Pilar adds over 3,300 towers in year to date
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 08:07

Pilar adds over 3,300 towers in year to date

Russian tower infrastructure operator Pilar, a subsidiary of the mobile operator T2, built more than 3,300 towers in the first nine months of this year, reports Forbes.ru. Pilar increased the total number of towers in operation to 38,800. 

Huawei, Apple, Samsung lead wearable sales in Russia
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 08:05

Huawei, Apple, Samsung lead wearable sales in Russia

Russian mobile and electornics retail chain M.Video has analysed sales of wearable devices in Russia for the first nine months of this year. According to data from the research firm ICMR (GfK Rus), approximately 4.24 million devices were sold in the country during this period, and sales revenues totaled RUB 31.7 billion. In terms of sales value, the leading brands were Huawei, Apple and Samsung, which together accounted for 58.6 percent of the market. Samsung was the only brand in the top tier to record gro

Tanzania to phase out prepaid scratch cards from January 2027
TANZANIA, UNITED REPUBLIC OF 08:04

Tanzania to phase out prepaid scratch cards from January 2027

Tanzania will begin transitioning from physical airtime scratch cards to digital recharge services starting 1 January 2027, under a phased initiative led by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA). The pilot project will launch across all districts in Dar es Salaam, as well as selected districts in Dodoma, Arusha, Mwanza, and Mbeya.

Netnumber joins TNS in acquisition deal
GLOBAL 08:02

Netnumber joins TNS in acquisition deal

Transaction Network Services (TNS) announced a deal to acquire the phone number intelligence and registry provider Netnumber. Financial terms of the transaction are undisclosed. TNS's offering includes trust services marketed to telecoms providers and enterprises, including call analytics, robocall controls, branded calling, interoperability and network connectivity. The purchase adds Netnumber's portfolio of number intelligence services with global coverage, portability and routing controls, and identity v

Telefonica trials quantum-safe links for Spanish police data centres
SPAIN 08:01

Telefonica trials quantum-safe links for Spanish police data centres

Spain's industry association DigitalES announced the launch of a pilot between Telefonica and the country's National Police to test quantum-safe communications between data centres in El Escorial and Canillas (Madrid). The project, due to run until the end of 2026, will combine quantum key distribution (QKD), which uses quantum physics to distribute encryption keys, with post-quantum cryptography designed to resist attacks from future quantum computers.

Meo announces major Azores network upgrade plan
PORTUGAL 08:00

Meo announces major Azores network upgrade plan

Portuguese telecommunications operator Meo has unveiled a comprehensive network modernisation strategy for the Azores archipelago, pledging to upgrade 189 mobile network stations and execute more than 600 capacity expansions across 4G and 5G networks by the end of 2027. Announced by CEO Ana Figueiredo, the plan builds on Meo's current coverage of 100 percent for 4G and 87.7 percent for 5G, as well as over 95 percent fibre-optic penetration across all nine islands, Jornal Economico reported. The rollout incl

Telekom Slovenije enables fully digital contract signing via app
SLOVENIA 07:59

Telekom Slovenije enables fully digital contract signing via app

Telekom Slovenije has become the first operator in Slovenia to enable users to independently sign fixed internet and TV subscription packages entirely online through its Moj Telekom app. Available in English and Slovenian, the self-service tool allows both new and existing customers to select Neo or Net packages without visiting a store. New users are securely authenticated using the national SI-PASS digital identity system, while the app automatically verifies available network speeds based on precise loca

Microsoft to close part of Nairobi engineering hub
KENYA 07:58

Microsoft to close part of Nairobi engineering hub

Microsoft is restructuring its regional engineering operations, leading to the planned closure of a division within its Africa Development Centre (ADC) in Nairobi, Kenya, Capital News reported. The company confirmed the operational adjustment while initiating direct consultations with affected staff in Kenya.

Paratus Zambia brings Starlink connectivity to Family Legacy schools
ZAMBIA 07:56

Paratus Zambia brings Starlink connectivity to Family Legacy schools

Paratus Zambia has completed Starlink installations across eighteen Family Legacy schools in Lusaka, delivering high-speed internet access to more than 10,000 children. Rolled out in just two weeks, the new solution replaces an unstable connection previously plagued by frequent outages and limited infrastructure.

3 Scandinavia lifts Q3 EBITDA 11% amid cost control, gains 55,000 subscribers
SWEDEN 07:54

3 Scandinavia lifts Q3 EBITDA 11% amid cost control, gains 55,000 subscribers

3 Scandinavia's subscription base expanded by 55,000 in the third quarter of 2026, according to figures from 40 percent shareholder Investor AB. Revenue climbed 8 percent to SEK 3.44 billion and service revenue increased by 5 percent to SEK 2.43 billion. EBITDA surged by 11 percent to SEK 1.31 billion amid strict cost control.

Apple to launch Apple Intelligence AI platform in China using Alibaba AI models
CHINA 07:54

Apple to launch Apple Intelligence AI platform in China using Alibaba AI models

Apple plans to launch its Apple Intelligence AI platform in mainland China this December, as part of the upcoming iOS 27.3 update, Bloomberg reports. The rollout would end a lengthy delay caused by Chinese regulatory requirements, but the initial version will exclude several of Apple's newer AI capabilities. According to the same source, the debut will include the AI features first rolled out in the US two years ago on the iPhone, iPad and Mac.

Bipt sets focus on broadband market in new multi-year plan
BELGIUM 07:42

Bipt sets focus on broadband market in new multi-year plan

Belgian telecoms regulator Bipt had made high-quality, affordable broadband a top priority in its new multi-year plan for 2027-29. It aims to complete its latest analysis of the broadband market in 2027, as well as work on better follow-up for customer complaints and an inventory of quality issues. 

ITALY 07:32

Lyca Mobile Italia halves price of Italy Red and White plans

MVNO Lyca Mobile Italia has launched a Back to School 2026-themed promotion giving new subscribers a 50 percent discount when signing up to its Italy White and Red offers online. As a result, new customers who port their existing number from another operator now receive 350GB of data under Italy White for EUR 6 (down from EUR 11.99) every 30 days and 450GB under Italy Red for EUR 7.50 (down from EUR 14.99).

SWITZERLAND 07:29

Swiss pubcaster to cut 202 full-time jobs in technology and production units in 2027

The Swiss public broadcasting corporation SRG SSR announced plans to cut 202 full-time jobs across technology and production units  Operations, Human Resources, Finance, Communications & Public Affairs, and corporate staff, to save CHF 41 million in 2027. The Operations division will record annual savings of CHF 30.7 million, while the other divisions combined will account for CHF 10.7 million in savings.

INDIA 07:24

CapitaLand to deploy 53MW data centre in India by end-2026

CapitaLand Investment (CLI) has announced plans to deploy its first data centre in Tamil Nadu. This 53MW facility in Chennai is scheduled for completion by end-2026. Dubbed 'CapitaLand Data Centre Chennai 01', the project expands CapitaLand's Indian data centre portfolio following the completion of its 108MW Navi Mumbai facility in 2025, which is fully leased to a global hyperscaler, the company said.

BAHRAIN 07:23

Batelco introduces Protect+ with AppleCare services

Batelco has introduced Protect+, a new device protection plan featuring AppleCare services. The offering delivers comprehensive coverage and expert support for eligible Apple devices, available to any customer who activates the service within 24 hours of purchase. Protect+ spans a wide range of Apple products, offering two-year protection plans immediately for iPhones, with coverage for iPads, AirPods, and Apple Watches rolling out soon, alongside three-year plans for MacBooks. Customers can choose between

RUSSIAN FEDERATION 07:18

Russian 5G networks expand to 27 cities

5G networks were available in 27 Russian cities as of 05 October, three weeks after the official launch, according to a study from the agency TelecomDaily, which confirmed the presence of a signal in each of these locations by conducting its own measurements. 5G is availabile in 21 cities from MTS, 11 cities each for Megafon and Beeline, and seven cities for T2.

GLOBAL 07:15

Amazon launches new Bee personal AI devices with Pro subscription

Amazon is relaunching the Bee personal AI device with two new models. Acquired by Amazon last year, Bee is a handheld device to record voice notes and AI interactions. The new range includes the Bee Frontier for USD 75, which can be worn as a wristband or clipped on clothing, and the Bee Eclipse for USD 99, offering a small pad that attaches magnetically to the back of a smartphone. In addition, the new Bee Pro subscription is available for USD 12 per month for unlimited conversation storage, a desktop app

INDIA 07:11

Colt, RMZ start deployment of 64MW data centre in Mumbai

Colt Data Centre Services (Colt DCS) and Indian real estate platform RMZ have started the construction of Mumbai 3, a 64MW data centre at Colt DCS's Navi Mumbai campus. The development is part of the companies' USD 1.7 billion joint venture investment in India's data centre market, announced in 2024.

GLOBAL 07:11

Google expands Android earthquake alerts to over 200 regions

Google has announced plans to expand Android's earthquake alerts system to more than 200 countries and regions, up from 98, including Panama and Guatemala. The company has sent more than one billion alerts since the system launched in 2021.

ITALY 06:54

Very Mobile offers returning customers unlimited data for under EUR 7 a month

Very Mobile, the low-cost brand of Italian operator WindTre, has launched a 'winback' offer with unlimited data for under EUR 7 a month targeted at former customers, reports Mondo Mobile Web, citing SMS sent to users. The rate, dubbed Very 6.99 Unlimited, comes with unlimited calls and 200 SMS to all national landline and mobile numbers as well as the unlimited data bundle at fastest possible 5G speeds for EUR 6.99 a month.

UNITED STATES 06:54

FCC universal service system struck down again in federal appeals court

The US Federal Communications Commission exceeded its authority in setting up the Universal Service Administrative Company, a US federal appeals court ruled. The company administers the levy collected from telecom operators to subsidise basic communications services in rural and low-income areas. However, the FCC lacked the legal authority in 1997 to establish the company, as Congress never gave the regulator that power. This is considered a violation of the Government Corporation Control Act.

GLOBAL 06:36

Netflix names Disney exec Peter Rice as new chief content officer

Netflix has hired Peter Rice as its Chief Content Officer. He starts 26 October, replacing Bela Bajaria, who is leaving Netflix after nearly 10 years. A former top Disney executive, Rice will lead Netflix's global content organization, overseeing scripted and unscripted series, film, live events and other content across all regions. 

JAPAN 06:32

J:Com invests in REA to expand AI-powered mobility services

Japanese cable operator J:Com has invested in mobility technology company REA as part of a capital and business partnership aimed at expanding mobility services and addressing regional transport challenges. The investment was made to build on the companies' joint development of J:Com MaaS, a dedicated application based on REA's Noruuu-Sharing AI ride-dispatch system. Introduced in May, the app is used across J:Com's 47 regional locations, supporting around 300 vehicles and 1,200 sales staff each day.

Just In

08:07

Pilar adds over 3,300 towers in year to date

08:05

Huawei, Apple, Samsung lead wearable sales in Russia

08:04

Tanzania to phase out prepaid scratch cards from January 2027

08:02

Netnumber joins TNS in acquisition deal

Commentary

24 SEP 13:37

What is KPN's response to the brand expansion at Odido and VodafoneZiggo?

8 SEP 10:16

Odido matches KPN and VodafoneZiggo on cash flow margin, but growth remains limited

11 AUG 10:49

Can Ziggo Group creation improve visibility for the Dutch market?

2 JUL 11:26

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

Background

11 OKT 23:39

The week in telecom: DT puts a figure on telco AI potential, SpaceX threatens mobile launch and Paramount seals WBD deal

4 OKT 23:20

The week in telecom: FTTH sparks UK competition, AI coming to telco bundles and Samsung raises prices

3 OKT 18:20

Belgian Weekly - Week 40

3 OKT 18:04

German Weekly - 40