BUSINESS
Starlink moves closer to India launch as satcom license likely this month; Kuiper faces longer wait
Once it secures the GMPCS license, SpaceX will need approval from the Indian space regulator, In-SPACe, for authorisation of Starlink’s services. In contrast, its American rival Amazon Kuiper will have to wait longer, as its application is still being processed.
BUSINESS
GSMA chief calls for fair rules as TRAI’s satcom proposals spark concern
Vivek Badrinath’s remarks come as domestic telcos have raised concerns over TRAI’s proposal to charge satellite spectrum at 4% of adjusted gross revenue, calling it non-transparent.
BUSINESS
Bank funding for Vodafone Idea may dry up if there's no AGR relief
While measures such as the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) converting dues into equity and vendor support are encouraging, they aren’t yet enough to make Vodafone Idea an investible bet.
TELECOM
Vodafone Idea in talks with government on AGR relief after Supreme Court setback
The telco incurred a capex of Rs 4,230 crore in the January–March quarter—its highest since the 2018 merger of Vodafone India and Idea Cellular.
BUSINESS
Vodafone Idea pushes for tariff hikes, says engaging with lenders for debt funding
The telco confirmed its plans to launch 5G services across 17 telecom circles by August, a move seen as essential to closing the technology gap with competitors
TECHNOLOGY
Ericsson backs India as a telecom manufacturing hub, says Vodafone Idea making serious comeback efforts
A senior executive said Ericsson plans to fully localise the production of passive antennas by June 2025, laying the foundation for increased value addition and exports
BUSINESS
TRAI seeks industry views on microwave spectrum allocation post-Telecom Act overhaul
Stakeholders have until June 25 to send in their inputs, with counter-comments accepted until July 9
TECHNOLOGY
Realme bets big on premium push to grow market share in 2025 amid industry challenges
The Chinese smartphone maker is also leaning on India as a critical market for global expansion, particularly in the premium segment
BUSINESS
Intelsat gets In-SPACe approval to offer direct broadcast services to Indian broadcast media companies
Intelsat said it has signed new deals with three of India’s largest media companies
BUSINESS
Transsion taps India as export hub for Africa, eyes rural 5G market with Tecno brand push
In an exclusive interview with Moneycontrol, India CEO Talapatra also revealed that the company has set up a dedicated R&D centre in Noida to boost its India operations, with a key focus on scaling the Tecno brand while maintaining profitability.
BUSINESS
Apple’s US manufacturing push could backfire; India still most viable option outside China
With Apple’s supply chain deeply entrenched in Asia, shifting production stateside would result in significantly higher costs, longer lead times, and ultimately, more expensive iPhones
BUSINESS
Dutch chipmaker NXP eyes new unit in Greater Noida under $1 billion expansion plan
Sievers met with the UP chief minister during the Semicon event and later followed up with discussions in October 2024, signalling a strong intent to deepen the company's footprint in India.
COMPANIES
Dixon scales up production, eyes 12 million smartphone exports for Motorola, Google, Transsion Group
The expansion comes amid a shifting geopolitical landscape, as brands seek to diversify their supply chains
BUSINESS
Amid Trump’s diktat to Cook, India doubles down on push for Apple to boost iPhone local value addition
Government and industry sources told Moneycontrol that Apple has been working with both central and state authorities to expand local sourcing.
BUSINESS
India notifies draft rules to delicense the lower 6 GHz band, boosting Wi-Fi, next-gen device access
As per the notification, no prior authorisation or frequency assignment will be required for setting up, operating, or using wireless devices for low-power indoor and very low-power outdoor access in the 5925–6425 MHz band.
TECHNOLOGY
iPhone shipments set to surge even as economic headwinds shrink India’s smartphone market in 2025
Apple is expected to post strong double-digit growth in 2025, even as overall smartphone shipments decline due to muted consumer sentiment and macroeconomic pressures
BUSINESS
4% spectrum fee, 5-year spectrum assignment risk derailing satellite internet rollout, warns industry body
Calling it a “challenging business situation,” Broadband India Forum (BIF) said the move burdens fledgling satcom companies that serve as the last-mile lifeline for connecting unserved and remote areas.
BUSINESS
Apple to significantly ramp up iPhone 17 Pro models production in India despite Trump’s concerns
Foxconn, Apple's largest contract manufacturing partner in India, will scale up production of the iPhone 17 Pro model. Apple began making top-of-the-line iPhone Pro models last year at its Sriperumbudur facility through Foxconn.
BUSINESS
Airtel’s equity conversion proposal to assess option; ending DTH subsidies to improve cash flows: Gopal Vittal
In a significant strategic shift, the company said it is making structural changes to its DTH business by completely removing subsidies on set-top boxes.
TECHNOLOGY
India to roll out prototype of indigenous GPU by end of 2025
India expects that by 2030 prototypes of its indigenous graphics processing unit will transition into fully scalable products
BUSINESS
CG Power OSAT unit to begin chip production by mid-2026, new R&D centers to work on 3nm chip design: Renesas India head
The OSAT unit, located in Gujarat, is part of a joint venture between CG Power and Renesas, with the latter holding a minority stake and contributing its chip packaging technology
BUSINESS
Telcos go big on rural markets to fuel ARPU, returns
Targeted network and spectrum investments in rural areas, along with the growth in ARPU, will help increase telcos’ return on capital employed to 12% this fiscal from 10% in FY25, Crisil has said
BUSINESS
Apple hits record highs in India as Xiaomi stumbles in Q1 smartphone race: IDC
Xiaomi saw the steepest decline among major brands. Its shipments plunged 42% from a year ago, dragging its market share down to 7.8% from 12.8% in Q1 2024. The brand’s sub-brand Poco also dropped 31.1% in shipments, shrinking its share to 4.3%.
BUSINESS
Satcom no threat to telcos' home broadband business, say analysts
Satcom’s higher price and inconsistent speed will come in the way of large-scale adoption, analysts have said. TRAI released its satcom spectrum recommendations on May 9
