Ofcom consults on changes to telco security reporting requirements
UNITED KINGDOM 12 MEI

Ofcom consults on changes to telco security reporting requirements

UK regulator Ofcom is consulting on planned changes to security reporting requirements telecoms network operators. These changes include establishing new, clearer reporting thresholds for mobile operators based on the number of mobile masts and customers that could be impacted by a security/cyber incident. It is also proposing to implement new criteria for reporting security incidents impacting mobile sites in rural areas. The consultation closes on 04 August 2026.

China authorises 6G tests in 6 GHz band
CHINA 12 MEI

China authorises 6G tests in 6 GHz band

China has authorised spectrum use for testing 6G technology in the 6 GHz band, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced. The approval was granted to the IMT-2030 (6G) promotion group for trials in selected regions, Xinhua reported.

South African telecom association ACT urges reinvestment of spectrum cash in ICT sector
SOUTH AFRICA 12 MEI

South African telecom association ACT urges reinvestment of spectrum cash in ICT sector

South African telecom operators represented by the Association of Comms & Technology (ACT) are calling for future spectrum auction proceeds to be reinvested into digital infrastructure, rather than absorbed into the national treasury, TechCentral reported. It argues that after the massive costs of the 2022 auction, the current model risks depleting the capital needed to maintain and expand the country's ICT sector. ACT CEO Nomvuyiso Batyi told TechCentral that spectrum auction proceeds and operator fees oug

UK govt considers expanding BBC licence fee to streaming platforms - report
UNITED KINGDOM 12 MEI

UK govt considers expanding BBC licence fee to streaming platforms - report

The UK government is understood to favour expanding the TV licensing system to include streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, instead of adopting BBC funding model that is supported by ads or subscriptions, reports The Times newspaper citing unnamed industry sources. Ministers are believed to be worried about leaving the BBC unable to "unite the nation" if subscriptions and paywalls are introduced; as well as the impact on commercial rivals such as Channel 4 and ITV if the BBC was allowed to

Digi loses appeal against FTTH permit violations
BELGIUM 11 MEI

Digi loses appeal against FTTH permit violations

Digi has lost an appeal against a court ruling saying it had violated permitting procedures with its FTTH network roll-out. The case was originally brought by rival Proximus, claiming Digi had started the work in some places without the necessary permits, using facade cabling rather than underground ducts. Digi's appeal was rejected, meaning it cannot provide services over the lines without risking fines of EUR 3,000 per violation, up to EUR 1.5 million.

Portugal's telecom operators call for consolidation, clarity on license renewals
PORTUGAL 11 MEI

Portugal's telecom operators call for consolidation, clarity on license renewals

CEOs from Portugal's major telecom companies – Nos, Meo, and Vodafone – are adamant that the market needs consolidation, arguing that four operators is unsustainable given falling consumer revenues in 2025. Speaking at the APDC congress in Lisbon, Miguel Almeida from Nos openly criticised the regulator Anacom for promoting the entry of a fourth operator (Digi). He stated that "consolidation will happen" as it's impossible to compete on price in a market of Portugal's size with so many players. Ana Figueired

Brazilian ISPs advocate for 6 GHz Wi-Fi, conduct live demo
BRAZIL 11 MEI

Brazilian ISPs advocate for 6 GHz Wi-Fi, conduct live demo

Abrint, the Brazilian Association of Internet and Telecommunications Providers, has conducted a live demonstration of Wi-Fi in the 6 GHz band at the Abrint Global Congress 2026, advocating for the rollout of the technology in Brazil. For the demonstration, Abrint obtained temporary authorisation from Anatel to use Wi-Fi 7 equipment in the 6 GHz band at full standard power, which allows higher power operation for outdoor access points. The setup utilised Ruckus and Ubiquiti equipment, including external acce

Algerian govt and telecoms regulator discuss ways to improve coverage on main road networks
ALGERIA 8 MEI

Algerian govt and telecoms regulator discuss ways to improve coverage on main road networks

Algerian authorities have ordered telecom operators to strengthen mobile coverage along strategic highways or face potential penalties, Ecofin reported. A meeting on 06 May chaired by ICT minister Sid Ali Zerrouki with the head of the Regulatory Authority for Posts and Electronic Communications (ARPCE) reviewed the state of telecommunication networks and service quality across the country. It focused particularly on coverage and service quality along the East-West Highway, after the expiry of deadlines prev

NTIA launches Spectrum.gov portal
UNITED STATES 8 MEI

NTIA launches Spectrum.gov portal

The US National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has launched a dedicated web portal for wireless spectrum policy resources and updates, with the aim of spurring US leadership ahead of 6G standardisation at the 2027 World Radiocommunications Conference. The new Spectrum.gov portal is now live after being unveiled at the 2026 CTIA Summit by the US Department of Commerce's assistant secretary for telecoms Arielle Roth. The platform is tailored to the needs of industry stakeholders and

Colombia defines 900 MHz spectrum allocation process
COLOMBIA 8 MEI

Colombia defines 900 MHz spectrum allocation process

Colombia's Ministry of Information Technology and Communications (Mintic) has officially opened the application period to grant spectrum usage permits in the 900 MHz band to local operators with a view to connecting rural and remote areas where coverage by commercial operators is currently insufficient or non-existent. The allocation of usage permits will be carried out through two Objective Selection Processes (OSP), one for local community groups and one for ISPs.

Mozambique's regulators improve coordination on aeronautical communications
MOZAMBIQUE 7 MEI

Mozambique's regulators improve coordination on aeronautical communications

Mozambique's Communications Regulatory Authority (INCM) and Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority (IACM) have renewed their memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in managing the radio spectrum and ensure safe, reliable, and continuous aeronautical services. The MoU outlines how aeronautical mobile service radio frequencies will be planned, managed, reserved, and assigned, following the national frequency plan. The agreement aims to improve ways to stop and lessen signal interference. It seeks to

Jordan's TRC rules out fourth mobile operator
JORDAN 7 MEI

Jordan's TRC rules out fourth mobile operator

Jordan's Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) has confirmed that the government has no intention of licensing a fourth telecom company to provide mobile services in the country, Jordan News reported. Lara Al-Khateeb, chairperson of the board of commissioners, saidd that licenses are being issued for companies providing internet services and vehicle tracking, adding that there are already 111 companies licensed to provide various telecommunications services. However, there is no perceived need for

BELGIUM 7 MEI

Telenet shows strong improvement in 5G coverage in latest Bipt checks

Telenet has significantly improved its 5G coverage to around 90 percent of households in Belgium, from just 18 percent at the end of 2023, according to new checks by the regulatore Bipt. It found that all the mobile operators are meeting their coverage obligations with diminishing differences in coverage for the three main providers. 

UNITED KINGDOM 7 MEI

Mobile UK submits response to govt mobile market review

Industry group Mobile UK has submitted its response to the government's 2026 Mobile Market Review Call for Evidence. Mobile UK believes the UK is at a "critical turning point", with the review providing an "unmissable opportunity" to adopt "pro-growth" policies for the mobile connectivity sector which could deliver an economic boost of up to GBP 230 billion. 

POLAND 6 MEI

Poland updates spectrum plan for 700 MHz, upper 6 GHz bands

The Polish Government Legislation Centre has published a draft regulation amending the National Spectrum Allocation Table. The most important changes in the proposed regulation include the identification of additional radio frequencies for mobile systems such as 4G and 5G, as well as future 6G networks. This includes the 6,425–7,125 MHz band.

SWEDEN 6 MEI

Sweden plans 1500 MHz licence auction in Q1 2028

Swedish telecoms regulator PTS has announced plans to hold an auction for licences to use radio transmitters in the 1500 MHz frequency band in the first quarter of 2028. Demand exceeds supply for the band, which should be able to improve both coverage and capacity, said Anna-Maria Lann, head of the watchdog's spectrum analysis unit.

GHANA 6 MEI

Ghana's NCA hosts Gambian study tour of broadcasting monitoring facility

The Ghanaian National Communications Authority (NCA) has hosted a delegation from The Gambia's Department of Information Services for a study tour at its Broadcasting Monitoring Centre (BMC) in Accra. Deputy director general in charge of technical operations at the NCA Suleman Salifu provided an overview of the BMC's role in broadcast compliance enforcement and spectrum surveillance, highlighting the authority's capabilities in ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.

EUROPE 6 MEI

GSMA report calls for doubling European mobile capex to regain 5G lead

Europe's mobile industry needs to double its capital expenditure in order to keep up with other industrialised nations in 5G coverage and capacity, a new report from the GSMA suggests. The mobile industry group's research arm calculates European operators will invest around EUR 270 billion in the next decade to maintain their existing infrastructure and implement standard technology upgrades. However, to fully realise the potential of 5G another EUR 200 billion will be needed, according to the report. 

SPAIN 6 MEI

Cellnex powers Spain's first regional DAB+ radio network in Balearics

Spanish operator Cellnex Telecom and regional partners have officially launched Spain's first regional DAB+ digital radio network in the Balearic Islands. The project, presented at the Alfabia telecommunications centre in Mallorca, is being developed in collaboration with the Balearic Islands government, IB Digital and public broadcaster IB3.

KAZAKHSTAN 5 MEI

Kazakhstan ready to allow MVNOs on mobile market

The Kazakhstan Ministry of AI and Digital Development has prepared a draft regulation on allowing MVNOs in the country, reports Profit.kz. Public consultations on the proposal run until 20 May.

BRAZIL 5 MEI

Brazil awards regional licences in 700 MHz band to four operators

Amazonia Servicos Digitais, Brisanet, Unifique and Iez! won mobile frequencies during the auction of the 700 MHz band in Brazil, paying BRL 23 million in grants. The initiative is set to bring high-quality phone and internet services to about 680,000 people in small towns with over 600 inhabitants. Additionally, 6,500 kilometres of federal highways, including the BR-101 which will have full coverage by 2026, will gain connectivity, improving logistics and traveller safety.

COLOMBIA 1 MEI

Colombia consults on new mobile spectrum caps

Colombia's Ministry of Information Technology and Communications (Mintic) has opened a public consultation on updated rules for radio spectrum caps aimed at mobile communications with a view to expanding the country's digital connectivity. The consultation is open to all interested parties until 14 May.

BRAZIL 30 APR

Brazil 700 MHz mobile auction delayed by lawsuits

Brazil's National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) will resume the bidding process for the 700 MHz sub-band on 4 May, with a public session dedicated to opening, analysing, and judging price proposals. The auction was reinstated following a ruling by the Federal Regional Court of the 3rd Region (TRF-3), which suspended the effects of a prior injunction and authorised the continuation of the process. Offers will be evaluated for the bands 708–718 MHz and 763–773 MHz for mobile services.

ITALY 29 APR

Iliad Italia unveils 'Piu Veloci' plan to reshape spectrum ahead of 2029 licence expiry

Italian operator Iliad Italia has unveiled a plan aimed at accelerating next-generation mobile network development ahead of the 2029 expiry of licences covering about 73 percent of Italy's mobile spectrum, proposing a wide-ranging reallocation of frequencies and regulatory changes. The 'Più Veloci' ('Faster') plan, presented at Iliad Italia's Milan HQ, outlines four pillars focused on expanding spectrum availability, increasing network signal strength, boosting investment and improving competition. 

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