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    • Nokia warns of rising telecom equipment costs, says AI to reshape India network traffic

      The company said that artificial intelligence has started to reshape telecom traffic patterns, with a sharp rise in uplink demand expected over time—prompting operators in India to start recalibrating their networks despite being at an early stage of readiness.

    • Iran war raises fear of subsea cable, internet disruptions; govt seeks contingency plans

      DoT has asked telecom and subsea cable operators to draw up contingency plans, amid growing concerns that the war could halt new cable deployments, disrupt maintenance and put key digital corridors linking India to Europe at greater risk

    • 6G spectrum to be decided globally; India pushes for bigger role in standards development: Telecom minister Scindia

      The minister outlined four pillars to guide the global 6G roadmap—interoperability across networks and devices, common technical standards through bodies such as 3GPP and ITU, accelerated research and innovation, and inclusive growth through open standards.

    • American telecom company Mavenir bets big on India, ramps up AI push amid Open RAN reset

      Following its $1.3 billion debt recapitalisation and $300 million in fresh financing last year, Mavenir has shifted focus away from hardware-led Open RAN ambitions toward software, automation and AI.

    • Starlink's UK-based rival Open Cosmos eyes India partnerships as it builds alternative to mega satellite constellations

      Open Cosmos is entering an increasingly competitive satellite connectivity market where players such as Starlink, Project Kuiper, and Eutelsat OneWeb are rapidly expanding their networks.

    • From Project Loon to laser internet: Alphabet spin-off Taara eyes deeper India telco partnerships

      The laser internet company, which made its India debut with Airtel, is in talks with more Indian telecom operators which is looking to bridge the last-mile gap, as demand surges, CEO Mahesh Krishnaswamy tells Moneycontrol

    • India emerging as ‘perfect digital platform’ for AI, says Ericsson CTO Erik Ekudden

      Beyond cost optimisation, AI will also help telecom operators unlock new revenue opportunities through autonomous and differentiated services, Ekudden tells Moneycontol

    • Memory price surge may slow telcos’ fiber, FWA rollout in 2026

      FWA has emerged as a key growth engine for home broadband in India, particularly in regions where fibre deployment is slow or economically unviable

    • Trai pushes for deposit clause to prevent delay in recovering spam fines

      Trai imposed penalties worth Rs 45 crore in FY25 but recovered only Rs 1.37 crore, CAG audit shows

    • Spam clean-up: 21 lakh numbers axed, just 1 complaint per crore calls, says Trai chairman

      Trai is stepping up its multi-pronged crackdown on spam and fraudulent calls, even as it pushes telcos on compliance, tightens financial penalties and prepares for AI-driven networks and indoor 5G connectivity, Anil Kumar Lahoti tells Moneycontrol

    • Indus Towers to review dividend in Q4 amid improved AGR visibility

      Indus management suggested that recent government actions related to adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues for Vodafone Idea have improved visibility around a key customer’s financial health.

    • Budget 2026: Capital infusion in BSNL to increase to Rs 28,473 crore

      BSNL is close to finalising specifications for an additional 22,000 4G sites and is weighing further next-generation expansion plans supported by fresh funding.

    • Ericsson deepens India R&D focus, expands IIT Madras collaboration to drive AI-powered 5G and 6G

      India’s rapid 5G rollout and leadership in areas such as standalone networks and fixed wireless access — now with over 10 million 5G FWA connections — have accelerated Ericsson’s R&D momentum in the country.

    • Rural telecom growth outpaces urban, narrowing digital divide: Economic Survey

      Tele-density has climbed from 75% in 2014 to 86.8% by November 2025, with total telephone connections crossing 1.2 billion, up from about 933 million a decade ago

    • Telecom industry seeks licence fee cut, GST relief in Budget 2026

      The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), which represents Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, has proposed a sharp reduction in licence fees to 0.5%–1% — from the current effective levy of 3% of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) — saying this would sufficiently cover administrative costs. Operators also contribute 5% of AGR to the Digital Bharat Nidhi.

    • Bharti Airtel rolls out free Adobe Express Premium to 360 million users

      The initiative will allow Airtel subscribers to create high-quality social media posts, marketing materials, short videos and other digital content using Adobe Express Premium’s design and AI capabilities.

    • Data boom makes India vital growth engine, strategic operational hub, says Ericsson CEO

      Amid uncertainty and tariff pressures, Ericsson is leaning on flexibility rather than forecasts, CEO Börje Ekholm tells Moneycontrol

    • Ericsson CEO foresees India upswing after AGR relief for Vodafone Idea, downplays layoff impact 

      Operating conditions in India are set to improve from the previous year, even as the industry transitions beyond the peak of its record 5G rollout cycle, Börje Ekholm tells Moneycontrol

    • No Vodafone Idea-like AGR relief without court order, govt tells telcos

      In Vodafone Idea's case, the Supreme Court had specifically asked the government to evaluate the company's request, which led to the relief package

    • Davos 2026: AGR relief should be applied universally across telecom sector, says Rajan Bharti Mittal

      The Bharti Enterprises vice chairman tells Moneycontrol that policy clarity on legacy dues, high taxation and regulatory approvals are critical to sustaining investment in networks, 5G expansion and satellite broadband services

    • Jio adds 20-25 million 5G users every quarter, commands 65% market share

      Commenting on average revenue per user (ARPU), Thakur said the improvement during the quarter was driven entirely by organic factors, with no impact from tariff hikes. He attributed the ARPU growth to a richer mix of offerings, higher adoption of 5G services, increased data usage, and customers migrating to higher-value plans.

    • BSNL, Viasat to deploy Ka-band satcom for next phase of Indian Navy upgrade

      The upgrade marks a shift toward a multi-band, multi-constellation architecture. By combining BSNL’s Gateway Earth Station with Viasat’s global satellite network, the navy is expected to gain wider coverage, faster data rates and improved reliability

    • Indus Towers expands Africa presence with Nigeria, Zambia subsidiaries

      Indus Towers said no governmental or regulatory approvals are required for the incorporation of the entities

    • India’s smartphone market staring at a decline in 2026 as demand stagnates amid record exports

      While volumes likely remained flat for fourth successive year in 2025, 2026 will be more challenging

    • Budget 2026: Telcos pitch sharp licence fee, GST cuts to ease financial stress to fund network investments

      S.P. Kochhar, Director General of COAI, said the measures are revenue neutral for the government and would significantly ease cash-flow pressures on operators, freeing up capital for network expansion, faster 5G rollouts and future technologies.

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