Nkom starts talks with commercial mobile operators over developing new emergency network
NORWAY 19 DEC

Nkom starts talks with commercial mobile operators over developing new emergency network

Norwegian telecoms regulator Nkom said it has begun talks with the nation's mobile operators to discuss setting up the new Nodnett emergency network due to go on air in 2031. The current Nodnett has about 150,000 users and runs on its own, independent infrastructure, but the replacement one will use the commercial mobile networks. Earlier this year, the government decided to move Nodnett preparations from the Directorate for Civil Protection & Emergency Preparedness (DSB) to Nkom. 

Ethio Telecom connects 67 hospitals with 200 more to come
ETHIOPIA 19 DEC

Ethio Telecom connects 67 hospitals with 200 more to come

Ethio Telecom has connected 67 major hospitals to a centralised digital platform in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Ethio News Agency reported. Enterprise products chief officer Yohannes Getahun said the operator plans to expand telemedicine and telehealth services to another 200 hospitals, which is expected to reduce patient costs significantly while enhancing the quality of medical treatment.

EU SNS-JU allocates EUR 240 million for 2026-2027 research projects
EUROPE 19 DEC

EU SNS-JU allocates EUR 240 million for 2026-2027 research projects

The EU's Smart Networks and Services joint undertaking (SNS JU) has announced its two-year work programme for 2026-2027, including USD 240 million for research and innovation activities. About EUR 22 million will invested in five projects through its Research & Innovation Work Programme for 2026, with a further EUR 220 million distributed before end-2026 for the final cohort of R&I Work Programme projects, set for delivery in the following year. Next year's R&I slate will act as a bridge between previous wo

Nigerian govt plans to launch two new communication satellites
NIGERIA 19 DEC

Nigerian govt plans to launch two new communication satellites

The government has announced plans to replace the NigComSat-1R communications satellite with two new ones, The Guardian reported. ICT minister Bosun Tijani said the investment is part of a broader push to close connectivity gaps and aligns with the broader National Broadband Plan (2020–2025). A Request for Proposal (RFP) has already been issued to attract global manufacturers and service providers to partner on the construction and launch, the report says.

ByteDance signs off on new US shareholders for TikTok
UNITED STATES 19 DEC

ByteDance signs off on new US shareholders for TikTok

TikTok has agreed to a new joint venture for its US business, with the investors Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX. The deal, designed to ensure compliance with a US law requiring local ownership, is expected to close on 22 January, according to an internal memo seen by The Associated Press and other US media. In the communication, CEO Shou Zi Chew confirmed to employees that TikTok and its parent ByteDance signed the binding agreements with the consortium.

Brazil Senate approves USD 100 million IDB loan for broadband rollout
BRAZIL 18 DEC

Brazil Senate approves USD 100 million IDB loan for broadband rollout

The Brazilian Senate has approved a USD 100 million (BRL 550 million) loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the Ministry of Communications. This funding aims to extend broadband connectivity to municipalities with populations of up to 30,000, potentially benefiting 2.5 million people. The funds will establish a guarantee mechanism to help small ISPs access credit lines needed to expand broadband infrastructure, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas like riverside communities, indi

ACM updates numbers allocation policy
NETHERLANDS 18 DEC

ACM updates numbers allocation policy

Dutch telecom regulator ACM has updated its numbers policy, replacing rules from 2021 to take account of the latest market developments. It said the new policy should provide more transparency for operators and ensure more efficient allocation of numbers. The main change is stricter enforcement of actual use of numbers awarded. 

Brazil seizes nearly 500,000 irregular telecom products
BRAZIL 18 DEC

Brazil seizes nearly 500,000 irregular telecom products

A major operation involving Brazil communications agency Anatel and the Federal Revenue Service at the Port of Imbituba resulted in the seizure of 470,000 unauthorised products. This joint effort between Anatel in Santa Catarina and the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service marks the largest confiscation of unapproved telecommunications products through their partnership, preventing these items from entering the national market. The seized items included common products like headphones, mobile phone chargers, s

Nordic ICT lobby groups seek common cross-border security clearance process
SCANDINAVIA 18 DEC

Nordic ICT lobby groups seek common cross-border security clearance process

Finnish ICT sector lobby group FiCom has announced petition backed by its counterparts in other Nordic countries urging a common security clearance process. As the security situation deteriorates and hybrid threats continue, cybersecurity has become a key issue, Ficom said. Companies are investing heavily in security, but more needs to be done to support their work. Ficom, Denmark's IT-Branchen, Sweden's TechSverige and Norway's TEK Norge are making a joint appeal to political decision-makers.

Gabonese govt launches MaDigiPaie public payments programme
GABON 18 DEC

Gabonese govt launches MaDigiPaie public payments programme

The Gabonese government has launched the MaDigiPaie programme to modernise and secure public payments, Ecofin reported. MaDigiPaie is part of a national digital transformation strategy and will be implemented in partnership with the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) and the Central African Interbank Monetary Group (GIMAC). It will let citizens make payments through mobile money by scanning a GIMACPAY QR code. More than 1,000 QR codes have already been deployed with merchants and service providers, and r

Spain consults on 2G and 3G network shutdown
SPAIN 18 DEC

Spain consults on 2G and 3G network shutdown

Spain's Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Administration has announced the launch of a public consultation on the future shutdown of 2G and 3G networks to free up space for 4G, 5G and future 6G technologies. The aim is to gather information and proposals from operators, administrations and other affected stakeholders with a view to carrying out an orderly transition and defining aspects such as shutdown schedules by operator and technology.

Algeria plans to start building new submarine cable imminently
ALGERIA 18 DEC

Algeria plans to start building new submarine cable imminently

The government plans to connect to a new undersea fibre-optic cable to boost internet speeds, Algeria Press Service reported citing ICT minister Sid Ali Zerrouki. He said construction of the cable project would begin by 20 December, but gave no details such as the name of the infrastructure, its capacity, cost, technical partners or commissioning schedule.Algeria is currently connected to five submarine cables, namely the TE North/TGN-Eurasia/SEACOM/Alexandros/Medex, SeaMeWe-4, Oran-Valencia (ORVAL), Med Ca

CZECH REPUBLIC 17 DEC

CTU attracts over 7,000 participants for Telecom Academy lectures

Czech telecommunications regulator CTU announced that 7,188 people participated in educational activities under its project Telecommunications Academy. The audience included 4,014 children and adolescents.

BRAZIL 17 DEC

Brazil to provide up to USD 500 million funding for TV 3.0

Brazil's External Financing Commission (Cofiex) has approved a request from the Ministry of Communications to secure up to USD 500 million (BRL 2.7 billion) in financing for the implementation of TV 3.0. The financing, to be structured with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), will allow broadcasters to begin the transition to a new digital television standard, DTV+.

ANGOLA 17 DEC

Angola opens new hub for Angosat-2 satellite

Angola has opened a new hub for its Angosat-2 satellite, located at the Satellite Control and Mission Centre (MCC) in Funda, reported Jornal de Angola. It will provide direct and easy access to Angosat-2's capabilities for telecommunications operators, start-ups, and small and medium-sized businesses. The initiative aims to expand connectivity, supporting business models using VSAT terminals for remote connectivity.

SOUTH AFRICA 17 DEC

South Africa names new heads of SITA and media board

South Africa's communications ministry announced the appointment of new chief executives for South Africa's State IT Agency (SITA) and Film and Publications Board (FPB). Magatho Mello takes on the role of managing director at SITA, while Nketheleni Norman Gidi will head up the FPB as its CEO. They have both been appointed on a five-year fixed-term contract, following approval by Cabinet. The department also noted that the Cabinet has approved the designation of Themba Phiri as Sentech board chairperson, for

SOUTH SUDAN 17 DEC

South Sudan approves two new telecom towers in Jonglei State

South Sudan's ICT minister Ateny Wek Ateny approved the construction of two new telecommunications towers aimed at improving network coverage across Jonglei State. The authorization was granted following the minister's review of a detailed report from the Governor of Jonglei State on the state's current communication challenges. Ateny said the new towers will be installed in North Ayod and in Ayod South.

NEW ZEALAND 17 DEC

New Zealand government to sell Chorus investment

The New Zealand government has decided to proceed with the early monetisation of debt it holds in Chorus, bringing forward the return of funds originally provided to support the national fibre broadband rollout. Between 2012 and 2023, the Crown provided Chorus with NZD 1.336 billion in interest-free loans to accelerate deployment of the Ultra-Fast Broadband network. Chorus repaid NZD 170 million of that funding in 2025, leaving securities with a remaining face value of NZD 1.16 billion. The loans are not du

CANADA 16 DEC

Canadian govt launches new scheme to boost quantum technology ecosystem

The Canadian government has launched Phase 1 of the Canadian Quantum Champions Program (CQCP), supported by a CAD 92 million investment, to strengthen the country's quantum ecosystem and retain talent. This is part of a 5-year, CAD 334.3 million investment announced in the Budget 2025 to boost the quantum technology ecosystem in Canada.

UNITED KINGDOM 16 DEC

US govt suspends 'tech prosperity deal' with UK

The US government has suspended the 'tech prosperity deal' with the UK as it looks to secure improved terms for wider trade, writes UK newspaper 'The Telegraph'. The tech agreement was announced during President Trump's state visit to the UK in September, and included investment commitments worth GBP 31 billion from major US tech companies. 

SOUTH AFRICA 16 DEC

South Africa softens policy requiring Black equity investors in telecom operators

South African ICT minister Solly Malatsi has published a gazette notice endorsing the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIPs) in the ICT sector. The policy direction follows a draft published in May that received over 19,000 public comments, with 90 percent supporting the policy direction for the regulatory clarity it provides and its potential to expand access to high-speed internet, the minister said. The order instructs the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to permit for

UNITED STATES 16 DEC

Intel unveils new hires including Trump assistant as VP for government affairs

Intel has named the Deputy Assistant to US President Donald Trump and deputy director of the National Economic Council as its senior vice president of government affairs. Robin Colwell's tenure in the White House began in January, where she has taken an active role in policy formulation targeting many parts of the US economy. Her earlier work included advising clients on telecoms, technology and cybersecurity policy on behalf of lobbying group BGR. She will remain based in Washington DC, allowing Intel to m

EUROPE 16 DEC

Netherlands to take over chair of European Media Board in 2026

Amma Asante, chair of the Dutch media regulator CvdM, has been elected chair also of the European Media Board. She replaces Carlos Aguilar from Spanish regulator CNMC at the head of the EU body from January 2026. The Media Board brings together the national media regulators from the EU member states to coordinate their work and implementation of EU legislation. 

UNITED KINGDOM 16 DEC

UK govt launches new Women in Tech taskforce

The UK government has announced the launch of the new 'Women in Tech' taskforce to support more women to enter and lead in the UK technology sector. The launch comes as research shows that the UK economy loses GBP 2-3.5 billion a year from women leaving the tech sector or changing jobs due to barriers holding them back. The taskforce aims to break down these barriers, unlock the full talent pool and boost economic growth.

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