KDDI launches Starlink Direct international roaming in the US
UNITED STATES 02:52

KDDI launches Starlink Direct international roaming in the US

KDDI and Okinawa Cellular have begun international roaming support for their au Starlink Direct satellite-to-smartphone service in the United States from 4 March 2026. The operators said the launch represents the first cross-border roaming connection for direct satellite communications between smartphones and Starlink satellites. Initially, the service is supported on selected Google Pixel devices, with additional models expected to be added later.

Vantiva introduces Hawk 5G FWA terminal with Wi-Fi 8
GLOBAL 3 MRT

Vantiva introduces Hawk 5G FWA terminal with Wi-Fi 8

Vantiva launched its evolved fixed-wireless access terminal to market in the US, Australia and EMEA. The Hawk 5G FWA terminal builds on Vantiva's Condor 5G product introduced in March 2025, while introducing broader processing capabilities for 5G Standalone links. For example Hawk 5G leverages the Dragonwing FWA Gen 4 Elite platform, continuing Vantiva's relationship with Qualcomm that saw Condor 5G deploy the Gen 3 model.

Plus offers promo of Motorola smartphone, sells new Huawei smartwatches
POLAND 3 MRT

Plus offers promo of Motorola smartphone, sells new Huawei smartwatches

Polish operator Polkomtel, trading under the Plus brand, has introduced a promotion to customers buying the Motorola Edge 70 smartphone in its shops. Customers purchasing the model Edge 70 5G 12/512GB are able to buy it for PLN 3,499. They are also offered a PLN 700 cashback. The promotion is valid buying the smartphone until 31 March.

TCL introduces 5G CPE, mobile hotspot and Wi-Fi 7 mesh router
GLOBAL 3 MRT

TCL introduces 5G CPE, mobile hotspot and Wi-Fi 7 mesh router

TCL has announced new home broadband routers including a 5G broadband device at MWC 26 in Barcelona. Its fully fledged 5G CPE B50 home router is marketed towards entry-level Wi-Fi 7 purchases and provides dual band connectivity for up to 3.6 Gbps over Wi-Fi, and up to 5.7 Gbps from 5G transmitters. Compliant with the EasyMesh R6 protocol, the device boasts high-gain 5G antennas with full-band 4x4 MIMO for better coverage with reduced interference, and supports up to 128 simultaneous end connections.

ZTE presents Nubia NEO, Redmagic handsets at MWC, updates on AI strategy
CHINA 3 MRT

ZTE presents Nubia NEO, Redmagic handsets at MWC, updates on AI strategy

ZTE is presenting new product launches and AI integrations at Barcelona Mobile World Congress 2026. The Chinese vendor said its exhibition covers the entire AI value chain, presenting a framework for full-fledged digital intelligence alongside eight next-generation innovations, including GigaMIMO for future 6G networks, Air Max AI stacks, 200G-grade PON equipment, a Wi-Fi 8 mesh product, and the agentic AI studio ZTE Co-Sight. Products debuting at MWC include mobile handsets in the gaming-focused Nubia NEO

Gigaset brings out BasicLine IP DECT base with optional Comfort 500 HX handset
GLOBAL 3 MRT

Gigaset brings out BasicLine IP DECT base with optional Comfort 500 HX handset

Gigaset has announced the launch of its Gigaset BasicLine IP-DECT base, which is also available in the Comfort 500HX set including a telephone handset as well. The recommended retail price for the Gigaset BasicLine IP is EUR 64.99 or EUR 5.00 more with a power adapter. The price for the base station and the phone is EUR 129.99

Samsung Wallet adds digital home key for smart locks
GLOBAL 3 MRT

Samsung Wallet adds digital home key for smart locks

Samsung Electronics has introduced a Digital Home Key feature within Samsung Wallet, enabling selected Samsung Galaxy users to unlock compatible smart door locks using their smartphones. The feature, which began rolling out in select regions in March, extends Samsung Wallet's digital key functionality beyond vehicles to residential access. Digital Home Key is built on Aliro, a smart lock access protocol developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance, and is designed to support interoperable digital keys a

Fibocom prepares new FWA CPE with MediaTek 5G, Wi-Fi 8 chip
GLOBAL 3 MRT

Fibocom prepares new FWA CPE with MediaTek 5G, Wi-Fi 8 chip

Fibocom and MediaTek unveiled a CPE chip package powered by the FG390 5G module and Filogic 8800 Wi-Fi 8 chipset. The new design combines 5G-Advanced speeds with Wi-Fi 8 for the latest fixed-wireless access equipment. Fibocom said providers can expect reduced interference, longer range even through walls, and better latency. Throughput as much as doubles, supported by tri-band connectivity at once. 

NTT Docomo to launch pilot of SyncMe personal AI agent
JAPAN 3 MRT

NTT Docomo to launch pilot of SyncMe personal AI agent

NTT Docomo will begin recruiting users for a pilot version of its new personal AI agent, SyncMe, ahead of a planned commercial launch in summer 2026. The operator said the pilot version will be made available to selected monitors from spring 2026, with feedback used to refine the service before wider release. Up to 5,000 participants will be selected from applicants, with participation conditional on completing three surveys. Eligible users must hold a d account and use supported Android or iOS devices.

Singapore to mandate higher cybersecurity standards for routers by 2027
SINGAPORE 3 MRT

Singapore to mandate higher cybersecurity standards for routers by 2027

The Cyber Security Agency (CSA) of Singapore will work with Infocomm Media Development Authority to raise mandatory cybersecurity requirements for residential routers from Level 1 to Level 2 under Singapore's Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme (CLS) by the end of 2027. The move was announced during the 2026 Committee of Supply debates of the Ministry of Digital Development and Information. The agencies said the change reflects the increasing threat posed to home networks, as residential routers are frequently t

Lenovo unveils Qira AI, new tablets at MWC
GLOBAL 2 MRT

Lenovo unveils Qira AI, new tablets at MWC

Lenovo is making a new push into the AI assistant market with the launch at Mobile World Congress of Qira, an ambient AI built into its computers and smartphones, rather than layered on as a standalone application. Qira will roll out on over 20 devices in the coming weeks, including the new Idea Tab Pro Gen 2, one of several new tablets presented in Barcelona. 

Qualcomm debuts Wi-Fi 8 range at MWC
GLOBAL 2 MRT

Qualcomm debuts Wi-Fi 8 range at MWC

Qualcomm is debuting at Mobile World Congress a full range of chips for Wi-Fi 8 devices. Its native Wi-Fi 8 system, the Fastconnect 8800, promises up to twice the performance of its previous Wi-Fi 7 chips and up to three times the range for gigabit speeds thanks to a 4x4 radio configuration. In addition, through Bluetooth High Data Throughput (HDT), Bluetooth speeds are greatly increased, from 2 Mbps to 7.5 Mbps.

GLOBAL 2 MRT

Qualcomm unveils first 3GPP Rel 19 modem for 5G phones

Qualcomm Technologies has unveiled its first modem running the 3GPP's Release 19 specifications for the most advanced 5G networks. Presented at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the X105 5G modem-RF is sampling to customers already and should appear in smartphones in the second half of 2026. Also coming later this year is a new processor for wearables, to drive new "personal AI" devices such as pendants. 

GLOBAL 2 MRT

Motorola launches Razr Fold at MWC, agrees GrapheneOS partnership

Motorola introduced its latest foldable smartphone at Mobile World Congress, the new Razr Fold, which will launch in the coming months first in Europe for EUR 1,999. Also on display are the new Moto Edge 70 Fusion smartphone, including a special edition from the company's sponsorship of the Fifa World Cup this summer, and a new partnership with Graphene to work on more secure devices for the business market. 

GLOBAL 2 MRT

Corning launches Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3 ahead of Motorola foldable debut

Corning has introduced Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3, which it describes as the toughest Gorilla Glass Ceramic to date, with the first commercial deployment planned in an upcoming foldable smartphone from Motorola. Corning said laboratory testing designed to replicate real-world surfaces showed the material survived drops of more than two metres onto concrete-like surfaces. In repeated-drop testing, it withstood at least 20 drops from one metre onto asphalt-like surfaces. Under similar conditions, a compe

GLOBAL 2 MRT

Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra launch globally at MWC alongside Leica Leitzphone and Pad 8 tablets

Xiaomi has taken advantage of its appearance at Mobile World Congress to launch the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra smartphones for international markets, as well as a number of additional devices, including the Leica Leitzphone and the latest Pad 8 tablets. The global versions of the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra, released in China at the end of last year, share the same specifications as the earlier models apart from slightly different battery sizes – 6,330 mAh and 6,000 mAh respectively – and are priced at

GLOBAL 2 MRT

Honor previews 'robot phone', new foldable at MWC

Honor has presented a "Robot Phone" at Mobile World Congress, featuring a small movable camera at the top of the phone to collect data on the user's surroundings. The "new species" of smartphone looks at how future AI devices could integrate motion and spatial awareness. Alongside the preview device - which has no launch date - the company unveiled its new foldable phone, the Magic V6, which will reach markets in the second half of the year. 

GLOBAL 2 MRT

Samsung partners operators to expand satellite connectivity on Galaxy devices

Samsung Electronics has expanded satellite communication support for select Galaxy smartphones, including the Galaxy S26 series, through partnerships with telecom operators in North America, Europe and Japan. The company said the capability is designed to support emergency response and essential communications where terrestrial mobile networks are unavailable. Since 2025, satellite communication has been supported on select Galaxy flagship and Galaxy A series devices, with Samsung stating it is extending co

MOROCCO 27 FEB

Orange Maroc launches Yo Max 5G plans with OTT services

Orange Maroc introduced the new Yo Max 5G mobile plans, offering customers a choice of six mobile data plans priced between MAD 99 and MAD 649 per month. They come with 25 GB up to 160 GB of data or unlimited data, as well as an increasing number of OTT services to choose from, such as OSN+, Viu, Blacknut or Anghami, and a data roaming allowance starting from the 80 GB plan for MAD 299. Subscribers can manage their plan via the Maxit app.

POLAND 27 FEB

T-Mobile Poland starts orders for Samsung Galaxy S26 smartphones

T-Mobile Poland has started pre-sales of the Samsung Galaxy S26 smartphones in its shops. Customers also can the Galaxy Buds4.The smartphones start at a promotional price of PLN 4,499 for the S26, rising to PLN 5,399 from 11 March. The S26+ starts at PLN 5,599, and the S26 Ultra is available for PLN 6,499, including a special PLN 900 discount on the 512 GB version (PLN 7,399 from 11 March). The 16 GB/1 TB model is available for PLN 7,399 promotional price and will increase to PLN 8,699 later.

GLOBAL 27 FEB

Smartphone and PC OEMs set for major market shock amid ongoing memory components crunch - research

An ongoing shortfall in memory components created in part by surging demand in AI data centres will drag global shipments of smartphones and PCs sharply lower this year, marking significant upheaval for the industry. The International Data Corp's Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker forecasts a 12.9 percent annual decline in shipments to 1.1 billion units, pushing smartphone vendors to their lowest annual volume in more than a decade. The updated 2026 forecast has been reduced from IDC's previous projection publi

GLOBAL 27 FEB

Xplora reports 218% surge in Q4 device sales as subscription revenue climbs 19%

Xplora Technologies has reported surges in both device and mobile subscription service revenues in the fourth quarter of 2025, supported by the launches of the Aurora and Leva series in the Senior segment after Xplora bought Doro in January last year. Revenue in Q4 climbed by 154 percent year on year to NOK 606 million, with device revenue up 218 percent to 515 million from NOK 162 million in Q4 2024 and service revenue up 19 percent to NOK 91.4 million.

SPAIN 27 FEB

Huawei takes on fitness market with new runner's smartwatch

Huawei unveiled a new slate of consumer devices at an event in Madrid ahead of Mobile World Congress. The highlight was a new smartwatch, the GT Runner 2, signalling a new focus on the fitness market for its wearables. The other products showcased included the flagship Watch Ultimate 2 and Mate 80 Pro smartphone, the 8.8-inch MatePad Mini tablet, the Band 11 series and the FreeBuds Pro 5 wireless earbuds with active noise cancelling.

SINGAPORE 27 FEB

Singtel enables RCS messaging for iPhone users

Singtel has introduced Rich Communication Services (RCS) support for iPhone users, extending the messaging standard across both iOS and Android devices on its network. From 27 February, customers using iPhones running iOS 26.3 will have RCS enabled by default when messaging RCS-compatible Android devices. The operator said the upgrade replaces traditional SMS and MMS with features including high-resolution photo and video sharing, typing indicators, emoji reactions and enhanced group chat functionality. Mes

Just In

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KDDI launches Starlink Direct international roaming in the US

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SKT advances modular and CXL-based AI data centre strategy

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Australia sees 211-day average approval time for new mobile towers

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