SLT-Mobitel launches 5G network in Sri Lanka
SRI LANKA 19 DEC

SLT-Mobitel launches 5G network in Sri Lanka

Lankan operator SLT-Mobitel has commercially launched its 5G network for local consuemrs. The operator says its 5G service launch follows investments in high-capacity fibre routes and modern wireless infrastructure.

Dialog Axiata launches 5G network, connects 1.5 million subscribers
SRI LANKA 19 DEC

Dialog Axiata launches 5G network, connects 1.5 million subscribers

Sri Lanka operator Dialog Axiata has commercially launched its Dialog 5G Ultra service. Dialog says its 5G network is powered by over 220 live 5G sites serving 1.5 million subscribers. Dialog secured a 100 MHz spectrum block in the 3500 MHz frequency band and a 200 MHz block in the 27 GHz band at the recently 5G spectrum auction held by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL).

Realme 16 Pro handset set for India launch on 06 January
INDIA 19 DEC

Realme 16 Pro handset set for India launch on 06 January

Realme's 16 Pro series handset will commence sales to Indian consumers on 06 January. The full list of specifications will be published at a launch event in January. At this stage, Realme has not confirmed the size of the battery, but says it should be sufficient for 9.3 hours of usage in gaming-oriented sessions, or up to 125 hours of audio streams on Spotify. The handset contains an "industry-leading" Snapdragon chipset which will also be specified closer to launch. Realme is a leading contender in the In

Dhiraagu introduces NetProtect to tackle online scams
MALDIVES 19 DEC

Dhiraagu introduces NetProtect to tackle online scams

Maldivian operator Dhiraagu has introduced Dhiraagu NetProtect, a security service to safeguard users from suspicious SMS links, social media links and phishing websites. It costs MVR 35 monthly for Dhiraagu mobile customers and MVR 50 for fixed broadband customers. Subscribers receive an alert if a link or website is potentially unsafe before access is granted. Dhiraagu NetProtect blocked over 9 million security threats in November alone.

Samsung SmartThings to support Matter-compatible cameras
INDIA 19 DEC

Samsung SmartThings to support Matter-compatible cameras

Samsung Electronics has announced that its smart home platform SmartThings now supports Matter 1.5, the global smart home standard. Starting later this month, Samsung will roll out SmartThings updates to expand its existing list of Matter devices, including lights, door locks, switches, and various sensors, by adding cameras. With this update, Samsung says SmartThings will become the smart home platform with the broadest support for Matter devices.

Airtel appoints Shashwat Sharma as successor to CEO Gopal Vittal in strategic leadership shift
INDIA 19 DEC

Airtel appoints Shashwat Sharma as successor to CEO Gopal Vittal in strategic leadership shift

Bharti Airtel has announced the finalized timeline for its senior leadership succession plan, which has been in development since October 2024. Effective 1 January 2026, Gopal Vittal will transition from his 13-year tenure as managing director and CEO to become the executive vice-chairman of Bharti Airtel. In this new capacity, Vittal will oversee the parent company and all subsidiaries, focusing on group-wide strategy, digital and technological synergies, and future-proofing the organization. Simultaneousl

TrueBusiness, SymptomTrace to jointly develop 5G Patient Digital Twin service
THAILAND 19 DEC

TrueBusiness, SymptomTrace to jointly develop 5G Patient Digital Twin service

TrueBusiness, a unit of Thai operator True, has teamed up with SymptomTrace, a Taiwan-based health-tech startup focused on AI-driven chronic-disease management, to co-develop the 5G Patient Digital Twin service. The service highlights advanced contactless sensor technology for health vitals monitoring, enabling faster and more efficient care. Health data from sensors is processed at the end point with Edge AI analytics, delivering data in real-time over the True 5G network to a central AI platform, where pa

True, China Mobile launch promo for Go Travel customers visiting China
THAILAND 19 DEC

True, China Mobile launch promo for Go Travel customers visiting China

Thai operator True has partnered with China Mobile International to provide exclusive benefits for Go Travel customers visiting China through the JegoTrip platform. This collaboration offers travelers access to discounts and privileges at top tourist attractions, shopping malls, and merchants, as well as high-speed rail booking services and airport lounge access in cities like Shanghai.

CelcomDigi launches The MediHub 5G-powered smart health service for employees
MALAYSIA 19 DEC

CelcomDigi launches The MediHub 5G-powered smart health service for employees

Malaysian operator CelcomDigi has launched The MediHub, a 5G-powered healthcare facility designed to provide employees with access to professional healthcare services directly from the workplace. Located at CelcomDigi Hub, the smart health service supports holistic employee wellbeing, offering physical and mental health services through virtual consultations with licensed medical practitioners, psychiatrists and psychologists.

NTT Docomo to deepen finance push through bank and securities partnerships
JAPAN 19 DEC

NTT Docomo to deepen finance push through bank and securities partnerships

NTT Docomo has announced a series of financial services partnerships and corporate changes aimed at expanding its integrated digital finance offering, centred on closer collaboration with Sumishin SBI Net Bank, Monex Securities and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank. Under a new business alliance, Docomo, Sumishin SBI Net Bank and Monex Securities plan to launch a set of jointly developed services from August 2026.

LG Uplus MVNO launches fraud and injury insurance
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 19 DEC

LG Uplus MVNO launches fraud and injury insurance

LG Uplus subsidiary LG Hello Vision's MVNO Hello Mobile announced four types of "Peace of Mind Insurance Rate Plans" that include compensation for damages from financial fraud such as voice phishing, violent crimes, and fractures and injuries. The combination of "reasonable monthly rate plans" in the KRW 10,000 to 30,000 range and Lotte Insurance product benefits guaranteeing up to KRW 5 million (KRW 1 million for financial fraud) is expected to provide appeal to middle-aged and older customers and value-co

NTT East demonstrates automated optical path switching for disaster recovery
JAPAN 19 DEC

NTT East demonstrates automated optical path switching for disaster recovery

NTT East, working with NTT and the National Institute of Informatics (NII), has successfully demonstrated a technology that automatically reconfigures optical transmission paths in response to network conditions, enabling traffic to be rerouted within 10 minutes during major disasters. The organisations said the trial is the first to show automated route switching and on-demand addition of optical wavelength paths, including wavelength conversion, based on real-time communication conditions.

JAPAN 19 DEC

BBIX and BBSakura add SIM Option Feature to Open Connectivity eXchange

BBSakura Networks and SoftBank-owned IX provider BBIX said their private cloud service Open Connectivity eXchange (OCX) will support SIM Option Feature, which includes Data Usage Monitor, SIM Speed Control  and IMEI Lock. This SIM Option Feature can be enabled individually for each SIM within OCX Mobile Access. By using these features, customers can implement finely tuned, circuit-by-circuit configuration tailored to their specific usage requirements and operational policies.

JAPAN 19 DEC

Apple adapts app store terms for Japanese competition act

Apple has announced a series of changes to iOS in Japan to comply with the country's Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA), introducing new options for app distribution and payments while setting out additional measures intended to address privacy and security risks. The company said developers will be able to distribute iOS apps in Japan through alternative app marketplaces in addition to the App Store, subject to an authorisation process and ongoing requirements set by Apple.

JAPAN 19 DEC

Google responds to Japan's Mobile Software Competition Act

Japan's Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA) has come into force for designated companies, introducing new obligations aimed at increasing choice and competition in the mobile software ecosystem. In a statement, Google set out how it intends to comply with the legislation and the product changes users and developers in Japan can expect to see.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 19 DEC

KT prepares network for the holiday season

Korea Telecom (KT) announced that it will operate a network intensive management system to ensure stable communication services during the Christmas and New Year's holidays. KT will designate crowded Christmas markets, large performance halls, department stores, and downtown areas, as well as event sites such as year-end bell-ringing ceremonies and New Year's sunrises, and beaches and peaks as special management areas. These locations will be strengthened through increased base station installation and qual

ASIA 19 DEC

Samsung and Anritsu secure first PTCRB certification for 5G NTN testing

Samsung and Anritsu have obtained what they describe as the industry's first PTCRB certification covering RF conformance test cases for 5G New Radio non-terrestrial networks (NR NTN). The certification applies to Anritsu's New Radio RF Conformance Test System ME7873NR and was achieved through joint verification using a Samsung NR NTN modem chipset. PTCRB approval of NR NTN test cases marks the formal start of the device certification process for 5G NR NTN terminals.

THAILAND 19 DEC

AIS appoints CEO Leelapanang as director, Lertsutiwong resigns

Thai operator Advanced Info Service (AIS) has announced that its board of directors has approved the appointment of Pratthana Leelapanang as director of the company. Leelapanang currently serves as AIS' CEO. Leelapanang will replace Somchai Lertsutiwong, who decided to resign from his position at AIS. Leelapanang's appointment is effective immediately.

INDIA 19 DEC

Vi's subsidiary VITIL raises INR 33 billion via debenture offering

Indian operator Vodafone Idea (Vi) has raised INR 33 billion through its subsidiary Vodafone Idea Telecom Infrastructure (VITIL), by issuing unlisted, unrated, and secured non-convertible debentures. Vi says this fundraising initiative saw strong demand from a diverse group of marquee investors, including alternative investment funds, foreign portfolio investors, and non-banking financial companies.

HONG KONG 19 DEC

HKBN to distribute Sensors Data products in Hong Kong, Macao

HKBN Enterprise Solutions (HKBNES) has teamed up with Sensors Data, a Chinese big data and marketing technology provider. Under the terms of the deal, HKBNES will serve as the exclusive telecommunications distribution partner for Sensors Data in the Hong Kong and Macao markets, while Sensors Data will join the HKBN InnoTech Ecosystem Alliance (iTEA).

ARMENIA 18 DEC

Ucom revenues up 7% in Q3

Armenian operator Ucom announced that its revenues grew by 7.3 percent year-on-year in the third quarter. The operator did not specify the exact figure. EBITDA totaled AMD 13.8 billion for the period January to September of this year. The company's EBITDA margin for the same period was 46 percent.

MALAYSIA 18 DEC

Astro launches Christmas campaign for Malaysian households

Malaysian pay-TV operator Astro has launched its year-end holiday campaign designed to provide a unified viewing experience for Malaysian households. This season, the broadcaster is emphasizing shared family moments through a curated lineup of festive programming, featuring dedicated Christmas titles on Astro Showcase, HITS, and BBC Lifestyle beginning 24 December. Alongside these seasonal specials, Astro continues to offer a range of live sports and children's content, all accessible through a single platf

TAIWAN 18 DEC

HPE, Chunghwa Telecom to jointly build disaster recovery centre

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom Enterprise Business Group have announced plans to jointly establish an international disaster recovery centre. The facility will use HPE's Cyber Resilience Vault, featuring advanced ransomware protection and cyber and disaster recovery technologies.

ARMENIA 18 DEC

Team Telecom Armenia opens new shop in Bagratashen

Team Telecom Armenia has expanded its retail chain, with a new shop and service centre in the town of Bagratashen in the Tavush County.  Earlier this September, Team Telecom Armenia opened its new shop and service centre in the city of Yerevan, and it now owns around 80 service centres across the country.

Just In

19 DEC 16:42

SLT-Mobitel launches 5G network in Sri Lanka

19 DEC 16:19

Dialog Axiata launches 5G network, connects 1.5 million subscribers

19 DEC 15:56

UK govt to ban AI-enabled nudification apps to protect women, girls

19 DEC 15:42

3 UK launches last-minute Christmas sale

Commentary

13:56

Video market set for slower growth ahead

11:38

Netflix buys Warner Bros to deepen content catalogue

11:11

KPN's mixed performance in Q3 raises questions for strategy day

15:26

Stock markets breaking records but what happened to Odido's IPO plans?

Background

01:04

The week in telecom: Wi-Fi bolt-ons take off to boost broadband growth, video market works on consolidation

01:39

The week in telecom: Netflix wins bidding for Warner Bros, Apple poaches new execs, Samsung debuts trifold

13:51

Proximus vs. Telenet: Proximus performs better in Q3 while Telenet uses up cash

14:16

Proximus Domestic still struggling with low margins