BUSINESS
India’s smartphone market staring at a decline in 2026 as demand stagnates amid record exports
While volumes likely remained flat for fourth successive year in 2025, 2026 will be more challenging
TELECOM
Eutelsat OneWeb LEO network supports Indian Navy’s landmark maritime heritage voyage
The voyage is being documented in real time, with live updates transmitted via OneWeb’s satellite network.
BUSINESS
Telcos cry ‘market failure’ at Navi Mumbai airport, urge TRAI to curb monopoly, cap infra charges
By leveraging control over the airport premises, COAI said NMIAL has effectively positioned itself as the sole provider of in-building telecom infrastructure, while denying competing licensed operators the ability to deploy their own networks
BUSINESS
Budget 2026: Retailers flag grey-market leakages, seek GST cut on entry-level smartphones
Around 1.5 crore mobile phones are sold in India in a month but nearly 30 lakh units are siphoned off through grey market and export-misuse routes, leading to GST and customs revenue leakages running into hundreds of crores of rupees annually
BUSINESS
Pax Silica explained: From critical minerals to fabs, what’s in it for India?
Pax Silica seeks to secure the full global technology stack among trusted partners — from critical minerals to AI compute. For India, it can translate into gains across the semiconductor and AI value chain
BUSINESS
Budget 2026: Telcos pitch sharp licence fee, GST cuts to ease financial stress to fund network investments
S.P. Kochhar, Director General of COAI, said the measures are revenue neutral for the government and would significantly ease cash-flow pressures on operators, freeing up capital for network expansion, faster 5G rollouts and future technologies.
BUSINESS
Apple doubles down on iPhone 17 financing as rivals hike prices
The low-interest financing schemes comes as rival smartphone brands raise prices across segments, pressured by elevated component costs and a weakening rupee
BUSINESS
Vodafone Idea AGR relief puts Indus Towers back in dividend frame
Analysts say AGR relief for Vodafone Idea, a major tenant, could revive tenancy growth from FY27 onwards and materially strengthen Indus Towers’ cash-flow outlook, including the likelihood of dividend reinstatement
BUSINESS
Telcos set for steady Q3 as subscriber adds, ARPU inch up; tariff hike by end-FY26: Analysts
The Street is also factoring in another round of tariff hikes in the second half of 2026, analysts at leading brokerages said.
BUSINESS
Tejas eyes 4G, 5G global deals as BSNL’s 18,000-site order faces delays
On profitability, chief operating officer Arnob Roy says the launch of new products and improving market traction have positioned Tejas to refresh its business and take its expanded portfolio more aggressively to international markets
BUSINESS
Vodafone Idea gets a lifeline with AGR relief, paving way for new funding
Vodafone Idea has told exchanges that DoT froze its AGR dues at Rs 87,695 crore and repaid in phases
BUSINESS
Tata's Nelco bets on quick LEO revenue via OneWeb partnership, open to tie ups with other LEO players
The Centre is nearing a decision on spectrum allocation for satellite players such as Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Global Services. Commercial rollout, however, will depend on security clearances and spectrum pricing
TECHNOLOGY
Xiaomi HQ promises more resources for India unit as company pivots to premium phones, larger IoT play
The company is also exploring a broader India launch of its extensive IoT portfolio, with global team member on the ground to drive expansion after market research.
BUSINESS
Telecom veteran Akhil Gupta to retire from Bharti Enterprises on March 31
For more than three decades, Gupta has been involved in Bharti’s strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, capital allocation and financial strategy
BUSINESS
Telecom operators flag flaws in direct-to-mobile broadcasting tests, seek fresh evaluation
The body has urged the government to realign the D2M evaluation process with the principles outlined during a stakeholder meeting by re-conducting the assessment with a comprehensive, stakeholder-finalised Terms of Reference
TECHNOLOGY
Thinner discounts, higher prices: smartphone buyers face fresh squeeze in 2026
Average smartphone prices have climbed up to 21% since mid-November for models across price segments, says market watchers. Prices could edge even higher by April if component costs remain elevated and the rupee continues to weaken
BUSINESS
Apple supplier Corning to begin India Gorilla cover-glass finishing in first half of 2026 with JV partner Optiemus, eyes exports
The US glass major and its Indian partner plan to supply all major smartphone makers operating in the country, with future expansions into tablets, laptops and wearables.
BUSINESS
India-led growth powers smartphone maker Nothing’s IPO push as it steps up challenge to Apple, Samsung: Co-founders
Nothing has raised more than $450 million to date from investors such as Tiger Global, GV, Highland Europe, EQT, and Qualcomm Ventures
TELECOM
Government drops mandatory Sanchar Sathi pre-installation plan due to rising public acceptance
Sanchar Saathi’s rapid adoption appears to have strengthened the government’s confidence in a voluntary approach.
INDIA
Sanchar Saathi mandate: No privacy risks; pre-install order has strong legal backing as app downloads jump 10x, say govt sources
Sources emphasised that Sanchar Saathi has only limited access to phone data — and only with explicit user consent during each "interaction of reporting fraud".
COMPANIES
SFIO set to charge Chinese handset maker Vivo in fund diversion case this month
According to officials, the wider probe into Vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi has uncovered suspected fraud of over Rs 6,000 crore, signalling major compliance issues at the three Chinese smartphone brands.
TECHNOLOGY
Despite cost pressures, Vivo sees strong upgrade momentum in premium segment; launches flagship X300 series
The Chinese brand, which has already posted nearly 2× volume growth in its premium X-series this year, believes 2025 will be a pivotal year as it expands its line-up and brings advanced imaging features and its new OriginOS software to India
TELECOM
Mandatory cybersecurity app: Global smartphone brands brace for clash over DoT directive
Smartphone brands have been given three months to integrate Sanchar Saathi into all new units and ensure the app is visible during device setup.
TELECOM
Vivo, Realme hike smartphone prices again, Xiaomi raises tablet prices
“We request all partners to take note of the revised pricing and align their billing, display, and communication accordingly,” Xiaomi told retailers.
