Fnac Portugal fined for selling illegal wireless devices
PORTUGAL 14:10

Fnac Portugal fined for selling illegal wireless devices

Fnac Portugal has been fined almost EUR 100,000 for selling radio devices not meeting EU standards, the communications regulator Anacom announced. The items in question either did not have the CE certification marked, lacked proper serial numbers or other batch identifications, did not have instructions in Portuguese or could not be provided with EU conformity documentation. The products included wireless mice, headphones and speakers, Wi-Fi equipment, GSM repeaters, Bluetooth equipment, Android TV boxes an

Microsoft brings Xbox gaming to Windows PCs
GLOBAL 08:17

Microsoft brings Xbox gaming to Windows PCs

Microsoft is bringing its Xbox games to Windows computers. Starting in April, Xbox mode will start rolling out in select markets on Windows 11 computers, including laptops, desktops and tablets. Players can sync games across Xbox consoles and PCs, and access a growing number of Xbox games optimised for PCs. 

MediaMarkt introduces shopping by appointment
NETHERLANDS 11 MRT

MediaMarkt introduces shopping by appointment

MediaMarkt has started offering shopping by appointment in the Netherlands. Customers can choose a dedicated time to meet a specialist in the shop and receive one-to-one advice so they can select a product faster and more in line with their needs. MediaMarkt said consumers may do research online before visiting a shop, but often they would like professional advice in-store to confirm their purchase. 

Huawei eKit adds 2.5 Gbps PON bundle targeting small and medium-sized enterprises
GLOBAL 11 MRT

Huawei eKit adds 2.5 Gbps PON bundle targeting small and medium-sized enterprises

Huawei's ICT enablement suite for small and medium-sized enterprises, Huawei eKit, is adding a bundle of small-scale fibre-to-the-office (FTTO) products to its offering. It pairs Huawei's F1001 GS-PON optical gateway for symmetrical 2.5 Gbps bandwidth with a multi-mode optical access point, the AP F610D, merging Wi-Fi internet access, telephone and IPTV services into a single fibre connection. Also included is Huawei's StreamerKit F700C platform for accelerated live streaming and AI-powered access point han

TIM launches spring 2X1 handset deals
ITALY 11 MRT

TIM launches spring 2X1 handset deals

Telecom Italia (TIM) has launched a device-led spring offer whereby any new and existing customers acquiring a smartphone in instalments will receive a free handset or device from the same brand completely free of charge. The promo, dubbed "2x1", is available via the TIMFin financing service until the end of March in TIM stores and online.

Korean operators launch Apple iPhone 17e with promotional offers
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 11 MRT

Korean operators launch Apple iPhone 17e with promotional offers

South Korea's three mobile network operators have launched the Apple iPhone 17e, introducing a new model in the iPhone 17 series alongside a range of promotional offers tied to mobile tariffs and device bundles. SK Telecom (SKT) said the handset is available through its retail network and online store with storage options of 256 GB and 512 GB. The operator stated that the base model is priced at KRW 990,000, the same launch price as the previous generation model but with double the base storage capacity. Th

NCSoft to acquire 70% stake in Germany's JustPlay
GERMANY 11 MRT

NCSoft to acquire 70% stake in Germany's JustPlay

South Korean game developer NCSoft said it will acquire a 70 percent stake in JustPlay GmbH for KRW 301.6 billion (USD 202 million) as part of its strategy to expand its mobile casual gaming business. The company said it will purchase 17,696 shares in the Berlin-based firm, with the transaction expected to close on 30 April 2026. JustPlay reported sales of about KRW 247.98 billion and net income of KRW 22.66 billion in 2025, according to the company's financial disclosure.

Global PC shipments to fall by 12 percent in 2026 - Omdia
GLOBAL 10 MRT

Global PC shipments to fall by 12 percent in 2026 - Omdia

Global PC shipments (desktops, notebooks, workstations) are expected to fall by 12 percent year-on-year to 245 million units in 2026, according to the latest Omdia research. This will be driven by strong increases in memory and storage prices, including expected increases of at least 60 percent in the first quarter of the year. Additional price increases are also expected in the second, third and fourth quarters, albeit not as high. Omdia expects global desktop shipments to fall by 10 percent in 2026 to 53.

Turkcell, ZTE bring 5G, Wi-Fi 7 capabilities to Superbox
TURKEY 10 MRT

Turkcell, ZTE bring 5G, Wi-Fi 7 capabilities to Superbox

Turkcell has signed a fixed wireless access (FWA) agreement with ZTE and Netas to integrate 5G and Wi-Fi 7 access into the Turkcell 5G Superbox. This collaboration replaces traditional fixed-line infrastructure with a wireless 5G network to provide high-speed internet access for residential and commercial use.

Global smartphone production reaches 1.25 bln units in 2025 - TrendForce
GLOBAL 10 MRT

Global smartphone production reaches 1.25 bln units in 2025 - TrendForce

Global smartphone production reached approximately 1.254 billion units in 2025, an increase of 2.5 percent year on year, with Apple and Samsung Electronics each producing nearly 240 million devices to jointly lead the market, according to analysis by TrendForce. Global output totalled 337 million units in the fourth quarter of 2025, up 2.7 percent quarter on quarter. Shipments during the period were supported by demand for Apple's new iPhone 17 line-up.

SK Hynix develops 1c LPDDR6 DRAM for on-device AI smartphones
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 10 MRT

SK Hynix develops 1c LPDDR6 DRAM for on-device AI smartphones

South Korean chip manufacturer SK Hynix said it has developed a 16Gb LPDDR6 DRAM chip based on its sixth-generation 10nm-class (1c) process technology. The company said the product, which it previously introduced at the CES 2026 in January, has now completed validation. SK Hynix plans to complete preparations for mass production in the first half of 2026 and begin supplying the memory in the second half of the year.

Currys boosts minimum hourly wage for store workers by 4 percent
UNITED KINGDOM 9 MRT

Currys boosts minimum hourly wage for store workers by 4 percent

UK electricals retailer Currys has announced a 4 percent increase in the minimum hourly rate for skilled store workers to GBP 13.01 from 29 March, rising to GBP 14.26 per hour in London. This is higher than the incoming National Living Wage of GBP 12.71 per hour for over 21s. This latest increase means that hourly pay has risen by 37 percent over the last three years. It will benefit around 7,800 employees at 280 UK stores, regardless of age.

LIBYA 9 MRT

Libya's LTT and ZTE sign MoU

ZTE and Libya Telecom and Technology Company (LTT) signed a memorandum of understanding at MWC Barcelona 2026, establishing a strategic partnership between the two parties to accelerate network infrastructure modernization and foster the growth of Libya's digital economy. Under this MoU, ZTE and LTT are committed to working together on the planning and deployment of 4G and 5G networks to enhance coverage, connectivity, and performance across Libya; jointly develop and integrate innovative services, includin

POLAND 9 MRT

Orange Poland starts sales of iPad Air M4 tablets

Orange Poland has started sales of the iPad Air with the M4 processor. Versions with 11-inch and 13-inch screens, and 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB memory are available. Prices for the 11-inch model start from PLN 3,699, and the 13-inch version starts from PLN 4,007.

ARMENIA 9 MRT

Viva Armenia offers device credit promo with Inekobank

Operator Viva Armenia has introduced an installment offer with Inekobank for customers buying mobile devices and accessories under the Sprint credit programme from the bank. Until 10 April, they won't pay interest or monthly services fees for six months. The offer is valid when buying goods costing from AMD 29,900.

SPAIN 9 MRT

Movistar launches new multiSIM Watch offer

Movistar Spain (Telefonica) has decided to revamp its offer for smartwatch users and will launching a lower-cost plan for existing customers as well as free connectivity for those who sign up to a MiMovistar convergent contract with a bundled device, reports Bandaancha. The operator currently has 16 models of eSIM-compatible smartwatches in its catalogue at prices ranging from EUR 0 to EUR 13 a month in combination with a 48-month MiMovistar contract.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION 9 MRT

MTS sells new Wi-Fi 7 router from Huawei

Russian operator MTS has started sales of the new indoor router Huawei Wi-Fi Mesh X3 Pro on its online shop. Two versions of the device are available. The basic version of the Huawei Wi-Fi Mesh X3 Pro costs RUB 16,999. The package with a repeater is available for RUB 24,999. The router supports the Wi-Fi 7 standard, reaching up to 3.6 Gbps.

GLOBAL 9 MRT

Connectivity Standards Alliance lanceert Aliro 1.0-specificatie voor toegangscontrole

Connectivity Standards Alliance lanceert Aliro 1.0-specificatie voor toegangscontrole

GLOBAL 6 MRT

Matter alliance launches first release of new Aliro access control standard

The Connectivity Standards Alliance, best known for the interoperable Matter protocol for smart home and IoT use cases, has launched the inaugural specification for its Aliro access control standard, allowing mobile users to interact with smart entry systems seamlessly. Aliro 1.0 enables compliant smart entry IoT to communicate with leading mobile wallet ecosystems from Apple, Google and Samsung, underpinning a standardised process for verifying digital access to residences, workplaces and public facilities

GLOBAL 6 MRT

ZTE debuts 5G-A broadband CPE with Wi-Fi 8

ZTE has unveiled its G6 Max enhanced mobile and fixed wireless broadband home gateway at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona. Aligning with ZTE's '5G for All' strategy, the G6 Max is a 5G-Advanced capable cellular broadband gateway that supports both mmWave 800 GHz and sub-6 GHz 400 MHz bandwidths and is compliant with future Wi-Fi 8 specifications. 

NAMIBIA 6 MRT

CRAN and Hulina Offshore Energy run public education campaign to tackle e-waste and plastic pollution

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) and Hulina Offshore Energy have begun a national awareness campaign to highlight the problems of electronic waste and plastic pollution. CRAN said technology has transformed communication, connectivity and productivity but improper product disposal poses serious environmental risks. Many electronic devices contain toxic substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium and brominated flame retardants. If not properly managed, these substances can leach into

GLOBAL 6 MRT

Oura acquires Finnish AI-based gesture recognition tech provider Doublepoint

'Smart' ring vendor Oura has announced its acquisition of Finnish company Doublepoint, which specialises in AI‑based gesture recognition for device control using simple and natural movements. Oura said the purchase will strengthen its long-term innovation roadmap and support future offerings while advancing "more intuitive ways" for people to use technology in their everyday lives. 

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 6 MRT

Galaxy S26 Ultra dominates Korean pre-orders as customer activations begin

South Korea's three mobile operators have begun activating Samsung's Galaxy S26 series following a week of pre-orders that all three said exceeded demand for the previous generation, with the premium Galaxy S26 Ultra emerging as the most popular model. SK Telecom (SKT) , Korea Telecom (KT) and LG Uplus each launched customer activations on 6 March after pre-orders ran from 27 February to 5 March. All three operators reported higher reservation volumes compared with the Galaxy S25 series.

JAPAN 6 MRT

NTT Docomo develops haptic-sharing system for fan experiences

NTT Docomo has developed a system that allows fans to experience physical sensations transmitted from performers through a handheld device, using haptic technology to accompany audio-visual content. The operator said the system uses its Feel Tech haptics technology to digitise, transmit and reproduce human sensations such as touch and certain emotional cues. When synchronised with video and audio, the technology is designed to allow users to feel physical feedback associated with an artist's movements or ac

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Background

6 MRT 16:00

The week in telecom: MWC brings 5G advances, AI and satellite integration, plus first robot phone

1 MRT 13:21

The week in telecoms: Paramount tops bidding for WBD, Samsung S26 kicks off MWC showcase

23 FEB 00:28

The week in telecoms: Liberty Global tackles cable vs fibre question, Orange promises dividends and MEA market goes wholesale

16 FEB 00:17

The week in telecoms: Cisco rides AI investment wave and European telcos invest in South America