Starlink wins licence to operate in Cote d'Ivoire from July
COTE D'IVOIRE 15 JUN

Starlink wins licence to operate in Cote d'Ivoire from July

Starlink will launch commercial fixed satellite internet services in Cote d'Ivoire in July, Space in Africa reported. Regulator ARTCI has granted operational authorisation to Starlink Network CIV for twelve months. Djibril Ouattara, the minister of digital transition and technological innovation, said the licence lets Starlink offer services that can connect schools, health centres and remote rural areas that previously lacked internet access.

TIM receives EUR 1 bln licence fee refund
ITALY 12 JUN

TIM receives EUR 1 bln licence fee refund

Telecom Italia (TIM) said it has received a refund amounting to "just over EUR 1 billion" for licence fee payments dating back 28 years. The refund corresponds to the restitution of the licence fee TIM paid in 1998, the year after the country's telecommunications sector was deregulated. In a short statement, TIM confirmed the amount covers the original licence fee of just over EUR 500 million plus revaluation and accrued interest.

Mozambique begins licensing digital operators
MOZAMBIQUE 11 JUN

Mozambique begins licensing digital operators

The Mozambican government has begun issuing licenses to digital operators, delivering the first nineteen to intermediary electronic service providers and digital platform operators, reported Integrity Magazine. This initiative stems from the Electronic Transactions Law and aims to enhance trust, security and transparency in the national digital economy.While 170 companies are registered in the system, only nineteen have so far met the rigorous compliance and technical requirements for licensing.

G.Network Holdco seeks code powers for London FTTP network
UNITED KINGDOM 10 JUN

G.Network Holdco seeks code powers for London FTTP network

UK regulator Ofcom is consulting on proposals to apply electronic communications code powers to G.Network Holdco. The consultation closes on 13 July 2026. G.Network Holdco is seeking powers to support operation and expansion of an FTTP network acquired in central London. It plans to continue providing retail (residential and business) and wholesale connectivity services on the network. 

Amazon seeks Kenyan approval for satellite earth station
KENYA 10 JUN

Amazon seeks Kenyan approval for satellite earth station

Amazon has formally applied for regulatory approval to build and operate its first African satellite ground station in Kenya. The application was submitted by local subsidiary Amazon Kuiper Kenya to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and seeks a fifteen-year International Gateway Operator licence. According to a Kenya Gazette notice published by the CA,  it has applied for a Network Facilities Provider (NFP) Tier 2 licence, the same category currently used by Starlink in Kenya. 

ACMA consults on 2.5 GHz changes to support 5G and advanced antenna systems
AUSTRALIA 10 JUN

ACMA consults on 2.5 GHz changes to support 5G and advanced antenna systems

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has launched a consultation on proposed changes to the technical framework governing spectrum licences in the 2.5 GHz band, with the aim of better supporting 5G deployments and advanced antenna systems (AAS). The regulator said the 2.5 GHz band is a key spectrum band for wireless broadband services, but the current framework, which was originally developed in 2013, is not optimised for newer technologies like 5G and AAS.

Namibian regulator receives over 600 appeals to reverse Starlink ban
NAMIBIA 9 JUN

Namibian regulator receives over 600 appeals to reverse Starlink ban

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) says it has received 624 applications from the public requesting a reconsideration of its decision to deny an operating licence to Starlink Internet Services Namibia. CRAN said the appeals were submitted entirely by aggrieved citizens and stakeholders but added that it received a formal reconsideration application from Starlink Internet Services Namibia on 08 June. The regulator will process all submissions in accordance with the Communications Act.

Belgian regulator consults on Orange Belgium 26 GHz spectrum rights
BELGIUM 9 JUN

Belgian regulator consults on Orange Belgium 26 GHz spectrum rights

Belgian regulator Bipt is consulting the market on a proposal to revise Orange Belgium's usage rights in the 26 GHz frequency band. Orange Belgium has requested to surrender part of its spectrum in this band while retaining multi-year rights for its remaining active links. Bipt is partially granting the request.

Panama launches tender to add third mobile operator
PANAMA 5 JUN

Panama launches tender to add third mobile operator

Panama's telecommunications regulator Asep has launched a public tender to award a new concession for a third mobile operator to compete in the market with Tigo (Millicom) and Cable & Wireless Panama (Liberty Latin America). Public Tender No. 01-2026-Telco will grant rights to install, operate and commercially exploit Personal Communications Services (PCS) nationwide, following Digicel's exit from the country in 2022.

Telefonica moves to enforce USD 500 mln Colombia award in US court
COLOMBIA 5 JUN

Telefonica moves to enforce USD 500 mln Colombia award in US court

Telefonica has filed an action in a US court to enforce a World Bank arbitration award against the Colombian state worth more than USD 500 million (EUR 430 million), reports business daily Expansion. The award stems from a November 2024 ruling by the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), which initially granted Telefonica around USD 380 million in damages, with interest and legal costs lifting the total amount.

Bangladesh to auction additional 8.4 MHz of EGSM spectrum
BANGLADESH 4 JUN

Bangladesh to auction additional 8.4 MHz of EGSM spectrum

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has announced plans to allocate additional lower-band spectrum to mobile operators through an auction process. This initiative is designed to improve network coverage, indoor connectivity and rural service quality. The specific decision to auction the additional 8.4 MHz of EGSM spectrum was announced in late May this year, with official details finalized in a commission meeting held in early June.

FCC starts auction of 200 5G-grade spectrum licences
UNITED STATES 4 JUN

FCC starts auction of 200 5G-grade spectrum licences

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) started the AWS-3 spectrum auction on 02 June, offering 200 5G-grade spectrum licences which have been inactive for more than 10 years. The auction licence areas cover more than 100 million consumers in 48 US states, two US territories and the Gulf of America (Gulf of Mexico). This includes major markets such as Chicago, New York, Boston, Charlotte and Tampa. The is the first FCC spectrum auction in four years.

SERBIA 2 JUN

Serbia opens public consultation for 470-694 MHz spectrum licenses

Serbia's Regulatory Body for Electronic Communications and Postal Services is holding public consultations from 01 June to 01 July 2026, seeking feedback from experts and the general public on the draft documents for granting individual licences to use the 470-694 MHz radio frequency band. Ratel said the licences will be issued through a public tender, and the full tender documents, including all annexes, will be available for purchase after the public notice is published.

EQUATORIAL GUINEA 2 JUN

Equatorial Guinean operator Getesa starts broad modernisation

Equatorial Guinea has begun a modernisation programme for state-owned telecom operator Getesa, Ecofin reported. Network optimisation forms the core of the immediate, short-term roadmap introduced by Getesa's new CEO, Charles Borome Razafimahatratra. The strategy was recently presented to vice-president Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue.

ARGENTINA 2 JUN

Argentina clears new spectrum for Starlink expansion

Argentina's telecommunications regulator Enacom has authorised SpaceX's Starlink to operate in additional frequency bands not yet allocated to fixed satellite services, enabling the company to expand its operations in the country. The approval covers several segments in the W band, including ranges between 92 GHz and 114.25 GHz for Earth-to-space transmissions via gateway earth stations.

UNITED STATES 2 JUN

FCC's Office of Engineering, Technology appoints new Lab Chief

The Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) at the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced the appointment of Cliff Jones as Associate Chief and Chief of the Laboratory Division. He has over 20 years of leadership experience, most recently as an Associate Director at Verizon, where he helped manage domestic and international core cloud infrastructure and 5G core network operations.

UNITED STATES 2 JUN

Array completes sale of spectrum licences to Verizon

Array Digital Infrastructure has completed the sale of select spectrum licences to Verizon for USD 1 billion. In addition, the sale of certain 700 MHz and 600 MHz spectrum assets to T-Mobile for USD 168 million were finalised in May. Following the completion of these deals and considering current cash on hand, the Array board has announced a special cash dividend of USD 11 per common share and Series A common share. This will be payable on 25 June to registered shareholders as of 11 June 2026.

AUSTRALIA 2 JUN

TPG reports mobile subscriber growth and reaffirms FY26 guidance

TPG Telecom has forecast total mobile subscriber growth of approximately 70,000 to 80,000 in the first half of 2026, driven primarily by its digital-first and MVNO channels, while continuing to shed NBN customers in a competitive fixed broadband market. The figures were released on 2 June 2026 as part of a trading update accompanying the company's annual investor day in Sydney. Postpaid mobile numbers are expected to be broadly flat against the prior corresponding period, while digital-first brands are fore

AUSTRALIA 1 JUN

ACMA finalises licence renewal process ahead of 850 MHz and 1800 MHz renewals

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has finalised the application and decision-making framework for renewing expiring spectrum licences, with eligible licensees able to begin submitting renewal applications from 18 June 2026. The first licences covered by the process are in the 850 MHz and 1800 MHz bands, which are due to expire in June 2028. According to the ACMA, the framework also applies to spectrum licences in the 700 MHz, 2 GHz, 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz and 3.4 GHz bands that expire betwe

AUSTRALIA 1 JUN

Operators say spectrum renewal costs could increase pressure on mobile prices

The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) has criticised the Australian Communications and Media Authority's (ACMA) decision to proceed with higher spectrum renewal pricing, warning that the move could increase pressure on mobile service prices and telecommunications investment. The industry body said the revised pricing framework would increase costs for mobile network operators and could affect both infrastructure investment and consumer pricing.

ITALY 29 MEI

Italy consults on using 3800-4200 MHz band for local wireless networks

Italy's communications watchdog Agcom has launched a public consultation on shared future use of the 3800 MHz to 4200 MHz band by terrestrial wireless broadband systems with medium-low power (WBB-LMP) capable of providing local network connectivity. The regulator said the band could represent a strategic resource for the development of new services based on 5G and, ultimately, 6G technologies.

UNITED KINGDOM 28 MEI

Clear Mobitel plans 5G FWA service in Wales

UK regulator Ofcom is consulting on plans to apply electronic communications code powers to the company Clear Mobitel. The consultation closes on 29 June. Based in Wales, Clear Mobitel is planning to build a 5G network to offer fixed-wireless access services. It expects to target residential as well as business customers, and offer wholesale access. The operator will focus on Wales, targeting around 25,000 customers within the first five years.

CZECH REPUBLIC 28 MEI

Czechia opens up 26 GHz band for wireless networks

Czech telecommunications regulator CTU launched a new phase in the use of high-frequency radio spectrum in the 26 GHz band. From 01 July, this band will be open for the operation of wireless networks, 5G networks, fixed wireless access networks (FWA) and local or industrial networks intended for, for example, production sites, logistics centres or technology campuses. 

NETHERLANDS 28 MEI

Dutch digital infrastructure agency's director leaves after 7 years

Angeline van Dijk is stepping down at the end of June as inspector general at the Netherlands' digital infrastructure agency RDI. She has taken a new job to lead the country's food safety agency. Van Dijk led the RDI almost seven years, guiding its transition from the former Agentschap Telecom (AT) to the current organsiation with a much broader field of oversight. A replacement has not yet been named. 

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Background

1 JUN 00:13

The week in telecom: EU telcos push sovereign services as governments question foreign tech investors

23 MEI 23:42

The week in telecom: Starlink ready to go public, Singapore telco M&A and Google courts AI subscribers at I/O

18 MEI 00:31

The week in telecom: US operators mount rural satellite challenge, Cisco cashes in on AI boom

11 MEI 00:53

The week in telecom: Lumen, NTT turn to data centre market to revive growth, Hutchison exits UK