Middle East smartphone market contracts 19% in Q2 as vendors prioritize profitability
MIDDLE EAST 13:38

Middle East smartphone market contracts 19% in Q2 as vendors prioritize profitability

Middle East smartphone shipments (excluding Turkey) fell 19 percent year-on-year to 10.6 million units in Q2, the region's sharpest decline since Q4 2025, according to Omdia's latest research. Rising device prices, persistent supply constraints, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty led vendors to prioritize unit profitability over sheer volume. Concurrently, regional retailers adopted cautious inventory strategies to mitigate softening consumer confidence.

MTN South Africa offers one hour free data for TikTok on Sundays
SOUTH AFRICA 13:33

MTN South Africa offers one hour free data for TikTok on Sundays

MTN South Africa launched TikTok Open Time, a new offer under its updated MTN App rewards platform. Available through the MyGifts tab in the MTN App, the feature provides subscribers with one hour of free, uninterrupted TikTok access every Sunday, with no data charges. The offer must be redeemed before noon. The new reward is part of the MTN 'Yiyo' campaign, promoting its platform as the only Sim a person needs to stay connected. 

CTN, Unconnected.org and Internet Society expand LTE internet access across Lilongwe
MALAWI 13:29

CTN, Unconnected.org and Internet Society expand LTE internet access across Lilongwe

Converged Technology Networks (CTN) has extended its LTE fixed-wireless coverage across multiple neighborhoods in Malawi's capital, Lilongwe, in partnership with Unconnected.org and the Internet Society. Brian Munyao Longwe, chief executive officer of CTN confirmed that the collaborative initiative will also provide more than 20 secondary schools with permanent, free internet access. By eliminating recurring service fees for educational institutions, the program aims to bolster digital learning, enhance acc

Liberia streamlines telecom licensing with online system
LIBERIA 13:26

Liberia streamlines telecom licensing with online system

The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) is automating its licensing and renewal process to cut processing times, lower costs, and eliminate unnecessary paperwork for applicants nationwide. LTA said in a statement that citizens and business owners across Liberia will no longer need to travel to the capital to apply for or renew telecommunications licenses, as it prepares to roll out a nationwide digital licensing platform. The automated system is designed to modernize operations, allowing individuals,

1&1 Versatel expands security services portfolio for business customers
GERMANY 13:25

1&1 Versatel expands security services portfolio for business customers

1&1 Versatel is expanding its portfolio of security services for business customers. The company is introducing 1&1 Security Services, a solution combining secure connectivity, cybersecurity consulting, and managed security services. 1&1 Security Services bundles Penetration Testing & Security Consulting, Managed Firewall, and round the clock monitoring of security-relevant events. The solution enables companies to secure their IT and network infrastructures and meet regulatory requirements such as NIS2 an

Ooredoo Kuwait advances AI network strategy with NWDAF deployment
KUWAIT 13:24

Ooredoo Kuwait advances AI network strategy with NWDAF deployment

Ooredoo Kuwait deployed the 3GPP-standardized Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) across its 5G Core. By leveraging AI and machine learning to analyze real-time network, service, and user data, NWDAF enables proactive network management, rapid anomaly detection, and optimized service quality, the operator said. 

Zain Jordan upgrades Ericsson BSS on Red Hat for postpaid offers
JORDAN 13:23

Zain Jordan upgrades Ericsson BSS on Red Hat for postpaid offers

Ericsson and Zain Jordan announced the next phase of the upgrade of Zain's Business Support Systems (BSS), to cover also postpaid subscribers. Ericsson will deploy cloud-native Ericsson Billing on Red Hat OpenShift within Zain's private cloud. The agreement introduces the Ericsson Telco DataOps Platform to deliver real-time data streaming, proactive customer experience management, and network optimization for AI-driven autonomous operations. To accelerate time-to-market for new offers, the scope also incorp

Spotify raises prices in Benelux
BENELUX 13:03

Spotify raises prices in Benelux

Spotify has increased the monthly subscription cost for its ad-free Premium service to EUR 13.99 per month in the Benelux countries. The Duo plan now costs EUR 19.99 monthly, and the Family plan rises to EUR 23.99. The prices are valid already for new subscribers, while existing customers will see the change at their next invoice in September. 

Smart Zambia Institute partners with Cisco to offer free training to youth
ZAMBIA 12:52

Smart Zambia Institute partners with Cisco to offer free training to youth

The Smart Zambia Institute, in partnership with Cisco Networking Academy, is offering free technology training to young Zambians through its 2026 Skills Programme. Targeting Grade Ten to Twelve learners and recent school leavers, the initiative provides beginner-friendly courses in cybersecurity and computer networking. Participants can study online at their own pace and earn industry-recognized digital badges to boost their CVs and LinkedIn profiles. No prior experience is required.

New Zealand agrees to lift Chorus shareholder restrictions
NEW ZEALAND 12:51

New Zealand agrees to lift Chorus shareholder restrictions

New Zeland's national fibre network operator Chorus announced plans to lift ownership caps imposed by the state. This follows the New Zealand government selling off its remaining loans to the operator after the completion of the national network roll-out.

Nigerian subscriber association threatens legal action if mobile service does not improve by September
NIGERIA 12:33

Nigerian subscriber association threatens legal action if mobile service does not improve by September

The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) has given a September deadline for the country's mobile operators to improve network quality or face legal action, CommunicationsWeek reported. NATCOMS president Deolu Ogunbanjo said subscribers have endured deteriorating network services despite repeated interventions, warnings and sanctions by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). He said that if regulatory oversight fails to resolve the issue, NATCOMS will seek judicial redress by the end

Italian inflation dips to 2.9% in July
ITALY 12:14

Italian inflation dips to 2.9% in July

Italy's main domestic inflation rate (NIC) dipped to 2.9 percent on an annual basis in July, compared with 3.0 percent in June, according to data from statistics agency Istat. The preliminary estimate had been for annual inflation of 2.8 percent.

JORDAN 12:10

Zain Jordan relaunches Basma+ line with upgraded benefits for deaf customers

Zain Jordan has relaunched its Basma+ line for deaf customers with enhanced benefits to provide a more accessible service. It prioritises video calls and SMS as essential communication tools. The package includes 30 GB of data alongside 3,000 video call minutes, enabling users to interact easily in both personal and professional settings. Subscribers also receive 20,000 local Zain minutes, 3,000 minutes to other domestic networks and 3,000 text messages.

GLOBAL 11:50

Radcom confirms 33% Q2 sales slump due to customer delays

Radcom has reported a 33.4 percent decline in second quarter sales to USD 11.8 million. The firm scaled back its FY revenue target in July to account for anticipated weakness in Q2 attributed to customer postponements. In its Q2 statements, Radcom confirmed that prolonged purchasing and deployment timeframes had impacted its revenue base. Some customers are holding off on infrastructure builds required to implement its service assurance products due to elevated pricing for certain components, Radcom added. 

BELGIUM 11:49

Belgian regulator flags cheaper standalone broadband plans as TV shifts to streaming

The average cost of 100 Mbps unlimited home broadband service in Belgium reached EUR 47.65 per month in Q2 2026, according to the latest price comparison by the regulator Bipt. The average does not include Digi, which only offers services in a few large cities. Where Digi is available, it is the cheapest provider by far for all three speeds compared in the study - 100 Mbps, 300 Mbps or 1 Gbps. The difference in prices is wide, with annual savings of EUR 432 to EUR 636 possible depending on the speed, Bipt n

ZAMBIA 11:01

MTN Zambia offers new subscribers free calls to favourite contact with certain bundles

MTN Zambia has introduced 'My Laka Number' as an incentive for new subscribers to join its network. From 07 August, customers who activate a new MTN Sim can designate one preferred contact as their 'Laka Number' and get free calls to that number for up to 90 days, when they buy eligible daily or weekly bundles. These are 1Zed or Mixo Mixo bundles valued between ZMK 10 and ZMK 20.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 10:54

Du and Khalifa University publish '6G blueprint for telcos'

UAE-based operator Du has published its first whitepaper, 'The Intelligence Network: A 6G Blueprint for Telcos'. It was developed by Du Infra in collaboration with the Digital Future Institute at Khalifa University. It presents a blueprint for AI-native, autonomous and monetisable telecom infrastructure, exploring how telecom operators can evolve into intelligence infrastructure providers. Du has published the paper on its LinkedIn feed.

UNITED KINGDOM 10:42

Your Channels, PA Media launch sports news FAST channel in UK

Your Channels, Netherlands-based FAST channel operator, has teamed with PA Media, national news agency in the UK and Ireland, to launch a new 24/7 sports news FAST channel on Samsung TV Plus in the UK. The new 'Your Sports News' channel will provide rolling coverage of UK and global sport, powered by PA Media's live reporting, archive and video footage. Content will include live press conferences, breaking news, athlete interviews and highlights of major sporting events.

UNITED STATES 10:34

Verizon offers rewards for network damage convictions in California

Verizon has unveiled a USD 25,000 reward scheme in California for information leading to the arrest and conviction of people involved in network vandalism. This comes after vandals cut multiple fibre cables in recent days, leaving thousands of Verizon customers in Los Angeles and parts of Southern California without service. 

EL SALVADOR 10:26

El Salvador regulator allocates Tigo additional mobile spectrum for 60 days

El Salvador's telecommunications regulator Siget announced that it allocated Tigo 30 Mhz of mobile spectrum for a temporary period. The company will have use of the additional capacity for a period of 60 days effective 31 July. Siget said the spectrum award consists of 15 MHz each of download and upload capacity in the 700 MHz band.

IRELAND 10:18

Vodafone becomes main sponsor of Ireland Women's Rugby Team

Vodafone Ireland is expanding a partnership with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) to become the main sponsor of the Ireland Women's Rugby Team. The agreement runs from July 2026 to 2028, with Vodafone branding appearing on the front of the Ireland Women's jersey. Vodafone has been the main sponsor of Ireland's Men's Rugby Team since 2026. It has also supported women's rugby in Ireland for around 10 years, including supporting the 2027 Women's World Cup in Dublin and sponsoring the Women's Interprovinci

GLOBAL 10:16

TIA signs up new members to deliver Data Centre Excellence 9000 standard

Bell Canada is among eighteen new stakeholders enrolled in the upcoming Data Centre Excellence (DCE) 9000 quality framework, intended as a certified baseline for building and operating major data centre projects. DCE 9000 is supervised by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), a trade alliance focused on trusted digital infrastructures. The other new members are Avion Networks, Caterpillar, CBRE, Clayco, E.K. Machine, ESI Total Fuel Management, ITW Formex, LRQA, Netceed, OmniOn Power, Peractio P

SPAIN 10:16

MasOrange clients get free calls to Colombia following earthquake

MasOrange announced free calls and texts to Colombia for clients in Spain in response to this week's earthquake in the west of the country. The company also said it activated free calls and data for its clients travelling in Colombia. MasOrange said the measures will remain in place for at least two weeks.

UNITED KINGDOM 10:11

Sky Sports to broadcast 2026 Laver Cup in UK, Ireland

UK broadcaster Sky has announced a new deal with Trident8 for Sky Sports to show all three days of the 2026 Laver Cup from the O2 Arena in London on 25-27 September. The competition will feature 12 of the best men's tennis players in the world in a Europe vs Rest of the World format. 

Just In

13:38

Middle East smartphone market contracts 19% in Q2 as vendors prioritize profitability

13:33

MTN South Africa offers one hour free data for TikTok on Sundays

13:29

CTN, Unconnected.org and Internet Society expand LTE internet access across Lilongwe

13:26

Liberia streamlines telecom licensing with online system

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KPN: the art of making one-offs structural

Background

9 AUG 23:44

The week in telecom: Starlink's mobile ambitions and LEO challengers, plus Hollywood studios try streaming shorts and sports

2 AUG 23:37

The week in telecom: Telcos resist economic slowdown in Q2 while big tech gears up for more AI investment

26 JUL 23:19

The week in telecom: Samsung works on foldable challenge, US telcos try FMC

19 JUL 23:41

The week in telecom: OnePlus exits tough smartphone market and Apple takes on OpenAI