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.
Sterlite Technologies flags germanium supply risk as China tightens exports, eyes Europe, US
There are opportunities to source from Europe, the US, and other areas and STL is evaluating those, chief executive officer Ankit Agarwal tells Moneycontrol, stressing on rare earth self-sufficiency
Vi sees adequate cash flows for debt, spectrum, AGR payments; in talks for fresh bank funding
The company added that it is in discussions with banks to raise additional funds.For the nine months ended December 31, 2025, the company reported a loss of Rs 17,540 crore.
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
Centre clears licence-free use of lower 6 GHz band for faster Wi-Fi networks
Measurements in the lower 6 GHz band will be evaluated over a 1 MHz bandwidth, and devices are required to use contention-based protocols to manage simultaneous access to shared spectrum.
TRAI shifts Navi Mumbai airport telecom dispute to DoT, state authorities
The dispute centres on the newly operational Navi Mumbai International Airport, where passengers have complained of a complete lack of mobile connectivity since commercial operations began on December 25.
Apple Pay set for India launch as iPhone maker seeks regulatory approvals and begins talks with card networks
The iPhone-maker is aiming for an initial rollout within the current calendar year, subject to regulatory approvals and the finalisation of commercial agreements.
India smartphone shipments fall 7% in Oct-Dec quarter as inventory, price pressures bite
Despite the broader correction in the December quarter, Vivo retained its leadership position, shipping 7.9 million units and capturing a 23% market share.
Davos 2026: Tariffs are the new normal, but Ericsson has flexibility, says CEO Börje Ekholm
Ericsson's diverse manufacturing footprint has limited the impact of geopolitics on the company so far, says CEO Börje Ekholm
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.
Jio Platforms Q3 net profit rises 11.2% to Rs 7,629 crore, ARPU at Rs 213.7
ARPU rose to Rs 213.7, driven by higher customer engagement, partly offset by promotional offers for unlimited 5G and Fixed Broadband services.
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
Eutelsat OneWeb LEO network supports Indian Navy’s landmark maritime heritage voyage
The voyage is being documented in real time, with live updates transmitted via OneWeb’s satellite network.
Telcos cry ‘market failure’ at Navi Mumbai airport, urge TRAI to curb monopoly, cap infra charges
By leveraging control over the airport premises, COAI said NMIAL has effectively positioned itself as the sole provider of in-building telecom infrastructure, while denying competing licensed operators the ability to deploy their own networks
Vodafone Idea AGR relief puts Indus Towers back in dividend frame
Analysts say AGR relief for Vodafone Idea, a major tenant, could revive tenancy growth from FY27 onwards and materially strengthen Indus Towers’ cash-flow outlook, including the likelihood of dividend reinstatement
Telcos set for steady Q3 as subscriber adds, ARPU inch up; tariff hike by end-FY26: Analysts
The Street is also factoring in another round of tariff hikes in the second half of 2026, analysts at leading brokerages said.
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
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
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
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.
