BUSINESS
Satellite-based communications service to play pivotal role in expanding digital connectivity: TRAI Chairman
Lahoti further discussed Trai’s recommendation for adopting embedded SIMs for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications, which could stimulate the growth of a homegrown M2M eSIM ecosystem.
TELECOM
Cabinet approves refarming of spectrum from ISRO and Defence for 5G and 6G: Scindia
This strategic move aims to bolster India’s telecom infrastructure, ensuring sufficient spectrum availability to support connectivity and advancements in digital services.
BUSINESS
Apple launches Apple Store mobile app ahead of offline retail expansion in India
This follows Apple’s initial foray into direct customer engagement in India with the launch of the web-based Apple Store in September 2020, offering its full range of products and support online—mirroring the experience of its physical stores worldwide.
BUSINESS
Jio is largest standalone 5G network in the world, with 170 million users; attracting 70% of new 5G devices sold
Jio surpassed 170 million 5G users in the December quarter, solidifying its position as the largest standalone 5G operator outside China.
BUSINESS
Cabinet approves refarming of 1,100 MHz spectrum in several bands from various ministries, depts: Sources
A Committee of Secretaries (CoS), established last year to streamline the process, approved the proposal in December. The committee includes secretaries from multiple departments and senior DoT officials.
BUSINESS
MC Exclusive: Apple finally breaks into India’s top 5 smartphone brands with record market share
Riding high on its unprecedented popularity, Apple achieved a remarkable 9–10% market share during the festive October–December period of 2024—a historic feat since the brand first began selling iPhones in India, according to preliminary data from market trackers IDC and Counterpoint Research, exclusively available with Moneycontrol.
BUSINESS
Satellite-based direct-to-cell service unlikely to disrupt Indian telcos' business: Analysts
Analysts argue that the technology is still in its infancy and heavily depends on telcos to access their 4G spectrum for smartphone connectivity.
BUSINESS
TRAI proposes rationalised broadband tariffs to boost PM-WANI scheme
On September 16, 2024, the DoT introduced amendments to the PM-WANI framework, removing the requirement for PDOs to enter commercial agreements with TSPs for internet connectivity
BUSINESS
Chinese smartphones to retain dominance in India despite slower volume growth in 2025
Chinese handset brands are also renewing their investments in India and working to repair relationships with offline retailers after being accused of anti-competitive practices, such as favoring online sales channels. This shift comes amid a gradual improvement in India-China relations
BUSINESS
Telecom licensing overhaul coming, DoT clears Trai recommendations on new authorisation
The development marks a significant step toward implementing the new regime under the recently enacted Telecommunications Act
BUSINESS
DoT asks Adani Group to provide clarity on 5G rollout plan
Sources told Moneycontrol the government has sent multiple notices to Adani Data Networks, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises, for failing to meet the minimum rollout obligations for launching 5G services
BUSINESS
Apple, Foxconn raise alarm over equipment delays at Chinese ports, seek government help
China's moves appear to be part of a broader response, potentially in retaliation for India’s restrictions on visas for Chinese officials or its approach towards Chinese investments, source have said
TECHNOLOGY
Japan’s JVC set to re-enter Indian TV market via SPPL licensing deal
JVC’s partner SPPL is known for licensing agreements with global brands such as Thomson, Kodak, Blaupunkt and Westinghouse. A Rs 1,000-crore company, Noida-based SPPL will support the venture through its Hapur unit
BUSINESS
Airtel revenue to surge 24% in Q3, marginal rise on cards for Vodafone Idea: Analysts
Analysts project Bharti Airtel's ARPU to grow 5 percent QoQ and 17.7 percent YoY to Rs 245, while Reliance Jio's ARPU may rise 3.8 percent and 11.5 percent to Rs 203
BUSINESS
Vodafone Idea preparing for phased rollout of 5G, says CEO Akshaya Moondra
Vi is partnering with global leaders such as Ericsson, Nokia, and Samsung to drive a transformative three-year investment plan, Moondra said
BUSINESS
Cabinet nod for electronics component scheme likely by Jan-end: Sources
In late December, MeitY officials met with industry stakeholders to discuss capital and operational subsidies across various component categories
BUSINESS
Chinese smartphone brands revive investments in India as Delhi-Beijing ties improve
Executives at Chinese brands have noted a more favourable sentiment following India and China’s decision to reduce military deployments along the Ladakh border. Chinese companies had previously scaled back their investments in India due to heightened scrutiny since 2020 over allegations of money laundering and tax evasion
BUSINESS
Vodafone Idea CTSO Mathan Babu Kasilingam returns after brief hiatus
Kasilingam, who quit in October, announced his return on Linkedin, “I hope our paths cross again. That’s what I told everyone at Vodafone Idea Limited when I moved on. Little did I know how quickly that would come true! ..."
BUSINESS
Apple, Samsung to help India’s smartphone market go past $50 billion in 2025
The Indian market is undergoing a shift as OEMs go for premium launches to strengthen brand equity, demonstrate tech prowess and improve profitability. Leading the change are Apple and Samsung, as premiumisation gains momentum
BUSINESS
Govt move on Vi equity conversion, BSNL-MTNL support to have significant impact on telecom sector
India Ratings and Research has a 'neutral' outlook for the telecom industry for FY26, saying these pivotal policy decisions will determine the sector’s trajectory. It forecasts a 6-10 percent rise in industry-wide tariffs during the year
BUSINESS
Xiaomi India appoints Sandeep Singh Arora as Chief Business Officer
Xiaomi slipped to fifth in smartphone shipments in the September quarter with an 11.4 percent market share, market tracker IDC's recent India Q3 report said. Its shipments, however, grew 2.7 percent year-on-year.
BUSINESS
Vodafone Idea bank loans in spotlight after Rs 24,800-cr bank guarantee waiver
On December 27, the Centre informed all three private telecom operators — Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea — about waiving BGs worth Rs 33,000 crore
BUSINESS
Union Budget 2025: Electronics industry seeks zero tariff on PCBAs, camera modules, connectors
ICEA stated that high tariffs on sub-assemblies and their components significantly increase the manufacturing costs, hindering India’s global competitiveness
BUSINESS
BSNL employees’ union blames management for cash crunch, slams second VRS plan
As of March 2024, BSNL employs 29,750 executives and 26,435 non-executives. The first VRS, implemented in 2020, resulted in 80,000 employees opting for retirement—more than double the anticipated 30,000–35,000.
