BUSINESS
TRAI sets 4% AGR spectrum fee for satcom firms like Starlink, OneWeb; dismisses level-playing field concerns
Telecom regulator TRAI recommends a 5 year validity period for satellite spectrum licences, extendable by 2 years
INDIA
India’s defence drone industry surges to forefront amid Operation Sindoor response
According to the Drone Federation of India (DFI), these companies are delivering a range of drone capabilities.
COMPANIES
India-Pak tensions: Samsung cancels Galaxy S25 Edge launch event in Delhi; other brands may follow
Multinational tech firms are awaiting directives from their global headquarters on issuing work-from-home advisories in the wake of escalating tensions.
BUSINESS
Telcos activate emergency protocols to safeguard border connectivity amid govt alert
Special emphasis is being placed on keeping base transceiver station (BTS) towers within 100 km of international borders fully operational at all times, as mandated by the government.
BUSINESS
Starlink gets nod for satellite internet services in India, LoI issued by DoT: Sources
Amazon’s Project Kuiper is still awaiting its LoI, and sources indicate the application is still being processed. "For Kuiper, the wait is slightly longer. Their application is currently under process at the DoT."
BUSINESS
Operation Sindoor: Govt orders telcos to ensure disaster preparedness, tighten network security, safeguard border infrastructure
The DoT issued a Wednesday circular urging them to take preliminary precautions and ensure SOPs.
BUSINESS
Vodafone Idea opens 100 new flagship retail stores to drive customer acquisition amid network expansion
With the 100 new flagship stores, the total number of flagship stores has crossed 500 nationwide. The company operates its Vi flagship stores directly in metro and tier 1 markets.
BUSINESS
TCIL pushes for open tender in Bharti Hexacom tower sale after Indus deal put on hold: Sources
TCIL was not kept in the loop for sale of Hexacom towers to Indus Towers, hence it objected and intervened in the deal, said a source
INDIA
Revised satellite guidelines to bolster security amid Pakistan tensions; disruption from Starlink entry unlikely: Minister
On approval for Starlink, the minister said the Elon Musk-led company will play a limited role in the country due to its high cost
INDIA
India preparing $4-billion blueprint to connect 'every single village': Scindia
The telecom minister also 'guaranteed' that the country will 'lead the world' in 6G
TELECOM
DoT tightens satellite security rules as Starlink, Kuiper seek entry into India
The new guidelines remove uncertainty around security requirements for foreign operators, offering a clear framework for compliance
BUSINESS
Satcom wars: Spacecoin in talks with telcos to launch sub-Rs 200 satellite internet, challenging Starlink
Spacecoin plans to offer low-bandwidth services such as financial access, messaging and basic web browsing in remote areas where traditional networks are difficult to deploy, founder Tae Oh has told Moneycontrol
TECHNOLOGY
Apple’s US shift opens $14-billion iPhone opportunity for Indian factories in Q1: Analysts
For FY26, iPhone production in India could reach nearly $40 billion by value, with around 80 percent of that output expected to be destined for the US market
BUSINESS
Apple to divert India-made iPhones from Europe, UK, Asia to US in June quarter amid tariff pressures: Sources
Apple is accelerating local manufacturing to cushion the impact of rising US tariffs, according to industry officials and analysts
BUSINESS
Indus Towers sees no threat from satellite internet, eyes growth on 5G momentum and Vi payment boost
Analysts previosuly raised concerns that the company's tower infrastructure business may face challenges as satellite internet services enter the Indian market, especially after Airtel and Reliance Jio entered into distribution partnerships with SpaceX for Starlink.
BUSINESS
Xiaomi market share crashes to 13% in India amid inventory woes, while rivals hold steady: Counterpoint
The Chinese smartphone maker's shipments tumble during the January–March quarter, unable to generate traction for its new launches amid bloated inventory levels, the agency said in its latest report.
BUSINESS
Foxconn begins production of Apple AirPods in Hyderabad for exports; to soon expand iPhone production with new Bengaluru unit: Sources
This comes at a time when Apple is doubling down on India as a strategic manufacturing hub, positioning it as an alternative to China amid US President Trump’s sweeping tariffs
BUSINESS
Telcos seek direct deployment of network at Noida airport; oppose third-party vendor control
The telcos have requested approval to conduct a joint survey of the airport premises and deploy a common IBS network to serve all three operators
BUSINESS
Optiemus Electronics partners with Taiwan’s ASRock to make PC motherboard in India; eyes exports
The Made-in-India motherboards will be available in the domestic market from May 2025 onwards
BUSINESS
India may allow up to 26% Chinese equity in certain Indian electronic components JVs: Sources
Sources said Chinese companies are increasingly willing to accept conditions for investing in India, viewing it as a critical growth market amid fears that the tariff war with the US could make their products too expensive there
BUSINESS
China’s Lianchuang Electronics eyes India’s components scheme, in talks with Amber, Optiemus
The company is looking to foray into display module and camera module manufacturing by leveraging the government’s new production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme
BUSINESS
Apple's iPhone move to India may face Chinese hurdles as iPhone 17 trials begin
Apple assembled $22 billion worth of iPhones in India during the 12 months ending March 2025—a nearly 60% increase year-on-year.
BUSINESS
Airtel seeks equity conversion of statutory dues, wants a level-playing field
The telco’s move comes in the wake of the government raising its stake in Vodafone Idea to over 49%
BUSINESS
Nokia’s India sales up 75% in Q1 with new Airtel, Vi deals, but tariff headwinds loom on profit
India also led regional growth for Nokia’s Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and cloud and network services businesses
