DRAM prices surge 70-83% in Q2 2026, deepening smartphone industry squeeze
GLOBAL 05:38

DRAM prices surge 70-83% in Q2 2026, deepening smartphone industry squeeze

Mobile DRAM contract prices are set to surge sharply again in the second quarter of 2026, extending a multi-quarter cost crisis that is already forcing smartphone vendors to cut production targets and rethink memory strategies across their entire product ranges, according to market research firm TrendForce. Average selling prices for LPDDR4X mobile DRAM are projected to jump by at least 70-75 percent quarter-on-quarter in Q2 2026, while LPDDR5X pricing is expected to surge by 78-83 percent. 

KDDI integrates spam call and message blocking into Ponta Pass iOS app
JAPAN 05:36

KDDI integrates spam call and message blocking into Ponta Pass iOS app

KDDI has added spam message and call blocking capabilities directly into the iOS version of its Ponta Pass subscription app as part of efforts to strengthen fraud prevention services. The feature uses a database provided by Tobila Systems to identify and warn users about nuisance calls and messages. Incoming calls from public institutions and businesses can also display caller identification information based on yellow pages data.

NTT Docomo to end mopera U standard plan and raise simple plan pricing
JAPAN 05:34

NTT Docomo to end mopera U standard plan and raise simple plan pricing

NTT Docomo will end its mopera U U Standard Plan mobile ISP service on 14 December 2026 as the operator adjusts its legacy internet and email offerings. The operator said new applications for the U Standard Plan, associated email virus checking services, additional email address options and the B Flet's/Flet's Hikari Next course would close on 30 September 2026.

Netflix to launch advertising-supported subscriptions in New Zealand
NEW ZEALAND 05:33

Netflix to launch advertising-supported subscriptions in New Zealand

Netflix plans to introduce an advertising-supported subscription tier in New Zealand from 2027 as part of a wider international expansion of its advertising business, according to AdNews, citing company sources. The company said New Zealand would be among 15 additional markets to receive the ad-supported offering, alongside countries including Austria, Belgium, Indonesia, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden and Thailand.

NEC completes East Micronesia cable system linking Pacific island nations
KIRIBATI 05:31

NEC completes East Micronesia cable system linking Pacific island nations

NEC Corporation has completed construction of the East Micronesia Cable System (EMCS), a submarine cable network linking the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati and Nauru. The approximately 2,250km cable connects Tarawa in Kiribati, Nauru Island, Kosrae in the Federated States of Micronesia and Pohnpei. The system has been handed over to Federated States of Micronesia Telecommunications Cable Corporation, Bwebweriki Net Limited in Kiribati and Cenpac Corporation in Nauru.

NTT demonstrates low-latency remote drone control over private 5G network
JAPAN 05:29

NTT demonstrates low-latency remote drone control over private 5G network

NTT, NTT-ME and NTT e-Drone Technology have demonstrated a remote drone operation system designed to reduce delay variation in wireless network segments and improve video stability for remote control applications. The operator said the trial used private 5G and Flet's VPN connectivity to establish a remote drone operation environment between Minamisoma City and Koriyama City in Fukushima Prefecture, approximately 60 km apart.

NextDC launches first overseas data centre with Kuala Lumpur AI facility
MALAYSIA 05:27

NextDC launches first overseas data centre with Kuala Lumpur AI facility

Australian-based data centre developer and operator NextDC has launched its first international data centre with the opening of the KL1 Kuala Lumpur facility in Malaysia. The company said the facility represents a long-term investment of AUD 1 billion and has been designed to deliver 65 MW of IT capacity. Located in Malaysia's Klang Valley region, the site has been built using Tier IV design standards and is intended to become the first Uptime Institute Tier IV-certified data centre in Peninsular Malaysia.

Rakuten reports first quarterly operating profit since entering mobile market
JAPAN 05:25

Rakuten reports first quarterly operating profit since entering mobile market

Rakuten Group reported its first quarterly operating profit under both Non-GAAP and IFRS bases since launching its mobile network business, supported by improvements in profitability at its mobile business. Rakuten Mobile continued to report non-GAAP operating losses, though it recorded its first-ever first-quarter EBITDA profit, including the impact of property tax expenses.

SKT and South Korea's defence ministry partner on sovereign AI
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 05:23

SKT and South Korea's defence ministry partner on sovereign AI

SK Telecom (SKT) has signed an MoU with South Korea's Ministry of National Defense to develop and deploy defence-specific AI models based on the country's domestic AI foundation model initiative. The agreement marks the first application of South Korea's national AI foundation model programme in the defence sector, according to the company. SKT said the partnership will focus on developing and validating AI models for defence administration, using the operator's large language model development capabilities

New Zealand reviews submarine cable resilience in wake of exercise
NEW ZEALAND 05:22

New Zealand reviews submarine cable resilience in wake of exercise

New Zealand's Ministry of Transport has released a progress report to associate transport minister James Meager on efforts to strengthen the resilience and security of the country's critical underwater infrastructure (CUI), including submarine telecommunications cables and the Cook Strait power cable. The report outlines implementation of 10 no-cost, low-effort options directed by the minister following an earlier review. Eight of the ten initiatives are either complete or progressing on schedule, with two

NEC completes acquisition of CSG Systems with Netcracker to lead integration
GLOBAL 05:17

NEC completes acquisition of CSG Systems with Netcracker to lead integration

NEC Corporation has completed its acquisition of CSG Systems International, with subsidiary Netcracker Technology taking responsibility for operations and integration of the combined business. The companies said the transaction combines Netcracker's digital business support systems, operations support systems and AI-driven automation portfolio with CSG's software capabilities in customer engagement, payments and business support systems for telecommunications, broadband and digital service providers.

NetLink NBN Trust reports higher annual revenue but costs weigh on profit
SINGAPORE 05:15

NetLink NBN Trust reports higher annual revenue but costs weigh on profit

Singapore wholesale broadband access provider NetLink NBN Trust reported revenue of SGD 413.4 million for the financial year ended 31 March 2026 (up 1.6% YoY), driven mainly by higher ancillary project revenue and an increase in completed work orders. The company said EBITDA declined 1.8 percent to SGD 282.9 million as higher operating expenses more than offset revenue growth. EBITDA margin fell to 68.4 percent from 70.8 percent a year earlier.

SINGAPORE 05:13

TeleChoice reports higher Q1 revenue and profit on growth in telecom and ICT

Singapore-based operator TeleChoice International reported first-quarter 2026 revenue of SGD 146.86 million (up 31% YoY), while profit before tax increased 78 percent to SGD 2.32 million. The operator said all three operating divisions contributed to the increase in revenue and profit during the quarter ended 31 March 2026.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 05:11

Samsung standardises chip software development on Oracle Java platform

Samsung Electronics will use the Oracle Java SE Universal Subscription to standardise internal application development across its global semiconductor operations. Oracle said the agreement is intended to help Samsung consolidate software development on a single Java platform, with the aim of simplifying IT operations, strengthening security and streamlining licence management. According to the companies, Samsung sought a standardised application development platform to support its global workforce and softw

GLOBAL 05:09

Iren completes USD 3 billion convertible notes offering

Australian-based global neocloud provider Iren has closed a private offering of USD 3 billion in one percent convertible senior notes due in 2033, including the full exercise of a USD 400 million "greenshoe" option by initial purchasers. The company said the offering generated net proceeds of approximately USD 2.96 billion after discounts, commissions and estimated expenses. The notes carry a one percent coupon and were issued with a conversion premium of 32.5 percent.

AUSTRALIA 05:07

TPG Telecom says operations now matched with 100% renewable electricity

TPG Telecom said it has reached its target of matching all electricity used across its operations with renewable electricity supplied to the grid. The operator said the milestone was achieved in December 2025, fulfilling a commitment first announced in 2021 as part of its broader net zero emissions strategy. TPG Telecom said renewable electricity is sourced for its mobile towers, retail stores and offices through a combination of long-term power purchase agreements and renewable energy certificates.

AUSTRALIA 05:06

Superloop launches end-of-financial-year Wi-Fi 7 modem promotion

Australian operator Superloop has launched an end-of-financial-year promotion offering eligible new broadband customers a free second eero 7 modem to improve home Wi-Fi coverage and support higher-speed internet plans. The operator said the offer applies to customers who purchase one or more eero 7 modems on selected technologies, with one additional eero 7 device provided free per customer. 

MALAYSIA 03:25

Astro adds Netflix access, Blockbuster Pack to Astro One bundles

Astro Malaysia has upgraded its Astro One bundles by integrating a Netflix subscription and adding a complimentary, newly launched Blockbuster Pack. This promotion runs until 31 July, targeting both new sign-ups and existing subscribers.

PAKISTAN 03:05

Zong opens 5G service activation desk at Allama Iqbal Airport

Zong and the Pakistan Airports Authority have opened a dedicated 5G Customer Facilitation Desk at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore to provide travelers with connectivity services. This follows a similar launch at the Islamabad airport. Located within the terminal, the desk helps both domestic and international passengers with SIM card activations and technical support.

CHINA 02:51

China Telecom lands Asia Link Cable in Hong Kong

China Telecom has landed the Asia Link Cable (ALC) at the Chung Hom Kok Cable Landing Station in Hong Kong. Led and constructed by China Telecom in partnership with 12 other regional operators, this 6,200 km submarine cable connects Hong Kong and Hainan with Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, and Malaysia. With a design capacity exceeding 325 Tbps, China Telecom says the ALC will be the highest-capacity cable serving the Hong Kong-to-Singapore route.

PHILIPPINES 02:18

Converge passes 3 million residential customers milestone

Philippines operator Converge saw its first-quarter revenues rise 3.7 percent to PHP 11.2 billon. The operator's residential business revenues were up to PHP 9.2 billion during the 3-month period with total subscribers reaching 3,089,144 at end-March 2026. Converge ended March with more than 3 million residential customers.

PHILIPPINES 02:03

Globe Telecom's Q1 service revenues up 5% on increased mobile data demand, fibre adoption

Philippines operator Globe Telecom posted service revenues of PHP 42 billion for the first three months of 2026, which represents an increase of 5 percent year-on-year. Revenue growth was mainly boosted by increased mobile data demand, continued fibre adoption, and enterprise ICT services expansion.

UNITED KINGDOM 14 MEI

Ofcom consults on new standards, accessibility Codes for streaming platforms

UK regulator Ofcom has published a new draft Code for streaming services to deliver stronger protections for UK viewers. The new Code sets out rules around harmful and offensive content, accuracy and impartiality, and privacy and fairness; bringing Netflix under Ofcom oversight for the first time. It has also published a new Code setting accessibility standards for streaming platforms - with new audio description, subtitling and signing requirements.

CANADA 14 MEI

Canadian govt funds rural high-speed broadband projects in New Brunswick

The Canadian government has announced federal funding of more than CAD 37 million for two projects to deliver high-speed broadband connectivity to over 27,600 homes in more than 500 rural and remote New Brusnwick communities. One project will be delivered by Rogers Communications, with the other led by Xplore. The funding is being delivered through the Universal Broadband Fund, which aims to deliver high-speed broadband connectivity to rural, remote and Indigenous communities across Canada. 

Just In

05:38

DRAM prices surge 70-83% in Q2 2026, deepening smartphone industry squeeze

05:36

KDDI integrates spam call and message blocking into Ponta Pass iOS app

05:34

NTT Docomo to end mopera U standard plan and raise simple plan pricing

05:33

Netflix to launch advertising-supported subscriptions in New Zealand

Commentary

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Open Dutch Fiber outlook: time to restart roll-out?

20 APR 10:36

Netflix back to organic growth and doing just fine

11 FEB 12:29

Odido shareholders face tricky exit after abandoned IPO

Background

11 MEI 00:53

The week in telecom: Lumen, NTT turn to data centre market to revive growth, Hutchison exits UK

3 MEI 23:05

The week in telecoms: big tech faces costs of AI boom and Wi-Fi market consolidates

27 APR 14:33

Virgin Media O2: from coax to fibre and 80% coverage in 2028

26 APR 23:04

The week in telecoms: sovereign hopes take hold in Europe and Apple confirms new CEO