BUSINESS
Brookfield-backed Altius bets on telecom network expansion as India’s data consumption soars: Group MD
Set up last year through the merger of Summit Digitel, Crest Digitel and ATC India, Altius has quickly emerged as one of the world’s largest telecom infrastructure platforms with a combined portfolio of around 2.60 lakh towers, including both macro and in-building sites.
BUSINESS
Airtel deepens enterprise play with 5G, AI and sovereign cloud for smart factories and digital infra: Enterprise CEO
Sharat Sinha said the company sees strong momentum in India’s cloud and data centre ecosystem, which has become a cornerstone of the country’s digital infrastructure
COMPANIES
Satellite broadband won’t fix India’s real digital divide but smartphones, digital skills hold key: GSMA
Despite nearly universal 4G coverage and over 80% 5G reach, roughly 690 million Indians remain offline
BUSINESS
On-device AI to spark next wave of smartphone growth in India, says Qualcomm India's Savi Soin
Qualcomm also views India’s expanding policy push - the semiconductor mission, PLI for handsets and ECMS for components - as major catalysts for building a local innovation ecosystem.
BUSINESS
Rakuten Symphony plans 5G pilot with BSNL, eyes deploying Indian-made telecom gear in Japan: Co-Chief Executive Officer of Rakuten Mobile
Rakuten Symphony, which provides software and network solutions globally, has been expanding its partnerships in India across R&D, cloud, and open radio access network (Open RAN) technologies
BUSINESS
iPhone-maker Pegatron setting up new plant in Chennai for 5G equipment eyes local, export markets
Pegatron, one of Apple’s key manufacturing partners, had been assembling iPhones at its Chennai facility.
BUSINESS
Ericsson, govt in talks to deepen telecom manufacturing supply chain; eyes India as key export hub
Currently, India joins China, Romania, and Mexico as the only markets manufacturing and exporting Ericsson’s antenna equipment.
COMPANIES
Starlink readies India rollout, says India capacity will go waste without rural users
Starlink is putting in place the infrastructure required to begin its satcom services in India, entering a field that already includes rivals Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite
BUSINESS
Vodafone Idea accelerates 5G rollout, sharpens focus on ARPU growth and customer retention: CMO
Khosla said Vodafone Idea’s immediate strategy revolves around strengthening its core base, improving customer stickiness, and driving ARPU growth through differentiated offerings.
BUSINESS
Nokia sees stronger India revenue growth by 2026 as Vodafone Idea, Airtel ramp up 4G, 5G rollouts: India head
Nokia is already engaged in optical and routing projects with defense partners and sees potential for broader private network deployments in strategic sectors.
BUSINESS
Bharti Airtel’s Vittal flags rising regulatory overreach, seeks balance in digital trust framework
MoS telcom Pemmasani says govt committed to building regulation that protects users without stifling innovation
TECHNOLOGY
India turns innovation into people’s movement: MoS telecom Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar
The minister pointed out that India is now world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with 1.9 lakh startups, and patent filings have doubled from 2014
INDIA
India now a digital flag-bearer of the World: Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia at IMC 2025
Scindia credited the Prime Minister’s vision for turning connectivity into “a medium of equity and opportunity,” bridging the divide between rich and poor.
COMPANIES
Asus steps up ‘Make in India’ drive with Dixon, eyes top consumer laptop brand slot by 2026
Asus plans to expand its physical presence significantly, targeting 400–450 exclusive stores by end-2026, up from 320 currently
BUSINESS
India Mobile Congress 2025 to showcase 1,600 use cases, six global events on AI, Satcom, 6G, cybersecurity and startups: Scindia
The IMC will take place from October 8 to October 11 at Yashobhoomi’s 4.5 lakh sq. ft. venue, featuring 400 exhibitors, 7,000 delegates from 150 countries and nearly 150,000 visitors.
BUSINESS
Bharat 6G Alliance progress on track, 6G standards may crystallise by 2027–28: Telecom Minister Scindia
He noted that 6G is still in the articulation phase, with protocols and standards expected to take five to seven years to crystallise.
BUSINESS
India eyes global electronics hub status as Rs 1.15 lakh crore proposals pour in under new component scheme
The scheme has attracted investment proposals worth Rs 1,15,351 crore, nearly double its initial target, and is projected to generate production worth about Rs 10,35,000 crore.
BUSINESS
OnePlus’ Rs 6,000-crore ‘Project Starlight’ on fast track as premium sales double, says India CEO
Launched last year as a three-year Project Starlight aims to strengthen the phone makers R&D, services, retail presence and manufacturing quality
BUSINESS
After tepid auctions, Trai explores new model, invites views on 6 GHz, 600 MHz bands
The regulator has also sought views on modifying minimum spectrum rollout obligations following consumer complaints about coverage gaps on highways, train routes and rural areas
BUSINESS
Global satcom players warn draft rules for provision of services could derail investment, urge govt to restore separate authorisation
BIF also highlighted the imbalance between terrestrial and satellite markets. While the satellite industry serves only about three lakh users and generates Rs 600 crore annually, terrestrial telecom caters to 119 crore subscribers with revenues of Rs 3.25 lakh crore.
BUSINESS
Small towns power festive electronics boom; Apple, Samsung lead smartphone charge: Amazon India
Categories that benefitted from recent GST cuts — televisions, air-conditioners, and dishwashers — have posted outsized gains, underscoring the twin drivers of premiumisation and tax-led affordability
BUSINESS
GVK scion-backed Equal AI challenges Google, Apple, Truecaller with India's first AI call assistant
Apple and Google have call-screening features, and Truecaller dominates with its crowdsourced caller database. But Reddy argues these solutions don’t solve India’s unique challenges.
BUSINESS
Vodafone Idea files amended petition, seeks waiver of interest, penalty on AGR dues in Supreme Court
During last week’s hearing, the Centre said it does not oppose VIL’s plea on adjusted AGR dues but noted that a solution was needed since the government is also an equity holder in the company.
BUSINESS
Qualcomm in talks to start chip packaging in India, open to new fab players, says global COO Akash Palkhiwala
The company is in talks with multiple suppliers, including the Tata Group, to leverage India’s OSAT capacity and is will also increase investments in Indian startups through Qualcomm Ventures, Palkiwala tells Moneycontrol
