CA probes interference risk of Airtel Kenya plans for Starlink Direct-to-Cell partnership
KENYA 14:23

CA probes interference risk of Airtel Kenya plans for Starlink Direct-to-Cell partnership

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) said it has begun a technical review of Airtel's application to use Starlink's 'Direct-to-Cell' technology, Business Daily reported. The regulator is evaluating whether satellite mobile coverage can operate within terrestrial spectrum rules without degrading existing 3G, 4G and 5G networks. The review focuses on signal power levels, spectrum use, and compatibility with Kenya's existing telecommunications framework. The CA is expected to conclude its technical audi

Aland terrestrial TV network to drop one channel bundle and use narrower frequency range
ALAND ISLANDS 11:41

Aland terrestrial TV network to drop one channel bundle and use narrower frequency range

The Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications is seeking comments by 08 April on plans for the digital terrestrial television network concession on Aland, the autonomous, Swedish-speaking province of Finland. It is proposed that the number of channel bundles in Aland should be reduced from three to two and that the frequency range allocated to terrestrial television should be narrowed.

London Fibre Group seeks code powers for new wholesale network
UNITED KINGDOM 11 MAR

London Fibre Group seeks code powers for new wholesale network

UK regulator Ofcom is consulting on plans to apply electronic communications code powers to London Fibre Group. The consultation closes on 13 April 2026. London Fibre Group is seeking code powers to support the design, deployment and operation of passive communications infrastructure, including dark fibre and shared duct infrastructure. This will be made available to other communications providers to expand their networks across the UK.

Colombia unveils 2026–2029 plan to optimise spectrum management
COLOMBIA 11 MAR

Colombia unveils 2026–2029 plan to optimise spectrum management

Colombia's Ministry of Information Technology and Communications (Mintic) has launched a new Spectrum Management Policy for 2026-2029, laying out a roadmap for more efficient and innovative use of radio frequencies. Presented at the Andina Link 2026 conference in Cartagena, the policy aims to strengthen the country's digital connectivity and support the deployment of next-generation technologies such as 5G.

Pakistan raises USD 507 million in 5G spectrum auction
PAKISTAN 10 MAR

Pakistan raises USD 507 million in 5G spectrum auction

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has sold 480 MHz of 5G spectrum for USD 507 million, with Jazz, Zong, and Ufone emerging as auction winners. Jazz acquired the largest share, totaling 190 MHz of spectrum, while Zong secured 110 MHz of spectrum. Ufone won 180 MHz of spectrum. Total spectrum sold reached 480 MHz out of the 595 MHz offered.

Japan opens applications for 26 GHz 5G spectrum auction
JAPAN 10 MAR

Japan opens applications for 26 GHz 5G spectrum auction

Japan's ministry of internal affairs and communications (MIC) has opened the application period for participation in a price-based allocation process for spectrum in the 26 GHz band intended to support the expansion of 5G. The ministry said submissions will be accepted from 10 March 2026 until 9 April 2026 and can be filed with a regional communications bureau or the Okinawa General Communications Office.

Oi receives partial arbitration award from ICC
BRAZIL 9 MAR

Oi receives partial arbitration award from ICC

Brazilian operator Oi has received a partial arbitration award from the ICC International Court of Arbitration. This award pertains to a case Oi filed against the National Telecommunications Agency in Brazil (Anatel) over Oi's fixed concession agreement, with the operator seeking compensation for alleged economic and financial imbalances in the licence terms. While the court granted Oi's argument that preclusion should not apply to the discussion of the imbalances, it decided on the partial application of t

Brazil kicks off campaign against illicit broadband operators
BRAZIL 9 MAR

Brazil kicks off campaign against illicit broadband operators

Brazilian regulator Anatel launched Operation Legal Provider", its first nationwide effort to combat illicit fixed broadband operations. This initiative, supported by federal and state police forces, spanned all 27 Brazilian states. During the operation, inspectors found that 52 percent of targeted companies were operating clandestinely. While 41 percent showed no irregularities, 3 percent used uncertified equipment, and 4 percent required further investigation due to documentation issues. Anatel issued fin

FCC to consider D2D impact on GPS L1 band
UNITED STATES 9 MAR

FCC to consider D2D impact on GPS L1 band

The US Department of Commerce's assistant secretary for communications and information, Arielle Roth, is consulting with the Federal Communications Commission on proposals to limit GPS L1 band interference by direct-to-device (D2D) mobile satellite services operating in 1,610 - 1,660.5 MHz frequencies. Under the proposal, new rules would apply to any D2D device operating in the L-band frequencies whose band emissions amount to more than -100 dBW/MHz across a 2 millisecond transmission interval. The regulati

Mozambique National Communications Institute revokes 300 broadcasting licences
MOZAMBIQUE 6 MAR

Mozambique National Communications Institute revokes 300 broadcasting licences

Mozambique's National Communications Institute (INCM) has revoked the radio and TV licences of over 300 national entities for failing to comply with legal requirements, specifically for non-payment of regulatory fees. This is part of INCM's drive to enhance regulatory discipline, ensure proper radio spectrum usage, and make spectrum available to compliant operators, reported Diario Economico.

BBC proposes opening up iPlayer to other public service media
UNITED KINGDOM 6 MAR

BBC proposes opening up iPlayer to other public service media

The BBC has proposed opening up its platforms, such as iPlayer, to other UK public service media organisations, and taking more action to reach people consuming content on third-party services. The proposals are part of a 100-page response to the UK government's Charter Review consultation. The BBC believes this Charter Review is an "urgent opportunity . . to secure the world's leading public service media organsiation". The response calls for radical reforms to the BBC's independence, its ability to respon

Wom Chile completes 5G digital divide project
CHILE 5 MAR

Wom Chile completes 5G digital divide project

Chilean operator Wom said it has completed the activation of 5G connections in 100 percent of the localities included in the 5G Project rollout begun after it acquired 100 MHz of fourth and fifth-generation spectrum in the 700 MHz, AWS-E and 3.5 GHz bands at the start of 2021. The country's Undersecretariat of Telecommunications (Subtel) has now validated all of the mandatory localities committed under the 5G Project, whose rollout was delayed due to the company's now resolved bankruptcy process.

GHANA 5 MAR

Ghana to lift 5G exclusivity for wholesale Infraco

Ghana's National Communications Authority (NCA) has issued a notice of proposed licence amendment to the country's wholesale mobile operator Next Gen Infraco (NGIC) which commenced full commercial operations on 2 March. The regulator said the proposed amendment will remove the 5G exclusivity clause contained in NGIC's licence, an action it said to be in the public interest. NCA said the aim of the amendment is to promote competition and innovation in the provision of 5G services, enhancing consumer choice a

SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC 4 MAR

Syria starts international tender for 20-year mobile network licence

Syria's ICT ministry announced the launch of an international tender for a new mobile network operator licence valid for 20 years, as part of a broader reform programme aimed at modernizing the telecommunications sector and strengthening regional digital connectivity, SANA reported. The ICT minister Abdul Salam Haykal made the announcement during Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The licensing process will remain open until 15 June, with full application documents available from the ministry in Damascus.

UNITED STATES 4 MAR

NTIA approves release of 1,675-1,680 MHz band

The US has approved the use of the 1,675-1,680 MHz band for commercial services. Currently used by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration for collecting environmental data, the band will be opened to other services, provided four incumbent sites are protected from radio interference, the NTIA announced. The release is part of the US government's efforts to release more spectrum for mobile services.

NETHERLANDS 3 MAR

Dutch mobile operators extend antennas deal with local authorities to end-2026

The Dutch mobile operators KPN, Vodafone and Odido have extended an agreement with public authorities on placing mobile antennas by one year, to the end of 2026. The so-called Antenna Covenant is an agreement with the national government and association of municipalities to ease local permitting procedures for placing mobile network equipment. The parties are in talks on a further extension of the agreement beyond 2026, with updated terms. 

INDIA 3 MAR

TRAI issues guidelines for IMT spectrum auction

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released its recommendations for the auction of International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) spectrum. This move follows a formal request from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in May 2025 for guidance on reserve prices, band plans, and auction conditions across several existing frequency bands, including 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz, and 26 GHz.

EGYPT 2 MAR

NTRA grants automotive IoT licence to Mercedes-Benz Egypt

Egypt's National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) has signed new licences enabling Mercedes-Benz Egypt to offer automotive Internet of Things (IoT) services. These can provides drivers with navigation systems, tracking features, and emergency assistance tools in a secure, regulated environment, while ensuring robust protection of user data and privacy. The NTRA has already approved automotive IoT operations for seven smart vehicle manufacturers. The regulator said it continues to open the door for other

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 2 MAR

Dominican Republic launches new multi-band tender

The Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (Indotel) has announced a new spectrum tender to support 5G development and expand digital connectivity after the previous frequency auction was declared void due to lack of commitments from the country's operators in 2024. The watchdog said it proposes awarding up to 60 MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz band, 30 MHz in the 1700/2100 MHz band (AWS), 100 MHz in the 2300–2400 MHz band and 120 MHz in the 3500–3700 MHz band.

UNITED STATES 2 MAR

EchoStar grows mobile revenues, loses pay-TV income in Q4

Echostar reported higher revenues and smaller losses from its mobile business in Q4 2025, despite little growth in customer numbers. It ended the year with 7.51 million mobile subscribers, down by 9,000 compared to September. The pay-TV base at Dish also continued to shrink, with 168,000 subscribers lost in Q4 for a total 7.00 million. The group also took a large writedown of USD 1.2 billion on the value of its HughsNet satellite broadband business following the restructuring of its spectrum holdings in the

EUROPE 2 MAR

Open Cosmos unveils ConnectedCosmos LEO network

European space infrastructure company Open Cosmos announced at Mobile World Congress the launch of ConnectedCosmos, a low Earth orbit satellite constellation designed to deliver secure communications and operational resilience to public and private sectors worldwide. The Ka-band network aims to reduce reliance on non-European mega-constellations and link Open Cosmos' Earth Observation platform with a new sovereign connectivity backbone for real-time data access.

CZECH REPUBLIC 25 FEB

Czech telecom regulator CTU issues draft plan for 26 GHz band

Czech telecommunications regulator CTU has published a draft measure for licensing the 24.25–27.5 GHz band. The draft sets out updated technical conditions and rules for the use of this band by fixed and mobile networks. The aim of the new regulation is to create a transparent and predictable environment for the development of high-speed wireless networks, in particular 5G networks and fixed wireless access (FWA), while supporting the use of this spectrum for Industry 4.0 and campus networks. To facilitate

AFRICA 25 FEB

ATU organises regulatory training on satellite internet services

The Africa Telecommunications Union (ATU), working with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and Amazon, has launched an online capacity building programme on low earth orbit satellite internet services for policymakers, regulators and technical experts from its member states. The engagement comes at a moment when LEO satellite constellations are moving from a specialised service layer to a mainstream connectivity proposition, with direc

MONTENEGRO 25 FEB

Starlink to launch in Montenegro by end of Q2

Starlink is set to launch its satellite internet service in Montenegro by the end of the second quarter of 2026. This follows ongoing discussions since 2023 between Starlink and Montenegro's Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services (EKIP) to sort out regulatory and procedural requirements. A meeting on 09 February covered all administrative details for Starlink to register as a public electronic communications operator in Montenegro. To achieve operator status, Starlink is establishing a Mon

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Background

6 MAR 16:00

The week in telecom: MWC brings 5G advances, AI and satellite integration, plus first robot phone

1 MAR 13:21

The week in telecoms: Paramount tops bidding for WBD, Samsung S26 kicks off MWC showcase

23 FEB 00:28

The week in telecoms: Liberty Global tackles cable vs fibre question, Orange promises dividends and MEA market goes wholesale

16 FEB 00:17

The week in telecoms: Cisco rides AI investment wave and European telcos invest in South America