Seniors, disabled rights groups file complaint against Belgian state over digital-only essential services
BELGIUM 11:42

Seniors, disabled rights groups file complaint against Belgian state over digital-only essential services

A group of NGOs has filed a complaint against the Belgian state over making essential public and private services accessible offline. Age Platform Europe, the European Disability Forum and the International Federation for Human Rights submitted the collective complaint against Belgium to the European Committee of Social Rights, with the support of Belgium's equal opportunities board Unia and the Service for Combating Poverty, Precarity and Social Exclusion. They are concerned that some vulnerable groups may

Vodacom names former UN undersecretary-general Songwe as chair of philanthropic foundation
AFRICA 11:41

Vodacom names former UN undersecretary-general Songwe as chair of philanthropic foundation

Vodacom Group, serving over 243 million customers in Africa, has consolidated its philanthropic efforts under the name Vodacom Foundation. Coinciding with the launch, the foundation announced a new seven-member board chaired by renowned economist and former United Nations undersecretary-general Vera Songwe to support its strategy to benefit 50 million lives by 2030. The board brings expertise in public policy, technology, governance and sustainability to guide the foundation's focus on scalable, digitally e

YCO Cloud, Aolani to deploy 10,000 Nvidia Blackwell Ultra GPUs in Philippines
PHILIPPINES 11:39

YCO Cloud, Aolani to deploy 10,000 Nvidia Blackwell Ultra GPUs in Philippines

Philippine digital infrastructure and data centre developer YCO Cloud has teamed up with Aolani to deploy Nvidia GB300 NVL72 clusters on the local market. The initial deployment is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027 and will comprise more than 10,000 Nvidia Blackwell Ultra GPUs. The infrastructure is designed to provide access to high-density AI compute services for government organizations, domestic enterprises and startups, with capacity available to support both local and international AI workloads.

Vodafone, Digital Virgo sign mobile commerce deal covering Europe and Africa
GERMANY 11:36

Vodafone, Digital Virgo sign mobile commerce deal covering Europe and Africa

Vodafone said it has partnered with Digital Virgo to expand the use of trusted mobile commerce across Europe and Africa. The collaboration aims to embed operator-grade identity, authentication and fraud-prevention features into existing mobile payment and carrier-billing systems, enabling "secure, seamless and trusted" digital experiences.

Cherokee commissions Teleste's Luminato X32 converters for MDU broadcast services
UNITED STATES 11:31

Cherokee commissions Teleste's Luminato X32 converters for MDU broadcast services

North Carolina's Cherokee Cablevision is deploying Teleste's Luminato X32 Edge QAM appliance to distribute linear TV services in multi-dwelling residences (MDUs). The deal is in partnership with Teleste's North American distribution partner Mega Hertz. Luminato X32 converts IP video streams into traditional QAM broadcasts, enabling onward distribution over in-building coax wires. 

Nscale arranges convertible loan worth over USD 3 bln
GLOBAL 11:26

Nscale arranges convertible loan worth over USD 3 bln

Nscale has agreed a USD 3.36 billion convertible debt transaction ahead of its planned IPO listing in New York. The New York hedge fund Third Point will lead on the transaction, with backing from existing Nscale investor Nvidia and sovereign wealth fund Abu Dhabi Investment Council, among others.

Truecaller brings out Scam Checker
GLOBAL 11:18

Truecaller brings out Scam Checker

Truecaller has announced the launch of Truecaller Scam Checker on the web and in India on its Android app, to help people quickly assess whether or not they are dealing with a fraud attempt. Users can check suspicious web links, search phone numbers, discover relevant scam reports and better understand potential fraud attempts before taking action. CEO Rishit Jhunjhunwala said people often sense that something is wrong, but they need a quick way to check before responding.

Channel 4 seeks improved video payment terms from global platforms
UNITED KINGDOM 11:06

Channel 4 seeks improved video payment terms from global platforms

UK public service broadcaster (PSB) Channel 4 has called on the UK government to force global video platforms, such as YouTube, to offer improved payment terms for its online videos, reports The Times. In a submission to a government consultation, Channel 4 said that PSB content should be available on global video platforms on a "zero net fee basis", with platforms not taking any mandatory payment. It warned that "voluntary commercial agreements" are not sustainable for PSBs. 

New cloud services supplier confirmed on G-Cloud 15 framework
UNITED KINGDOM 10:52

New cloud services supplier confirmed on G-Cloud 15 framework

Progressive Technology Solutions (PTS), UK provider of finance, enterprise asset management and related cloud services, has been appointed as a supplier on the G-Cloud 15 framework. The G-Cloud 15 framework provides public sector customers with access to over 50,000 cloud services from more than 4,000 suppliers. PTS will provide software-as-a-service and cloud support services. 

Uganda's MTN Foundation expands digital connectivity in Palabek refugee settlement
UGANDA 10:27

Uganda's MTN Foundation expands digital connectivity in Palabek refugee settlement

MTN Foundation Uganda has launched a new twelve-computer ICT hub at Palabek Refugee Settlement in partnership with Hopelink Action Foundation Uganda. The facility offers free access to computers, high-speed internet and digital learning tools to address critical infrastructure gaps in one of the country's most underserved regions. Located in a remote section of Lamwo District, the settlement hosts nearly 72,000 refugees and asylum seekers, predominantly from South Sudan. The hub provides residents with esse

Netherlands starts public campaign to put phones on 'do not disturb' when driving
NETHERLANDS 10:21

Netherlands starts public campaign to put phones on 'do not disturb' when driving

The Dutch government launched a new public awareness campaign to warn people of the risks of checking their phone when in traffic. It targets drivers and cyclists, recommending they put their phones on 'do not disturb' when in traffic so they are not tempted to check messages. The campaign runs on radio, TV and online channels from 28 September.

Jordan's Orange Money picks Adstra as partner to combat money laundering and terrorism financing
JORDAN 10:18

Jordan's Orange Money picks Adstra as partner to combat money laundering and terrorism financing

Orange Money, the digital wallet subsidiary of Orange Jordan, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Adstra to integrate AI-driven anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) services. Orange Money will deploy Adstra's intelligent compliance architecture, including automated sanctions list screening, dynamic customer risk profiling, and continuous transaction monitoring. This strengthens Orange Money's financial crime defences, ensures robust compliance and provides e

TOGO 10:08

Togolese and Malian data regulators agree to share regulatory expertise

The Togolese Personal Data Protection Authority (IPDCP) and Malian Personal Data Protection Authority (APDP) have signed a bilateral cooperation agreement to formalise their partnership and streamline the exchange of regulatory expertise, TogoFirst reported. They will collaborate on cross-border complaint resolution, compliance audits, information sharing and staff training. They will also cooperate on cross-border data transfers, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and regional digital sovereignty.

JORDAN 10:00

Zain Jordan starts offering iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max

Zain Jordan has begun offering the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max for direct sale across the country through its online store or at selected Zain retail locations. The operator offers them for an outright direct payment or paired with the 'Minna w Fina Elite 1' or 'Minna w Fina Elite 2' postpaid plan. Apple's iPhone 18 Pro starts at JOD 1,199 while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at JOD 1,299, varying by storage capacity. 

NORTH AMERICA 09:47

Teleste expands authorised repairs with North American partner Fiber Node Services

Teleste is adding authorised repairs of its hybrid fibre coax equipment for North American customers. The firm has signed an agreement with Fiber Node Services (FNS) to supply in-warranty and out-of-warranty repairs across its US and Canadian repair network. The deal permits FNS to diagnose and rectify faults in all Teleste hardware devices sold in North America.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION 09:46

Rostelecom-Data Centre and Basalt introduce distributed IT management system

Russian national operator Rostelecom announced that the companies of the Rostelecom group - the cloud and data centre services proivider Rostelecom-Data Centre and the software developer  Basalt - released the new product Alt Infrastructure, intended for centralised management of geographically distributed IT systems of federal scale. Built on the Smart Control platform and the Alt Server" operating system, the solution offers customers full control over their IT infrastructure, with a high level of informa

SURINAME 09:45

Telesur taps Cerillion for BSS/OSS upgrade

Suriname's state-owned operator Telesur has partnered with Cerillion to upgrade to the latest version of the latter's business and operational support software suite. The transition to Cerillion 26.1 gives Telesur access to new functions aimed at speeding up product launches and improving back-office efficiency.

BRAZIL 09:43

Google Cloud to double infrastructure in Brazil by 2030

Google Cloud has announced plans to double its technical computing infrastructure in Brazil by 2030, significantly boosting local processing, storage, and high-performance AI capabilities. Global CEO Thomas Kurian highlighted Latin America as Google's second fastest-growing region—with Brazil as its primary market—noting that the expansion responds directly to surging local demand. Rather than relying solely on new data centre facilities, the expansion will leverage faster chips, enhanced connectivity, and

MIDDLE EAST 09:35

Arabsat picks China Great Wall Industry to build Arabsat-50 satellite

Saudi satellite operator Arabsat has partnered with China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) to construct the new Arabat-50 satellite. Built on CGWIC's DFH-3E platform, the high-power Ku-band satellite will deliver direct-to-home (DTH) television broadcasting across the Middle East from the 26 degrees East orbital slot. CGWIC will provide Arabsat turnkey in-orbit delivery package covering communications satellite design and development, including launch services, among others.

UKRAINE 09:29

Kyivstar offers mobile network authentication service for B2B customers

Ukrainian operator Kyivstar introduced to its B2B customers a new method for verifying their own customers. Automatic verification via the mobile network has been added to the "Consumer Telecommunication Parameters Verification" service. With automatic verification, the user does not need to enter a code, answer a call, or perform any other actions. This check is available for Kyivstar subscribers who are already using the services of the respective business client.

NIGERIA 09:27

Vitel Wireless launches lifetime 1% loyalty reward for agents

Vitel Wireless, Nigeria's first MVNO, has launched a 1 percent lifetime loyalty reward programme for its agent network. Eligible active agents will earn an ongoing 1 percent compensation tied directly to qualifying sales and new agent onboarding. As a full-service MVNO offering GSM voice, SMS, USSD and data services, Vitel Wireless aims to use this incentive to build a sustainable, highly engaged sales ecosystem across Nigeria.

PORTUGAL 09:27

Vodafone Portugal tops 4G and 5G coverage rankings by nPerf

Vodafone offers the best overall mobile network coverage in Portugal across both 4G and 5G, according to the latest nPerf annual report. Vodafone achieved an 85.04 percent coverage rate for 5G, outpacing second-placed Nos (80.38%) by 4.66 percentage points. Meo followed with 69.55 percent, while newcomer Digi trailed at 34.72 percent. In 4G coverage, all four operators exceeded 95 percent national coverage. Vodafone led narrowly with 97.49 percent, followed closely by Nos (97.48%), Meo (95.99%), and Digi (9

POLAND 09:24

Wroclaw tax office announces bulk SMS tender

The Wroclaw unit of the Polish National Revenue Administration announced a tender for the provision of a remote service enabling the automated sending of SMS messages to local and foreign mobile numbers. The contract also includes the provision of tools to support the management of SMS communications originating from the central systems of the National Revenue Administration. The estimated net value of the contract is PLN 7.49 million, and price will be the sole criterion for selecting the winning bid. The

SLOVAKIA 09:23

Student channel Via TV launches in Slovakia

A new channel called Via TV is available in the Slovak TV market. The operator Antik added it to its base package. Via TV positions itself as the first nationwide student television channel. It aims to serve as a platform for young creators, schools, and emerging filmmakers. Its programming lineup is set to include student audiovisual productions, current affairs content, documentaries, thematic magazines, interviews, and cultural content, as well as feature films.

Just In

11:42

Seniors, disabled rights groups file complaint against Belgian state over digital-only essential services

11:41

Vodacom names former UN undersecretary-general Songwe as chair of philanthropic foundation

11:39

YCO Cloud, Aolani to deploy 10,000 Nvidia Blackwell Ultra GPUs in Philippines

11:36

Vodafone, Digital Virgo sign mobile commerce deal covering Europe and Africa

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

00:42

The week in telecom: Paramount sews up Warner takeover, Google tries AI laptops and mobile money IPOs

26 SEP 11:13

Belgium Weekly - 39

26 SEP 10:54

Netherlands Weekly - 39

21 SEP 11:23

Netherlands video revenues grow 2.5% in Q2, helped by Videoland success