US CTA backs FCC 6 GHz order enabling wider Wi-Fi access
UNITED STATES 13:14

US CTA backs FCC 6 GHz order enabling wider Wi-Fi access

The US Consumer Technology Association has welcomed the FCC's decision to expand Wi-Fi rights and other unlicensed wireless technologies in the sought-after 6 GHz frequency range. A statement from the association's CEO and executive chair, Gary Shapiro, thanked FCC chairman Brendan Carr for the decision, calling it "pro-innovation".

Dutch pilot finds potential for shared spectrum systems in 3.8 GHz band
NETHERLANDS 11:27

Dutch pilot finds potential for shared spectrum systems in 3.8 GHz band

The Dutch spectrum management agency RDI has found potential for more sharing of radio frequency bands. A pilot conducted last year, the result of which are now published by the authority, found that Dynamic Spectrum Management and Sharing (DSMS) systems can allow for real-time distribution of the frequencies, creating space for new wireless applications while ensuring protection for incumbent users of licensed bands. The study focused on the 3.8-4.2 GHz range. 

US to allow higher power Wi-Fi devices in 6 GHz band
UNITED STATES 10:16

US to allow higher power Wi-Fi devices in 6 GHz band

The US Federal Communications Commission plans to establish a new unlicensed spectrum category enabling wireless devices including Wi-Fi to operate in almost all 6 GHz bands outdoors and at higher power levels than under existing regulations. A report and order from the commission stipulates that devices classified as being "geofenced variable power" (GVP) will be able to operate in the 5.925-6.425 GHz and 6.525-6.875 GHz bands, though with restrictions in predefined exclusion areas and within predetermined

Brazil consults on changes to spectrum plan for digital TV
BRAZIL 29 JAN

Brazil consults on changes to spectrum plan for digital TV

The National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) has approved a public consultation to update Brazil's Frequency Band Allocation, Destination, and Distribution Plan (PDFF), paving the way for TV 3.0, the next generation of free-to-air television. A key proposal is to allocate the 250 MHz to 322 MHz (300 MHz band) for sound and image broadcasting, facilitating the evolution of Brazil's terrestrial digital TV.

Unifique acquires 3.5 GHz band rights in Parana state
BRAZIL 29 JAN

Unifique acquires 3.5 GHz band rights in Parana state

Brazilian regional operator Unifique has acquired the primary authorisation to use an 80 MHz block in the 3.5 GHz radio frequency band in the state of Parana. This frequency, originally awarded to Ligga through the 5G Sul Consortium in an Anatel auction, is valid for 20 years and is extendable. As part of the agreement, Unifique will invest in telecommunications infrastructure from 2026 to 2030 to meet Ligga's coverage commitments in Parana. This includes deploying 745 base stations to serve 336 municipalit

Mauritania opens tender for satellite communication licences
MAURITANIA 28 JAN

Mauritania opens tender for satellite communication licences

The Mauritania Regulatory Authority (ARE) has launched an international tender to award licences for the provision of mobile satellite communications services and/or the sale of satellite capacity, Ecofin reported. The telecom regulator plans to award two license packages. The first package targets companies operating exclusively geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite systems to provide direct retail services to the public. The second package covers the sale of satellite capacity to operators or public and pri

Icasa extends deadline for responses to I-ECNS licence inquiry
SOUTH AFRICA 28 JAN

Icasa extends deadline for responses to I-ECNS licence inquiry

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has extended the deadline for written submissions to its inquiry on new Individual-Electronic Communications Network Services (I-ECNS) licences. Stakeholders now have until 16 February to submit their responses, following considered requests for additional time. The I-ECNS licence allows the holder to build and operate a physical network such as fibre and wireless for providing communications services to the public.

UK looks to simplify building permit rules for fibre cabling
UNITED KINGDOM 28 JAN

UK looks to simplify building permit rules for fibre cabling

The UK government is working on simplifying building permit procedures for the installation of fibre-optic infrastructure and mobile antennas. The Ministry of Housing presented the proposals for changing the application requirements for telecoms work and is calling for feedback from market participants by 24 March. 

Vodafone to acquire Imagine spectrum in 3.6 GHz band
IRELAND 28 JAN

Vodafone to acquire Imagine spectrum in 3.6 GHz band

Vodafone Ireland has agreed the acquisition of additional spectrum rights in the 3.6 GHz band. Comreg has opened a public consultation on the proposed transfer of four regional licences held by BCP IV Telecommunications, the former Imagine Communications, to Vodafone. Comments can be submitted until 23 February.

Ghana enforces licensing of cybersecurity providers from 31 January
GHANA 27 JAN

Ghana enforces licensing of cybersecurity providers from 31 January

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) of Ghana announced a major regulatory enforcement action targeting unlicensed cybersecurity service providers, establishments, and professionals. Starting 31 January, all entities and individuals offering cybersecurity services without proper accreditation will face sanctions, including criminal prosecution and administrative penalties. The action follows earlier directives requiring Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs), Cybersecurity Establishments (CEs), and Cybersecur

Croatia finalizes spectrum management plan
CROATIA (HRVATSKA) 26 JAN

Croatia finalizes spectrum management plan

Croatia's Regulatory Agency for Network Industries (Hakom) has finalised its Strategic Plan for Radio Frequency Spectrum Management Activities for 2026-2029 following a public consultation process. The plan addresses broadcasting, mobile, maritime, aeronautical, and amateur radio. It also covers contemporary topics such as 6G technology, spectrum sharing, the use of the upper 6 GHz band, satellite communications (D2D), drone applications, and regulatory concerns regarding electromagnetic fields and radio eq

Grameenphone secures Bangladesh's first 700 MHz spectrum licence
BANGLADESH 22 JAN

Grameenphone secures Bangladesh's first 700 MHz spectrum licence

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) announced it has allocated 2x10 MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz frequency band to Telenor's subsidiary Grameenphone. The spectrum will be awarded at the base price, which will be around BDT 22 billion after final adjustments for license duration (13 years). The spectrum will be paid in 10 equal annual instalments in addition to annual fees at an estimated BDT 240 million from 2027 onwards.

PORTUGAL 22 JAN

Nos and Vodafone support EU spectrum licensing proposals

Portuguese telecommunications company Nos has endorsed the EU's Digital Network Act (DNA) proposal, specifically highlighting its provision for unlimited spectrum license durations or 40-year renewals, reported Lusa. Nos believes this change is crucial for directing investment towards critical areas like network coverage, quality, resilience, and security, as well as geostrategic investments. Nos urged national authorities to reconsider conditions for licence renewals scheduled for 2027 in line of the new p

NIGERIA 22 JAN

NCC approves six new ISPs

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted licences to six new internet service providers (ISPs) to commence operations in Nigeria starting 01 January. The new licensees are Intellvision Technologies, Granet Technologies, Fiber Sonic, Dasol Solution Services, Boost ISP and Amazon Kuiper Nigeria. NCC licensing data shows that the addition increases the total number of licensed ISPs in Nigeria to 231 from 225 in December 2025.

UNITED KINGDOM 22 JAN

Mobile UK warns outdated planning system holds back 5GSA roll-out

Industry group Mobile UK has called on the government to overhaul the UK's planning system to help boost the roll-out of 5G Standalone (5GSA) networks. Mobile UK described the current planning system as a "digital brake on progress" and is leaving the UK lagging behind other countries worldwide in terms of 5G connectivity. 

BRAZIL 22 JAN

Brazil selects seven companies to manage Infovia 02 project

Brazil's Ministry of Communications has approved seven companies to form the Infovia 02 operator consortium, which will maintain the infrastructure over the next 15 years with an investment of BRL 268 million. This neutral operating model allows various providers to share the infrastructure, which comprises 24 pairs of optical fibres: 12 for the private sector, six for the public sector, and six for technical reserve. The companies chosen are Claro, TIM and Vivo, along with Future Digital, Global Fiber Bras

RUSSIAN FEDERATION 22 JAN

Russia to offer wider 4 GHz band for 5G

Russia's Ministry of Digitisation plans to offer mobile operators the 4,400-4,990 MHz band for 5G services, reports Vedomosti. The 4,800-4,990 MHz band was approved earlier as the basis for 5G services in the country, and it's now planning to award a wider spectrum block. The ministry expects that the commercial launch of 5G services could take place in the country this year.

INDIA 22 JAN

India delicenses lower 6 GHz spectrum band, paves way for Wi-Fi 7 access

The Indian government has delicensed the lower 6 GHz spectrum band. This decision frees up 500 MHz spectrum in the 5925 MHz - 6425 MHz frequency band for public use without the need for a license or frequency assignment. By opening this band, India seeks to clear the way for the immediate rollout of Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 technologies.

BRAZIL 21 JAN

Brazilian regulator consults on maritime mobile service

Brazil's National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) has initiated a public consultation seeking public input for 30 days on a proposed act that outlines new technical and operational requirements for radio frequency use in the Maritime Mobile Limited Service (SLMM). This move aims to update existing regulations to align with international changes in the 2024 Radio Regulations, which were influenced by the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference. The updates specifically address the modernisation of the Gl

EUROPE 21 JAN

Connect Europe, GSMA criticise 'lack of ambition' in EU's telecom reform plan

The EU's proposed Digital Networks Act does not go far enough in reducing the regulatory burden in the telecom sector, according to responses from the GSMA and Connect Europe. They welcomed moves to liberalise spectrum licensing but said the rest of the proposal does little to improve the competitiveness of Europe's telecom market. Ecta, the association representing alternative operators, was more positive on the plans, saying the retention of network access rules will uphold competition in the sector. 

EUROPE 21 JAN

EU unveils Digital Networks Act to simplify telecom regulation

The EU has unveiled the proposed Digital Networks Act, overhauling regulation of the telecom sector in an effort to simplify the existing accumulation of rules and support the transition to more advanced digital networks. The European Commission said the DNA streamlines regulation of the sector, incorporating everything from licensing to network access to services in a single regulation. This is in line with a wider simplification drive at the EU executive that is expected to improve economic competitivenes

SWEDEN 19 JAN

Swedish regulator sees no prospect of D2D in Sweden for at least 5 years

The Swedish Post and Telecom Agency (PTS) said it is likely to take at least five years to bring direct-to-device (D2D) services to Sweden. It cited uncertainty about demand and about cooperation between mobile and satellite operators, as well as limits to service offerings and to compliant handsets. The watchdog's remarks follow an assessment based on interviews with satellite operators, among other things.

CANADA 19 JAN

Canada offers Indigenous communities priority access to unused spectrum

The Canadian government has announced plans to provide greater access to unused spectrum through the Access Licensing Framework. With the aim of boosting connectivity in rural, remote and Indigenous communities, the access licensing process will offer an Indigenous priority window from spring 2026. This will give Indigenous applicants 12 months of priority access to apply for spectrum licences on a first-come, first-served basis. Licensing will then be opened to general applications in 2027.

NAMIBIA 19 JAN

Blue Telecom obtains Cran approval for OneWeb services in Namibia

Blue Telecommunications, a licensed subsidiary of Radio Electronic, has received regulatory approval from the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) to deploy Eutelsat OneWeb services in Namibia. Francois du Toit, CEO of Radio Electronic, said the approval is a milestone for both the company and the country. Du Toit said the achievement reflects its long-standing commitment to innovation, bridging the digital divide and supporting Namibia's growth in the digital age.

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Background

26 JAN 00:31

The week in telecoms: Netflix and Ericsson all about cash, EU sketches out rip-and-replace and copper transition plans

22 JAN 14:28

Netflix can spend more on content and still improve its margin

19 JAN 00:42

The week in telecom: Apple holds on to smartphone crown, Ericsson slims down and CommScope changes name

16 JAN 09:51

Belgian mobile market under pressure from Digi, broadband impact still to come