Google ordered to eliminate restrictions on use of Android in Mexico
MEXICO 09:00

Google ordered to eliminate restrictions on use of Android in Mexico

Mexico's antitrust commission said it has successfully resolved a case relating to compatibility contracts that Google signed with smartphone manufacturers that limited the possibility of producing and distributing devices with systems other than Android, the OS used by 75.8 percent of the country's 94 million connected devices. The commission has accepted commitments from Google to remove such restrictions, in line with similar resolutions adopted by antitrust authorities in other countries in relation to

Brazil seizes nearly 500,000 irregular telecom products
BRAZIL 18 DEC

Brazil seizes nearly 500,000 irregular telecom products

A major operation involving Brazil communications agency Anatel and the Federal Revenue Service at the Port of Imbituba resulted in the seizure of 470,000 unauthorised products. This joint effort between Anatel in Santa Catarina and the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service marks the largest confiscation of unapproved telecommunications products through their partnership, preventing these items from entering the national market. The seized items included common products like headphones, mobile phone chargers, s

Telefonica tops 17 mln IoT lines after surge in car beacon sales
SPAIN 18 DEC

Telefonica tops 17 mln IoT lines after surge in car beacon sales

Telefonica said it has consolidated its lead in Spain's IoT market, reaching 17 million lines at the end of November due above all to surging sales of connected beacons for drivers. The figure is some 240 percent higher than the year-earlier result and over 2.5 million more than rival Vodafone's total of 14.5 million.

Currys interim group revenue jumps 8 percent to GBP 4.23 billion
UNITED KINGDOM 18 DEC

Currys interim group revenue jumps 8 percent to GBP 4.23 billion

UK tech and electricals retailer Currys has reported group revenue of GBP 4.23 billion for the half-year ending 01 November 2025, up 8 percent year-on-year, driven by a 4 percent jump in LFL revenue. Group adjusted EBIT was up GBP 13 million year-on-year to GBP 54 million, with reported EBIT up GBP 14 million to GBP 43 million. Group adjusted profit before was was GBP 22 million, up 144 percent year-on-year; with group free cash flow up 68 percent to GBP 84 million. 

J:Com launches residential Wi-Fi 7 service with Plume AI platform
JAPAN 18 DEC

J:Com launches residential Wi-Fi 7 service with Plume AI platform

Japanese cable operator J:Com has launched its first residential Wi-Fi 7 service in Japan, working with US-based Plume to integrate cloud-based AI into its in-home connectivity offering. The service combines a Wi-Fi 7 gateway developed by J:Com with Plume's "AI-driven" platform, which is designed to optimise performance across multiple devices and adapt to changing network conditions within the home. J:Com said the launch is intended to address increasing demand from households with a growing number of conn

New Zealanders back operator handset recycling scheme
NEW ZEALAND 18 DEC

New Zealanders back operator handset recycling scheme

New Zealanders diverted 71,627 unwanted mobile phones from landfill in the past year through RE:MOBILE, the telecommunications industry's not-for-profit product stewardship scheme, according to the scheme's newly released FY25 Annual Report. Managed by the New Zealand Telecommunications Forum (TCF), RE:MOBILE enables mobile phones and accessories to be reused, refurbished or responsibly recycled.

BTicino and Fastweb + Vodafone launch 5G-backed smart home system
ITALY 17 DEC

BTicino and Fastweb + Vodafone launch 5G-backed smart home system

Italian operator Fastweb+Vodafone has partnered with smart home device specialist BTicino, part of the Legrand group, to launch a new system aimed at enhancing smart home connectivity via a dedicated and secure infrastructure. The platform, dubbed BTicino Sicuri e Connessi, is designed to keep all household devices – from video cameras to thermostats and alarm systems – continuously active and communicating over the 5G network operated by Fastweb+Vodafone.

Apple, Amazon face new GBP 900 million UK collective action claim
UNITED KINGDOM 16 DEC

Apple, Amazon face new GBP 900 million UK collective action claim

A new collection action claim has been filed against Apple and Amazon with the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) accusing them of collusion. The action is seeking compensation of more than GBP 900 million for UK consumers, claiming that a secret deal between the two companies resulted in higher prices for Apple products. The claim alleges that Amazon restricted sales of Apple products by independent retailers on the Amazon marketplace; with Apple offering the online retailer preferential wholesale prices

Slovakia survey shows cybersecurity habits deteriorating, fewer parental controls
SLOVAKIA 16 DEC

Slovakia survey shows cybersecurity habits deteriorating, fewer parental controls

Slovakia does not struggle with access to technology, but with its secure use, according to a new public survey. The majority of residents appear to be taking more risks online than in 2024, and significant gaps persist in practical cybersecurity habits, awareness of threats, and the protection of children online, according to survey conducted by the SCIO agency for the Cybersecurity Competence and Certification Centre (KCCKB) in October on a sample of 1,000 respondents.

Orange agrees carbon action plan with equipment supplier Sagemcom
GLOBAL 16 DEC

Orange agrees carbon action plan with equipment supplier Sagemcom

Orange announced further progress toward its sustainability commitments by agreeing on an action plan with equipment maker Sagemcom, aimed at reducing Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. The collaboration, part of Orange's Partners to Net Zero Carbon programme, establishes a roadmap with measurable objectives for both new and existing equipment sourced from Sagemcom.

Free Mobile gives away eSIM Watch add-on with latest Apple Watch models
FRANCE 16 DEC

Free Mobile gives away eSIM Watch add-on with latest Apple Watch models

Free Mobile announced that it has become the first operator to include an eSIM watch plan at no extra cost as part of its voice and data packages. The launch of the eSIM Watch plan coincides with the arrival of the latest Apple Watch models in Free Mobile's product portfolio. The no-cost add-on is now available to Free Mobile's existing subscribers and new sign-ups, except those on the EUR 2/month tariff. Activating the eSIM Watch plan provides customers with 4G connectivity, enabling calls, messages, and a

MTN Uganda offers festive deals including discounts on 'Market by MoMo' e-commerce site
UGANDA 16 DEC

MTN Uganda offers festive deals including discounts on 'Market by MoMo' e-commerce site

MTN Uganda's MoMo has launched festive deals including discounts on its WakaNet 5G routers, special Enkuuka bundles for cultural events, and chances to win cash by using MoMo services or by buying bundles. It is also continuing offers on the 'Market by MoMo' e-commerce platform with up to 60 percent off.

JAPAN 16 DEC

KDDI to launch Oppo Find X9 with satellite messaging support

KDDI and Okinawa Cellular will launch the Oppo Find X9 smartphone on the au network on 23 December 2025, with pre-orders opening on 16 December. The device will be offered as part of au's 5G portfolio and will support both Sub-6 5G services and KDDI's au Starlink Direct service for satellite-based messaging and data communications. As part of the launch, KDDI is running a handset upgrade campaign under which customers who meet specified conditions can receive a discount of up to JPY 22,000 on the device pri

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 16 DEC

SK Broadband reports 100 million uses of AI media agent on B tv platform

South Korea's SK Broadband (SKB) said cumulative usage of its AI media agent, A.dot, on the B tv pay-TV platform has exceeded 100 million interactions, reflecting increased use of voice-based content discovery and personalised recommendations. The operator introduced A.dot to B tv in September last year, applying a large language model developed by SK Telecom (SKT) to enable multi-turn natural language voice interactions. 

ARMENIA 15 DEC

Viva Armenia sells new Redmi smartphones

Viva Armenia has started sales of new models of the Xiaomi Redmi smartphones in its shops. The Xiaomi Redmi 15C 4/128 GB costs AMD 60,900, and the Xiaomi Redmi 15C 8/256 GB totals AMD 72,900. Customers buying the devices are offered the earbuds TWS Maxvi HHV-10 as a bonus. The promotion is valid until 30 January 2026. 

SLOVAKIA 15 DEC

Orange Slovakia offers eSIM support for Apple and Samsung smartwatches

Orange Slovakia has introduced eSIMs support for customers using Apple and Samsung smartwatches, reports Zive. The service enables customers to use the same telephone number on a smartphone and a smartwatch simultaneously. It is available for selected models of smartwatch from both vendors and can also be used when roaming. The price is EUR 6 monthly.

KYRGYZSTAN 15 DEC

Beeline Kyrgyzstan offers discounted Wi-Fi router with 1 month broadband free

Beeline Kyrgyzstan introduced a promotion on Wi-Fi routers. Under the seasonal promotion, the devices are available for a discounted rate of KGS 3,099. Customers buying the device are also offered fixed broadband services free for a month, under the tariff Router 30. The routers are available in selected shops in the city of Bishkek, as well as in the Jalal-Abad, Osh and Batken regions.

SAUDI ARABIA 12 DEC

Samsung ties up with Amazon for Prime service in UAE and Saudi Arabia

Samsung MENA and Amazon have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen customer engagement and operational synergy in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. They will explore tighter integration of Prime membership with Samsung devices and make Samsung Care more accessible from product selection to checkout. The parties will offer bundle deals and faster delivery options, including Amazon Now. Omar Elsahy, regional business director of consumer electronics at Amazon MENA and general manager of Amazon Egyp

GLOBAL 12 DEC

Global XR shipments to rise 42% in 2025

Worldwide shipments of extended reality (XR) devices are expected to rebound sharply in 2025, rising 41.6 percent year on year to 14.5 million units, according to new data from IDC. The surge reflects growing consumer interest in lightweight XR glasses and continued demand among gamers for immersive mixed reality experiences, signalling a shift from bulky headsets toward more accessible devices, said the researcher.

GLOBAL 12 DEC

Huawei unveils Mate X7 handset

Huawei has officially introduced the latest foldable handset in its Mate X series at a publicity event in Dubai this week. The Mate X7 is available in three colour options, namely Brocade White and two vegan leather styles: Nebula Red and Black. The handset is designed to provide similar imaging quality to a standard flagship phone, with an upgraded version of Huawei's True-to-Colour camera bringing 43 percent more accurate colours.

ARMENIA 12 DEC

Ucom launches seasonal promos on smartphones, broadband

Armenian operator Ucom has launched its seasonal promotion, giving customers who purchase a 5G smartphone a free accessory at Ucom shops. When purchasing 5G smartphones from Samsung, Honor, Xiaomi or Motorola across various price points, customers will receive a branded accessory and a SIM copnnected to the Level Up+ 3000 tariff plan with a premium number two months free. The promotion is valid until 15 January 2026.

GERMANY 12 DEC

Gigaset introduces Comfort 600 SIM cordless phone for EUR 70

Gigaset has introduced the new Comfort 600 SIM cordless phone for EUR 69.99. It says the phone is equipped with Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology and a nano-SIM card. The device connects to 4G and is also equipped with a high-contrast, 2.4-inch TFT colour display, uses intuitive menu navigation with icons, and supports Bluetooth 5.0 LE for compatibility with headsets and hearing aids (M4/T4). There are three speed dial buttons (A/B/C) for important contacts.

UNITED KINGDOM 12 DEC

EE updates fibre broadband plans with new Wi-Fi 7 router as standard

UK operator EE has refreshed its fibre broadband plans, making Wi-Fi 7 equipment standard on all plans. It also introduced a new standard router, the dual-band Smart Hub 7 Plus, and an accompanying Wi-Fi Extender 7 Plus available on more expensive plans or for an extra monthly fee.

GLOBAL 12 DEC

Memory prices force smartphone brands to begin raising prices - TrendForce

Memory prices are projected to rise sharply again in the first quarter of 2026, exerting significant cost pressure on global end-device manufacturers, according to the latest research from TrendForce. Consequently, smartphone and notebook brands are compelled to increase their product prices and reduce specifications. A further downward revision of shipment forecasts now seems unavoidable, with market resources becoming more concentrated among a few leading brands.

Just In

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Telegram, Twitch, Pinterest, TikTok find in Russia for violating social media content rules

13:17

Italy business and consumer morale rise again in December

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Digita deploys 5G private network at Outokumpu's Kemi mine

Commentary

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Video market set for slower growth ahead

11:38

Netflix buys Warner Bros to deepen content catalogue

11:11

KPN's mixed performance in Q3 raises questions for strategy day

15:26

Stock markets breaking records but what happened to Odido's IPO plans?

Background

01:04

The week in telecom: Wi-Fi bolt-ons take off to boost broadband growth, video market works on consolidation

01:39

The week in telecom: Netflix wins bidding for Warner Bros, Apple poaches new execs, Samsung debuts trifold

13:51

Proximus vs. Telenet: Proximus performs better in Q3 while Telenet uses up cash

14:16

Proximus Domestic still struggling with low margins