BUSINESS
TRAI to examine new voice and SMS-only plans launched by private telcos
TRAI believes these plans will cater to subscribers who do not require data services while allowing service providers to offer bundled and data-only options to promote data inclusion.
BUSINESS
Indus Towers to foray into EV charging infrastructure sector; launches pilot charging stations in Gurugram and Bengaluru
The company said it is well-positioned to contribute to the EV charging infrastructure sector by leveraging its expertise in managing and providing space, power, and operations and maintenance (O&M) for seamless operation and efficiency.
BUSINESS
Former Nokia India head Sanjay Malik joins Tejas Networks as EVP and Chief Strategy & Business Officer
Malik brings more than two decades of experience in the global telecom industry, having held various senior leadership positions at Nokia. He served as the Senior Vice President and India Country Head for nearly eight years, steering Nokia India to a market leadership position.
BUSINESS
Too early to assess Trump effect but a trade war is unlikely, says Tata Comm CEO
AS Lakshminarayanan tells Moneycontrol the company is in touch with startups and enterprises for its AI cloud business. Startups looking to build or train AI models are also in talks with Tata Communications
BUSINESS
Tata Communications unfazed by US chip export curbs; in talks with enterprises for NVIDIA-powered data centre: MD
Tata Communications is one of the major Indian companies aiming to offer AI cloud computing services to enterprises and startups using high-end NVIDIA Hopper and Blackwell GPUs. The company unveiled its AI infrastructure with NVIDIA-accelerated computing in October last year.
BUSINESS
Budget 2025: Telcos seek clarity on service tax on AGR, urge govt to abolish regulatory levies
The Cellular Operators Association of India has requested the government to clarify that service tax should not be levied on incremental licence fees and spectrum usage charges arising from the Supreme Court’s judgment on aggregate gross revenue.
BUSINESS
Dixon in talks to set up $3 billion display fab in India; awaiting ISM 2.0 guidelines
The display fab will cater to Dixon’s existing customers across mobile, television, and notebook segments, while also serving other players in the market.
BUSINESS
Indian smartphone shipments drop 4% in Q4 2024, Apple breaks into top five: Canalys
For the first time, Apple entered the top five, shipping 4.0 million units, buoyed by aggressive promotions and strong festive demand. China’s Vivo retained its top position in the Indian smartphone market, with 7.5 million units shipped, capturing a 20% market share
BUSINESS
India plans to share worries over US AI chip curbs with Trump administration
Industry experts and stakeholders have flagged concerns about long-term effects starting 2027 when India plans to significantly scale up its AI capabilities. Restricted access to advanced chips can slow innovation, raise costs and lead to delays, they say
BUSINESS
Govt working on proposal to waive a substantial portion of AGR dues: Sources
This latest proposal, if approved, could offer a lifeline to Vodafone Idea and stabilise India’s telecom sector while ensuring a level playing field for all operators.
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
