BUSINESS
Apple Pay set for India launch as iPhone maker seeks regulatory approvals and begins talks with card networks
The iPhone-maker is aiming for an initial rollout within the current calendar year, subject to regulatory approvals and the finalisation of commercial agreements.
BUSINESS
Telecom industry seeks AI policy clarity, warns uncertainty may hit investment
Speaking at TRAI and STPI’s pre-AI Impact Summit event, COAI director general SP Kochhar said policy leadership and regulatory foresight are essential if India is to fully harness AI’s potential
BUSINESS
OnePlus denies shutdown rumours, says India operations continue as normal
The clarification comes amid heightened scrutiny of smartphone brands’ strategies in India, one of the world’s largest and most competitive mobile phone markets
TELECOM
India smartphone shipments fall 7% in Oct-Dec quarter as inventory, price pressures bite
Despite the broader correction in the December quarter, Vivo retained its leadership position, shipping 7.9 million units and capturing a 23% market share.
BUDGET
Electronics industry seeks duty cuts, MOOWR reforms in Union Budget 2026–27 to boost manufacturing competitiveness
The industry has also sought the fixation of a standard wastage norm of up to 2% for mobile phone manufacturing, citing unavoidable process losses in high-volume, precision-driven electronics production.
BUSINESS
Refurbished smartphone market eyes strong 2026 as prices rise; iPhones lead demand
The secondary smartphone market is expected to have grown 7–8 percent in 2025, with momentum likely to strengthen further in 2026, as per estimates from Counterpoint Research and industry executives.
BUSINESS
Jio adds 20-25 million 5G users every quarter, commands 65% market share
Commenting on average revenue per user (ARPU), Thakur said the improvement during the quarter was driven entirely by organic factors, with no impact from tariff hikes. He attributed the ARPU growth to a richer mix of offerings, higher adoption of 5G services, increased data usage, and customers migrating to higher-value plans.
BUSINESS
BSNL, Viasat to deploy Ka-band satcom for next phase of Indian Navy upgrade
The upgrade marks a shift toward a multi-band, multi-constellation architecture. By combining BSNL’s Gateway Earth Station with Viasat’s global satellite network, the navy is expected to gain wider coverage, faster data rates and improved reliability
BUSINESS
Indus Towers expands Africa presence with Nigeria, Zambia subsidiaries
Indus Towers said no governmental or regulatory approvals are required for the incorporation of the entities
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
