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.

UK govt to ban AI-enabled nudification apps to protect women, girls
UNITED KINGDOM 19 DEC

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

The UK government is planning new laws to band AI-enabled nudification tools to protect women and girls from deepfake abuse. These tools use GenAI to turn images of real people into fake nude videos/pictures without their consent. The new laws are part of the government's strategy to combat violence against women and girls (VAWG). 

TNT Sports replaces BBC as live broadcast partner for Commonwealth Games
UNITED KINGDOM 19 DEC

TNT Sports replaces BBC as live broadcast partner for Commonwealth Games

Warner Bros Discovery has signed a deal with Commonwealth Sport for the exclusive UK live broadcast and digital media rights for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The deal will see TNT Sports provide more than 600 hours of coverage of the games in the UK & Ireland, with every event and sport streaming on HBO Max. The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from 23 July-02 August, with 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories competing to win 215 gold medals.

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

ITV extends deal to show Prem Rugby games to 2028 - report
UNITED KINGDOM 19 DEC

ITV extends deal to show Prem Rugby games to 2028 - report

UK broadcaster ITV has agreed a new deal to continue showing live Prem Rugby matches until 2028, reports UK newspaper 'The Telegraph'. Under the terms of this new deal, ITV will show seven live games, including the final on ITV1, for the 2027 and 2028 seasons - with an option for a further extension to 2029. 

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.

Sky Sports to remain exclusive UK broadcaster for Masters Tournament
UNITED KINGDOM 19 DEC

Sky Sports to remain exclusive UK broadcaster for Masters Tournament

Sky Sports has signed a new multi-year deal with Augusta National Gold Club for Sky Sports and NOW to remain the exclusive home of the Masters Tournament in the UK and Ireland. The extended agreement will see around 20 percent more live coverage on Sky Sports across the tournament. Sky Sports will also broadcast the Master Par 3 Contest, Augusta National Women's Amateur, Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship and Latin America Amateur Championship under the new deal. The 2026 Masters takes place on 06-12 April. 

EE unveils new guide for identifying, stopping scams
UNITED KINGDOM 19 DEC

EE unveils new guide for identifying, stopping scams

BT Group subsidiary EE has partnered with internet icon Grime Gran and etiquette specialists Debrett's to launch a new etiquette guide for spotting and stopping online scammers over the Christmas period. The 'Mind Your Manners' guide tells Brits that it is not rude to shut down suspicious messages, calls or contacts. Malcolm Cubitt from BT's Consumer Group division said the guide was designed to send a clear message that everyone can help to identify and block scams. 

Lyca Mobile to launch postpaid plans in Portugal
PORTUGAL 19 DEC

Lyca Mobile to launch postpaid plans in Portugal

MVNO Lyca Mobile is preparing to launch postpaid services in Portugal in 2026, country manager Antonio Arnaut told Digital Inside. Lyca Mobile serves around 300,000 subscribers in Portugal, primarily focused on prepaid bundles for residential customers. The company leverages a vast distribution network of over 5,000 SIM card sales points and 15,000 top-up locations.

MTS offers new parental control service
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 19 DEC

MTS offers new parental control service

Russian operator MTS has introduced  its new service Safe Internet for mobile customers, helping parents set up controls to block access to unsafe websites on their children's devices. Up to three telephone numbers connected to the Family Group from the operator can be connected to the service. A free weekly trial of the service is available, after which the monthly subscription costs RUB 99.

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

Apple adapts app store terms for Japanese competition act
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.

SLOVAKIA 18 DEC

4ka offers free pay-TV channels over holidays

Slovak operator 4ka is offering dozens of premium TV channels free for subscribers until 06 January. The list includes film channels AMC, Film+, Filmbox, Filmbox Extra, Filmbox Family, Filmbox Premium, Filmbox Stars, Epic Drama, True Crime; sport channels Sport 1, Sport 2, FightBox; lifestyle channels Paprika TV, Spektrum Home, Food Network, TLC, FashionBox; children's channels JimJam, Minimax, Nick, Nick Jr., Nickelodeon; documentary channels Spektrum, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, Investigation Discov

FRANCE 18 DEC

Free adds more FAST channels to Free TV catalogue

French operator Free announced the addition of eight new FAST (Free Ad-Supported TV) channels to its Free TV streaming service. These latest arrivals are all thematic, offering a selection of movie genres, talk shows and other programmes. Five of them come from content partner Rakuten TV and focus on top films, action, comedy, romance, and crime.

POLAND 18 DEC

T-Mobile Poland offers Zabka voucher to prepaid customers

T-Mobile Poland is offering a promotion with the retail chain Zabka for prepaid customers on the loyalty programme Magenta Moments from the operator. They are offered PLN 10 electronic bonuses to spend in shops of the retail chain. They can be activated until 23 December on the T-Mobile app by prepaid customers with T-Mobile for at least three months and spending at least PLN 10 on telecom services in November.

FRANCE 18 DEC

Iliad's Free increases termination fee for Freebox customers to EUR 69

French operator Free, part of the Iliad group, has raised the termination fee owed by Freebox customers cancelling their fixed broadband service. According to Free's latest tariff brochure, the fee is now EUR 69, marking the second consecutive increase this year. On 01 April, it went up from EUR 49 to EUR 59.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION 18 DEC

MTS offers unlimited data for WhatsApp, Telegram with 'Abroad' option

Russian operator MTS has added a new option to its service 'Abroad', for unlimited data traffic on messengers WhatsApp and Telegram in 20 countries. The list of countries includes Austria, Armenia, the UK, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Georgia, China, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the UAE, Romania, Slovakia, Turkey, Finland, Croatia, Czechia and Switzerland.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION 18 DEC

MTS offers seasonal promo on Tecno smartphones

Russian operator MTS started a seasonal promotion of smartphones from Tecno in its shops. Up to RUB 5,000 discount is available when buying the devices before 31 January 2026. The Tecno Camon 40 is offered for RUB 16,990 under the promotion, down from RUB 21,990. The Tecno Camon 40 Pro costs RUB 19,990, down from RUB 24,990. Additional discounts of RUB 2,000 to RUB 4,000 discounts are available when buying other devices from the promotional list.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION 18 DEC

Beeline Russia offers sign language service at shops

Russian operator Beeline started offering free video consultations in the Russian version of sign language in its shops. The consultations are provided by interpreters from Russian bank Sber who translate conversations for staff at Beeline's service centres. A pilot project was carried out in several service centres last summer and the option is now available across the country.

NETHERLANDS 18 DEC

Dutch Consumer Multiplay Market 2025-Q3

The report provides a comprehensive overview and insight into the Dutch consumer multi-play market in the third quarter of 2025, and compares the findings with results from previous quarters. We analyse the Dutch telecoms markets from a bundling perspective. We report on the number of 1P, 2P, 3P and 4P subscribers, based on both company reports and our own calculations and estimates.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION 18 DEC

Rostelecom's Wink tests AI agent for choosing films

Russian national operator Rostelecom and its online video service Wink have developed a smart assistant to help people choose what to watch. The beta-testing of the Entertainment Agent has started, with the AI-based service integrated into the Wink platform and applications. The service is fully based on technologies and IT infrastructure from Rostelecom, the companies noted.

UNITED KINGDOM 18 DEC

Currys interim group revenue jumps 8 percent to GBP 4.23 billion

UK tech and electricals retailer Currys has reported group revenue of GBP 4.23 billion for the half-year ending 01 November 2025, up 8 percent year-on-year, driven by a 4 percent jump in LFL revenue. Group adjusted EBIT was up GBP 13 million year-on-year to GBP 54 million, with reported EBIT up GBP 14 million to GBP 43 million. Group adjusted profit before was was GBP 22 million, up 144 percent year-on-year; with group free cash flow up 68 percent to GBP 84 million. 

CANADA 18 DEC

CRTC improves programme accessibility for Canadians with visual impairment

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecoms Commission (CRTC) has announced changes to the Broadcasting Act to improve programme accessibility for blind and partially sighted Canadians relying on described video and audio description services. This follows a public consultation on how to make TV and online content more accessible.

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