Colombia nears 6 mln pay-TV subs
COLOMBIA 09:32

Colombia nears 6 mln pay-TV subs

Colombia reached 5.96 million pay-TV subscribers at the end of 2025, steady year on year, according to a report from the country's ICT ministry Mintic. The figure is equivalent to a penetration rate of 11 subscribers per 100 inhabitants, accessing content through various technologies, while revenues came to COP 635 billion, said Mintic.

Canal+ Group appoints former Orange director Tingry as chief data and AI officer
GLOBAL 08:17

Canal+ Group appoints former Orange director Tingry as chief data and AI officer

Canal+ Group has announced the appointment of Anne-Laure Tingry as chief data and AI officer, leading the group's activities in these areas across all markets. Tingry joins the executive committee, reporting directly to Canal+ Group CEO Maxime Saada. Over more than two decades, her career was spent at Orange in several senior roles, most recently as executive director of the Smart Mobility Services business line at Orange Business. She became managing director of Orange Store in France at the start of 2016.

MultiChoice offers Showmax users free trial access to DStv
AFRICA 07:34

MultiChoice offers Showmax users free trial access to DStv

MultiChoice has announced that it is offering eligible Showmax subscribers free trial access toDStv Stream Compact from 01 April until the end of May as part of a transition following the shutdown of the standalone Showmax app on 30 April. After the trial, qualifying subscribers can keep using DStv Stream Compact for the same price they paid for Showmax, which is ZAR 99 per month. The promotional price will remain in effect for twelve months, provided the subscriber's account remains up to date, and it repr

Amazon in talks to buy Globalstar to strengthen satellite business - report
GLOBAL 06:57

Amazon in talks to buy Globalstar to strengthen satellite business - report

Amazon.com is in talks to acquire satellite telecommunications group Globalstar, as part of efforts to strengthen its LEO satellite business. The two sides were still negotiating details of a deal after lengthy talks, people familiar with the matter told the Financial Times. Apple is part of the discussions, due to its 20 percent stake in Globalstar.

SpaceX makes confidential filing for IPO - report
GLOBAL 06:33

SpaceX makes confidential filing for IPO - report

The rocket company and Starlink owner SpaceX has filed for an initial public offering of its shares in the US. The confidential filing was made with the US Securities and Exchange Commission in the past week, people familiar with the matter told the Financial Times, Bloomberg and other publications. The share sale is expected to be one of the largest on record and take place in June. 

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.

Spark launches satellite-to-mobile data services with Starlink
NEW ZEALAND 05:35

Spark launches satellite-to-mobile data services with Starlink

Spark New Zealand has launched satellite-to-mobile data and text services in partnership with Starlink, extending connectivity to remote areas across New Zealand. The service enables customers to access data and messaging via satellite when outside the reach of terrestrial mobile networks, provided there is a clear line of sight to the sky. It is available to consumer, SME and enterprise customers on eligible plans, where it is included at no additional cost. Other customers can access the capability as an

Global video market to reach USD 1 tln by 2030 - Omdia
GLOBAL 05:24

Global video market to reach USD 1 tln by 2030 - Omdia

Analyst firm Omdia projects that combined global revenues from traditional television and online video will exceed USD 1 trillion by 2030, driven primarily by growth in digital advertising formats. Total revenues are expected to rise from USD 775 billion in 2025 to USD 1.03 trillion by the end of the decade. Online video advertising is forecast to be the main contributor to this growth, increasing from USD 309 billion in 2025 to USD 540 billion in 2030. Its share of total revenues is expected to rise from 4

DSI Data, Imafex raise pay-TV rates
SLOVAKIA 1 APR

DSI Data, Imafex raise pay-TV rates

Slovak operators DSI Data and Imafex have raised prices for their pay-TV services from 01 April, reports Zive.sk. DSI Data doubled the price of the base package, including Slovak and Czech TV channels, and Imafex's base package rises by around 38 percent, from EUR 7.90 to EUR 10.90 per month.

AgileTV enters DACH market with Liwest IPTV contract
AUSTRIA 1 APR

AgileTV enters DACH market with Liwest IPTV contract

Video technology services provider AgileTV has entered the DACH market by launching "next", the IPTV platform in partnership with Austrian operator Liwest. The platform combines linear TV and OTT services and integrates Android TV applications. It is supported by iOS and Android mobile devices, Android TV, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Samsung Smart TVs (TIZEN). The TV subscribers of Liwest will migrate to the new platform in February 2027.

TDF taps Harmonic products to upgrade DTT multiplex capacity
FRANCE 1 APR

TDF taps Harmonic products to upgrade DTT multiplex capacity

French digital terrestrial TV multiplex operator TDF has implemented upgraded infrastructure from Harmonic to boost transmission capacity for HD broadcasts. Following the upgrades, TDF's multiplex can distribute six HD channels, up from five channels previously. The HD channels set for distribution are BFM TV, CNews, CStar, Novo19, T18 and Gulli.

FRANCE 1 APR

Arcep consults on draft decision to grant Amazon Leo expanded licence

French telecom authority Arcep has published a draft decision for public consultation, in which the regulator would grant a number of additional rights to Amazon Kuiper Services Europe by amending the ten-year licence secured by this Amazon subsidiary in mid-2025. Among the main changes, the draft decision would enlarge the authorised geographical footprint to include the French overseas territories for which Arcep is responsible (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Mayotte, Martinique, St. Pierre and Miquelon, St.

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. 

SOUTH AFRICA 1 APR

South African competition watchdog monitors Canal Plus after merger

The South African Competition Commission says it is monitoring French media group Canal Plus following its 2025 acquisition of MultiChoice, to ensure compliance with merger conditions including a moratorium on layoffs, Business Times reported. While Canal Plus faces scrutiny over cost-cutting measures such as demanding supplier discounts and initiating voluntary severances, officials clarified that voluntary packages do not violate the agreed conditions. Watchdog spokesperson Siya Makunga said the condition

EUROPE 1 APR

ETHER completes SNS-JU remit focused on unified space, aerial and land 6G architecture

A 6G research project funded by the EU's Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS-JU) has wrapped up its remit, having introduced a novel architecture for combining satellite, land-based and aerial transmitters into a fully unified 6G network.  The ETHER project was co-ordinated by University of Luxembourg's Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust with the participation of Sateliot, Collins Aerospace, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Avanti, Ubiwhere, i2Cat Research Centr

POLAND 1 APR

Polsat Box offers 19 channels in open window in April

Polish provider of pay-TV services Polsat Box, belonging to the Polsat Plus Group, has introduced a promotion of its pay-TV services. Customers using satellite TV, cable TV and IPTV services can watch 19 TV channels in an open window until 03 May. The list of channels includes AMC, BBC First, Epic Drama, FX, Kino Polska, Kino TV, Paramount Network, Romance TV, BBC Brit, BBC Lifestyle, Extreme Channel, Kino Polska Muzyka, Motowizja, CBeebies, Disney Channel, Disney Jr., Nick Jr., BBC Earth and National Geogr

EGYPT 1 APR

Es'hailSat and EgyptSat sign satellite capacity pact for VSAT services

Qatar Satellite Company (Es'hailSat) and EgyptSat signed a multi-year satellite capacity agreement, enabling EgyptSat to provide VSAT services to its customer base in Egypt and across the Middle East and North Africa region. Es'hailSat said in a statement that this agreement builds upon the partnership established in 2025 between the two companies to leverage their shared satellite services and extensive ground infrastructure.

CZECH REPUBLIC 1 APR

T-Mobile Czechia adds Disney+ to video offering

T-Mobile Czech Republic has added the streaming service Disney+ to its offer. Disney+ is available under the new tariff plan Magenta TV XL Plus & Disney+, costing CZK 999 monthly. New customers can subscribe for CZK 449 the first six months. The price includes a Disney+ Standard subscription worth CZK 219 per month.

POLAND 1 APR

Netia offers 16 channels in open window in April

Polish operator Netia is offering 16 TV channels in an open window for all subscribers of the operator until 03 May. The list of channels includes AMC, BBC Brit, BBC Earth, BBC First, BBC Lifestyle, CBeebies, Disney Channel,  Disney Junior, Extreme, FX, Kino Polska, Kino Polska Muzyka, Kino TV, Motowizja, National Geographic and Paramount.

UNITED STATES 1 APR

Delta picks Amazon Leo for next-generation in-flight Wi-Fi

Amazon has won a contract with US-based Delta Air Lines for satellite internet services over its Leo fleet, one of its first major deals with an airline. This expands the companies' long-standing cloud services relationship with a multi-year deal for Delta to begin rolling out Amazon Leo in 2028. The plan is an initial installation on 500 aircraft, providing customers with Wi-Fi from gate-to-gate. The in-flight Wi-Fi will be free for all members of Delta's SkyMiles loyalty programme, the same as its current

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

BRAZIL 31 MRT

Mileto Tecnologia boosts streaming services with Synamedia

Brazilian pay-TV provider Mileto Tecnologia is boosting its streaming services by adopting Synamedia Go. This new platform will power Mileto's next-generation streaming, offering personalised viewing with AI-driven recommendations. This move is part of Mileto's broader growth strategy, which includes acquiring Oi TV, partnering with SES, and launching a new customer service portal.

POLAND 31 MRT

Plus, Polsat Box expand streaming offer with Amazon Prime, Apple TV

Polish operator Polkomtel, trading under the Plus brand, and the TV service Polsat Box (both belonging to the Polsat Plus Group) have introduced new video packages with Amazon Prime and Apple TV. Their customers can take a bundle including Amazon Prime, Apple TV and SkyShowtime services for PLN 40 monthly subscription. Alternatively, Plus or Polsat Box customers can add a package with Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Disney+, HBO Max and SkyShowtime for PLN 80. Customers are also able to connect to the individual st

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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