 percent. The chain collects for recycling small electronic devices and batteries in more than 600 of its shops in 30 cities across the country. 

Wallonia digital maturity index shows 94% of households connected to internet
BELGIUM 1 APR

Wallonia digital maturity index shows 94% of households connected to internet

Internet penetration has reached 94 percent of households in the Belgian region of Wallonia and 89 percent of people in the region have smartphones, according to the latest digital maturity barometer by the regional government's digital agency. Households are also more satisfied with their internet connections, with 64 percent considering the connection quality good, up 4 percentage points from the previous survey. At the same time, almost one in ten (9%) said they experience service disruptions regularly.

Charter brings live TV app to Amazon Fire TV devices
UNITED STATES 1 APR

Charter brings live TV app to Amazon Fire TV devices

Charter Communications is bringing its Spectrum TV app to Amazon Fire TV devices. As a result, from 15 April the cable operator's subscribers can access their live TV services from the Amazon devices, without the need for a separate set-top box. 

Tejas delivers 17,000 IP/MPLS routers for Phase III of India's BharatNet rural broadband project
INDIA 1 APR

Tejas delivers 17,000 IP/MPLS routers for Phase III of India's BharatNet rural broadband project

Tejas Networks reports it has shipped over 17,000 IP/MPLS routers for BharatNet Phase III, the final stage of India's massive rural broadband project, originally launched in 2011 as the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN). Tejas's TJ1400 routers are being deployed in 9 states and 5 union territories across India by its PIA (Project Implementation Agency) partners and are carrying live traffic at multiple locations.

Spark completes nationwide 3G network shutdown in New Zealand
NEW ZEALAND 1 APR

Spark completes nationwide 3G network shutdown in New Zealand

Spark New Zealand has completed the shutdown of its nationwide 3G network, marking the closure of all 3G services across New Zealand. The operator said the switch-off follows several years of preparation, including upgrading all 3G-only cell sites to 4G or 5G and building more than 120 new towers since announcing the shutdown timeline in mid-2025. It also issued more than four million customer notifications and supported an industry-wide awareness campaign, alongside community outreach efforts delivered in

Sony and TCL form joint venture for TV business
GLOBAL 1 APR

Sony and TCL form joint venture for TV business

Sony and TCL Electronics have signed definitive agreements to form a joint venture that will take over Sony's home entertainment operations, marking a shift in the structure of its television and audio business. Under the agreement, Sony will carve out its home entertainment division into a new subsidiary, which TCL will acquire a 51 percent stake in, with Sony retaining 49 percent. The new entity, to be named Bravia Inc, will manage product development, manufacturing, sales and customer service for Sony's

O2 Slovakia offers data sharing for extra devices
SLOVAKIA 31 MRT

O2 Slovakia offers data sharing for extra devices

O2 Slovakia has introduced its new service O2 Connect for customers looking to connect multiple devices. Subscribers can share data, calls and SMS/MMS from their mobile packages on a tablet, laptop or smartwatch for a monthly rate of EUR 4 per SIM. Three types of  O2 postpaid plan support the new offer, and the Sims can be ordered and activated on the O2 app. 

Meta expands Ray-Ban smart glasses range with prescription lens models
GLOBAL 31 MRT

Meta expands Ray-Ban smart glasses range with prescription lens models

Meta is launching two new models in its Ray-Ban range of smart glasses that can be adapted for prescription lenses and a customised fit. The Ray-Ban Meta Blayzer Optics and Ray-Ban Scriber Optics are available to pre-order for USD 499, the same price as existing models, and will be in optician outlets and other stores in the US and select international markets from 14 April.

GLOBAL 31 MRT

Lenovo unveils David Beckham partnership ahead of 2026 World Cup

Lenovo announced a partnership with English footballing icon David Beckham. Beckham will feature in an global marketing campaign for Lenovo due to start in May, ahead of the Fifa Men's World Cup 2026 in North America. Lenovo said Beckham's business acumen, amassed through holdings including a stake in US soccer club Inter Miami, would highlight sports applications of its AI-driven technology tailored to fan experiences, team performances, and monetisation. 

SWITZERLAND 31 MRT

Yallo TV rolls out expanded Highlights feature to aid content discovery

Swiss operator Yallo's subscription TV service Yallo TV is adding auto-generated video previews to its Highlights content discovery feature. Automated technology allows Yallo TV to expand the availability of preview clips by 20 percent.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 31 MRT

Samsung adds agent-based AI features to browser across mobile and PC

Samsung Electronics has introduced agent-based AI capabilities to its web browser, alongside the availability of Samsung Browser for Windows, extending its browsing platform across mobile devices and PCs. The update enables cross-device continuity between smartphones, tablets and PCs, allowing users to resume browsing sessions across different devices. The browser also integrates with Samsung's authentication and autofill service to manage login credentials and personal data.

GLOBAL 31 MRT

Samsung partners with BTS world tour to showcase Galaxy capabilities

Samsung Electronics has announced a global partnership with the "BTS World Tour Arirang", positioning its Galaxy mobile devices as part of the concert experience as the tour launches and expands internationally through 2027. The company said the collaboration will integrate its mobile technology into live events and associated fan activities, with a focus on enabling audiences to capture and share concert content. The initiative centres on the use of Galaxy smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultr

RUSSIAN FEDERATION 30 MRT

Samsung takes lead in tablet sales at Megafon in Q1

Tablet sales in units grew by 72 percent in shops of Russian operator Megafon and its subsidiary Yota in the first quarter of this year, according to the company. Samsung took the lead among brands, overtaking Xiaomi. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 was the bestselling tablet, followed by the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 and Samsung Tab A11+.

GLOBAL 30 MRT

Airoha Technology ramps up prplOS silicon roadmap for fibre broadband CPE

MediaTek's Airoha Technology has revealed that two of its fibre broadband chipsets certified to run open source prplOS software entered mass deployment during 2025. Airoha intends to further expand prplOS support to four additional fibre silicon platforms in 2026, having won support from ecosystem players including CPE software specialist SoftAtHome. 

INDIA 30 MRT

Samsung launches Galaxy Book 6 series in India

Samsung has launched the Galaxy Book 6 series in India for a starting price of INR 127,990. The Galaxy Book6 series is powered by Windows 11 Pro and designed as a Copilot+PC. The Galaxy Book 6 series features Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors built on Intel 18A.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 30 MRT

KT enables 5G standalone on iPhone devices

Korea Telecom (KT) has launched 5G standalone (SA) services on iPhone devices for what it claims is the first time in the domestic market, extending its existing SA deployment beyond Android smartphones. The operator said the service is available on five models in the iPhone 17 series following installation of the iOS 26.4 update. KT previously commercialised 5G SA in 2021 using Samsung devices.

GLOBAL 27 MRT

Vantiva reports 33% increase in FY adjusted earnings on Home Networks synergies

Vantiva's unaudited estimates for the fiscal year 2025 show adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) up 33.4 percent from a year earlier, as the company benefited from synergies with the former CommScope Home Networks business. Adjusted EBITDA rose to EUR 145 million from EUR 109 million in 2024, while the EBITDA margin reached 8.3 percent of group turnover, compared with 5.8 percent in the prior year.

GLOBAL 27 MRT

Android 17 to introduce quantum-safe architecture based on NIST PQC standards

Android's next major update, Android 17, is the latest telecoms product set to incorporate post-quantum cryptography standards introduced by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), highlighting progress towards securing IT and communications as the industry moves toward the quantum computing era. Google has shared that it intends to commence beta tests of PQC enhancements in Android 17, promising a 'comprehensive' architectural upgrade that will reach every area of its OS while working

AUSTRALIA 27 MRT

Australian pilot to reuse low-value mobile phones proves successful

A pilot led by the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) has found that under-utilised mobile phones can be refurbished and redistributed at scale, offering both social and environmental benefits while addressing gaps in existing commercial refurbishment models. The initiative, known as Project Phoenix, was designed to assess whether devices that are typically overlooked due to low resale value could be safely recovered and reused. 

UNITED STATES 26 MRT

Bosch, Cirrus, TDK join Apple US suppliers programme

Apple has added more companies to its 'American Manufacturing Program' (AMP), aimed at increasing its domestic sourcing and supply chain in the US. The new members Bosch, Cirrus Logic, TDK and Qnity Electronics will manufacture essential materials and components in the US for Apple products sold around the world, and Apple has pledged to spend USD 400 million with the suppliers through 2030.

Just In

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MTN Uganda runs Digital Literacy Programme training in Western region

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Vi to expand 5G footprint to 18 cities of Maharashtra by May

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Sisvel launches cellular POS patent pool with Huawei, Nokia, LG as licensors

Commentary

11 FEB 12:29

Odido shareholders face tricky exit after abandoned IPO

2 FEB 13:49

KPN results show little bother from the competition

2 JAN 13:21

Open Dutch Fiber's new management team takes up turnaround challenge

15 DEC 2025 13:56

Video market set for slower growth ahead

Background

29 MRT 22:46

The week in telecoms: Italy brings back PTT, US bans foreign routers and social media on trial

23 MRT 00:38

The week in telecoms: OFC and Nvidia events drive data centre networking talk, Orange debuts full French office stack

16 MRT 00:25

The week in telecoms: Pakistan ready for 5G, Google exits FTTH market and Canal Plus works on pay-TV turnaround

6 MRT 16:00

The week in telecom: MWC brings 5G advances, AI and satellite integration, plus first robot phone