Vodafone Albania unveils targeted offers for seniors and young adults
ALBANIA 12:04

Vodafone Albania unveils targeted offers for seniors and young adults

Vodafone Albania is expanding its portfolio with dedicated plans for customers aged 62+ and bonus perks for young adults aged 18–25. For seniors, the two plans offer voice and data bundles with an additional 5 GB monthly internet allocation reserved specifically for Sunday use. Vodafone Care (Prepaid) includes 100 national minutes and 1 GB internet for ALL 900 per 30 days, while Vodafone Next Care (Postpaid) offers 500 national minutes, 500 SMS and 1 GB for ALL 800 per month, with a 12- or 24-month agreemen

Globe Telecom puts return on internal AI spend at 2.8x, benefits valued at USD 19 million
PHILIPPINES 12:04

Globe Telecom puts return on internal AI spend at 2.8x, benefits valued at USD 19 million

Philippines operator Globe has pegged the measurable benefits of its internal AI and machine learning workload at PHP 1.2 billion (USD 19.18 million). Based on Globe's AI activity as of August, the figure factors in estimates of incremental revenue benefits, cost prevention, and employee productivity gains. Drawing on this assessment, Globe said the benefits convert into a 2.8x return on AI expenditures.

Polar Connect seabed mapping finds no exceptional challenges on route
SCANDINAVIA 11:59

Polar Connect seabed mapping finds no exceptional challenges on route

The Nordic region research and education network (NREN) NordUnet said Swedish icebreaker Oden carried out seabed measurements between 24 July to 10 August to prepare for the Polar Connect submarine cable from Northern Europe to East Asia via the Central Arctic Ocean. NordUnet strategy and policy officer Ieva Muraskiene said the mapping found volcanoes and other "challenging features", but overall, there was nothing out of the ordinary. Several cable routes in the Pacific Ocean have had to overcome much wors

Alloha Fibra expands Para optical network
BRAZIL 11:45

Alloha Fibra expands Para optical network

Brazilian broadband operator Alloha Fibra, operating under its Giga+ brand, has completed the initial phase of an FTTH expansion in the state of Para, deploying 638 kilometres of optical fibre across Abaetetuba, Braganca, and Tucurui. Financed by the Fund for the Universalisation of Telecommunications Services (Fust) via state bank BNDES, this first stage brings high-speed connectivity within reach of over 90,000 households and includes the construction and modernisation of five local data processing centre

Tarr rolls out gigabit network expansion in Kaposvar
HUNGARY 11:44

Tarr rolls out gigabit network expansion in Kaposvar

Hungarian telecom operator Tarr announced a FTTH network investment under the Gigabit Hungary Programme to bring high-speed internet to over 8,100 households and local businesses across the Kaposvar district. Designed to upgrade underserved areas to speeds exceeding 1,000 Mbps by the end of 2028, the initiative aligns with the EU's 2030 digital targets for gigabit connectivity and 5G coverage. The project encompasses over 30 settlements in the region, connecting residential properties, public institutions,

Vodafone Albania updates fixed broadband portfolio
ALBANIA 11:41

Vodafone Albania updates fixed broadband portfolio

Vodafone Albania is updating its fixed internet offerings from 05 October to deliver higher speeds and Wi-Fi 7 compatibility. The new line-up features standard monthly rates ranging from ALL 1,300 for 300 Mbps up to ALL 3,500 for the top 10 Gbps (xGPON) tier. A standard ALL 1,500 installation fee applies across packages. Customers signing a 24-month contract for either the 500 Mbps or 1 Gbps tier receive a promotional rate of ALL 1,300/month for the first six months, after which standard pricing resumes (AL

OpenAI abandons release of new GPT model as internal tests find flaws
GLOBAL 11:36

OpenAI abandons release of new GPT model as internal tests find flaws

OpenAI has decided to abandon the release of its next-generation AI model, GPT-6.1 Astra, after researches raised safety concerns during internal tests, the Wall Street Journal reported. The company had been aiming for an October debut and its annual developer event DevDay was due to start at 10:00 hrs PT on 29 September. OpenAI's head of safety systems Saachi Jain told the WSJ in an interview that GPT-6.1 Astra showed higher levels of deception than previous models, and failed to seek permission for tasks

Vodafone Spain sets up wholesale telecoms division
SPAIN 11:33

Vodafone Spain sets up wholesale telecoms division

Vodafone Spain (Zegona) has created a dedicated wholesale telecommunications division, Vodafone Wholesale Service, to connect operators, resellers and businesses with tailored voice, data, mobile and fibre services. Announced a day after reaching a major MVNO deal with fibre provider Onivia, Vodafone said the unit will aim to further expand the company's share of Spain's wholesale market via personalised support and technical advice.

Oppo Egypt, ITIDA and Nile University extend tech talent initiative
EGYPT 11:32

Oppo Egypt, ITIDA and Nile University extend tech talent initiative

Oppo Egypt, in collaboration with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) and Nile University, has wrapped up the third phase of its joint technology training programme, offering students hands-on industry exposure and insight into professional corporate environments. The latest phase focused on customer service and after-sales operations for Nile University technology students. Participants received practical instruction on real-world workflows, service standards, and daily operation

Hollandsnieuwe helps Dutch multiplay market return to growth in Q2
NETHERLANDS 11:11

Hollandsnieuwe helps Dutch multiplay market return to growth in Q2

The multiplay market returned to growth in the Netherlands in the second quarter, adding 4,000 new households to the subscriber base after five quarters contracting. In total nearly 6.7 million households take more than one service from their telecom providers, according to the latest edition of Telecompaper's quarterly Dutch Consumer Multiplay Market report. VodafoneZiggo achieved 9,000 net additions in the quarter, helped by the launch of its Hollandsnieuwe brand on the fixed market in April. This was Vod

Vodafone announces new Pro 4 fibre, 5G Broadband plans
UNITED KINGDOM 11:11

Vodafone announces new Pro 4 fibre, 5G Broadband plans

Vodafone UK has announced the launch of new home broadband options, including the launch of Pro 4 broadband later in 2026, powered by its next-generation tri-band WiFi 7 router (Ultra Hub 7+). Real home trials of the Pro 4 broadband service are already taking place, with customers benefiting from real-world 8 Gbps speeds on the CityFibre network. Pro 4 combines Super WiFi 7 and boosters, the Vodafone WiFi Guarantee, 4G Broadband Back-Up, and intelligent Smart Models. It also includes Secure Net Home at no a

Core42 and UAE Cyber Security Council advance sovereign AI cloud services
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 11:00

Core42 and UAE Cyber Security Council advance sovereign AI cloud services

G42 company Core42 has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) to advance sovereign AI cloud capabilities nationwide. They will integrate Core42's Signature Private Cloud offerings with high-performance artificial intelligence infrastructure engineered to meet strict data sovereignty and security requirements.

MALAWI 10:58

Macra and Blantyre City Council plan smart surveillance cameras

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) has met with the Blantyre City Council to discuss a proposed Smart City Surveillance Initiative designed to improve urban safety, management, and efficiency through advanced digital infrastructure. According to Macra director general Mayamiko Nkoloma, the project will deploy AI-powered cameras capable of detecting objects, analyzing incidents in real time, and delivering automated surveillance alerts.

UNITED KINGDOM 10:58

UK plans new national centre to tackle online misinformation

The Chair of UK Parliament's Science and Technology Committee, Chi Onwurah MP, has welcomed plans by Prime Minister Andy Burnham to set up a new National Centre for Information Defence. The Prime Minister used his speech at the UN General Assembly in New York on 22 September to unveil plans for the new centre to detect and disrupt information attacks from hostile states.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 10:48

E& and UAE Cyber Security Council test Rannah secure communications platform

E& UAE has launched Rannah, a secure communications service developed in collaboration with the Cyber Security Council (CSC). Currently in its proof-of-concept phase, the solution is hosted within E& UAE's local, on-premises data centres to meet the nation's strictest regulatory and security standards. Built for government entities, enterprises, and mid-to-large organizations, the solution provides a locally developed, secure collaboration platform engineered to support long-term digital strategies.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 10:46

E& UAE claims world's first commercial upper 6 GHz network launch

E& UAE has declared the commercial launch of the world's first mobile network powered by upper 6 GHz (U6GHz) 256TRX Giga-MIMO technology. This supports the national 6G roadmap led by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). The U6GHz network has been deployed directly over the existing 5.5G network to unlock the capabilities of the 'Golden 6GHz Band' and strengthen E& UAE's evolution towards IMT-2030 and 6G.

SOUTH AFRICA 10:43

Vodacom Business charts progress in smart meters roll-out across municipalities

Vodacom Business announced progress on the National Treasury's RT29-2024 transversal contract for smart meter infrastructure, service delivery and employment. Through RT29 projects, smart water meter installations grew to approximately 147,600, up from 137,600 in FY2025, while local job creation expanded from roughly 500 to 650 positions by FY2026. In partnership with Ontec and Macrocomm, Vodacom Business equips participating municipalities with digital technologies that enhance billing accuracy, improve ne

LESOTHO 10:39

Econet named Lesotho's fastest mobile network by Ookla

Econet Telecom has earned the award for Lesotho's Fastest Mobile Network from Ookla, based on consumer testing on Speedtest throughout the first half of 2026. Econet Telecom Lesotho CEO Dennis Plaatjies stated that the award validates the company's long-term investment in network performance and customer experience. Looking ahead, Econet plans to sustain its network expansion and modernization efforts, treating this national benchmark as momentum to drive further value and support Lesotho's digital developm

GLOBAL 10:28

CableLabs launches Docsis 4 annex enabling 3 GHz downstream access

CableLabs has published additional criteria in the cable Docsis 4 specification to extend downstream operation from 1.8 GHz to 3 GHz.  An optional annex to the standard allows Docsis 4 technology to leverage 3 GHz plants for downlink. CableLabs said the extended plant could unlock 25 Gbps aggregate capacities using existing hybrid fibre-coax infrastructure, creating headroom for higher service tiers in the years ahead.

EUROPE 10:26

EU picks Orange Business for TESTA-EIRIS backbone network contract

Orange Business has announced a new contract awarded by the European Commission to upgrade the network infrastructure used by EU member states to exchange sensitive information. The project aims to modernise Europe's existing backbone network for data exchange, dubbed TESTA (Trans-European Services for Telematics between Administrations). The new version, known as TESTA-EIRIS (Enhanced Infrastructure for Reliable Interconnectivity and Security), will remain under the organisational and contractual control o

UNITED STATES 10:21

Spectrum spotlights edge data centre network at SCTE Tech Expo

Spectrum will highlight progress on edge data centre services powered by its fibre backbone at the upcoming SCTE TechExpo in Atlanta. The Charter Communications-owned network currently connects more than 1,000 owned-and-operated edge data centres, bringing ultra-low latency compute into smart home and enterprise IoT use cases.

NETHERLANDS 10:13

Netflix audience shrinking among young people in Netherlands

Netflix's audience among young people in the Netherlands is down from a peak of 91 percent in 2020 to 72 percent in the 29-35 year-old group, according to a the latest survey by Screenforce. HBO Max has grown over the same period from 9 to 38 percent audience share, and the broadcaster platforms Kijk and NPO Plus have also expanded their reach. The market researcher said the results show the market maturing, with less pronounced changes in shares.

BOLIVIA 10:02

Hispasat inks satellite connectivity MoU in Bolivia

Hispasat, the Spanish satellite operator now owned by state-backed ICT group Indra, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Bolivia's Ministry of Public Works to launch a satellite connectivity pilot in the country. The initiative falls under the European Union's Global Gateway strategy and aims to test how satellite infrastructure can support Bolivia's strategic communications and digital access.

NORWAY 09:59

Nkom makes organisational changes to work on emergency network

Norwegian telecoms regulator Nkom has announced organisational changes to support the development of Norway's new Nodnett emergency network. Elise Lindeberg joins on 01 October as the new department director for Emergency and Preparedness Communication. She will be supported by Nkom security direct Svein Scheie during the watchdog's project ownership until 31 January 2027. Current director of strategy and collaboration Stine Meltevik will become acting director of security during that period.

Just In

12:04

Vodafone Albania unveils targeted offers for seniors and young adults

12:04

Globe Telecom puts return on internal AI spend at 2.8x, benefits valued at USD 19 million

11:59

Polar Connect seabed mapping finds no exceptional challenges on route

11:45

Alloha Fibra expands Para optical network

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

28 SEP 00:42

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

26 SEP 14:14

Germany Weekly - 39

26 SEP 11:13

Belgium Weekly - 39

26 SEP 10:54

Netherlands Weekly - 39