Honduras opens USD 24 mln tender in AWS band
HONDURAS 30 JUL

Honduras opens USD 24 mln tender in AWS band

Honduran telecommunications watchdog Conatel has announced the launch of a spectrum tender to expand 4G and 5G mobile services nationwide. The regulator published terms for auctioning three 20 MHz blocks in the 1.7 GHz AWS (1,700-2,100 MHz) band, a frequency range already widely allocated across Latin America for advanced mobile networks.

Omani TRA opens public consultation on new telecom licensing regulations
OMAN 30 JUL

Omani TRA opens public consultation on new telecom licensing regulations

Oman's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) is seeking comments by 27 August in a public consultation on a new draft regulation governing the licensing of telecommunications service providers. Under the draft rules, official permits will be required in core categories, namely manufacturing, systems integration and development, passive infrastructure services, and professional support services. The permit requirements will apply to equipment installation and maintenance, civil excavation for network

Ghanaian NCA hosts briefing on 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz spectrum licences
GHANA 30 JUL

Ghanaian NCA hosts briefing on 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz spectrum licences

Ghana's National Communications Authority (NCA) has held a briefing for prospective applicants as part of its Request for Applications (RFA) for spectrum licences in the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz mid-bands. Led by NCA director general Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, the session was a platform for stakeholders to engage with the authority and clarify application guidelines. Discussions centred on critical elements of the RFA, including award procedures, eligibility criteria, spectrum availability, coverage obligati

Italy proposes free spectrum renewal to 2037 for 5G SA investment
ITALY 30 JUL

Italy proposes free spectrum renewal to 2037 for 5G SA investment

Italy's communications regulator Agcom has opened a third and final public consultation on renewing mobile spectrum rights due to expire on 31 December 2029, proposing a free extension to 31 December 2037 in exchange for binding investment and wholesale access commitments. The measure covers the 800, 900, 1500, 1800, 2100, 2600 and 3400-3600 MHz bands, as well as fixed-wireless spectrum at 28 GHz. Consultation responses from operators, public institutions and other stakeholders are due by 05 October, after

AT&T completes spectrum buy from Echostar for USD 23 billion
UNITED STATES 29 JUL

AT&T completes spectrum buy from Echostar for USD 23 billion

AT&T has completed the acquisition of spectrum rights from Echostar to help strengthen its 5G mobile network coverage. As announced in August last year, AT&T paid USD 23 billion for the 30 MHz of nationwide spectrum in the 3.45 GHz band and 20 MHz of nationwide 600 MHz spectrum.

South Africa publishes draft mobile spectrum roadmap
SOUTH AFRICA 28 JUL

South Africa publishes draft mobile spectrum roadmap

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has published its draft International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) Roadmap 2026 and implementation plans for public comment. The roadmap outlines a five- to ten-year framework for managing and assigning radio frequency spectrum for current and next-generation mobile broadband, including IMT-2030 technologies. Aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 and the SA Connect Broadband Policy, the initiative aims to bridge the digital

Telesat GEO to implement Upper C-band transition plan
UNITED STATES 28 JUL

Telesat GEO to implement Upper C-band transition plan

Telesat GEO, subsidiary of satellite operator Telesat, is planning to implement its Upper C-band transition after the US FCC's adopted its Upper C-band Report and Order. This FCC order creates a framework for reusing 160 MHz of Upper C-band spectrum in the US for next-generation terrestrial wireless services.

XLSmart secures 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum in Indonesia
INDONESIA 28 JUL

XLSmart secures 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum in Indonesia

The Indonesian Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) has selected XLSmart as one of the winners of the 2026 Selection Process for Users of the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz Radio Frequency Bands. XLSmart plans to use the newly acquired spectrum to boost its network capacity and support the delivery of 4G and 5G services.

Airtel Nigeria secures 10-year spectrum licence renewal from NCC
NIGERIA 28 JUL

Airtel Nigeria secures 10-year spectrum licence renewal from NCC

Airtel Nigeria has secured a ten-year spectrum licence renewal from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The operator said the renewal reflects confidence in the Nigerian telecommunications sector and will drive efforts to bridge the digital divide by extending high-quality connectivity to underserved communities. Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa, said this lets Airtel accelerate network expansion, elevate service quality and advance digital inclusion.

South Africa publishes updated national radio frequency plan
SOUTH AFRICA 27 JUL

South Africa publishes updated national radio frequency plan

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa has published its updated National Radio Frequency Plan (NRFP) 2026. The instrument is designed to maximize spectrum efficiency, minimize interference, drive economic growth, and support emerging technologies while safeguarding public safety communications and fulfilling international obligations. The release of the final NRFP 2026 follows an extensive public consultation process that began in April 2025.

Slovakia prepares tender for commercial DAB+ network
SLOVAKIA 27 JUL

Slovakia prepares tender for commercial DAB+ network

Slovakia's telecommunications regulator RU plans to launch public consultations on the commercial launch of DAB+ in the country, reports Zive citing Ivan Martak, the chairman of the regulator.  Currently, DAB+ broadcasting is operating on a test basis in the country, provided by the operator Towercom with a signal covering approximately 75 percent of the population. This is not a stable commercial network and the operator has not yet been able to offer radios stations long-term contracts. The regulator said

Temporary 5G spectrum at 2026 World Cup boosted speeds by up to 228% - CRT
MEXICO 27 JUL

Temporary 5G spectrum at 2026 World Cup boosted speeds by up to 228% - CRT

Mexico's Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT) said its decision to grant temporary use of spectrum to Altan Redes, AT&T and Telcel during the 2026 FIFA World Cup allowed the operators to more than triple upload speeds and double download speeds in and around the main venues. The networks were upgraded from 11 May in the stadiums, airports and Fan Fest areas of the three World Cup venues via the installation of 854 sites with LTE technology and more than hundred 5G sectors in the host stadiums.

MEXICO 27 JUL

Televisa testing 5G broadcast technology on 600 MHz band in Mexico

Mexican broadcaster and telecoms operator Grupo Televisa has begun testing 5G broadcast technology in the 600 MHz band via its subsidiary Lewani, local newspaper El Economista reported, after securing a two-year concession to run trials in Ecatepec in the State of Mexico.

UNITED STATES 27 JUL

SES, Eutelsat to receive over USD 6 bln for clearing upper C-band spectrum

Satellite operators SES and Eutelsat are set to receive a combined USD 6.1 billion for clearing upper C-band (3.98-4.14 GHz) spectrum in the US market. The incentive payments are expected to total approximately USD 5.6 billion for SES and USD 504 million for Eutelsat on a pre-tax basis, in addition to reimbursements for eligible expenses incurred during the spectrum-clearing process. The development follows the recent announcement by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of plans to auction 160 MHz

BRAZIL 27 JUL

Anatel approves transition of Sercomtel's fixed-line concession

Brazilian telecommunications regulator Anatel has approved the final regulatory framework allowing Sercomtel to transition its fixed telephony operations from a concession model to a private authorisation regime. Under the terms approved, the Grupo Ligga subsidiary will trade its fixed-line concession obligations for BRL 52.75 million in net present value investment commitments. The capital will be directed toward expanding 4G mobile coverage in remote areas and bolstering internet connectivity for public s

UNITED KINGDOM 24 JUL

Vodafone warns regulations, energy costs holding back UK mobile investment

The UK is falling behind international competitors in the race to upgrade digital infrastructure, according to new research from VodafoneThree. The 'Mobile Market Index' study of 10 markets in Europe, Asia and the US shows that the currently regulatory environment is holding back UK connectivity infrastructure investment. The study ranks the UK 8 out of 10 countries for the competitiveness of its operating environment for mobile networks - behind nations such as the US, Germany, Australia, Singapore and S K

POLAND 24 JUL

Poland to use 470-694 MHz band for terrestrial TV until 2033

Polish national telecommunications regulator UKE has informed that the country does not plan to stop using the 470-694 MHz band for terrestrial TV services until the end of 2033. Six terrestrial TV multiplexes currently work on this band, using the DVB-T2/HEVC standard. The multiplex MUX8 works on the 174-230 MHz band.

FRANCE 24 JUL

French regulator opens new consultation on spectrum licences expiring in 2030-2035

Telecom authority Arcep has launched a second consultation on the process for reallocating spectrum resources in mainland France for licences due to expire between 2030 and 2035. The proposals set out in the document take into account the views expressed by stakeholders during an initial consultation conducted by Arcep in the fourth quarter of 2025. They cover the 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1.8 GHz, 2.1 GHz and 2.6 GHz frequency bands, while excluding 3.5 GHz spectrum, as licences in the 3.5 GHz band includ

UNITED KINGDOM 23 JUL

INCA calls on new PM to make telecoms a government priority

The Independent Networks Cooperative Association (INCA), UK altnet trade group,  has called on the new UK Labour government to place telecoms infrastructure at the "heart of its growth agenda". It wants UK telecoms and broadband infrastructure to be made a priority, with "clear ministerial ownership".

LIBERIA 23 JUL

LTA denies corruption allegations linked to international gateway monitoring management

The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has denied allegations of corruption surrounding revenue from the International Gateway Monitoring System (IGS). The accusations arose after the suspension of the Telecommunications International Alliance (TIA) concession in October 2025. The LTA then assumed temporary management of the system, generating significant revenue while demonstrating its capacity to run operations locally.

UNITED STATES 23 JUL

FCC ID coming to e-commerce sites as US list of banned equipment expands

The US is adopting new rules on selling wireless products and other electronic devices subject to regulatory approval. The Federal Communications Commission said online sellers will need to display the FCC ID for regulated products, to help consumers make sure products are safe and to help the regulator enforce its rules. This is part of a wider effort to restrict sales of products and components from vendors deemed a threat to national security and featured on the FCC's Covered List.

UNITED STATES 23 JUL

FCC approves new C-band auction

The US Federal Communications Commission has approved a plan to auction 160 MHz of spectrum in the upper C-Band (3.98-4.14 GHz) by July 2027. This is expected to support increased capacity for 5G mobile networks, adding to the existing licences for the 3.7-3.9 GHz range. The rules approved provide for collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration to prevent interference for aviation safety systems in the adjacent band and compensation for satellite providers which will be expected to exit the frequ

SEYCHELLES 22 JUL

Starlink launches in Seychelles

Starlink has soft-launched in Seychelles, offering local homes and businesses high-speed satellite internet, according to the presidency. At a joint briefing, Vice-President Sebastien Pillay and the Seychelles Communications Regulatory Authority (SCRA) outlined the regulatory framework for the service and its role alongside existing telecom providers. Calling the launch a key step in the country's digital transformation, Pillay reaffirmed the government's push for fair competition, affordability, and widesp

CROATIA (HRVATSKA) 21 JUL

Croatia and Slovenia sign accord on border region mobile spectrum sharing

The regulatory telecom authorities in Croatia (Hakom) and Slovenia (Akos) signed a technical agreement establishing the principles, technical standards, and administrative processes for using infrastructure and radio frequency spectrum in the areas bordering the two nations. This framework allows a mobile operator from one country to utilize infrastructure or spectrum located on the other side of the border, provided they have a prior commercial agreement with a counterpart in that country and secure the ne

Just In

1 AUG 17:55

Turkcell launches rewards programme for prepay customers

1 AUG 17:32

Vodafone Turkiye tops 1 million ChatGPT package users in one month

31 JUL 15:25

Datagrid inks supply and installation deal with ASN, OMS for Tasman Ring Network project

31 JUL 14:16

Vantiva eyes H2 recovery after 15% sales decline in January-June

Commentary

2 JUL 11:26

Canal Plus misses chance to strengthen Dutch business, time for exit?

23 JUN 09:56

ACM blocks Delta/Glaspoort deal - what can KPN do?

5 MEI 10:55

KPN: the art of making one-offs structural

4 MEI 14:25

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

Background

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

12 JUL 23:30

The week in telecom: European telcos take shape as Xavier Niel buys more of Vodafone, Telenor expands in Sweden

5 JUL 23:03

The week in telecom: Comcast gives up on vertical integration, BT and Verizon agree global alliance