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
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
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
From Starlink to OneWeb: What’s holding back India’s satellite internet launch; Scindia flags security, pricing
The minister added that the government has already allocated provisional spectrum to satcom companies to demonstrate compliance capability with security agencies.
India's telecom subscriber base hits 1.2 bn in 2025, adds nearly 400 mn 5G users: COAI
The year also saw active debate around captive private 5G networks and direct spectrum allocation to enterprises.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
DoT spectrum allocation in spotlight as Airtel, Tejas trade charges over network interference
The interference is not linked to Tejas' equipment but to the limited guard band between the spectrum assigned to Airtel and BSNL, sources have said, countering Airtel’s claims of equipment-related issues in Rajasthan
Indian buyers hit as Apple slashes iPhone 17 cashback offer amid major supply crunch in India
The revised cashback structure will take effect from November 22, sources told Moneycontrol, adding that zero-cost EMI schemes will also undergo changes.
Amit Agrawal named new telecom secretary in major bureaucratic reshuffle; Neeraj Mittal shifted to petroleum ministry
Amit Agrawal, currently Secretary in the Department of Pharmaceuticals, has been named the new Telecom Secretary. Agrawal, a 1993-batch IAS officer from the Chhattisgarh cadre
TRAI orders BFSI sector to shift to ‘1600’ calling series by early 2026 to curb fraud
TRAI has now fixed a phase-wise migration schedule.
IN-SPACe nears maiden venture fund investment, evaluates state bids for space clusters as international ties deepen: Pawan Goenka
IN-SPACe is currently reviewing manufacturing cluster proposals from multiple states, and is expanding international cooperation with Australia, Italy, Japan, the UAE and Singapore through joint investments and ventures, chairman Pawan Goenka tells Moneycontrol in an interview.
Digital inclusion, not spectrum fees, will drive satcom value in India: Eutelsat-OneWeb
Neha Idnani, Eutelsat-OneWeb’s VP for APAC operations, said clear and predictable regulation was essential to unlock investments and scale satellite services in India.
Lava to enter UK market in early 2026, aims to take Made-in-India smartphones global
The United Kingdom will be Lava’s first major overseas market under its renewed global expansion strategy.
Jio urges TRAI to include L and S bands in auction framework for satellite direct-to-device services
Calls for pilot trials to determine coexistence parameters for IMT and satellite use in 6 GHz band.
Vodafone Idea wants surrender rights for pre-2022 spectrum; Airtel seeks refund or adjustment of charges
Two leading telcos, Vodafone Idea and Airtel, have argued for a revision in spectrum surrender policy.
India’s 5G expansion to pick up in 2026; Nokia, Ericsson expect strong rebound
Global majors such as Nokia and Ericsson — which power the 4G and 5G networks of all three private operators — foresee stronger demand as telcos accelerate deployments, particularly across rural and semi-urban regions.
50% US tariff on fiber optics hits Sterlite Tech's profitability, but AI-led data growth keeps outlook strong: MD
Despite the tariff overhang, STL is seeing robust traction across its key markets — the US and Europe. The company’s order book in the first half of FY26 has nearly doubled year-over-year, with strong demand particularly coming from telecom operators and data centre clients.
Beyond smartphones: MediaTek India bets on automotive, 5G, data centres to power next phase of growth
In an interview to Moneycontrol, MediaTek India MD Anku Jain shares the chipmaker's strategy to democratise 5G, India’s semiconductor manufacturing and why he believes that this time the chip push is for real
India starts blocking Chinese-linked satellites amid security push; broadcasters told to shift by March
India blocks Chinese-linked satellites; IN-SPACe rejects AsiaSat, Chinasat proposals as broadcasters shift to GSAT and Intelsat amid security review.
