Instagram app expands to Samsung smart TVs, tries horizontal videos
UNITED STATES 14:45

Instagram app expands to Samsung smart TVs, tries horizontal videos

Instagram is expanding on smart TVs, with a new distribution deal with Samsung in the US and additional features for its smart TV app. The social network launched on Google TV last year and it has been working since then to improve the experience. It's available now for Samsung smart TVs from 2020 or newer, in the US only to start. Along with its presence on Amazon Fire TV and Google TV, Instagram is available across the majority of connected TV devices in the US, parent company Meta said.

NBI on track to complete Carlow network build by end-2026
IRELAND 14:36

NBI on track to complete Carlow network build by end-2026

National Broadband Ireland (NBI) is on schedule to complete its main County Carlow network build by end-2026, with the National Broadband Plan (NBP) rural network roll-out entering its final stage. The State Intervention Area of the NBP covers 8,000 premises across County Carlow. Overall, the network will reach 566,000 homes, farm and businesses across rural Ireland. 

Nextlink Internet extends contract with Aviat Networks
UNITED STATES 14:30

Nextlink Internet extends contract with Aviat Networks

US rural ISP Nextlink Internet has extended a contract with Aviat Networks, provider of wireless transport solutions, for a BEAB programme-funded network deployment. This will see Nextlink install Aviat high-performance microwave, E-band and multi-band systems to expand wireless internet connectivity to thousands of unserved locations across its 12-state operating area. 

Ethio Telecom backs launch of new Mesob govt app
ETHIOPIA 14:27

Ethio Telecom backs launch of new Mesob govt app

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has inaugurated the unified Mesob application at the Digital for Excellence summit in Addis Ababa. The application consolidates public services from multiple government institutions into a single interface. Abiy said the one-stop service operates as critical economic infrastructure, saving citizens' time, eliminating corruption gaps, and strengthening institutional integrity. At the core of this transformation is Ethio Telecom, which serves as the primary technical partne

UK govt could force social media firms to prioritise PSB news content - report
UNITED KINGDOM 14:21

UK govt could force social media firms to prioritise PSB news content - report

The UK government is considering forcing video platforms and social networks to give priority to BBC and other public service broadcasting (PSB) content, reports The Telegraph newspaper. According to unnamed sources at the Department for Culture, Media & Sport, the proposals would give priority to news from PSBs, including ITV and Channel 4, to help tackle disinformation and maker it easier for internet users to access "trusted news sources". A consultation on the proposals is expected to be published in th

Consumer Cellular launches new SpeakEasy brand for over 75s
UNITED STATES 14:10

Consumer Cellular launches new SpeakEasy brand for over 75s

Consumer Cellular, US mobile service for over 50s, has launched its first standalone brand within the Consumer Cellular offering called SpeakEasy. This new brand is targeted at adults aged 75+, helping them stay connected with uncomplicated, wireless solutions. SpeakEasy is launching with two devices older American to choose from - a flip phone or smartphone; with all plans including nationwide coverage, unlimited talks and texts.

NatureTime natural world content launches on ITVX
UNITED KINGDOM 14:00

NatureTime natural world content launches on ITVX

UK broadcaster ITV has signed a content agreement with Blue Ant Media to make its NatureTime natural world programming brand available on the ITVX streaming platform. NatureTime documentaries and series will be available on ITV in summer 2026 as part of a co-branded block and FAST channel. The partners will also launch content on a new YouTube channel called ITV NatureTime. 

Mavenir unveils agentic telecoms layer built to TM Forum spec
GLOBAL 13:52

Mavenir unveils agentic telecoms layer built to TM Forum spec

Mavenir is preparing to launch a TM Forum-compliant framework for agentic telecoms implementations. The Agentic Service Assurance Framework complies with TM Forum's IG1251 and IG1453 specifications, and was announced ahead of the alliance's DTW Ignite event in Copenhagen.

TrendAI launches in UAE
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 13:50

TrendAI launches in UAE

TrendAI, the enterprise AI security business of Trend Micro, has officially debuted in the UAE with a prominent brand reveal on Ain Dubai. This regional launch follows Trend Micro's global rebrand earlier 2026, which consolidated its enterprise cybersecurity business under the TrendAI identity.

Plus discounts Samsung, Motorola, Xiaomi flagship smartphones
POLAND 13:49

Plus discounts Samsung, Motorola, Xiaomi flagship smartphones

Polish operator Polkomtel, trading under the Plus brand, has introduced a promotion of Samsung, Motorola and Xiaomi smartphones with discounts up to PLN 1,000. The Samsung Galaxy S26+ 5G 12/256GB is available for PLN 4,899, down by PLN 700, and the S26 Ultra 12/256GB model costs PLN 6,099, down  by PLN 400. The Samsung Galaxy A57 8/128GB is offered for PLN 1,999, the Galaxy Watch 8 40mm LTE is available for PLN 999, down by PLN 300, and the Galaxy Buds 4 are offered for PLN 499, down by PLN 50. 

Yandex places RUB 60 bln in bonds
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 13:47

Yandex places RUB 60 bln in bonds

Russian internet company Yandex has completed the issue of two series of non-convertible bonds totaling RUB 60 billion on the Moscow Exchange. The floating-coupon issue totaled RUB 40 billion with a three-year maturity, and the fixed-coupon issue amounted to RUB 20 billion, with a two-year maturity.

Airtel's marketing head, Connected Homes CEO resigns, moves to Singtel
INDIA 13:41

Airtel's marketing head, Connected Homes CEO resigns, moves to Singtel

Bharti Airtel has announced that Siddharth Sharma has resigned from his role of CEO Connected Homes and director of marketing, effective immediately. Siddharth will pursue an external professional opportunity. He is moving to a senior executive leadership role within the Singtel Group, an investor in Airtel.

EUROPE 13:29

5G availability soars to almost 80 percent across 29 European markets - Opensignal

Opensignal has published market research exploring 5G performance and adoption in most EU markets plus the UK, Switzerland and Norway. The insights are based on sample connection data collected in Q1 2026. These figures show that user devices were in reach of a 5G signal more than 78 percent of the time, with the figure rising above 90 percent in a handful of markets, namely Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden and Cyprus. This indicates that 5G infrastructure has reached maturity across the EU and aligned stat

SWITZERLAND 13:24

Swisscom introduces spam call alert on Callfilter

Swisscom has introduced the new 'Warning: suspected spam' alert function for its Callfilter. The alert warns of a suspected fraud call through a message on the display. Customers can decide whether or not to take the call. The new function is part of the Callfilter service, which is activated by default for all customers. The function can be disabled or re-enabled free of charge at any time.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 13:23

Commvault partners with UAE Cyber Security Council to boost cyber resilience

The UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) and Commvault have launched a dedicated Innovation Centre of Excellence in Abu Dhabi, as part of efforts to strengthen the national digital resilience and safeguard critical infrastructure. The CoE will serve as a regional hub for cyber resilience research and innovation and digital infrastructure protection. It will also provide a central venue for executive, customer, and partner engagements, as well as dedicated workstations and demonstration areas showcasing Commvaul

LITHUANIA 13:21

Telia Lithuania acquires 5G frequencies for almost EUR 10 mln

Telia Lithuania acquired two blocks in the 1,500 MHz band for almost EUR 10 million in an auction organized by the regulator RRT. The company received the largest share of these frequencies sold, at 40 MHz, sand said it will use the spectrum for further development of the 5G network. A total of three 20 MHz frequency blocks were sold at the auction. 

GERMANY 13:17

Vodafone Germany expands 5G network at University Hospital Frankfurt

Vodafone Germany has expand the 5G network at the University Hospital Frankfurt. The company said it installed over 650 antennas in the main building of the campus and across the hospital grounds, ensuring almost full coverage both indoors and outdoors. Additionally, Vodafone laid approximately 24,000 meters of Cat7 cables and 10,700 meters of fibre-optic cable. The network infrastructure at the hospital campus is also equipped with 458 Distributed Antenna Systems, seven GPS antennas, 59 indoor radio units

COTE D'IVOIRE 13:13

Orange Cote d'Ivoire expands B2B digital push

Orange Côte d'Ivoire has doubled down on local business digitalisation in a showcase of its unified cloud, cybersecurity and connectivity solutions, Ecofin reported. At the Orange Business Days – After Work event in Abidjan, the operator highlighted its specialised subsidiary OC2S as the preferred partner for enterprise digital transformation and presented dedicated cyber and connectivity solutions for multiple industries. In addition, Orange Money launched the OM Business mobile application for businesses

UGANDA 13:01

UCC proposes tax cuts to boost digital economy

Lower taxes on smartphones, internet data and mobile money transactions could support digital inclusion, infrastructure investment, and innovation, according to a report from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). The report says Uganda's communications sector has grown to 43 million mobile subscriptions and 27 million internet users, yet faces high access costs due to a heavy tax burden. The regulator identified multiple levies, including excise duties, VAT, and import duties on devices, as a hinderen

CZECH REPUBLIC 12:57

T-Mobile Czechia appoints new CMO

T-Mobile Czech Republic has appointed Timea Balogh the Head of Brand & Marketing Communication from 01 August. She comes from parent company Deutsche Telekom where she is marketing manager for B2C Europe. She previously worked at sister company Magyar Telekom in Hungary for almost five years and at ad agencies such as DDB Budapest, ACG Budapest, Republic Group and others. 

BELGIUM 12:54

KBC adds eSim data roaming to app with Firsty

Belgian bank KBC is adding roaming data to its mobile app, in cooperation with the mobile services provider Firsty. KBC Mobile users can buy and manage roaming bundles for various destinations directly in the app, using an eSim card. Daily passes start at EUR 3.50, with prices falling as longer periods are booked. Over 180 destinations are covered. Customers need to install the eSim just once, and can then use it for multiple trips or bundles.

LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN 12:48

Waiken ILW, Tappp debut live sports data panel on DGO, Sky+ in South America

Waiken ILW, the telecommunications holding company created by Grupo Werthein, has partnered with interactive TV firm Tappp to launch a live sports data panel on the DGO and Sky+ platforms. The feature, called "Sports Experience", has been integrated into DGO across Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Uruguay, as well as on Sky+ in Brazil.

GLOBAL 12:36

Radcom intros analytic design module with 10-second resolution to support agentic ops

Radcom has introduced an analytics configuration module in its network service assurance suite Radcom ACE. The Analytics Design Module (ADM) is used to define and configure network analytics, key performance indicators (KPIs) and alarm thresholds. Launching in Q3, ADM draws on Radcom ACE's assurance data and correlates it on the fly with Call Detail Record (CDR) sessions to create reliable datasets for analysis.

BELGIUM 12:35

Telenet procures Netcracker BSS to unify B2B services stack

Netcracker  has announced an extended contract with Belgian cable operator Telenet to consolidate business-grade services into a unified BSS infrastructure. Telenet will migrate enterprise accounts and B2B products onto Netcracker's digital BSS platform, including dedicated modules for Revenue Management, Commerce Management, Customer Management, Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) and Service Inventory Management.

Just In

14:45

Instagram app expands to Samsung smart TVs, tries horizontal videos

14:36

NBI on track to complete Carlow network build by end-2026

14:30

Nextlink Internet extends contract with Aviat Networks

14:27

Ethio Telecom backs launch of new Mesob govt app

Commentary

5 MEI 10:55

KPN: the art of making one-offs structural

4 MEI 14:25

Open Dutch Fiber outlook: time to restart roll-out?

20 APR 10:36

Netflix back to organic growth and doing just fine

11 FEB 12:29

Odido shareholders face tricky exit after abandoned IPO

Background

21 JUN 22:52

The week in telecom: sovereignty debate comes to VivaTech, Ericsson succession and Fox buys Roku

1 JUN 00:13

The week in telecom: EU telcos push sovereign services as governments question foreign tech investors

23 MEI 23:42

The week in telecom: Starlink ready to go public, Singapore telco M&A and Google courts AI subscribers at I/O

18 MEI 00:31

The week in telecom: US operators mount rural satellite challenge, Cisco cashes in on AI boom