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

Telit Cinterion and Nokia to launch industrial connectivity bundle with NTN, 5G and Wi-Fi deployment options
GLOBAL 8 JAN

Telit Cinterion and Nokia to launch industrial connectivity bundle with NTN, 5G and Wi-Fi deployment options

Telit Cinterion and Nokia have announced an industrial AIoT product partnership, coupling multi-access 5G, NTN and Wi-Fi connectivity modules with Nokia's Cognitive Digital Mine Platform. The collaboration aims to provide mining, oil and gas, logistics, railways and other industrial clients with AI and digital twins-driven connectivity and compute orchestration, driving more powerful, SLA-grade IoT use cases such as autonomous vehicles, as well as resource planning, asset usage, operational safety and sched

Saudi CST seeks comments on space sector regulations and guidelines by 24 March
SAUDI ARABIA 8 JAN

Saudi CST seeks comments on space sector regulations and guidelines by 24 March

Saudi Arabia's Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) has invited the public to give feedback on the Space Sector Regulations and Guidelines Document by 24 March. It aims to stimulate activities in the sector and ensure their efficient implementation, promote transparency in procedures for granting licences and permits to conduct them, foster an attractive investment environment in the country, and encourage research and innovation.

Trains to Crimea lose mobile access after networks disrupted
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 7 JAN

Trains to Crimea lose mobile access after networks disrupted

Russian railway carrier Grand Service Express said that it isn't able to provide mobile voice and data services on its trains to Crimea, reports Vedomosti. Passengers aren't able to access mobile service for more than a day after mobile internet services in Crimea were disrupted by the threat of Ukrainian drones. The problem is also related to the fact that a significant part of the route from Moscow to Sebastopol crosses sparsely populated areas with few base stations. Satellite services are also impossibl

Net Insight wins GNSS contract from Japanese system integrator Itochu Cable Systems
JAPAN 7 JAN

Net Insight wins GNSS contract from Japanese system integrator Itochu Cable Systems

Swedish company Net Insight said that after a year of successful customer proof-of-concepts, its long-standing system integration partner Itochu Cable Systems has placed an initial order to continue and broaden network-based, GNSS-resilient time synchronisation trials in Japan. Delivery will be made in the first quarter of 2026. Net Insight said Japan standing out as one of the most advanced and strategically significant markets for next-generation mobile and critical infrastructure and that the order is a

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

GCT marks commercial deliveries of 5G RF chipset
GLOBAL 7 JAN

GCT marks commercial deliveries of 5G RF chipset

GCT Semiconductor announced it has completed the inaugural batch of commercial 5G chipset shipments to its customers. This milestone follows sample 5G deployments with multiple clients in late 2025, including a contract with Airspan and Gogo targeting 5G air-to-ground connectivity in North American air flights.

Starlink to help connect remote schools in Armenia
ARMENIA 6 JAN

Starlink to help connect remote schools in Armenia

Armenia will receive over 100 terminals from Starlink to improve internet access in schools in remote communities, reports Arka.am citing the minister of high-tech industry Mkhitar Hayrapetyan. Starlink satellite internet services are available in Armenia since March 2025. 

AT&T sponsors free Wi-Fi on American Airlines flights
UNITED STATES 6 JAN

AT&T sponsors free Wi-Fi on American Airlines flights

AT&T announced a deal to sponsor free Wi-Fi for premium customers at American Airlines. Beginning this month, AAdvantage members will receive free satellite-based Wi-Fi across more than 2 million American Airlines flights a year, sponsored by AT&T.

DirecTV Business rolls out streaming TV option
UNITED STATES 5 JAN

DirecTV Business rolls out streaming TV option

DirecTV for Business announced the US nationwide launch of streaming-based TV subscriptions for small enterprises. The platform provides access to the DirecTV line-up of live and on-demand entertainment content in addition to over 140 FAST (free ad-supported television) channels. This is expected to appeal to urban businesses facing landlord restraints barring satellite dishes or line-of-sight issues encountered in high-rise buildings. Content includes local broadcast station groups, major movie studios, ne

Zimbabwean government plans to launch ZimSat-3
ZIMBABWE 5 JAN

Zimbabwean government plans to launch ZimSat-3

The Zimbabwean government has announced plans to deploy a third national satellite to strengthen the country's capacity to use space-based technology for environmental management and national development, The Herald reported. Under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), it has prioritised the development and deployment of ZimSat-3, building on the foundations laid by the successful launches of ZimSat-1 and ZimSat-2. It enhance Zimbabwe's satellite-based data capabilities in critical sectors including a

Indra completes EUR 725 mln Hispasat takeover, restructures Indra Space
SPAIN 5 JAN

Indra completes EUR 725 mln Hispasat takeover, restructures Indra Space

Spanish ICT and defence group Indra said it has finalised the acquisition of satellite operator Hispasat after receiving regulatory clearance and shareholder approval. The company agreed to pay EUR 725 million to national grid operator Redeia for 89.68 percent of Hispasat, which will be integrated into the Indra Space subsidiary that also includes the company's majority stakes in government satellite services operator Hisdesat (36%) and satellite specialist Deimos (100%).

UGANDA 5 JAN

Starlink blocks services in Uganda

Starlink has blocked its satellite internet service in Uganda as of 01 January following a complaint from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) regarding unauthorised service provision without a licence. In a letter dated 02 January addressed to UCC executive director George William Thembo, Starlink said that it had implemented what it described as a "new service restriction tool" for Uganda, resulting in a complete shutdown of Starlink services there. Ben MacWilliams, Starlink's director of market acc

NEW ZEALAND 2 JAN

One NZ network returns to normal service after bad weather

One New Zealand announced it has restored power to mobile sites and returned to normal services after bad weather impacted over 50 cell sites on its network. During the network disruption started 29 December the operator opened up its satellite text service free to customers to help them stay connected. 

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).

NIGERIA 31 DEC 2025

NCC publishes 2025-2030 spectrum roadmap including plans for D2D

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has released its draft National Spectrum Roadmap for 2025-2030 and Draft Guidelines for the Use of the 60 GHz License-Exempt Band for Multi-Gigabit Wireless Systems. Industry stakeholders, operators, equipment manufacturers, consumer groups and members of the public are invited to submit their comments by 16 January.

GABON 31 DEC 2025

Eutelsat and Airtel bring rail connectivity to Gabon

Eutelsat announced that its OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) connectivity services are being deployed to connect passenger trains in Gabon, delivered in partnership with Airtel Gabon. The deployment builds on successful testing and is being implemented as part of a national initiative led by the Gabonese ICT ministry of merchant marine and logistics, in collaboration with the Transgabon Railway Operating Company (SETRAG). By extending LEO connectivity to rail transport, the project will support Gabon's efforts

EUROPE 30 DEC 2025

Space42 conducts Europe's first licensed HAPS flight for Telespazio wildfire response joint venture

Mira Aerospace, the High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) subsidiary of UAE-based company Space42, has conducted the first HAPS flight in Europe after obtaining civilian operational approval. The flight was executed by Mira Aerospace's ApusNeo18 HAPS model for Telespazio Iberica, part of the Leonardo group. The mission is part of the ISSEC programme, a joint venture by Telespazio Iberica and Pegasus Aero Group, which focuses on developing Spain's wildfire response infrastructure. 

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.

GLOBAL 29 DEC 2025

Starlink doubles internet subscriber base in 2025 to over 9 mln

The satellite internet service Starlink, owned by SpaceX, has passed 9 million subscribers, spread across 155 countries. The last 1 million were added in just seven weeks, following the launch of the services in several new countries, as well as new subscription options added. The rapid growth means the company has roughly doubled its customer base in 2025, from 4.6 million reported at the year. 

MIDDLE EAST 29 DEC 2025

Arabsat signs reseller agreement with ADMC

Arabsat has signed a strategic reseller agreement with ADMC to expand the delivery of its media and connectivity services across the Middle East, Africa and Europe. The partnership is aimed at strengthening Arabsat's regional presence while enhancing access to its satellite-based services for a broader customer base.

SENEGAL 29 DEC 2025

Sonatel Orange launches first satellite internet services in Senegal

Sonatel Orange has launched Senegal's first satellite-based internet services to expand connectivity. The move positions the operator as the first in the market to offer near-national coverage by combining satellite technology with fibre-optic networks, 5G and 4G. The satellite internet service is delivered in partnership with Eutelsat's Konnect platform. It provides unlimited high-speed internet access to households and businesses, with monthly packages priced at XOF 30,000 for residential users and XOF 44

UGANDA 24 DEC 2025

Ugandan govt halts importation of Starlink equipment ahead of polls

Uganda has imposed an immediate restriction on the importation and customs clearance of Starlink satellite internet equipment and related communication devices under a directive from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). The order comes ahead of the 15 January 2026 election. It instructs all customs officials to block the import of Starlink technology unless importers present a formal clearance or authorisation letter from the chief of defence forces of the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF).

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