Ghana consults on use of 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi services
GHANA 12 JAN

Ghana consults on use of 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi services

Ghana's National Communications Authority (NCA) has launched a public consultation on a proposal to open up the lower 6 GHz band (5,925–6,425 MHz) for Wi-Fi 6 services. The consultation calls for pubic comments until 25 February. The proposal seeks to boost digital growth by authorising unlicensed Wireless Access Systems/Radio Local Area Networks (WAS/RLANs) in the spectrum band. 

Bolivia delays 1.7 GHz and 2.1 GHz band tender until March
BOLIVIA 12 JAN

Bolivia delays 1.7 GHz and 2.1 GHz band tender until March

Bolivia's telecommunications regulator ATT said its planned tender for frequencies in the 1.7 GHz and 2.1 GHz bands will now be held at the end March, around two months later than initially announced. According to the latest schedule published by the watchdog, bidding documents will be made available to interested parties on 23 February, with the opening of the envelopes for spectrum in the respective bands set to take place on 30 March.

Mexico planning to allocate spectrum for industrial use
MEXICO 12 JAN

Mexico planning to allocate spectrum for industrial use

Mexico's new Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT) said it has begun holding dialogue sessions with the business community to discuss plans to allocate radio spectrum for dedicated industrial use. A few days after announcing plans to free up the 600 MHz band for 5G use, the watchdog said it is considering spectrum in the 2.3 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands with a view to helping companies automate critical production processes and provide advanced digital infrastructure services, while reducing costs.

Sama X obtains licence to provide Starlink services in Bahrain
BAHRAIN 12 JAN

Sama X obtains licence to provide Starlink services in Bahrain

Starlink global reseller Sama X has been licensed by Bahrain's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) to the satellite internet services in Bahrain. Sama X offers turnkey services ranging from customer consultation to rapid installation and activation as well as local support, including a round-the-clock call centre serving in both English and Arabic. Sama X is backed by privately owned company Alghanim Industries. It will provide the high-speed internet service to every corner of Bahrain using Starl

Pakistan to launch 5G spectrum auction on 26 February
PAKISTAN 12 JAN

Pakistan to launch 5G spectrum auction on 26 February

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced it will launch a 5G spectrum auction on 26 February. The Pakistani government will auction a total of 597 MHz of spectrum across six different bands. This includes 15 MHz in the 700 MHz frequency band, as well as small blocks (3.6 MHz and 20 MHz respectively) in the 1,800 MHz and 2,100 MHz bands, and large blocks of TDD spectrum (totaling 520 MHz) in the 2,300, 2,600 and 3,500 MHz bands, specifically for 5G services.

Pakistan to grant MVNO licences
PAKISTAN 12 JAN

Pakistan to grant MVNO licences

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has officially launched the Mobile Virtual Network Operator policy framework, after receiving formal approval from the Federal Cabinet. This initiative allows new service providers to offer nationwide mobile and data services under their own brand names, without holding spectrum, using the existing infrastructure of established mobile network operators.

Starlink gets FCC approval to double satellite constellation
UNITED STATES 12 JAN

Starlink gets FCC approval to double satellite constellation

Starlink has received approval from the US Federal Communications Commission to double its satellite fleet. Under this grant, its owner SpaceX is authorized to construct, deploy and operate an additional 7,500 Starlink satellites as the second phase of its constellation, bringing the total to 15,000 satellites worldwide. The wider constellation is expected to support improved coverage, speed and latency from the satellite internet service, as well as the wider roll-out of direct-to-device mobile satellite s

Belgium drops plans for 26 GHz auction after little market interest
BELGIUM 9 JAN

Belgium drops plans for 26 GHz auction after little market interest

The Belgian mobile operators are not interested in the 26 GHz band, despite the EU naming this one of the pioneer bands for 5G. The latest market consultation by regulator Bipt found only Proximus interested, but then only if licence prices were much lower and the limits on electromagnetic radiation were relaxed in Brussels and Wallonia regions. Telenet and Orange Belgium said they did not see a need yet for the 26 GHz band, and Citymesh did not respond to the consultation which closed in November. 

EU to avoid new rules for big tech in upcoming Digital Networks Act - report
EUROPE 9 JAN

EU to avoid new rules for big tech in upcoming Digital Networks Act - report

Big tech companies will not face any new regulations in the EU under the proposed Digital Networks Act, people with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Despite a push from telecom operators to force large internet groups to contribute to the costs of networks and face the same rules as other communication service providers, the EU is not expected to add to the digital regulation already imposed on big tech in recent years when it unveils the draft DNA later this month, the report said. 

UCC denies reports of immediate Starlink launch in partnership with Airtel
UGANDA 9 JAN

UCC denies reports of immediate Starlink launch in partnership with Airtel

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has dismissed reports that Starlink will launch direct-to-consumer services this week, saying that the satellite provider still lacks the legal authority to operate in the country. UCC executive director Nyombi Thembo said recent speculation about an immediate roll-out in partnership with Airtel Uganda is inaccurate. While Airtel Africa and SpaceX have signed a regional agreement to explore satellite integration, Thembo said the deal is subject to regulatory approv

UK pushes ahead with mobile, Wi-Fi sharing in upper 6 GHz band
UNITED KINGDOM 9 JAN

UK pushes ahead with mobile, Wi-Fi sharing in upper 6 GHz band

The UK is moving ahead with plans to allow mobile and Wi-Fi services to share the upper 6 GHz band. Regulator Ofcom has issued a detailed proposal on how sharing the spectrum between Wi-Fi and mobile services would work, and said it expects to allow low-power Wi-Fi applications in the frequency range before the end of this year. The proposal is open for public comment until 20 March.

Vodafone Idea confirms AGR extension deal to 2041
INDIA 9 JAN

Vodafone Idea confirms AGR extension deal to 2041

Vodafone Idea has confirmed an agreement with the Department of Telecom to extend the payment deadline for its outstanding regulatory fees for up to 15 years. The deal covers the outstanding levy on annual gross revenues (AGR) for the fiscal years 2006-07 to 2018-19. The longer payment schedule is expected to help the company conserve cash flow for other obligations, including investing in its network. 

THAILAND 9 JAN

True Move H completes sixth 700 MHz spectrum payment

Thai operator True Move H Universal Communication has paid the sixth instalment of its 700 MHz spectrum licence fee to Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), continuing its rollout of low-band spectrum to support nationwide 4G and 5G services. The payment, totalled THA 1.88 billion including VAT. The operator also submitted letters of guarantee from financial institutions to secure the remaining instalments, in line with the licence conditions set by the regulator.

BRAZIL 8 JAN

Cooperatives allowed to provide telecom services in Brazil

Brazil has passed new legislation that authorises telecommunications services to be provided by cooperatives in Brazil. The new legislation amends the General Telecommunications Law (LGT) and Law 9,295/1996, formally integrating cooperatives into the group of regulated agents eligible for concessions, permits, and authorisations.

MALAWI 7 JAN

Malawi invites former operators to reapply for licences

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority has invited former licensees (electronic communications, content and postal/courier) whose licenses were revoked between 2015-2025 to apply for review, saying the move is aimed at ensuring fairness and regulatory transparency in the communications sector. The industry regulator announced a 21-day window for individuals and companies whose licences were revoked over the past ten years to apply for reconsideration. The process will allow affected former licensees

QATAR 7 JAN

Qatar consults on revised radio spectrum fees

Qatar's Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) launched a public consultation on the proposed update of fees for the use of radio spectrum. This review reflects ongoing advancements in wireless services, the release of new bands following recent World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC-19 and WRC-23), and the increasing demand for radio frequencies. The proposed framework maintains CRA's existing formula-based methodology, which ties fees to key parameters such as bandwidth, frequency band, coverage are

MALAWI 7 JAN

Macra seeks comments on national spectrum plan

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) published the Malawi National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025 Edition, which is now available for public inspection. The plan outlines the allocation of frequency bands for a wide range of radio communication services across the country and sets the framework for the management and use of the national radio frequency spectrum. Macra has made the plan publicly accessible for stakeholders and interested parties to comment. 

BRAZIL 7 JAN

Brisanet secures secondary 2.3 GHz spectrum in 34 cities

Brazilian regional telecom provider Brisanet has secured authorisation from regulator Anatel for secondary use of the 2.3 GHz spectrum in 34 cities across six northeastern states (Maranhao, Paraíba, Bahia, Pernambuco, Ceara and Piaui). This additional capacity will serve to enhance mobile network operations in the region. The approval grants Brisanet access to 40 MHz blocks of spectrum, allocated from 2,370 MHz. As these are secondary use licenses, the spectrum utilisation will be non-exclusive and temporar

MEXICO 5 JAN

Mexico to free up 600 MHz band for 5G

Mexico's new Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT) has announced plans to include the 600 MHz band (614-698 MHz) in its Annual Programme for the Use and Exploitation of Frequency Bands (PABF) for the year 2026. In a statement, it said the band freed up following the reorganisation of digital terrestrial television (DTT) spectrum is ideal for the deployment of 5G services in the country due to its propagation and coverage characteristics.

NORTH MACEDONIA 5 JAN

North Macedonia surpasses 5G speed targets

North Macedonia anticipates the official launch of a third mobile network operator in early 2026, a move expected to boost market competition, a spokesperson for the Agency for Electronic Communications (AEK) told the Mia agency. The tender process for the third operator saw an extension, with a decision on the most favourable bidder due by 12 January, and frequency approval by 25 February. He also highlighted that Macedonian operators are already averaging 5G speeds of 340 Mbps in cities, surpassing 2029 t

PAKISTAN 2 JAN

Pakistan to offer local ISP licences

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has started granting regional ISP licences, to support local entrepreneurship and greater internet access in the country. The ten-year district-level licences cost a one-time fee of PKR 300,000 plus an annual levy of PKR 100,000. This comes amid a general suspension of new provincial or national licences.

TANZANIA, UNITED REPUBLIC OF 2 JAN

TCRA plans to provide free communication resources for innovators and researchers

The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has issued new guidelines to provide innovators, researchers and start-ups with free communication resources, allowing them to test projects before commercial deployment, the Daily News reported. The resources offered include electronic numbering, radio frequency spectrum, .tz domain names and postcodes. These are provided free of charge temporarily, typically for three months.

INDIA 31 DEC 2025

Vodafone Idea says no govt deal to delay regulatory fees due

Vodafone Idea (Vi) said it had received no word from the Indian government on a possible moratorium on its regulatory dues, as reported in the press. Rumours of a potential suspension or waiver of the fees had resulted in large fluctuations in its share price, prompting the company to issue a statement to the stock market. Vodafone Idea said that as of 31 December it had no such communication from the government.

SAUDI ARABIA 31 DEC 2025

Saudi CST seeks comments on National Frequency Plan by 25 January

Saudi Arabia's Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) has announced a public consultation on the National Frequency Plan (NFP). This plan sets out details of spectrum allocation for radio services in Saudi Arabia, the principles CST uses in allocations, access mechanisms to frequency bands, relevant regulations and international requirements. It aims to enable new and emerging wireless technologies and stimulate investment and innovation in wireless technologies across sectors by providing an a

Just In

04:52

Dialog Axiata sponsors Kelaniya Duruthu Festival

04:41

Dialog to invest LKR 420 mln in healthcare, education sectors recovery after Cyclone Ditwah

04:25

PLDT deploys internet connectivity across 29 schools in Muntinlupa city

12 JAN 16:01

Catalytic People acquires 25% stake in Selectel

Commentary

2 JAN 13:21

Open Dutch Fiber's new management team takes up turnaround challenge

15 DEC 2025 13:56

Video market set for slower growth ahead

8 DEC 2025 11:38

Netflix buys Warner Bros to deepen content catalogue

31 OCT 2025 11:11

KPN's mixed performance in Q3 raises questions for strategy day

Background

12 JAN 00:04

The week in telecoms: CES brings Wi-Fi 8 and more smart glasses, while Warner sticks with Netflix

5 JAN 00:52

The week in telecom: Finnish security check, M&A completions and telco job cuts

23 DEC 2025 10:32

Netherlands TV-video market grows 2.6% in Q3 to EUR 759 mln

22 DEC 2025 00:25

The week in telecoms: YouTube, Instagram take on TV market and WBD rejects Paramount