Grameenphone, ZTE to jointly develop autonomous networks using LLMs and Agentic AI
BANGLADESH 17:58

Grameenphone, ZTE to jointly develop autonomous networks using LLMs and Agentic AI

Bangladeshi operator Grameenphone and ZTE have teamed up to jointly develop Large Language Model (LLM) and Agentic AI technologies. Under the terms of this deal signed at MWC  2026 in Barcelona, Grameenphone and ZTE plan to build autonomous networks in Bangladesh.

AstroBiz launches BizOne Rewards campaign for food and beverage outlets
MALAYSIA 17:43

AstroBiz launches BizOne Rewards campaign for food and beverage outlets

Astro BizOne, a pack for food and beverage (F&B) outlets by Astro, has launched a new Astro BizOne Rewards Campaign, offering up to MYR 17.5 million worth of guaranteed marketing support to help F&B outlets across Malaysia reach more customers and expand their businesses. This year's programme transitions from the previous lucky draw format to a guaranteed model, providing all eligible businesses with media exposure across Astro's TV, radio, and digital platforms.

Lifecell reaches 29% of voice traffic over LTE network
UKRAINE 16:19

Lifecell reaches 29% of voice traffic over LTE network

Ukrainian operator Lifecell, belonging to the DVL Group, said that the share of its voice traffic on the LTE network has reached 29 percent of all voice traffic. The active VoLTE user base totaled almost 1.5 million in January, up by 2.5 times year-on-year. Around 4.5 million smartphones supporting VoLTE are currently registered on the Lifecell network, equal to 66 percent of all devices connected to the network. The VoWi-Fi user base amounts to 493,000.

Tower company Pilar targets expansion in media sector
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 16:17

Tower company Pilar targets expansion in media sector

Russian tower infrastructure operator Pilar, a subsidiary of the mobile operator T2, said it's expanding in the media market. The group owns more than 33,500 telecommunications towers across the country, while 25 percent of its customers come from the broadcasting segment. The group said it invested over RUB 105 million in the past year to strengthen its masts for customers.

Life Belarus increases 4G speeds with LTE network expansion
BELARUS 16:13

Life Belarus increases 4G speeds with LTE network expansion

Life Belarus announced it has deployed 587 new antennas on 300 LTE base stations across the country since the beginning of this year. The operator provides its LTE services in cooperation with the state-owned infrastructure operator beCloud. Life Belarus completed the upgrade of 139 of the base stations 10 March, and around 85 percent of those base stations work on the 1,800 MHz band. Thanks to the upgrades this year, average data speeds for Life customers have increased 65 percent, the operator said. 

Ucell introduces new call plan
UZBEKISTAN 16:06

Ucell introduces new call plan

Uzbekistan operator Ucell introduced a new tariff plan called Ovoz Start. The plan includes 500 minutes and 500 SMS to Uzbekistan networks for a monthly subscription of UZS 20,000, with mobile data charged at UZS 50 per MB.

Rostelecom upgrades telecom infrastructure at Evraz plant in Yekaterinburg
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 15:35

Rostelecom upgrades telecom infrastructure at Evraz plant in Yekaterinburg

Russian national operator Rostelecom has completed the second stage of the upgrade of the telecommunications infrastructure at the Kachkanar mining and processing plant in the Yekaterinburg region belonging to metallurgy holding company Evraz. A single digital environment is expected to accelerate automation of industrial and other business processes there. The operator deployed a private LTE network covering the plant, with nine base stations in the first stage followed by additional towers and indoor infr

Benchmark Telecom introduces Ranger XL mobile mast for temporary coverage
BELGIUM 15:33

Benchmark Telecom introduces Ranger XL mobile mast for temporary coverage

Belgium-based Benchmark Telecom introduced the new mobile transmitter Ranger XL for temporary network capacity. The telescopic mast can reach a height of 30m and be operational in 30 minutes. It's aimed at events such as festivals and outdoor sports as well as emergency situations. 

Pairpoint, Lantronix announce industrial IoT quantum security partnership
GLOBAL 15:08

Pairpoint, Lantronix announce industrial IoT quantum security partnership

Pairpoint, post-quantum cybersecurity JV between Vodafone and Sumitomo, and Lantronix, global provider of compute and IoT connectivity solutions, have teamed up to integrate post-quantum security with Lantronix Industrial IoT hardware. The partnership was announced at MWC 2026 in Barcelona. It will integrate encrypted communications and post-quantum cryptography with industrial-grade connectivity on various Lantronix edge platforms - including the NTC-502, NTC-222, E210, G520 and FOX4 industrial IoT routers

Obit reports 29% rise in public Wi-Fi users during Moscow and St Petersburg mobile outages from 07-09 March
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 15:07

Obit reports 29% rise in public Wi-Fi users during Moscow and St Petersburg mobile outages from 07-09 March

Obit said the number of users of its public Wi-Fi networks rose by 29 percent in the period from 07 to 09 March in comparison with the relevant period in February, as widespread disconnections affected mobile networks in Moscow and St Petersburg. Obit operates hotspots at major sites in both cities. including airports, business and shopping centres, and cultural heritage sites. According to telecom operators, the restrictions and shutdowns are "external" and related to security measures under current legisl

Telit Cinterion adds sensing and localisation to 5G IoT data card through Airfide partnership
GLOBAL 14:57

Telit Cinterion adds sensing and localisation to 5G IoT data card through Airfide partnership

Telit Cinterion and Airfide Networks have entered a strategic alliance to equip products based on Cinterion's FN990B40 5G modem card with advanced localisation and sensing technology, powered by ultra-wide band (UWB) fine ranging and 60 GHz mmWave radar. The FN990B40 5G is Telit Cinterion's latest generation data card for sub-6 GHz 5G and LTE broadband equipment, including fixed wireless access hardware, enterprise IoT gateways, and cellular repeaters. Airfide's technology is set to bring additional enterpr

Entel tops Chile mobile network experience ranking
CHILE 14:56

Entel tops Chile mobile network experience ranking

Chilean operator Entel continued offering the best mobile network experience in the country, topping most of the rankings following a survey carried out by Opensignal over a 90-day period ending in December 2025. The analysis saw Entel take 11 outright wins and one joint victory across OpenSignal's overall experience, 5G experience, coverage and consistency rankings.

ZAMBIA 14:47

Airtel Zambia brings 9 rural tower sites on stream

Airtel Zambia says it has activated nine new high-tech tower sites in areas that previously had no Airtel network coverage. They are part of its USD 107 million network expansion programme, which is on track to roll out 406 new sites by the end of March. The new sites are located in rural communities, growth centres and learning institutions.

UNITED STATES 14:44

Disney+ starts roll-out of vertical video feed on mobile app in US

Disney+ has confirmed the launch of vertical videos on its app in the US, in an effort to get more people watching the streaming service on mobile devices. Named 'Verts', the new videos are presented in a dynamic feed, offering a selection of clips and scenes from Disney+ programmes and films that viewers can swipe, watch and save to their watchlist. 

SLOVENIA 14:28

Telekom Slovenije, Kontron prepare for NG eCall plugtest in Ljubljana

Telekom Slovenije and Kontron Europe announced their joint support for the upcoming NG eCall 2026 plugtests organised by the ETSI in Ljubljana. These tests will work on ensuring interoperability of the next-generation emergency call system for vehicles in Europe. Telekom is hosting the event and providing a dedicated 4G/5G test network environment with technical and operational support from Kontron and Sintesio.

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

UNITED KINGDOM 14:12

Vodafone UK launches new Speed Boost for pay-monthly customers

Vodafone UK has announced the launch of 'Speed Boost' as an always-on benefit for upgrading and new customers on Unlimited Xtra Global Roam plans, with 24/7 prioritised data; or through flexible add-ons with other pay-monthly plans. This Speed Boost gives customers up to 2x faster speeds when they need it. It is also available to small businesses with 1-9 employees.

PORTUGAL 14:10

Fnac Portugal fined for selling illegal wireless devices

Fnac Portugal has been fined almost EUR 100,000 for selling radio devices not meeting EU standards, the communications regulator Anacom announced. The items in question either did not have the CE certification marked, lacked proper serial numbers or other batch identifications, did not have instructions in Portuguese or could not be provided with EU conformity documentation. The products included wireless mice, headphones and speakers, Wi-Fi equipment, GSM repeaters, Bluetooth equipment, Android TV boxes an

MAURITANIA 13:37

Mauritania introduces new mobile phone customs clearance rules

Mauritania has introduced new rules on customs clearance for mobile phones used on national networks as part of the country's 2026 Finance Law, Ecofin reported. The reform, announced in a communique published on 07 March, lowers tax rates on imported devices and introduces a digital control system for phones in circulation, including the possibility of suspending a line if a device is not cleared through customs within fifteen days.

EUROPE 12:32

Antevia, Benetel deliver validated outdoor private 5G solution

Antevia Networks, UK-based provider of in-building wireless communications solutions, has partnered with Irish radio maker Benetel to provide a jointly-validated outdoor private 5G solution. The partners have completed integration testing between Antevia's 5G Shift private network platform and Benetel's outdoor, carrier-grade O-RAN radio units. The joint solution will help accelerate deployment and simplify procurement of outdoor private 5G networks.

SWEDEN 12:16

3 Sweden offers Samsung Care Services with 3Trygg insurance

3 Sweden said it has become the first operator in the Nordic region to offer official Samsung Care Services, which it is doing in partnership with Samsung itself and insurance technology company Bolttech. The aftercare service will be included when customers insure their Samsung Galaxy device through Tre's insurance service 3Trygg via a direct 3 Sweden channel. The aim is to extend product lifespan and improve everyday digital usage for its customers.

CANADA 12:03

Canadian govt approves investment by TikTok Technology Canada

The Canadian government has decided to approve an investment by TikTok Technology Canada following a review under the Investment Canada Act. The investment can now move forward, subject to new legally binding undertakings from TikTok Canada. The government has secured commitments from TikTok to enhance protection for Canadians' data and their privacy, in line with a similar approach adopted by the EU.

SPAIN 10:46

Orange Spain tests 5G priority network for emergency services

Orange Spain (MasOrange) and Madrid city council have successfully tested 5G Standalone (SA) network prioritisation for emergency services during a large public event. The test, carried out as part of the EU-funded Emer5gencias project, marks the first real-world trial in Spain of 5G prioritisation for mission‑critical communications.

ZAMBIA 10:22

MoMo Zambia expands Kongola Marketplace with Konza Loans

MTN Mobile Money Zambia has announced the addition of Konza Loans to its Kongola marketplace, allowing customers to access short-term credit using their MoMo wallet.

Just In

17:58

Grameenphone, ZTE to jointly develop autonomous networks using LLMs and Agentic AI

17:43

AstroBiz launches BizOne Rewards campaign for food and beverage outlets

16:25

F&W Networks provides High Wycombe library with full-fibre connection

16:19

Lifecell reaches 29% of voice traffic over LTE network

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Background

6 MRT 16:00

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

1 MRT 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