Viva Armenia named fastest mobile network in Ookla Q1 survey
ARMENIA 13:07

Viva Armenia named fastest mobile network in Ookla Q1 survey

Viva Armenia has been recognised by Ookla as the fastest mobile network in Armenia based on Speedtest Intelligence data for the first quarter of this year. According to the Speedtest Awards results published by Ookla, Viva ranked first among mobile operators in Armenia with a Speed Score of 64.59, achieving median download speeds of 101.44 Mbps and median upload speeds of 21.99 Mbps. 

STC Group renews Esports World Cup partnership to boost brand awareness
GLOBAL 13:07

STC Group renews Esports World Cup partnership to boost brand awareness

STC Group, the founding and elite partner of the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026, has renewed its partnership for a third year, reaffirming commitment to nurturing the gaming sector and solidifying its position as a leading global brand. The group's prominent presence at the inaugural event in Paris highlights the depth of its commitment.

Beltelecom, MTS Belarus extend convergent promo to year-end
BELARUS 13:06

Beltelecom, MTS Belarus extend convergent promo to year-end

Belarusian national operator Beltelecom and MTS Belarus has extended their joint promotion of convergent packages until 31 December. The offer is also available in the city of Borisov since the beginning July. The offer includes double-play services from Beltelecom and mobile packages from MTS Belarus and is available in 25 cities in total. It comes with a 50 percent discount for the Yasna package from Beltelecom and two SIMs from MTS Belarus connected to the tariff Grand Unlim Pro.

Miranda-Media upgrades network in Crimea
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 13:05

Miranda-Media upgrades network in Crimea

Crimea-based operator Miranda-Media said that it has deployed more than 60 new base stations in Crimea within the past three months. That includes 36 base stations launched in the city and municipality of Simferopol. Another 110 existing base stations have been upgraded.

GSMA net zero report reveals network operational emissions fell 5% in 2024
GLOBAL 13:02

GSMA net zero report reveals network operational emissions fell 5% in 2024

The GSMA's analysis of mobile telecoms' net zero progress shows global emissions in network operations fell 5 percent in 2024, doubling the average reduction over the previous four years.  The figure is based on emissions data from over 110 mobile operators, accounting for 85 percent of global connections. Estimates in GSMA's Mobile Net Zero Report show operational emissions fell 13 percent from 2019 to 2024. Despite a 10 percent rise in global mobile connections versus 2019, 2024 emissions fell to 115 mill

MTN Uganda boosts prizes at 2026 Tooro Kingdom Amasaza tournament
UGANDA 12:52

MTN Uganda boosts prizes at 2026 Tooro Kingdom Amasaza tournament

MTN Uganda and the Tooro Kingdom have begun the fifth Amasaza Football Tournament alongside the second Netball Tournament under the operator's 'Free Your Fire' campaign. Brand sponsorships and events manager John Paul Okwi reaffirmed the company's commitment to empowering youth through sport. MTN Uganda is boosting the football prize fund from UGX 25 million to UGX 35 million and the netball prize fund from UGX 10 million to UGX 15 million.

Gabon reviews TikTok's progress in content moderation and online safety
GABON 12:44

Gabon reviews TikTok's progress in content moderation and online safety

Gabon has advanced its digital platform governance agenda by holding talks with TikTok executives at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting was led by minister of digital economy, digitisation and innovation Mark-Alexandre Doumba and included senior TikTok leadership for the Middle East, Africa, Turkey and Central Asia (MEA) region. The delegation reviewed progress since Gabon's February 2026 digital platform suspensions, focusing on creating a structured

Vodafone report underlines consumer benefits a year on from 3 UK merger
UNITED KINGDOM 12:41

Vodafone report underlines consumer benefits a year on from 3 UK merger

The merger of Vodafone and 3 UK has had little impact on Sim-only prices in the mobile market and improved network coverage for their customers, according to a study by Frontier Economics commissioned by the operator. Vodafone said the research one year on from the merger shows the combination is delivering "tangible consumer benefits", as promised. 

CRAN appoints economics and market development manager from UN World Food Programme
NAMIBIA 12:21

CRAN appoints economics and market development manager from UN World Food Programme

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has announced the appointment of Bridget Ellen Dundee as its new manager for economics and market development. Dundee joins CRAN from the United Nations World Food Programme, where she was policy officer for markets and financial systems, managing donor partnerships and government engagements for social protection programmes. At CRAN, her responsibilities include informing evidence-based regulatory decisions, monitoring market competition and driving

Ethiopia modernises tax collection with nationwide Telebirr integration
ETHIOPIA 12:15

Ethiopia modernises tax collection with nationwide Telebirr integration

Ethiopia has expanded its mobile tax payment system nationwide via Ethio Telecom's telebirr platform, marking one of Africa's largest integrations of mobile money into public revenue collection.

Total CX and Bahrain Kuwait Insurance sign deal to boost customer experience
KUWAIT 12:06

Total CX and Bahrain Kuwait Insurance sign deal to boost customer experience

Beyon Group subsidiary Total CX has signed three agreements with Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Company (BKIC) that cover manpower outsourcing, tele-sales services, and AI services. Total CX will provide integrated support for workforce management, sales operations and AI-driven services. This allows BKIC to scale its customer service operations, boost sales performance, and drive efficiency in customer-facing functions while maintaining strict service standards.

TIM hikes cost of printed bills to EUR 6/mth
ITALY 12:03

TIM hikes cost of printed bills to EUR 6/mth

Telecom Italia (TIM) has announced on its website that further existing landline plans will be subject to a price increase of EUR 2.99 a month (including VAT) starting 01 October, while more customers still receiving printed bills will need to pay an additional EUR 5.99 a month for the privilege. The latter increase was attributed to economic needs as well as the requirement to reduce the environmental impact of services offered by TIM in a changed market context.

BAHRAIN 11:53

STC Pay Bahrain brings out STC Pay Business Solutions

STC Pay Bahrain has launched the STC Pay Business Solutions corporate financial management range. It lets businesses manage spending, process payroll, facilitate transfers and accept payments. The platform maximises operational efficiency from day one with seamless digital onboarding, a single agreement process, and a unified dashboard for comprehensive financial oversight.

GLOBAL 11:47

IDC records nearly 7% fall in Q2 smartphone shipments

IDC estimates that second quarter smartphone shipments fell 6.7 percent year-on-year to 277.5 million units. The nearly 7 percent decline is almost 3 pp greater than in Omdia's recent report, though both assessments reflect cost pressures caused by shortages of memory and storage chips. Samsung led the market with a 22.6 percent share in Q2, said IDC, up 3.1 pp year-on-year. Apple ranked second with 20.1 percent (+3.8 pp), followed by Xiaomi on 11.2 percent (-3pp), Oppo on 10.4 percent (-1.3 pp) and Vivo on

EUROPE 11:39

Titan OS adds NBCUniversal titles to European FAST portfolio

Barcelona-based Titan OS has reached an agreement with NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution to launch a portfolio of free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels across key European markets. The rollout covers the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Nordics and the Netherlands, with channels to be made available on Titan OS-powered devices from Philips, AOC, Sharp and JVC, as well as selected Sony Android TVs.

UNITED STATES 11:33

New York governor suspends 50 MW+ data centre construction to draw up 'green' rules

New York governor Kathy Hochul will sign an executive order on 14 July suspending the construction of large data centres for up to a year, says a Wall Street Journal report, citing her office. The moratorium will give the state time to create regulations for data centres that can help the environment and energy grid, the port says. The temporary ban applies to the construction of data centres with capacities of at least 50 MW and would not extend to hospitals, universities and other facilities with smaller

BELGIUM 11:17

Belgian mobile service revenues fall in 2025 for first time in 5 years

Mobile service revenues declined in Belgium in 2025 for the first time since 2020, according to the latest statistical report from the market regulator Bipt. Mobile retail sales were down by nearly EUR 50 million to EUR 2.98 billion, impacted by the arrival of the fourth mobile network operator, Digi. 

UNITED KINGDOM 10:56

GoFibre reduces operating loss, halves capex in 2025

Scottish fibre altnet GoFibre Holdings reported revenue of GBP 5.0 million for the year ending 31 December 2025, more than double the GBP 2.0 million the previous year. Its operating loss reduced to GBP 12.4 million from GBP 14.1 million as network build activity reduced upon completion of its Project Gigabit contracts in Teesdale and Northumberland. Capital expenditure halved, to GBP 16.5 million from GBP 30.7 million in 2024, according to the accounts filed at Companies House. 

NIGERIA 10:54

NCC runs consultation on cost-based infrastructure access pricing

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has held a stakeholder consultation concerning its study to develop a cost-based pricing methodology for telecom infrastructure access, The Punch reported. The framework will offer a predictable pricing structure, benefiting mobile network operators, internet service providers (ISPs) and fibre infrastructure companies alike. The NCC aims to foster investor confidence, expand broadband connectivity and accelerate digital modernisation.

JERSEY 10:47

JT Group names Chief Commercial Officer

JT Group announced the appointment of Clive Goodwin as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). He is expected to help accelerate international growth, strengthen the operator's commercial propositions across the Channel Islands, and build on its recent investment in Manx Telecom. Goodwin previously held senior executive roles at Vodafone and BT and was most recently a senior VP at Vodafone working on commercial strategy and operations across a diverse international portfolio.

MALAWI 10:44

Malawi watchdog seeks public views on TNM's bid to acquire Open Connect assets

The Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) is seeking public input on a proposal by telecom operator TNM to acquire assets from sister company Open Connect (OCL). CFTC executive director Lloyds Vincent Kaunda said it is inviting feedback in accordance with the Competition and Fair Trading Act. OCL operates Malawi's premier national fibre-optic network, providing wholesale fibre capacity to mobile network operators, ISPs, broadcasters and enterprise customers.

CHINA 10:41

China smartphone shipments decline for fifth consecutive quarter in Q2

China's smartphone shipments reached 66 million units in the second quarter of 2026, which represents a decline of 4.3 percent year-on-year and the fifth straight quarter of decline, according to a report from IDC. The study found that rising memory and component costs pushed most Android vendors to increase prices, which cooled upgrade demand. Huawei and Apple were the exceptions, growing close to 20 percent and 25 percent, respectively.

EUROPE 10:40

EU sanctions VK for developing messenger app Max

The European Union sanctioned Russian internet company VK over its role in developing the Kremlin-backed messaging app Max, which critics say was created for mass surveillance and censorship. The restrictions on VK and its subsidiary, Communication Platform LLC, are part of the latest round of EU sanctions against Russia, this time targeting individuals and entities accused of serious human rights violations in Russia, including the repression of civil society and democratic opposition, and for undermining

EUROPE 10:35

Genexis names Vantage EMEA COO as new board chairman

Genexis has appointed Michael Fraenkle, EMEA chief operating officer at Vantage Data Centers, as board chairman to assist with the next phase in its international growth strategy. Federico Ciccone and Jerry Garrett have accepted director appointments.

Just In

13:07

STC Group renews Esports World Cup partnership to boost brand awareness

13:07

Viva Armenia named fastest mobile network in Ookla Q1 survey

13:06

Beltelecom, MTS Belarus extend convergent promo to year-end

13:05

Miranda-Media upgrades network in Crimea

Commentary

2 JUL 11:26

Canal Plus misses chance to strengthen Dutch business, time for exit?

23 JUN 09:56

ACM blocks Delta/Glaspoort deal - what can KPN do?

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?

Background

12 JUL 23:30

The week in telecom: European telcos take shape as Xavier Niel buys more of Vodafone, Telenor expands in Sweden

5 JUL 23:03

The week in telecom: Comcast gives up on vertical integration, BT and Verizon agree global alliance

3 JUL 07:46

TP:Talks - Billogram cuts customer service billing tickets by 40 percent with automated invoicing

28 JUN 23:51

The week in telecoms: Apple raises prices, Qualcomm tries server market and Jio going public