Ghana consults on use of 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi services
GHANA 12 JAN

Ghana consults on use of 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi services

Ghana's National Communications Authority (NCA) has launched a public consultation on a proposal to open up the lower 6 GHz band (5,925–6,425 MHz) for Wi-Fi 6 services. The consultation calls for pubic comments until 25 February. The proposal seeks to boost digital growth by authorising unlicensed Wireless Access Systems/Radio Local Area Networks (WAS/RLANs) in the spectrum band. 

Nkom to oversee compliance with EU Cyber Resilience Act in Norway
NORWAY 12 JAN

Nkom to oversee compliance with EU Cyber Resilience Act in Norway

Norwegian telecoms regulator Nkom said it will expand its remit now that the government is starting to implement the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). Norway is not an EU member but does belong to the European Free Trade Area (EFTA), which is linked to the EU via the EAA. Nkom is already responsible for oversight under the Radio Equipment Directive, which gained new cybersecurity requirements for radio equipment from 01 August 2025.

Brits hoard 49 million old games consoles, worth GBP 4.14 billion
UNITED KINGDOM 12 JAN

Brits hoard 49 million old games consoles, worth GBP 4.14 billion

New research from Virgin Media O2 shows that Brits are hoarding around 49 million old gaming consoles at home, worth a total of GBP 4.14 billion. This increase follows a Christmas gaming gift book, with Virgin Media O2 reporting a 170 jump in Nintendo Switch console and a 5 percent increase in Xbox sales. With almost three quarters (71%) of Brits struggling for cash in January, games could earn an average of GBP 145 by trading in their old consoles through O2 Recycle.

Global PC shipments up 9% in 2025 as supply constraints cloud 2026 outlook
GLOBAL 12 JAN

Global PC shipments up 9% in 2025 as supply constraints cloud 2026 outlook

Global PC shipments rose 9 percent in 2025 to 279.5 million units, driven by a strong fourth-quarter performance, according to new data from Omdia. Total shipments grew 10.1 percent year-on-year to 75 million units in the October to December period, as both notebooks and desktops recorded solid gains. Notebook shipments for the year climbed 8.0 percent to 220.4 million units, while desktops grew faster at 14.4 percent, reaching 59 million units.

ChatGPT tops Korea's mobile app downloads last year
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 12 JAN

ChatGPT tops Korea's mobile app downloads last year

ChatGPT ranked first in new installations in South Korea's mobile application market last year, far outpacing other apps, according to IGAWorks' Mobile Index. ChatGPT reached 16.57 million cumulative new downloads last year, the highest among all mobile applications. The number of ChatGPT users leapt by 341 percent from January to December last year, pushing its overall ranking up to 27th. According to Maeil Business, citing company sources, the number of active devices using the app also reached 19.49 mill

Telia Lithuania announces bestselling laptops
LITHUANIA 9 JAN

Telia Lithuania announces bestselling laptops

Telia Lithuania announced a list of the bestselling laptops in its shops in 2025. The list includes the Apple MacBook Air 13.6, MSI Thin 15.6/ i5 16 GB/512 GB / RTX 3050, Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15.6 / Ryzen 5 / 8 GB/512 GB, MSI Vector AI 16 / Ultra 7/16 GB/1 TB / RTX 5070 Ti and Lenovo LOQ 15.6 / i5 / 24 GB / 1 TB / RTX 4060.

Asus teams up with Xreal for ROG gaming glasses
GLOBAL 9 JAN

Asus teams up with Xreal for ROG gaming glasses

Asus has teamed up with smart glasses market Xreal to release its own augmented reality glasses under the ROG – Republic of Gamers brand. The ROG Xreal R1 glasses come with a dock to connect to a PC or games console and can also connect over USB to devices like the ROG Ally handheld in order to project a larger display. With a refresh rate up to 240 Hz and micro-OLED FHD display, they draw on Xreal's expertise in connected glasses to deliver a new high-performance gaming experience.

Ugandan ICT ministry seeks to boost local government digital communication with the public
UGANDA 9 JAN

Ugandan ICT ministry seeks to boost local government digital communication with the public

Uganda's ICT ministry has handed laptops to 176 district communication officers to enhance government information dissemination and strengthen strategic communication at the local administrative level. Aminah Zawedd, permanent secretary in the ICT ministry, said that for many years, communication officers have operated under significant constraints, relying largely on traditional communication methods such as press statements and newspaper articles, despite the rapid shift to digital platforms. She said tha

UK pushes ahead with mobile, Wi-Fi sharing in upper 6 GHz band
UNITED KINGDOM 9 JAN

UK pushes ahead with mobile, Wi-Fi sharing in upper 6 GHz band

The UK is moving ahead with plans to allow mobile and Wi-Fi services to share the upper 6 GHz band. Regulator Ofcom has issued a detailed proposal on how sharing the spectrum between Wi-Fi and mobile services would work, and said it expects to allow low-power Wi-Fi applications in the frequency range before the end of this year. The proposal is open for public comment until 20 March.

Viu launches short-form vertical video offering on mobile app
ASIA 9 JAN

Viu launches short-form vertical video offering on mobile app

Viu, the video streaming service operated by PCCW, has launched a new short-form video section called Viu Shorts, expanding its content catalogue with vertically formatted micro-dramas designed for mobile viewing. Viu Shorts is available within the Viu mobile app and features episodic content typically running between one and three minutes per episode. The new section sits alongside Viu's existing long-form television series and films and is aimed at viewers seeking shorter viewing sessions on mobile device

Wi-Fi industry prepares for greater SP 6 GHz adoption, Wi-Fi 8 launch in 2026
GLOBAL 7 JAN

Wi-Fi industry prepares for greater SP 6 GHz adoption, Wi-Fi 8 launch in 2026

The Wireless Broadband Association has shared its expected trends for the Wi-Fi industry in 2026 and beyond in its annual industry report. Among things to watch out for is accelerated Wi-Fi 7 adoption, tapping strong consumer and enterprise demand for 6 GHz-capable networks and building on existing market momentum from 2025. Citing ABI Research, the association says 2025 shipments of Wi-Fi 7-capable access points are estimated at 66.5 million units, more then doubling 2024's volume of 26.3 million units. Th

MTS Belarus starts collection of unused devices for recycling
BELARUS 7 JAN

MTS Belarus starts collection of unused devices for recycling

MTS Belarus started a programme to collect unused devices in its shops. Special boxes for handsets, tablets and small household appliances have been placed in 14 service centres of the operator in Minsk, regional centres, as well as Baranovichi, Borisov, Orsha and Polotsk. The project is planned to expand, with all the collected devices recycled.

GLOBAL 7 JAN

Netgear commences pre-orders for 5G M7 portable hotspot

Netgear has started taking pre-orders for a portable 5G hotspot with built-in eSIM marketplace connectivity. Announced in late 2025, the Nighthawk 5G M7 has a list price of USD 499.99. This puts Netgear's product at the quality end of the market, targeting power users such as international and business travellers, catered to through software-based access to eSIM data plans in over 140 countries.

GLOBAL 7 JAN

Wi-Fi Alliance aims to lure IoT interest with new 20 MHz Wi-Fi 7 certification

The Wi-Fi Alliance announced it is expanding its certification programme for Wi-Fi 7 devices, introducing a stream tailored to 20 MHz channel applications used by IoT and smart home devices. The move reflects the fact that a lot of IoT operates purely in narrow spectrum slices. While new iterations of Wi-Fi leverage wider channels to drive performance gains, the Wi-Fi Alliance recognises that its Certified programme has tended to side-line IoT makers that would benefit from other technical advances.

GLOBAL 7 JAN

Infinix presents AI Glasses at CES

Infinix has announced the presentation of its Infinix AI Glasses at CES in Las Vegas. The range comprises a standard and Pro model. These are Infinix's first ever AI wearables and should reach the market in 2026, with pricing and availability varying by region. The new spectacles are run by a purpose‑built, dual‑chip architecture, featuring a 6nm main System on Chip (SoC) processor and dedicated imaging chip for extended battery life and effective thermal control.

GLOBAL 7 JAN

TP-Link adds connectivity AI assistant Aireal to Tapo, Deco ranges

TP-Link Systems announced at CES the immediate launch of a connectivity-focused AI assistant, Aireal, that streamlines smart home and Wi-Fi outcomes for customers using its Tapo home devices and Deco mesh Wi-Fi system. Consumers can interact Aireal using voice commands to troubleshoot network and device issues, and should receive near-immediate responses that explain technical hurdles in simplified terms while outlining actions to remedy the situation. Aireal will also empower contextualised smart home even

UNITED STATES 7 JAN

Amazon expands Ring range with smart sensors, app store; to bring Sidewalk network to more countries

Amazon.com is expanding its range of Ring smart cameras with new features, smart home sensors, enterprise devices and more services. A Ring app store is launching in the US to allow third-party developers to bring their apps to Ring cameras and doorbells, and the Sidewalk local wireless network bringing together Ring devices is rolling out in more countries. 

CHILE 7 JAN

GTD first to launch Wi Fi 7 in Chile with Amazon's Eero router

Chilean telecommunications firm GTD has become the first local operator to introduce Wi-Fi 7 in the country via the incorporation of Amazon's Eero 7 routers into its portfolio. The new wireless standard is designed to deliver faster speeds, lower latency and improved performance in homes with multiple connected devices, said GTD.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 7 JAN

Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold sells out within minutes in third sales round

Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Z Trifold sold out within one to two minutes during its third sales round in South Korea, both online and in stores, according to Hankyung, citing the company and industry sources. Sales began at 10:00am on 6 January through Samsung.com and major retail locations, including Samsung Gangnam. Customers queued outside the Gangnam store ahead of opening, while online availability ended rapidly, with the purchase button disabled after about a minute.

JAPAN 7 JAN

Rakuten Mobile to offer Nothing Phone (3a) Lite exclusively in Japan

Rakuten Mobile has announced that it will become the only mobile operator in Japan to offer the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite, with reservations opening on 7 January and commercial availability from 15 January. The 5G smartphone, manufactured by UK-based company Nothing, will be sold through Rakuten Mobile's online channels and retail stores at a listed price of JPY 32,890, including tax. Rakuten Mobile will also offer an exclusive red colour variant, which will not be available through other domestic carriers.

JAPAN 7 JAN

Google names Xreal lead Android XR hardware partner

Google and Japanese augmented reality device maker Xreal have agreed to extend their strategic partnership for multiple years, with Xreal appointed as the lead hardware partner for the Android XR ecosystem. Under the expanded agreement, Xreal's long-term hardware roadmap will be more closely aligned with the Android XR platform, including future devices based on Project Aura, which is scheduled for release in 2026.

GLOBAL 6 JAN

TCL Mini-LED TVs among first to get new Gemini smart assistant features

Google announced that select smart TVs from TCL's 2026 product slate will be the first with built-in GenAI features powered by its Gemini assistant, which is also expected to launch in other Google TV products in the coming months. New Gemini features include Google Photos search and access to the Nano Banana and Veo language models for photo edits and media creation. Natural language instructions can be used to configure the Google TV platform, for example to adjust screen brightness or sharpen audio clari

GLOBAL 6 JAN

Meta postpones international distribution of Ray-Ban Display amid heavy US demand

Meta said it is delaying the expansion of its Ray-Ban Display to the UK, France, Italy and Canada, which had been scheduled for early 2026, citing unprecedented demand and limited inventory. It said waiting lists for the AI spectacles now extend well into 2026 and it will focus on fulfilling US orders while it re-evaluates its approach to international availability.

GLOBAL 6 JAN

Vidaa updates smart TV platform with V brand, adds Xbox cloud ganming

Microsoft is expanding its Xbox cloud gaming service to more makes of smart TV. In 2026, the Xbox app will be available on select Hisense and V homeOS-powered smart TVs, under an agreement with Vidaa. As a result Xbox Game Pass subscribers will be able to stream games directly on the TV, via Xbox Cloud Gaming.  

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The week in telecoms: CES brings Wi-Fi 8 and more smart glasses, while Warner sticks with Netflix

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