Imec, ASML open new pilot line for chip research with EU backing
The Belgian chip research centre Imec has inaugurated a 2,000-m2 extension of its clean room with the help of EU funding to expand its work on the next generation of semiconductors. The new extension expands its capacity by 20 percent and will be fitted with the latest ASML EUV scanner in mid-March to support development of so-called nano ICs, beyond the current leading edge production node at 2nm.
Imec, ASML open new pilot line for chip research with EU backing
The Belgian chip research centre Imec has inaugurated a 2,000-m2 extension of its clean room with the help of EU funding to expand its work on the next generation of semiconductors. The new extension expands its capacity by 20 percent and will be fitted with the latest ASML EUV scanner in mid-March to support development of so-called nano ICs, beyond the current leading edge production node at 2nm.
EU finds WhatsApp ban on external AI apps unfair competition from Meta
Meta may have to open up WhatsApp to competing AI apps in the European Union. The European Commission said its preliminary investigation found that Meta is violating EU competition law by excluding competing AI assistants from the WhatsApp Business platform. This gives an unfair advantage to the Meta AI app, which is the only such service permitted on WhatsApp Business since mid-January.
EU finds WhatsApp ban on external AI apps unfair competition from Meta
Meta may have to open up WhatsApp to competing AI apps in the European Union. The European Commission said its preliminary investigation found that Meta is violating EU competition law by excluding competing AI assistants from the WhatsApp Business platform. This gives an unfair advantage to the Meta AI app, which is the only such service permitted on WhatsApp Business since mid-January.
Egypt doubles mobile spectrum available in EGP 3.5 bln deal with operators
Egypt has signed a spectrum agreement allocating 410 MHz of additional frequencies to mobile operators for USD 3.5 billion. The ICT minister Amr Talaat said the allocation equals all spectrum made available over the past 30 years and accounts for more than one-third of the USD 10 billion invested in spectrum capacity and operating licences during that period.
Egypt doubles mobile spectrum available in EGP 3.5 bln deal with operators
Singapore's four telcos targeted in cyber attack
Singapore's Cyber Security Agency (CSA) and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) have disclosed details of a large-scale, multi-agency cybersecurity operation to counter a sustained cyber campaign targeting the country's telecommunications sector. The operation, codenamed Operation Cyber Guardian, was launched after advanced persistent threat actor UNC3886 was detected attacking critical infrastructure in July 2025. Subsequent investigations found that the group had conducted a deliberate and coo
Singapore's four telcos targeted in cyber attack
The week in telecoms: hyperscalers vie for capex crown, Telenor and Vodafone profit from smaller footprints
Balancing capital expenditure and shareholder returns is a critical issue for any public telecom operator, but the stakes have changed with the advent of the 'hyperscalers'. Last week Google and Amazon vied for who can spend the most this year, while telcos like NTT and Singtel work on taking their share of the cloud infrastructure business. African operator MTN is taking the notable move of buying back its towers, while Vodafone and Telenor lean back into their core markets to support higher dividends.
The week in telecoms: hyperscalers vie for capex crown, Telenor and Vodafone profit from smaller footprints
Cablenet launches GigaMax Internet, Super 300M plans for residential users
Cyprus operator Cablenet has expanded its tariff portfolio with the launch of two home internet plans. Customers can now subscribe to the GigaMax Internet and Super 300M tariff plans, which feature a 'Same-Day Internet' option to eliminate traditional installation delays. Customers can also take up a 30-day 'Try & Buy' trial, offering a commitment-free window to test the Cablenet network.
Cablenet launches GigaMax Internet, Super 300M plans for residential users
Beeline Russia, Rostelecom automate wholesale commercial offers
Russian operators Beeline and Rostelecom have completed automation of how they form commercial offers. The joint project was focused on a more efficient cooperation between the companies when connecting customers to internet services on the Rostelecom infrastructure. A specialised IT platform from Beeline and the wholesale CRM system from Rostelecom have been integrated so they can process queries and plan offers in a single system, based on the CRM at Rosteleom. Automation has helped reduce errors signific
Beeline Russia, Rostelecom automate wholesale commercial offers
Ucell lauches 5G services in Termez
Uzbekistan operator Ucell announced that it has started providing 5G services in the city of Termez. Mobile broadband at up to 1 Gbps is available for customers there. 5G services from the operator cover downtown Termez, the main transport and business areas, as well as densely populated residential areas. The coverage is planned to expand in future.
Ucell lauches 5G services in Termez
Netia offers broadband at 2 Gbps on wholesale partner networks
Polish operator Netia has started providing fixed broadband services at up to 2 Gbps on the networks of its wholesale partners. The list of the partners includes Fiberhost, Nexera, Orange Poland, Polski Swiatlowod Otwarty, Swiatlowod Inwestycje, Tauron and others. The service available via GPON includes Wi-Fi 7 routers. A subscription for up to 2 Gbps is available over BSA technology on the networks of Orange Poland, Polski Swiatlowod Otwarty and Swiatlowod Inwestycje.
Netia offers broadband at 2 Gbps on wholesale partner networks
Somali govt approves public data protection regulatory framework
Somalia's Cabinet has approved the Regulatory Framework for the Public Data Protection Law, following extensive discussions about the critical need to protect citizens' information and enable transparent governance of data-related activities. The Ministry of Communications and Technology said the newly approved regulation carries strategic significance for strengthening, organising and advancing the national system for public data protection. It introduces essential provisions required for effective impleme
Somali govt approves public data protection regulatory framework
Pepephone introduces convergent plan with pay-TV for Valentine's
MasOrange brand Pepephone has announced the launch of a special fibre-plus-mobile convergent bundle for new users ahead of St. Valentine's Day. The entry-level plan includes fibre at download speeds of 600 Mbps, pay-TV subscriptions and a mobile line with unlimited calls and 35 GB of rollover data is available for EUR 38 a month.
