Netherlands awards 7 new private 5G permits for 3.5GHz band
NETHERLANDS 1 APR

Netherlands awards 7 new private 5G permits for 3.5GHz band

SES subsidiary New Skies Satellites, wireless network specialist Lumiad and the greenhouse industry's innovation centre Tomatoworld are among the recipients of seven new licences for private 5G networks in the 3.5 GHz band in the Netherlands. According to the latest update from the digital infrastructure agency RDI, there are a total 58 private networks licensed in the band as of March.

Anterix signs USD 3 mln private wireless spectrum deal with Texas-New Mexico Power
UNITED STATES 1 APR

Anterix signs USD 3 mln private wireless spectrum deal with Texas-New Mexico Power

Anterix has announced a 900 MHz spectrum licence purchase agreement worth USD 3.2 million with Texas-New Mexico Power (TMNP). They have also agreed to negotiate the delivery of Anterix equipment to TMNP under an MoU. Under the spectrum licence deal, TMNP will deploy Anterix's private wireless platform to more than 280,000 new customers in Texas. The mission-critical private wireless network will strengthen grid reliability, increase resiliency and support essential service improvements throughout TMNP's ter

Starlink to appeal Namibia's license rejection
NAMIBIA 31 MRT

Starlink to appeal Namibia's license rejection

Starlink announced it will appeal the decision by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) to reject its application for a license to operate in Namibia, The Namibian reported. Starlink described the industry regulator's decision as a "disappointing outcome", especially given the "thousands" of potential customers who placed deposits for the satellite internet service or participated in the public consultation on the license.

True Move H pays third installment for 2600 MHz spectrum licence
THAILAND 31 MRT

True Move H pays third installment for 2600 MHz spectrum licence

Thai operator True Move H Universal Communication has completed the third installment payment for its 2600 MHz spectrum licence. This payment, which totals THB 2.86 billion (VAT included), was submitted to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission. In accordance with the original auction terms, the company has also provided a financial guarantee to the commission for the remaining balance of the licence fees.

Berec warns of risks to centralising telecoms oversight at EU level
EUROPE 30 MRT

Berec warns of risks to centralising telecoms oversight at EU level

EU telecom regulators are concerned that the proposed Digital Networks Act will concentrate more power in Brussels, leaving national authorities with less room to impose regulations adapted to local market conditions. The national regulators, united in the EU body Berec, published their first take on the draft DNA ahead of Berec's annual stakeholders forum in Brussels. 

Digi Portugal granted 3.6 GHz licence change
PORTUGAL 30 MRT

Digi Portugal granted 3.6 GHz licence change

Anacom, Portugal's communications regulator, approved a preliminary decision regarding Digi Portugal's request to modify its radio frequency spectrum assignment in the 3.6 GHz band (3400-3800 MHz). After reviewing Digi's request, Anacom decided to grant the change for 40 MHz of spectrum. Specifically, Digi's current 3.6 GHz band assignment (3,480 - 3,520 MHz), originally obtained from the acquisition of Nowo, will be shifted to the 3,440 - 3,480 MHz frequency band. This adjustment aims to ensure the contigu

PTS plans to let contingencies agency MCF use part of 700 MHz band for Rakel replacement
SWEDEN 27 MRT

PTS plans to let contingencies agency MCF use part of 700 MHz band for Rakel replacement

Swedish telecoms regulator PTS is running a consultation until 27 April regarding a proposal to limit the number of permits in sections of the 700 MHz band, specifically 703 MHz to 713 MHz and 758 MHz to 768 MHz. The frequencies were previously reserved for terrestrial television but have now become available. Civil Contingencies Agency MCF (formerly the MSB) has applied for a permit to use radio transmitters in the frequency segment to establish the SWEN (Swedish Emergency Network) to replace the Rakel sys

Brazil and CITEL partner on technical monitoring for connectivity projects
BRAZIL 26 MRT

Brazil and CITEL partner on technical monitoring for connectivity projects

Brazil, represented by Anatel President Carlos Baigorri signed a memorandum of understanding with the Inter-American Telecommunications Commission (Citel) to work on technical monitoring of initiatives aimed at connecting underserved communities. This agreement was finalised at the IX Assembly of Citel in San Jose, Costa Rica, where a pilot telemedicine project in four Amazonian communities, a partnership between the Internet Society (ISOC) and the Forest Peoples Connection Network, was showcased by the Bra

Zambia shuts down radio stations for interfering with aircraft communication and navigation systems
ZAMBIA 26 MRT

Zambia shuts down radio stations for interfering with aircraft communication and navigation systems

The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) announced it has shut down four radio stations that have been causing frequency interference to aircraft communication and navigation systems. Technical assessments conducted jointly by ZICTA and the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA) confirmed that some radio stations had been emitting out of band and other unwanted signals, including harmonics and intermodulation products, which extend beyond their assigned frequencies in the FM br

Thailand to tighten data centre regulations amid resource and security concerns
THAILAND 26 MRT

Thailand to tighten data centre regulations amid resource and security concerns

Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) plans to tighten control of the country's expanding data centre sector. Through a proposed overhaul of the licensing regime, the regulator aims to bring operators under closer state scrutiny, Bangkok Post reports, citing NBTC's acting secretary-general Trairat Viriyasirikul. According to the NBTC representative, the industry increasingly attracts foreign investors, with over 10 firms securing Board of Investment privileges last year a

Ofcom consults on changes to maritime spectrum licences
UNITED KINGDOM 25 MRT

Ofcom consults on changes to maritime spectrum licences

UK regulator Ofcom is consulting on plans to update maritime spectrum licences to simplify its rules and reflect changing international standards. It is also seeking views on the future spectrum needs of the maritime sector to support continued innovation, new technologies, and safe/efficient communications at sea. The consultation closes on 03 June 2026. 

Hungarian operators agree extension of 2,100 MHz licences
HUNGARY 25 MRT

Hungarian operators agree extension of 2,100 MHz licences

Hungary's three main mobile service providers, Magyar Telekom, One and Yettel, are set to retain their licences for using the 2,100 MHz band for at least another 15 years, until 2042, with an option for an additional five years. The National Media and Communications Authority (NMHH) initiated early negotiations for these extensions, ahead of the original expiry date of June 2027.

NAMIBIA 24 MRT

Namibia rejects Starlink application for telecom license

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has declined an application by Elon Musk's Starlink for both a telecommunications service licence and a spectrum licence, The Brief reported citing a notice published in the Government Gazette. Starlink had applied for the licence through its local unit, Starlink Internet Services Namibia. The regulator gave no explanation for the refusal, saying only that "the full reasons for the decision can be requested from the authority." The decision affects t

RUSSIAN FEDERATION 23 MRT

Russian messenger Max gets social network status

Russian federal telecommunications regulator Roskomnadzor has given the messenger Max, run by the internet company VK, the status of a social network. The new status will force owners of channels on Max with over 10,000 followers to be included in the register of blogers. Without this listing they cannot sell advertising or collect fees and donations. Other channels also cannot distribute or share information from unregistered channels.

BRAZIL 23 MRT

Viasat granted exploitation rights for GX8 satellite in Brazil

Anatel's board of directors has granted Viasat the rights to exploit the GX8 geostationary satellite in Brazil, which will operate at the 72.5 degrees West orbital position. It will provide satellite capacity in the 18.2 GHz to 20.2 GHz (downlink) and 28 GHz to 30 GHz (uplink) frequency bands, without exclusivity. The authorisation is valid for 15 years, contingent on fulfilling specific conditions.

UNITED KINGDOM 19 MRT

Ofcom makes 10 GHz of extra spectrum available for satellite gateways

UK regulator Ofcom has announced plans to make up to 10 GHz of additional spectrum available for satellite gateway earth stations. This will be made available in the Q/V band for satellite gateways across most of the UK's geography, mainly in 'low density' rural areas. The spectrum will be offered in the following frequencies: GSO - uplink 47.2-50.2 GHz and 50.4-52.4 GHz, and downlink 37.5-42.5 GHz; NGSO - uplink 47.2-50.2 GHz and 50.4-51.4 GHz, downlink 37.5-42.5 GHz. This will provide extra capacity to su

POLAND 19 MRT

Poland consults on use of 3,800 to 4,200 MHz band

Polish telecommunications regulator UKE has launched consultations on the release of the 3,800 MHz to 4,200 MHz band. The consultation is open for public comment for 30 days.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC 19 MRT

Starlink goes live in Central African Republic

Starlink has launched its satellite internet services in the Central African Republic, adding another country to its continental footprint. The launch makes CAR the 28th African market for the service and the second on the continent to go live in 2026, following Senegal in February. Musk announced the rollout on X with a brief post tagging the company's availability map.

ITALY 19 MRT

Italy's Agcom launches consultation on use of 42 GHz spectrum

Italy's communications regulator Agcom has opened a public consultation on the potential use of the 42 GHz spectrum band to expand wireless broadband services. The probe covers frequencies in the 40.5-43.5 GHz range, a millimetre-wave band currently used for fixed, satellite and radio astronomy applications, and is aimed at assessing how the band could support new high-capacity radio systems.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 19 MRT

Starlink rolls out satellite internet service in UAE

Starlink announced that its satellite internet service is now available in the UAE. Residents in the country can access the service with monthly packages starting from AED 230 for the Residential Lite plan. Separate plans are available for businesses for AED 248 per month. To access the service, users must purchase Starlink's hardware kits. The Standard Kit is priced at AED 1,465, while a more compact Mini Kit is available for AED 1,099. The kits include a satellite dish, Wi-Fi router and installation compo

KENYA 18 MRT

Kenya plans to introduce new ICT import permit fees

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has proposed introducing a new permit processing fee targeting ICT equipment imports, in a move that could change how digital devices enter the Kenyan market. Under the proposal, CA plans to introduce a tiered fee system of KES 15,000 per permit for commercial ICT equipment and KES 5,000 per permit for personal ICT imports. The fees will apply to a wide range of sectors reliant on ICT imports, including telecommunications, e-commerce, cybersecurity, broadcasting, a

BRAZIL 18 MRT

Brazil aims for 80% 5G population coverage by 2026

Brazil's Ministry of Communications projects that 80 percent of the population, across 2,220 municipalities, will have access to 5G by the end of 2026. This significantly surpasses the initial target of 1,469 cities for the same period. The accelerated deployment has already brought 5G to approximately 1,420 Brazilian municipalities as part of a government strategy to extend coverage into the country's interior, and over 800 cities with populations under 30,000 are expected to gain access by the end of 2026

ITALY 18 MRT

Italy's Asstel and Anci ink regional infra build MoU

Italian telecommunications industry group Asstel and the National Association of Italian Municipalities (Anci) have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation between local governments and network operators, aiming to speed up the rollout of digital infrastructure across the country. The deal supports the EU's Digital Decade and Digital Compass 2030 objectives and Italy's ultra-broadband strategy.

UNITED KINGDOM 18 MRT

UK govt set to replace 10-year BBC Charter with permanent one

UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has announced plans to replace the 10-year limit on the BBC's Royal Charter with a permanent one, reports The Telegraph. In a speech at the Society of Editors conference in London, Nandy said it was "bizarre" that the BBC had to negotiate its operating charter every 10 years and that it was no longer sensible to avoid important questions around the BBC's funding and its future. The speech will be seen as a victory for the broadcaster, which responded to a government consultat

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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