Bouygues Telecom updates 5G box offer with lower prices
FRANCE 23 JUN

Bouygues Telecom updates 5G box offer with lower prices

French operator Bouygues Telecom has updated its 5G home internet offer. The Wi-Fi 7 router introduced earlier this year is now available without TV service, for EUR 29.99 per month the first year and then EUR 39.99 per month. The 5G box supports download speeds up to 1 Gbps. 

Meta expands smart glasses range with cheaper models
GLOBAL 23 JUN

Meta expands smart glasses range with cheaper models

Meta is expanding its range of smart glasses with three new models under its own brand. Built with its existing partner EssilorLuxottica, the Meta Glasses come with a cheaper price, starting at USD 299, and the company's own Muse Spark large language model to power AI applications.

Asurion appoints new President, Chief Revenue Officer
GLOBAL 23 JUN

Asurion appoints new President, Chief Revenue Officer

Global tech care company Asurion has appointed Kausik Rajgopal as President and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) from 22 June 2026. He will be responsible for the group's global revenue organisation, overseeing its customer and partner growth strategy; and will report to CEO Guru Gowrappan. He has over 25 years of experience in the technology and financial services sectors, most recently as EVP of Strategy, Corporate Development and Partnerships at PayPal. 

Samsung's UFS 5.0 flash chip set for Q4 production
GLOBAL 23 JUN

Samsung's UFS 5.0 flash chip set for Q4 production

Samsung announced it will commence production of its Universal Flash Storage (UFS) 5.0 chip in Q4, amid speculation it could be incorporated into Galaxy S27 smartphones next year. The vendor plans to supply several variants of its flash storage chip in capacities ranging up to 1 TB. 

Currys says 1 in 3 Brits holding onto their first mobile phone
UNITED KINGDOM 23 JUN

Currys says 1 in 3 Brits holding onto their first mobile phone

New research from UK tech retailer Currys shows that 1 in 3 Brits are still holding onto their first phone phone, of which 25 percent are old Nokia phones. The average home has 30 unused devices, with UK households hoarding more than 880 million unused devices nationwide. Mobile phones are the most commonly hoarded device, with 4 in 5 Brits keeping old mobile phones. 

O2 Czechia launches summer accessories sale
CZECH REPUBLIC 23 JUN

O2 Czechia launches summer accessories sale

O2 Czech Republic introduced a seasonal promotion of accessories on the My O2 application. Valid until 31 August, the promotion applies to headphones, speakers, power banks and projectors from the O2, JBL, Anker and Dangbei brands. Customers can get discounts of up to CZK 3,000 on selected accessories.

A1 Slovenia launches multiSIM for iOS
SLOVENIA 23 JUN

A1 Slovenia launches multiSIM for iOS

A1 Slovenia has launched its multiSIM service for iOS users, enabling full connectivity on Apple Watch Cellular devices. This means users can now make calls, send messages, and access the internet directly from their Apple Watch, even if their iPhone is not nearby.The A1 multiSIM service allows individuals to stay connected while engaging in activities like sports, work, or errands without the distraction of carrying their phone. It connects a single phone number to up to two additional devices, synchronisi

HTHK launches AI product suite with Inmo GO3 Smart Glasses, AI Travel Planner service
HONG KONG 23 JUN

HTHK launches AI product suite with Inmo GO3 Smart Glasses, AI Travel Planner service

Hutchison Telecommunications (Hong Kong) (HTHK) has introduced a suite of AI-based products and services. Spanning multiple use cases, the offerings are available for both consumer and enterprise customers. 3 Hong Kong and 3Supreme have launched the Inmo GO3 AI glasses, the international retail version powered by Gemini and ChatGPT language models.

M1 adds device repair and replacement cover to selected mobile plans
SINGAPORE 23 JUN

M1 adds device repair and replacement cover to selected mobile plans

Singapore operator M1 has updated its Bespoke Flexi mobile plans to include device protection services, becoming the first operator in the country to bundle repair and replacement coverage within selected mobile subscriptions, according to the company. The enhanced plans, available from SGD 46.95 per month, include data allowances of 800 GB, 1 TB or 10 TB and incorporate M1's FoneCare+ Pro service at no additional monthly charge on eligible tiers.

China PC shipments down 2% in Q1, full-year outlook projects 14% drop
CHINA 23 JUN

China PC shipments down 2% in Q1, full-year outlook projects 14% drop

Mainland China's PC and tablet markets declined by 2 percent and 5 percent year-on-year, respectively, in the first quarter of 2026, according to a report from Omdia. Total PC shipments fell to 8.9 million units, while tablet volumes declined to 8.3 million units. PC shipments in mainland China are expected to plunge 14 percent to 36 million units in 2026, while tablet shipments are forecast to drop 11 percent to 32 million units.

Plus discounts Samsung, Motorola, Xiaomi flagship smartphones
POLAND 22 JUN

Plus discounts Samsung, Motorola, Xiaomi flagship smartphones

Polish operator Polkomtel, trading under the Plus brand, has introduced a promotion of Samsung, Motorola and Xiaomi smartphones with discounts up to PLN 1,000. The Samsung Galaxy S26+ 5G 12/256GB is available for PLN 4,899, down by PLN 700, and the S26 Ultra 12/256GB model costs PLN 6,099, down  by PLN 400. The Samsung Galaxy A57 8/128GB is offered for PLN 1,999, the Galaxy Watch 8 40mm LTE is available for PLN 999, down by PLN 300, and the Galaxy Buds 4 are offered for PLN 499, down by PLN 50. 

Genexis taps shareholders for long-term funding to deliver on growth roadmap
GLOBAL 22 JUN

Genexis taps shareholders for long-term funding to deliver on growth roadmap

Genexis has completed a recapitalisation with its existing shareholders to support its long-term product strategy and business growth. Genexis's institutional investors were represented in talks by Mark Hoffman, a portfolio manager at Robus Capital Management.  Hoffman said the agreement had provided financial headroom for strategic investments to help cement Genexis's market foothold. It follows an earlier negotiation with Genexis's bondholders. In its Q1 statements for the three months to 31 March, Genexi

AFRICA 22 JUN

Canal Plus brings DStv to Samsung smart TVs in Africa

Canal Plus has extended its partnership with Samsung to bring smart TV services to MultiChoice Group's English and Portuguese-speaking African territories. From June, new Samsung smart TVs sold in these markets will come with the DStv Stream app pre-installed.

QATAR 22 JUN

TP-Link and Techno Blue ink deal to expand distribution in Qatar

Qatari distributor Techno Blue has signed a distribution deal with TP-Link to expand the availability of TP-Link's networking products and switches across the Qatar market. This collaboration significantly strengthens TP-Link's footprint in Qatar. By leveraging Techno Blue's robust retail network, extensive B2B reach, and premier e-commerce platform Electronyat.qa, TP-Link solutions will become readily accessible to nationwide consumers and businesses. Customers can also experience the brand firsthand at an

RUSSIAN FEDERATION 19 JUN

Megafon launches own eSIM router

Russian operator Megafon has developed its own mobile router, which works with a digital eSIM profile, reports Forbes.ru. The solution enables customers to activate mobile internet services remotely. It is a co-branded device from Megafon and its subsidiary Yota.The device includes a 4,000 mAh battery, supports both eSIMs and conventional SIMs, and can provide a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 32 devices over the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. 

PHILIPPINES 19 JUN

Smart Communications deploys mobile network tower in San Vicente

Philippines operator Smart Communications has deployed a mobile site in the municipality of San Vicente, Palawan, to expand internet access across remote communities. The new tower is also expected to boost the government's Bayanihan SIM initiative, which provides free SIMs with mobile data to Filipinos in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) like San Vicente, which is located around 500 km southwest of Manila.

GLOBAL 19 JUN

Matter 1.6 brings enhanced NFC support, thermostat and alarm features

The latest iteration of the IoT and smart home interoperability protocol Matter has just been released. Matter 1.6 is the first edition to introduce near-field communications (NFC) contact for end-to-end device provisioning, building on an earlier onboarding payload rolled out in Matter 1.4.1. The original process had still relied on Bluetooth Low Energy to complete onboarding.

GLOBAL 19 JUN

Google to start new Android developer verification checks

Google is starting to roll-out a new process to verify the identity of Android developers, in an effort to increase security on the platform. While most developers are registered already through the Play store, the new process is expected to add extra controls to address the rising amount of malicious and fraudulent apps, and comply with new regulations around the world on keeping checks on the digital supply chain. The new developer verification protections will take effect 30 September in Brazil, Indonesi

UNITED KINGDOM 18 JUN

Samsung Galaxy XR to launch in UK from 08 July

Samsung has announced the launch of the Samsung Galaxy XR headset in the UK, with the device available online at Samsung.com/UK from 08 July and from select Samsung Experience Stores later in July. Pre-orders are being accepted now, with the device costing GBP 1,699. This will be Samsung's first extended reality device in the UK, powered by Android XR. It also supports Android Enterprise, for businesses to deploy and manage devices with enterprise-grade controls and enhanced security features. 

GLOBAL 18 JUN

Apple CEO warns of 'unavoidable' price increases on higher memory costs

Apple plans to raise its product prices to offset the rising costs of memory and other components, CEO Tim Cook said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. Cook said price increases are "unavoidable", but did not provide details on when or how much the prices would go up.

UNITED STATES 18 JUN

Google Home Speaker launches 24 June for USD 100

Google has confirmed the launch of its new Home Speaker, designed to bring Gemini AI into the home. First presented last fall when Google overhauled its Nest device line-up, the Google Home Speaker is now available from 25 June, for USD 99.99/EUR 119.99. A six-month free subscription to Google Home Premium services is included. 

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 18 JUN

Samsung launches Galaxy A37 5G in South Korea

Samsung Electronics will launch the Galaxy A37 5G smartphone in South Korea on 19 June, expanding its mid-range 5G device portfolio with upgraded display, camera and AI capabilities. The device will be available in Awesome Lavender, Awesome White and Awesome Charcoal and will retail for KRW 598,400 through Samsung retail channels and mobile operator stores.

JAPAN 18 JUN

Japanese operators add Oppo Reno15 A to mid-range 5G smartphone line-up

Japanese mobile operators are expanding their handset portfolios with the introduction of the Oppo Reno15 A, a mid-range 5G smartphone that will be available from multiple carriers later this month. KDDI and Okinawa Cellular announced that the device will be launched through the UQ mobile brand on 25 June, with reservations opening on 18 June. The operator said the handset will also support the au Starlink Direct satellite connectivity service.

JAPAN 18 JUN

NTT Docomo launches open-ear hearing assistance device

NTT Docomo has begun selling the cocoe Ear open-ear hearing assistance device and the companion cocoe Link television transmitter through its retail and online sales channels, while expanding in-store demonstrations across Japan. The products, developed by NTT Sonority, went on sale on 18 June through Docomo Shops nationwide and the operator's online store. On the same date, Docomo also began offering hands-on demonstrations of cocoe Ear in 56 Docomo Shops across all 47 prefectures.

Just In

23 JUN 17:57

PLDT data centre unit Vitro files for PHP 24 billion REIT IPO

23 JUN 16:13

Vodafone Ukraine installs solar panels at 100 base stations

23 JUN 16:12

Burkina Faso inspects telecom infrastructure to boost security

23 JUN 16:10

Bouygues Telecom updates 5G box offer with lower prices

Commentary

23 JUN 09:56

ACM blocks Delta/Glaspoort deal - what can KPN do?

5 MEI 10:55

KPN: the art of making one-offs structural

4 MEI 14:25

Open Dutch Fiber outlook: time to restart roll-out?

20 APR 10:36

Netflix back to organic growth and doing just fine

Background

21 JUN 22:52

The week in telecom: sovereignty debate comes to VivaTech, Ericsson succession and Fox buys Roku

1 JUN 00:13

The week in telecom: EU telcos push sovereign services as governments question foreign tech investors

23 MEI 23:42

The week in telecom: Starlink ready to go public, Singapore telco M&A and Google courts AI subscribers at I/O

18 MEI 00:31

The week in telecom: US operators mount rural satellite challenge, Cisco cashes in on AI boom