Orange Belgium's Hey! wins brand of the year award
BELGIUM 9 JAN

Orange Belgium's Hey! wins brand of the year award

Orange Belgium's budget brand Hey! has been named Brand of the Year for 2026 by Product of the Year (POY) Belgium. This is the first time a telecom brand has been named in this category, with the award based on a survey of around 10,000 consumers. 

Allianz signs global AI partnership with Anthropic
GERMANY 9 JAN

Allianz signs global AI partnership with Anthropic

Anthropic has signed a global strategic partnership with Allianz to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) at the German insurance group. The partnership focuses on teaching employees how to use AI, using AI to accelerate internal processes, and setting new standards for accuracy. Under the partnership, Anthropic's Claude models are integrated in Allianz's internal AI platform, which is free for all Allianz employees to use. Claude Code is redefining software development for a large number of developers at All

Tele2 Latvia introduces AI call analytics to improve customer services
LATVIA 9 JAN

Tele2 Latvia introduces AI call analytics to improve customer services

Tele2 Latvia has introduced AI software that can analyse conversations to help with customer service. Developed and implemented by Latvian startup Asya.ai, the Pitch Patterns system uses AI to recognise the content of a conversation in Latvian and other languages, as well as identify the voice tone, intonation, speech rate and other expressions. The tool will help identify situations when a call was not successful and offer tips to help employees improve communication and service quality. The solution can r

Dutch TV time down 5% year-on-year in December
NETHERLANDS 9 JAN

Dutch TV time down 5% year-on-year in December

TV viewing time in the Netherlands reached a seasonal peak in December, but was still down 5 percent year-on-year, figures from the NMO show. Average daily time watching the main TV in the home was 211 minutes per day, including 130 minutes for linear TV (-6%) and 81 minutes for VOD services (-5%).

Odido owners revive IPO plans - report
NETHERLANDS 9 JAN

Odido owners revive IPO plans - report

The private equity owners of Odido have revived plans for an IPO of the Dutch operator. The stock market listing in Amsterdam could start as soon as this month and raise about EUR 1 billion or more, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. Odido confirmed last year that it was considering an IPO, but the listing never happened due to turbulent market conditions. 

A1 Belarus adds partner promos to loyalty programme
BELARUS 9 JAN

A1 Belarus adds partner promos to loyalty programme

A1 Belarus has added a new option to its loyalty programme AI Plus, allowing customers to use their accumulated points for promotions at partners of the operator. Up to 100 percent of the price of a partner purchase can be covered in this way.

Telia Lithuania announces bestselling laptops
LITHUANIA 9 JAN

Telia Lithuania announces bestselling laptops

Telia Lithuania announced a list of the bestselling laptops in its shops in 2025. The list includes the Apple MacBook Air 13.6, MSI Thin 15.6/ i5 16 GB/512 GB / RTX 3050, Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15.6 / Ryzen 5 / 8 GB/512 GB, MSI Vector AI 16 / Ultra 7/16 GB/1 TB / RTX 5070 Ti and Lenovo LOQ 15.6 / i5 / 24 GB / 1 TB / RTX 4060.

UPC Slovakia expands pay-TV lineup with 6 new channels
SLOVAKIA 9 JAN

UPC Slovakia expands pay-TV lineup with 6 new channels

UPC Slovakia has expanded its pay-TV lineup with six additional channels. The list includes the Ukrainian channel Dim, as well as five Slovak regional and local channels: TV Vega, TV Zemplin, TV Vychod, TV Sirava and TV Michalovce. This follows the end of the channels MTV 80s, MTV 90s, MTV 00s, MTV Live HD and Club MTV, which were withdrawn from the market. 

T-Mobile Czechia supports Jizerska 50 ski race
CZECH REPUBLIC 9 JAN

T-Mobile Czechia supports Jizerska 50 ski race

T-Mobile Czech Republic extended its partnership with the Jizerska 50 ski race. The operator will use IoT sensors placed on selected sections of the race course to monitor snow conditions, air temperature and humidity, wind speed, and precipitation in real time, providing up-to-date data via a special website. Four IoT sensors and two weather stations will be used to help the competitors prepare for the course and choose the right wax for their skis. The technology will remain in the field throughout the wi

Samsung, Xiaomi, Apple lead Play bestsellers list in 2025
POLAND 9 JAN

Samsung, Xiaomi, Apple lead Play bestsellers list in 2025

Polish operator Play, controlled by Iliad, announced the best-selling smartphones in its shops in 2025. The top sellers, in alphabetical order, were the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, Samsung Galaxy A36 5G, Samsung Galaxy A56 5G, Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G. Among premium devices (also in alphabetical order) the bestsellers were the Apple iPhone 15 128 GB, Apple iPhone 16 128 GB, Apple iPhone 16 Pro 128 GB, Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 5G 128 GB and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G 256 GB.

T-Mobile leads Polish fixed and mobile internet speeds in 2025 - Speedtest.pl
POLAND 9 JAN

T-Mobile leads Polish fixed and mobile internet speeds in 2025 - Speedtest.pl

T-Mobile Poland supplied the fastest fixed broadband, mobile internet and 5G speeds the country in 2025, according to a study from Speedtest.pl. Orange Poland provided the quickest service on FTTH networks.

Cellnex on CDP 'Climate A' list for 7th consecutive year
SPAIN 9 JAN

Cellnex on CDP 'Climate A' list for 7th consecutive year

Spanish telecommunications infrastructure operator Cellnex has been named on the 'Climate A List' of the not-for-profit CDP (Climate Disclosure Project) for the seventh straight year. The ranking awards points to companies for their strategy, corporate transparency and performance in response to climate change, and Cellnex achieved the highest rating thanks to the considerable progress made in meeting the environmental targets it has set for 2030.

GLOBAL 9 JAN

Keysight tests NR-NTN link in band n252 using Samsung modem chipset

Keysight Technologies said it has achieved a new radio non-terrestrial networks (NR-NTN) connection in band n252 using Samsung Electronics' next-generation modem chipset. The demonstration took place at CES 2026 in Las Vegas and included live satellite-to-satellite (SAT-to-SAT) mobility using commercial-grade modem silicon and cross-vendor interoperability. The n252 band is expected to be adopted by next-generation low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations and this validation follows those for n255 and n256.

GLOBAL 9 JAN

Atos delivers digital services to World DanceSport Federation

ICT group Atos announced that its Sports and Major Events division has been selected to implement several technology-driven projects for the Switzerland-based World DanceSport Federation (WDSF), a multinational sports association recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The WDSF and Atos collaborated on their first major initiative in 2025. Building on this successful project, the partnership will now continue throughout the current year, focusing on digital ticketing and distribution servic

ALBANIA 9 JAN

Vodafone has more active SIMs than One Albania in Q3

In the third quarter of 2025, Albania saw a 3.8 percent quarter-on-quarter increase in active mobile SIM cards, reaching 3.39 million, but a 10.2 percent drop compared with the same period in 2024. Vodafone Albania reported 1.70 million users, surpassing One Albania with 1.68 million, according to data from telecom regulator Akep.

HUNGARY 9 JAN

Yettel Hungary sets new mobile internet and TV usage records in festive period

During the 2025 holiday season, Yettel Hungary customers set new records for mobile internet and TV usage, with significant increases compared to the previous year. Between 24 December and 1 January, mobile internet traffic surged by nearly 30 percent, reaching almost 30 million GB of data consumed – the highest ever recorded. Over a third (34%) of all data traffic in December was carried over the 5G network. TV viewing also saw a boost, with households spending approximately 10 per cent more time watching

ITALY 9 JAN

FiberCop named Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games partner

Italian wholesale fibre operator has become the official Fiber Infrastructure Partner of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games under a new cooperation agreement with the event's Organising Committee. The partnership is designed to highlight FiberCop's role in supporting a global event returning to Italy after two decades.

PORTUGAL 9 JAN

Portugal to invest over EUR 400 million in AI by 2030

Portugal is set to invest over EUR 400 million by 2030 in its National Artificial Intelligence Agenda (ANIA), primarily using European funds. This plan, approved by the Council of Ministers, aims to boost Portugal's competitive edge, with AI projected to add EUR 18-22 billion to the country's GDP within the next decade, reported Lusa.

PORTUGAL 9 JAN

Nos receives 'A' rating from Carbon Disclosure Project

Portuguese telecom operator Nos received an "A" rating from the global non-profit organisation Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for its efforts against climate change in 2025. This places Nos among the top 2 percent of tens of thousands of companies evaluated globally by CDP, and it is the only telecom operator in Portugal to achieve this distinction. The CDP recognised Nos for its strong climate strategy, which includes effective CO₂ emission reduction programs, good environmental governance, engagement wit

POLAND 9 JAN

Kino Polska Group offers localised version of DocuBox

Polish broadcaster Kino Polska Group, part of SPI International is offering new version of the television channel DocuBox tailored for Polish viewers with dedicated programming and voice-over. DocuBox now offers a brand new schedule with a carefully curated selection of content but also the ability to watch every title from its library with Polish narration. 

POLAND 9 JAN

NASK PIB picks contractors to supply AI laboratory kits for schools

Polish national telecommunications R&D institute NASK PIB said it has completed a tender for the supply of 12,000 AI laboratory kits for schools. The volume of the investment is PLN 1.86 billion and it is funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Programme.

GLOBAL 9 JAN

TikTok inks deal to create dedicated FIFA World Cup 2026 hub

FIFA has signed an agreement to convert TikTok into its first-ever "Preferred Platform" to boost global access and fan engagement ahead of this summer's World Cup football tournament. The deal strengthens ties first formed during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 and will give TikTok a central role in delivering original content, highlights and interactive experiences to fans during the tournament across North America.

POLAND 9 JAN

Orange Poland runs promotion for VoLTE smartphones after 3G switch-off

Orange Poland has introduced a promotion for VoLTE smartphones aimed at customers handing in obsolete devices after the operator switched off its 3G network in December. Orange is sending messages about the promotion to postpaid customers who are using smartphones that only support GSM/3G services. Customers can obtain a discount of up to PLN 500.

UGANDA 9 JAN

MTN Uganda runs MoMo campaign to win year's school fees

MTN Mobile Money Uganda has announced its 2026 'Win school fees for a year and more' campaign. This is the third year that the operator has run the campaign. Parents and guardians can take part by paying their child's school fees via MoMo by dialing star 165 star 80 hash and completing their payment digitally. Schools and bursars that register to collect school fees through MoMo could win a school van.

Just In

9 JAN 15:53

Orange Belgium's Hey! wins brand of the year award

9 JAN 15:46

Allianz signs global AI partnership with Anthropic

9 JAN 15:43

Tele2 Latvia introduces AI call analytics to improve customer services

9 JAN 15:40

Dutch TV time down 5% year-on-year in December

Commentary

2 JAN 13:21

Open Dutch Fiber's new management team takes up turnaround challenge

15 DEC 2025 13:56

Video market set for slower growth ahead

8 DEC 2025 11:38

Netflix buys Warner Bros to deepen content catalogue

31 OKT 2025 11:11

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

Background

5 JAN 00:52

The week in telecom: Finnish security check, M&A completions and telco job cuts

23 DEC 2025 10:32

Netherlands TV-video market grows 2.6% in Q3 to EUR 759 mln

22 DEC 2025 00:25

The week in telecoms: YouTube, Instagram take on TV market and WBD rejects Paramount

15 DEC 2025 01:04

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