Belgium drops plans for 26 GHz auction after little market interest
BELGIUM 11:15

Belgium drops plans for 26 GHz auction after little market interest

The Belgian mobile operators are not interested in the 26 GHz band, despite the EU naming this one of the pioneer bands for 5G. The latest market consultation by regulator Bipt found only Proximus interested, but then only if licence prices were much lower and the limits on electromagnetic radiation were relaxed in Brussels and Wallonia regions. Telenet and Orange Belgium said they did not see a need yet for the 26 GHz band, and Citymesh did not respond to the consultation which closed in November. 

EU to avoid new rules for big tech in upcoming Digital Networks Act - report
EUROPE 09:18

EU to avoid new rules for big tech in upcoming Digital Networks Act - report

Big tech companies will not face any new regulations in the EU under the proposed Digital Networks Act, people with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Despite a push from telecom operators to force large internet groups to contribute to the costs of networks and face the same rules as other communication service providers, the EU is not expected to add to the digital regulation already imposed on big tech in recent years when it unveils the draft DNA later this month, the report said. 

UCC denies reports of immediate Starlink launch in partnership with Airtel
UGANDA 08:34

UCC denies reports of immediate Starlink launch in partnership with Airtel

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has dismissed reports that Starlink will launch direct-to-consumer services this week, saying that the satellite provider still lacks the legal authority to operate in the country. UCC executive director Nyombi Thembo said recent speculation about an immediate roll-out in partnership with Airtel Uganda is inaccurate. While Airtel Africa and SpaceX have signed a regional agreement to explore satellite integration, Thembo said the deal is subject to regulatory approv

UK pushes ahead with mobile, Wi-Fi sharing in upper 6 GHz band
UNITED KINGDOM 08:13

UK pushes ahead with mobile, Wi-Fi sharing in upper 6 GHz band

The UK is moving ahead with plans to allow mobile and Wi-Fi services to share the upper 6 GHz band. Regulator Ofcom has issued a detailed proposal on how sharing the spectrum between Wi-Fi and mobile services would work, and said it expects to allow low-power Wi-Fi applications in the frequency range before the end of this year. The proposal is open for public comment until 20 March.

Vodafone Idea confirms AGR extension deal to 2041
INDIA 07:24

Vodafone Idea confirms AGR extension deal to 2041

Vodafone Idea has confirmed an agreement with the Department of Telecom to extend the payment deadline for its outstanding regulatory fees for up to 15 years. The deal covers the outstanding levy on annual gross revenues (AGR) for the fiscal years 2006-07 to 2018-19. The longer payment schedule is expected to help the company conserve cash flow for other obligations, including investing in its network. 

True Move H completes sixth 700 MHz spectrum payment
THAILAND 06:27

True Move H completes sixth 700 MHz spectrum payment

Thai operator True Move H Universal Communication has paid the sixth instalment of its 700 MHz spectrum licence fee to Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), continuing its rollout of low-band spectrum to support nationwide 4G and 5G services. The payment, totalled THA 1.88 billion including VAT. The operator also submitted letters of guarantee from financial institutions to secure the remaining instalments, in line with the licence conditions set by the regulator.

Cooperatives allowed to provide telecom services in Brazil
BRAZIL 8 JAN

Cooperatives allowed to provide telecom services in Brazil

Brazil has passed new legislation that authorises telecommunications services to be provided by cooperatives in Brazil. The new legislation amends the General Telecommunications Law (LGT) and Law 9,295/1996, formally integrating cooperatives into the group of regulated agents eligible for concessions, permits, and authorisations.

Malawi invites former operators to reapply for licences
MALAWI 7 JAN

Malawi invites former operators to reapply for licences

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority has invited former licensees (electronic communications, content and postal/courier) whose licenses were revoked between 2015-2025 to apply for review, saying the move is aimed at ensuring fairness and regulatory transparency in the communications sector. The industry regulator announced a 21-day window for individuals and companies whose licences were revoked over the past ten years to apply for reconsideration. The process will allow affected former licensees

Qatar consults on revised radio spectrum fees
QATAR 7 JAN

Qatar consults on revised radio spectrum fees

Qatar's Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) launched a public consultation on the proposed update of fees for the use of radio spectrum. This review reflects ongoing advancements in wireless services, the release of new bands following recent World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC-19 and WRC-23), and the increasing demand for radio frequencies. The proposed framework maintains CRA's existing formula-based methodology, which ties fees to key parameters such as bandwidth, frequency band, coverage are

Macra seeks comments on national spectrum plan
MALAWI 7 JAN

Macra seeks comments on national spectrum plan

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) published the Malawi National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025 Edition, which is now available for public inspection. The plan outlines the allocation of frequency bands for a wide range of radio communication services across the country and sets the framework for the management and use of the national radio frequency spectrum. Macra has made the plan publicly accessible for stakeholders and interested parties to comment. 

Brisanet secures secondary 2.3 GHz spectrum in 34 cities
BRAZIL 7 JAN

Brisanet secures secondary 2.3 GHz spectrum in 34 cities

Brazilian regional telecom provider Brisanet has secured authorisation from regulator Anatel for secondary use of the 2.3 GHz spectrum in 34 cities across six northeastern states (Maranhao, Paraíba, Bahia, Pernambuco, Ceara and Piaui). This additional capacity will serve to enhance mobile network operations in the region. The approval grants Brisanet access to 40 MHz blocks of spectrum, allocated from 2,370 MHz. As these are secondary use licenses, the spectrum utilisation will be non-exclusive and temporar

Mexico to free up 600 MHz band for 5G
MEXICO 5 JAN

Mexico to free up 600 MHz band for 5G

Mexico's new Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT) has announced plans to include the 600 MHz band (614-698 MHz) in its Annual Programme for the Use and Exploitation of Frequency Bands (PABF) for the year 2026. In a statement, it said the band freed up following the reorganisation of digital terrestrial television (DTT) spectrum is ideal for the deployment of 5G services in the country due to its propagation and coverage characteristics.

NORTH MACEDONIA 5 JAN

North Macedonia surpasses 5G speed targets

North Macedonia anticipates the official launch of a third mobile network operator in early 2026, a move expected to boost market competition, a spokesperson for the Agency for Electronic Communications (AEK) told the Mia agency. The tender process for the third operator saw an extension, with a decision on the most favourable bidder due by 12 January, and frequency approval by 25 February. He also highlighted that Macedonian operators are already averaging 5G speeds of 340 Mbps in cities, surpassing 2029 t

PAKISTAN 2 JAN

Pakistan to offer local ISP licences

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has started granting regional ISP licences, to support local entrepreneurship and greater internet access in the country. The ten-year district-level licences cost a one-time fee of PKR 300,000 plus an annual levy of PKR 100,000. This comes amid a general suspension of new provincial or national licences.

TANZANIA, UNITED REPUBLIC OF 2 JAN

TCRA plans to provide free communication resources for innovators and researchers

The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has issued new guidelines to provide innovators, researchers and start-ups with free communication resources, allowing them to test projects before commercial deployment, the Daily News reported. The resources offered include electronic numbering, radio frequency spectrum, .tz domain names and postcodes. These are provided free of charge temporarily, typically for three months.

INDIA 31 DEC 2025

Vodafone Idea says no govt deal to delay regulatory fees due

Vodafone Idea (Vi) said it had received no word from the Indian government on a possible moratorium on its regulatory dues, as reported in the press. Rumours of a potential suspension or waiver of the fees had resulted in large fluctuations in its share price, prompting the company to issue a statement to the stock market. Vodafone Idea said that as of 31 December it had no such communication from the government.

SAUDI ARABIA 31 DEC 2025

Saudi CST seeks comments on National Frequency Plan by 25 January

Saudi Arabia's Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) has announced a public consultation on the National Frequency Plan (NFP). This plan sets out details of spectrum allocation for radio services in Saudi Arabia, the principles CST uses in allocations, access mechanisms to frequency bands, relevant regulations and international requirements. It aims to enable new and emerging wireless technologies and stimulate investment and innovation in wireless technologies across sectors by providing an a

BRAZIL 31 DEC 2025

Brazil extends tax breaks for IoT and satellite communications to 2030

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has signed Law No. 15,320, extending crucial tax incentives for the telecommunications sector until 31 December 2030. These benefits, which were due to expire at the end of 2025, apply to telecommunications stations used for M2M communication systems and small satellite stations (VSATs).

ITALY 30 DEC 2025

Italy opens applications for regional award of 2.3 GHz spectrum

Italy's ministry of business and made in Italy (MIMIT) announced that it will issue temporary frequency authorisations in the 2.3 GHz band (2300-2400 MHz) for blocks of spectrum available across selected geographical areas of the country. Six provinces are covered by this award, namely Bologna, Milano, Monza e Brianza, Napoli, Palermo, and Roma. Mobile operators are invited to express their interest by submitting an application by the deadline of 31 January.

BOLIVIA 30 DEC 2025

Bolivia opens up country to new satellite internet providers

Bolivia's government has opened up the market for satellite internet with a decree allowing low Earth orbit operators such as Starlink and Amazon Leo to provide services. President Rodrigo Paz signed the decree waiving the restrictions placed on international satellite companies by the socialist administration of his predecessor, Reuters reports. 

PAPUA NEW GUINEA 30 DEC 2025

Starlink withdraws satellite internet services from Papua New Guinea

Starlink has withdrawn its satellite internet services from Papua New Guinea as the government addresses licensing issues. In a service notification to users, Starlink encouraged customers to express support for its full operating approval.

BANGLADESH 29 DEC 2025

Bangladesh updates telecoms law to prevent internet shutdowns

The Advisory Council of the Bangladesh interim government approved a new telecoms ordinance, prohibiting any state shutdowns of the internet and granting increased powers to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission. The Bangladesh Telecommunication (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 is aimed at ensuring that internet and telecommunication services in the country cannot be shut down "even for a minute", the Dhaka Tribune reported from a briefing by Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.

PAKISTAN 29 DEC 2025

Pakistan moves step closer to 5G auction in 2026

The Economic Coordination Committee in Pakistan has approved recommendations from the Spectrum Advisory Committee on releasing additional radio frequencies for mobile services. This is expected to pave the way for an auction in early 2026 and the first 5G services in the country, reports Radio Pakistan. The progress was announced by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima. 

BRAZIL 29 DEC 2025

Rio state govt speeds up antenna licensing to connect unserved areas

The government of the State of Rio de Janeiro, through its Secretariat of Digital Transformation, signed an agreement to bring phone and internet service to 191 unconnected locations. This initiative, part of the RJ Digital Municipalities Program, aims to streamline the installation of telecommunications antennas, accelerate 4G and 5G expansion, and improve public access to digital services in areas like health, education, and transportation.

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Background

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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

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