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
TECHNOLOGY
Thinner discounts, higher prices: smartphone buyers face fresh squeeze in 2026
Average smartphone prices have climbed up to 21% since mid-November for models across price segments, says market watchers. Prices could edge even higher by April if component costs remain elevated and the rupee continues to weaken
BUSINESS
Apple supplier Corning to begin India Gorilla cover-glass finishing in first half of 2026 with JV partner Optiemus, eyes exports
The US glass major and its Indian partner plan to supply all major smartphone makers operating in the country, with future expansions into tablets, laptops and wearables.
BUSINESS
India-led growth powers smartphone maker Nothing’s IPO push as it steps up challenge to Apple, Samsung: Co-founders
Nothing has raised more than $450 million to date from investors such as Tiger Global, GV, Highland Europe, EQT, and Qualcomm Ventures
TELECOM
Government drops mandatory Sanchar Sathi pre-installation plan due to rising public acceptance
Sanchar Saathi’s rapid adoption appears to have strengthened the government’s confidence in a voluntary approach.
INDIA
Sanchar Saathi mandate: No privacy risks; pre-install order has strong legal backing as app downloads jump 10x, say govt sources
Sources emphasised that Sanchar Saathi has only limited access to phone data — and only with explicit user consent during each "interaction of reporting fraud".
COMPANIES
SFIO set to charge Chinese handset maker Vivo in fund diversion case this month
According to officials, the wider probe into Vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi has uncovered suspected fraud of over Rs 6,000 crore, signalling major compliance issues at the three Chinese smartphone brands.
TECHNOLOGY
Despite cost pressures, Vivo sees strong upgrade momentum in premium segment; launches flagship X300 series
The Chinese brand, which has already posted nearly 2× volume growth in its premium X-series this year, believes 2025 will be a pivotal year as it expands its line-up and brings advanced imaging features and its new OriginOS software to India
TELECOM
Mandatory cybersecurity app: Global smartphone brands brace for clash over DoT directive
Smartphone brands have been given three months to integrate Sanchar Saathi into all new units and ensure the app is visible during device setup.
TELECOM
Vivo, Realme hike smartphone prices again, Xiaomi raises tablet prices
“We request all partners to take note of the revised pricing and align their billing, display, and communication accordingly,” Xiaomi told retailers.
TELECOM
Private telcos hail DoT’s ‘landmark’ SIM-binding mandate for WhatsApp, Telegram, others
Currently, communication apps verify users only during initial setup through a one-time password (OTP).
TELECOM
After SIM-locking WhatsApp, Signal, DoT now asks smartphone makers to preinstall cybersecurity app on phones
Sanchar Saathi, the app in question, is already available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play, but installing it today is voluntary.
BUSINESS
Rupee slide, component costs to push up smartphone prices in 2026, demand may take a hit
Memory components, which accounts for 30–31% of the bill of materials in $100–200 devices, is expected to rise to 45–48% by Q1 next year as a weak rupee drives costs higher
TECHNOLOGY
Inside Apple’s metro playbook: Why iPhone-maker is doubling its stores in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai
Apple’s two-store strategy in Delhi-NCR and Mumbai marks a new phase in its India expansion
BUSINESS
Apple to open fifth India store in Noida on December 11; new Mumbai outlet next year
The next phase of growth reflects Apple's sustained commitment to India, with another store slated for Mumbai next year, senior vice president of retail and people Deirdre O’Brien tells Moneycontrol
BUSINESS
Apple’s deepening India ties evident in retail expansion and Make-in-India push: Deirdre O’Brien, SVP of Retail and People
“For the first time, all iPhone 17 models and the Air are being made in India — a reflection of our deepening relationship with the country,” O’Brien said, adding that the Noida opening comes amid a strong response to the latest iPhone series.
TELECOM
Telcos flag key compliance gaps in DPDP rules, seek SIM ease for older teens
COAI said restrictions that bar directors and key personnel from having any association with entities holding personal data may be overly stringent.
BUSINESS
Airtel MD warns of surge in digital fraud, pushes Airtel Payments Bank for daily UPI use
In a letter to subscribers, Airtel vice chairman and MD Gopal Vittal warned that digital scams have become "a part of our new normal", with fraudsters deploying increasingly inventive tactics—from fake parcel delivery alerts and reward links to threats of a "digital arrest".
BUSINESS
German, Japanese firms eye Syrma SGS’ new PCB plants amid supply-chain shift from China
Gujral said that cumulative investments of Rs 7,000–10,000 crore across new PCB facilities under ECMS 2.0 could help substitute 25–30% of India’s Rs 40,000-crore annual PCB import bill in the first phase.
