Samsung receives Korean approval for Galaxy Buds hearing features
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 04:46

Samsung receives Korean approval for Galaxy Buds hearing features

Samsung Electronics has received medical device approval from South Korea's ministry of food and drug Safety for two hearing-related features, Hearing Test and Hearing Aid, designed for its Galaxy Buds wireless earbuds. The features will be made available through software updates to the Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Galaxy Buds3 Pro in South Korea, with a phased rollout scheduled to begin in early 2027.

Acronis appoints new global revenue chief and ANZ general manager
GLOBAL 04:42

Acronis appoints new global revenue chief and ANZ general manager

Cybersecurity company Acronis has announced two senior appointments, naming HoJin Kim as chief revenue officer and Tony Stratton as general manager for Australia and New Zealand, as it focuses on expanding its managed service provider (MSP) and channel partner business. Kim will lead Acronis's global sales and go-to-market operations, with responsibility for revenue growth, partner relationships and expanding its international MSP ecosystem. 

NZ regulator proposes clearer rules for telco device repayment plans
NEW ZEALAND 04:41

NZ regulator proposes clearer rules for telco device repayment plans

New Zealand's Commerce Commission is consulting on draft guidelines for operators offering interest-free device repayment plans, proposing stronger disclosure of contractual terms and steps to help customers consider the affordability of repayments. The guidelines follow a 2025/26 review of plans offered by Spark, One NZ and 2degrees. The Commission found that around 30 percent of postpaid mobile customers use these arrangements, representing around 12 percent of all mobile consumers. 

KT Sat-led consortium selected for Korean govt maritime satellite project
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 04:38

KT Sat-led consortium selected for Korean govt maritime satellite project

A consortium led by South Korean satellite operator KT Sat has been selected for a government project to modernise and expand secure satellite communications for maritime operations. The consortium also includes satellite ground systems provider ST Engineering iDirect, local integrator Waldo and antenna manufacturer Intellian. Under the project, ST Engineering iDirect will upgrade the government's existing Ku-band satellite communications infrastructure and establish a new Ka-band system. 

Fujitsu to showcase AI and energy-efficiency technologies at COP31
JAPAN 04:35

Fujitsu to showcase AI and energy-efficiency technologies at COP31

Fujitsu will present a range of technologies addressing climate change, energy efficiency and supply chain resilience at the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Turkiye, from 9 to 20 November. The company will participate in two seminars at the Japan Pavilion on 16 November, hosted by Japan's ministry of the environment and the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren).

SK Telecom uses AI to monitor network quality ahead of fireworks festival
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 04:33

SK Telecom uses AI to monitor network quality ahead of fireworks festival

SK Telecom (SKT) is upgrading its network monitoring and capacity arrangements ahead of the 21st Busan Fireworks Festival on 7 November, introducing a customer-experience metric into its AI-based network management systems to help maintain service quality during the event. More than 1.2 million people are expected to attend the festival around Gwangalli Beach, with additional crowds anticipated at locations including Marine City, Yongho Bay and Igidae. SKT recorded 1.17 million attendees at last year's even

KT consolidates customer protection services under new AI security brand
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 04:32

KT consolidates customer protection services under new AI security brand

Korea Telecom (KT) has launched a new customer protection brand, Ansims365, bringing together services designed to detect and prevent threats including spam, smishing and voice phishing. The initiative consolidates existing services, including AI-powered text spam filtering, real-time spam alerts and voice phishing detection, under a single brand. KT said the move was intended to make its customer protection services easier to identify and access.

LG Uplus reports doubling of visitor dwell time after cultural venue revamp
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 04:30

LG Uplus reports doubling of visitor dwell time after cultural venue revamp

LG Uplus says average visitor dwell time at its U+ Everyday Non-Daily Gap cultural space in Seoul has more than doubled following a refurbishment that shifted its focus from pop-up retail events to arts and cultural experiences. The venue reopened in September and recorded an average visit of one hour and 11 minutes, compared with approximately 30 minutes under its previous format.

Tunisie Telecom plans 2027 mobile network expansion to boost Sahara tourism
TUNISIA 4 NOV

Tunisie Telecom plans 2027 mobile network expansion to boost Sahara tourism

State-owned operator Tunisie Telecom plans to extend mobile network coverage to Sahara tourist routes across the Kebili governorate starting in 2027, Ecofin reported. Tunisie Telecom announced the initiative during a meeting with industry professionals organized by the Tunisian Federation of Travel and Tourism Agencies (FTAV). Company representatives explained that the expansion is designed to enhance communications for travel agencies and bolster safety during desert excursions. The operator showcased a su

EU clears takeover of Ceconomy by JD.com after in-depth investigation
EUROPE 4 NOV

EU clears takeover of Ceconomy by JD.com after in-depth investigation

The European Commission has approved the acquisition of Ceconomy, the owner of retail chains MediaMarkt and Saturn, by Chinese retailer JD.com based on the commitments offered by the companies following an in-depth investigation into the takeover. The remedies include conducting intra-group transactions between JD.com and Ceconomy on market terms, including any financing provided by JD.com to Ceconomy. JD.com must also provide its warehousing, logistic and technology services to third-party retailers on the

Total CX signs MoU with Al Salam Bank
BAHRAIN 4 NOV

Total CX signs MoU with Al Salam Bank

Total CX, a Beyon Group company providing customer experience products in Bahrain, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Al Salam Bank to explore AI-powered CX solutions across the bank's customer engagement channels. The agreement was formalized during Gateway Gulf 2026. Under the MoU, Total CX and Al Salam Bank will collaborate on embedding intelligent voice, text, and digital interaction capabilities across the bank's service platforms. The initiative aims to enhance the accessibility, resp

ZOI partners with Linxa to accelerate global wholesale transformation
MIDDLE EAST 4 NOV

ZOI partners with Linxa to accelerate global wholesale transformation

Zain Omantel International (ZOI), the international wholesale arm of Zain Group and Omantel, has selected Linxa to optimize and streamline its global wholesale voice, messaging, and IPX operations. Following a competitive tender process, ZOI entered into a five-year agreement to deploy the integrated Linxa Connect platform, replacing multiple legacy OSS/BSS systems. By unifying rating, pricing, routing, billing, and reporting into a single interface, Linxa Connect enables ZOI to automate core workflows, opt

UNITED STATES 4 NOV

Starlink Mobile picks Qualcomm platform to develop own 5G base stations

Qualcomm announced it's working with SpaceX to develop the Starlink Mobile terrestrial network in the US. The company will use the Qualcomm Dragonwing QRU100 and QDU100 RAN platforms and Layer 1 software for its network. These 5G radio chips, designed for open and virtual RAN deployments, combine high-capacity Massive MIMO radio and baseband technology with power-efficient processing to support cellular base station deployment at scale, Qualcomm said.

BELGIUM 4 NOV

Orange Belgium starts year-end broadband offer with free Disney+

Orange Belgium launched a year-end promotional offer for new customers. With a subscription to its Livebox Giga broadband plan Orange customers receive a EUR 15 monthly discount and a Disney+ Standard subscription at no extra charge. Orange said both advantages remain valid as long as the customer stays with Orange. 

UNITED KINGDOM 4 NOV

Salesforce wins 15-year, GBP 2 billion contract with HMRC

Salesforce, global AI CRM systems provider, has won a 15-year contract from UK tax authority HMRC, worth up to GBP 2 billion, to upgrade tax services and transform the customer service experience. Salesforce will streamline services for UK taxpayers, train UK workers and deploy AI-assisted support.

MIDDLE EAST 4 NOV

Space42 and IEC Telecom partner on offshore satellite service

Space42 and IEC Telecom Group announced new offshore services at ADIPEC 2026. The partnership combines the next-generation Thuraya-4 NGS mobile communications satellite with intelligent network orchestration powered by IEC Telecom's OptiView system. Their joint solution, Orion NEO EDGE, demonstrates how a 1 Mbps+ satellite connection can become a strategic business continuity asset when optimized through smart traffic management and automated bandwidth allocation.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION 4 NOV

MTS adds Global Access option for foreign apps

Russian operator MTS introduced the service Global Access to provide customers access to popular international services normally not available in Russia. The service supports ChatGPT, Claude, Netflix, Spotify and other foreign services through a MTS mobile internet connection, without the need for a VPN or third-party applications. It's offered free the first seven days and then costs RUB 249 per month, while customers on the Top and Top+ have Global Access included free.

BAHRAIN 4 NOV

Batelco and Gulf Air Group sign 5-year master service agreement

Batelco by Beyon and Gulf Air Group have signed a five-year master service agreement (MSA) during Gateway Gulf 2026, cementing their longstanding partnership. The framework guarantees ongoing telecommunications and digital services backed by a three-year minimum commercial commitment. The MSA covers a comprehensive portfolio of services including fixed and mobile connectivity, advanced networking, satellite services and cloud capabilities.

UNITED KINGDOM 4 NOV

Sky Sports signs exclusive deal to show WTGL women's team gold league

Sky Sports has announced an agreement to show the WTGL, a new women's team golf league in partnership with the LPGA, in the UK. The inaugural WTGL season starts on 08 November, with Sky Sports exclusively broadcasting the 2026 and 2027 competitions in the UK. The forms part of a wider extension of Sky Sports' golf rights, including coverage of the men's league competition (TGL presented by SoFi) for an additional two years.

UNITED KINGDOM 4 NOV

Onecom Partners launches new funding scheme for channel partners

Onecom Partners, channel-led aggregator unit of UK business communications group Onecom, has launched a new funding programme called 'The Million Move' for channel partners. The scheme will allow partners to unlock upfront incentives worth up to GBP 1 million each when migrating their customer base - covering connectivity, voice, mobile and cyber services. 

SWEDEN 4 NOV

Swedish plan to deregulate fixed and mobile call termination goes to EU for review

Swedish telecoms watchdog PTS said it has sent its proposals to deregulate the markets for fixed and mobile call termination to the European Commission for review, which should take about one month. The watchdog believes that these markets no longer need to be regulated, largely because the EU has brought in common maximum termination fees, cutting the risk of competition problems. Its two separate proposals would scrap regulation for nineteen landline call operators and twelve mobile call operators.

UNITED KINGDOM 4 NOV

VodafoneThree deploys Ericsson AIR 3266 MINO radio in London

VodafoneThree has become the first mobile operator worldwide to deploy Ericsson's AIR 3266 MIMO radio on a commercial network. The first sites went live in London in October 2026. The next-generation, ultra-slim, lightweight radio boosts 5G coverage and capacity, with simplified deployment and installation. The deployment is part of a SEK 12.5 billion contract for Ericsson to expand and upgrade VodafoneThree's 5G Standalone (5G SA) network.

SPAIN 4 NOV

Vodafone Spain lifts prepaid market share to 26%

Vodafone Spain (Zegona) said it expanded its share of the country's prepaid mobile market to 25.8 percent in August, up 2.9 percentage points from 22.9 percent in December 2025. The operator added 2.2 million prepaid customers over the nine-month period, making it the fastest-growing player in the segment.

FRANCE 4 NOV

Alcatel Submarine Networks acquires Ship as a Service in France

Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) has announced the acquisition of the Ship as a Service (SAAS) group, which employs around 40 experts in nearshore and offshore missions. The integration of this workforce will enable ASN to expand into areas related to its core business, including reconnaissance, inspection and intervention operations on subsea infrastructure. SAAS is based in Lorient on France's Atlantic coast and has a branch in the Mediterranean city of Marseille. ASN said the acquisition brings a fleet o

Just In

04:46

Samsung receives Korean approval for Galaxy Buds hearing features

04:42

Acronis appoints new global revenue chief and ANZ general manager

04:41

NZ regulator proposes clearer rules for telco device repayment plans

04:38

KT Sat-led consortium selected for Korean govt maritime satellite project

Commentary

2 NOV 11:50

SpaceX talks to Echostar on using Boost assets for Starlink mobile service - report

30 OKT 10:17

KPN vision of stability despite intense competition, focus on next strategic plan

19 OKT 13:02

SpaceX wants to join the mobile market, but why?

24 SEP 13:37

What is KPN's response to the brand expansion at Odido and VodafoneZiggo?

Background

2 NOV 00:41

The week in telecom: Samsung rethinks phone range after Q3 loss; Mistral and Cohere mount AI challenge with telco backing

31 OKT 16:24

German Weekly - Week 44

31 OKT 15:53

Dutch Weekly - Week 44

29 OKT 15:20

Most telecom consumers use provider app as much as possible for service queries