Brazil court prohibits Transsion from selling 5G devices in Interdigital licensing dispute
BRAZIL 09:51

Brazil court prohibits Transsion from selling 5G devices in Interdigital licensing dispute

A Brazilian court has issued a preliminary injunction against Transsion, prohibiting the sale of its 5G-enabled devices in Brazil. The ruling sided with InterDigital, the wireless technology and licensing company, affirming that Transsion infringed on two of InterDigital's 5G patents. The court also found InterDigital's licensing terms to be fair and reasonable.

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.

Huawei revenue growth slows to 2% in 2025 as consumer, cloud markets weaken
CHINA 1 APR

Huawei revenue growth slows to 2% in 2025 as consumer, cloud markets weaken

Huawei reported revenues for 2025 of CNY 880.9 billion (USD 126.0 billion), up 2.2 percent from a year earlier. The growth in revenues was much slower than the 22 percent the previous year, as challenging conditions in its core network and consumer device markets were offset only in part by Huawei's expansion into new business areas, such as automotive and power systems. The company's operating margin improved to 11.0 percent from 9.2 percent the previous year, and net profit rose to CNY 68.0 billion from C

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

Telecom Namibia gives 30 phones to women's national football team Brave Gladiators
NAMIBIA 31 MRT

Telecom Namibia gives 30 phones to women's national football team Brave Gladiators

Telecom Namibia has handed over 30 smartphones to the senior women's national football team, the Brave Gladiators, and its technical management in recognition of their historic victory at the 2025 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women's Championship. On 01 March, the Brave Gladiators were crowned COSAFA Women's Champions for the first time after defeating hosts South Africa 2-1 in the final match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. The team received national recognition, including an official congratulatory cere

Lenovo unveils David Beckham partnership ahead of 2026 World Cup
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. 

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

Samsung partners with BTS world tour to showcase Galaxy capabilities
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

Dialog Axiata brings Samsung Galaxy S26 Series to Sri Lanka
SRI LANKA 31 MRT

Dialog Axiata brings Samsung Galaxy S26 Series to Sri Lanka

Dialog Axiata has launched the Samsung Galaxy S26 Series in Sri Lanka. Customers can now purchase the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra from Dialog's retail outlets and authorized channel partners across Sri Lanka, as well as via Dialog's digital platforms and channels.

Bouygues Telecom Business integrates Google Pixel smartphones into 5G hybrid and private network portfolio
FRANCE 30 MRT

Bouygues Telecom Business integrates Google Pixel smartphones into 5G hybrid and private network portfolio

French operator Bouygues Telecom announced that its B2B arm has partnered with Google Pixel to offer clients a range of smartphones that are fully compatible with 5G connectivity delivered via hybrid and private network deployments. The university hospital centre in Bordeaux (CHU de Bordeaux) is the first pilot customer for this collaboration, as part of the 5mart Ho5pital project announced earlier this year. A small number of Google Pixel smartphones are being tested on the 5G hybrid private network that B

Samsung launches GalaxyBloom campaign in Mexico
MEXICO 30 MRT

Samsung launches GalaxyBloom campaign in Mexico

Samsung has launched its GalaxyBloom campaign in Mexico, celebrating the arrival of spring and the country's jacaranda season with a digital photography competition inspired by the distinct violet colour of the plant. Running from March 10 to April 12, the campaign invites Galaxy users to capture and share images of blooming jacaranda trees to win a Galaxy S26 Ultra in Cobalt Violet, a colour inspired by the blossoms.

PORTUGAL 30 MRT

Nos introduces instant online eSIM activation and iPhone quick transfer

Portuguese operator Nos has introduced two new eSIM features designed to streamline and accelerate the mobile customer experience. Customers can now sign up for any Nos mobile plan (postpaid or prepaid) directly on the Nos website using an eSIM, completing the process in under a minute. Furthermore, Nos has enabled the Quick Transfer feature for Apple iPhones and iPads. This allows users to convert their physical SIM cards into eSIMs, bypassing the need for additional applications. Transferring an eSIM betw

GLOBAL 30 MRT

Vodafone hits 1 million phone collection target under WWF climate partnership

Vodafone is celebrating the collection of 1 million mobile handsets to support its climate goals in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The 'One Million Phones For the Planet Campaign' saw Vodafone donate GBP 1 for every mobile phone recovered through trade-ins, gifts and recycling programmes, raising GBP 1 million in total. Since the programme's launch in late 2022, Vodafone has engaged with consumers in Europe and Africa to convey the benefits of reducing device waste, showcasing techno

NEW ZEALAND 30 MRT

One NZ launches Unlock to reshape corporate mobile plans

One New Zealand has introduced a new business mobile offering, branded Unlock, aimed at changing how organisations manage employee mobile services. The operator said the initiative reflects evolving work patterns and the increasing role of smartphones beyond traditional workplace use. It positions the model as an alternative to conventional corporate mobile plans, which it said were designed for earlier working environments.

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

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

KENYA 27 MRT

Kenya's CA sets new technical specifications for phone, ICT gadget manufacturers

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has announced technical specifications for mobile phones and other communication gadgets manufacturing to enhance consumer safety and network reliability. CA director general David Mugonyi said in a public notice that all individuals, firms or organisations intending to sell, import or use mobile devices must now follow the updated technical standards. He said the specifications will be used during the type approval process for mobile devices meant for sale and use

UNITED KINGDOM 27 MRT

Virgin Media O2 digital inclusion strategy connects one million people

Virgin Media O2 has provided one million people with free devices, data and improved 4G mobile network access in rural areas through its 'Better Connections Plan' to date. It has also provided 8.5 million people with digital skills training and online safety support - beating its target of helping 6 million people.

GERMANY 27 MRT

German government puts forward draft law on right to repair

The German Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV) has put forward a draft law on the right to repair.  It grants consumers a new right to repair for devices including smartphones, washing machines and refrigerators. Manufacturers will be obligated to repair such products for several years at a reasonable price.

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.

POLAND 26 MRT

Orange Poland starts new smartphone trade-in offer

Orange Poland has introduced a new trade-in offer on smartphones in its shops. Any handset that can still switch on is accepted under the new offer. Customers receive a voucher starting from PLN 40 to put toward a new device, with potentially more depending on the type of device turned in. A PLN 20 bonus is offered for any device that can't be switched on.

ARGENTINA 26 MRT

Personal Argentina launches new retail store concept

Personal, the digital services unit of Telecom Argentina, has launched a new retail store concept aimed at expanding its presence throughout the country and enhancing customer experience. The redesigned stores combine a wide range of more than 350 tech products (mobiles, laptops, gaming gear and home appliances) with hands-on displays and expert advice. The model seeks to redefine the technology shopping experience by blending variety, convenience and personalised service, said the company.

Just In

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MTN Uganda runs Digital Literacy Programme training in Western region

10:36

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

10:32

Cyan meets FY outlook, forecasts further sales growth in year ahead

10:30

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