Smartphone demand weakens as Iran–Israel tensions hit retail footfall
Retailers who would typically move a full month’s inventory say footfalls have softened and purchase decisions are being delayed, particularly in the mid-range and premium segments, as consumers grow cautious amid global uncertainty.
Govt backs 104 projects under Rs 271 crore R&D fund to build India’s 6G capabilities
Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Pemmasani said the approvals were in place as of February 2026, reflecting the government’s strategy to build domestic capabilities for future telecom networks.
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
From 5G to 6G, India building a global digital carriageway: Telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia
From 5G use cases and emerging 6G capabilities to AI, Open RAN and Ethernet innovation, India’s footprint is becoming increasingly prominent across the global technology landscape, even as the government rolls out structural reforms to strengthen players like BSNL and deepen the country’s digital ecosystem
US-Iran war: Ship movement grinds to a halt at Strait of Hormuz, India-bound tankers drop to nil
Around 50 percent of India's monthly oil and almost all of its LPG imports pass through the vital shipping route
‘Stay logged in’ era may end soon: How SIM binding works, why Scindia wants it, and what changes for users
India’s SIM binding rules require messaging apps to verify an active SIM during use, aiming to curb digital arrest scams and SIM-swap fraud.
Satellite licences cleared for Starlink, Jio and OneWeb; spectrum pricing next, says Scindia
Scindia tells Moneycontrol’s Nalin Mehta that satellite broadband is mandatory; India clears licences for Starlink, Jio and OneWeb, pricing awaits TRAI.
SIM binding has become need of the day, expect all service providers to come on board: Scindia
'The sim binding regulation stands and we hope all service providers will come on board', said Scindia at the Rising Bharat Summit 2026
No fresh AGR relief beyond SC mandate; no extension on OTT SIM-binding norms: Scindia
With sections of the telecom industry seeking parity and clarity on future AGR-linked liabilities, the minister made it clear that the government’s hands remain tied to the court’s framework.
TRAI cuts 5G reserve prices by up to 37%, defers 6 GHz decision, suggests insolvency spectrum reclaim
The 600 MHz band has been given a distinct and more flexible treatment. TRAI has proposed auctioning it in 2x5 MHz blocks with a minimum bid of one block, extending the validity of spectrum by four additional years beyond the standard 20-year term, and deferring rollout obligations for the first four years
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
Airtel unveils Rs 20,000-crore NBFC war chest to scale digital lending
The announcement follows Airtel Money receiving its NBFC licence from the RBI on February 13, formally enabling the telecom major to scale its digital lending ambitions
DoT directs Noida Airport to grant RoW to telcos to deploy networks
The communication follows similar directions recently issued by the DoT to Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), asking it to permit telecom operators to deploy their own network infrastructure at the Navi Mumbai International Airport under the provisions of the new law
AI in telecom must be transparent, accountable, human centric: TRAI Chief A.K. Lahoti
AI is already being deployed to optimise network performance, predict faults, improve energy efficiency, enhance customer experience, and curb fraud and spam communications. These applications, he noted, demonstrate how AI can improve service quality, resilience and consumer safety when applied responsibly.
Govt directs Adani Group to allow telcos to deploy networks at Navi Mumbai Airport
The DoT clarified that under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, the Navi Mumbai International Airport qualifies as a “public entity” for the purposes of the Act and the rules framed under it.
Telecom backbone ready for AI surge, India actively shaping 6G standards: MoS Pemmasani
The Union Minister of State for Communications emphasised that telecom networks form the foundational layer of India’s digital architecture.
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
Airtel charts 1 GW data centre expansion, eyes quarter of market
The scale-up is expected to lift its market share to around 25%, up from roughly 12% at present, as it seeks to tap rising demand from cloud providers, AI workloads, OTT platforms and enterprises undergoing digital transformation.
Bharti Airtel Q3 FY26 – The quarter rings louder
A larger share of high-value customers, helped the company post robust growth
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.
