Airtel hits 650 million customers milestone, ranks second globally
Indian operator Bharti Airtel reports it has topped 650 million customers. According to GSMA Intelligence, Bharti Airtel is ranked second globally by mobile customer base, following China Mobile. Airtel's operations span India and Africa.
Airtel hits 650 million customers milestone, ranks second globally
Indian operator Bharti Airtel reports it has topped 650 million customers. According to GSMA Intelligence, Bharti Airtel is ranked second globally by mobile customer base, following China Mobile. Airtel's operations span India and Africa.
France closes 2025 with 2.4 mln SIMs in 2G devices
The number of SIM cards in 2G devices decreased to 2.4 million in Q4 2025, down from 2.8 million in Q2 2025, according to telecom regulator Arcep. This represented 1.8 percent of all active SIMs across devices dedicated to voice/text/data services, and 3.9 percent of the M2M installed base. Over the same period, SIMs in 2G-only and 3G/2G-only devices fell from 5.9 to 5.2 million.
France closes 2025 with 2.4 mln SIMs in 2G devices
The number of SIM cards in 2G devices decreased to 2.4 million in Q4 2025, down from 2.8 million in Q2 2025, according to telecom regulator Arcep. This represented 1.8 percent of all active SIMs across devices dedicated to voice/text/data services, and 3.9 percent of the M2M installed base. Over the same period, SIMs in 2G-only and 3G/2G-only devices fell from 5.9 to 5.2 million.
German government offers over EUR 1 bln in fibre subsidies and cuts bureaucracy
The German Federal Minister for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation (BMDS) announced over EUR 1 billion in subsidies for the expansion of fibre-optic networks in the latest new call for proposals. Changes under the third amendment to the Gigabit Directive 2.0 aim to cut bureaucracy and speed up processes, the ministry says. In future, market research procedures will be shortened to the minimum required under EU law to accelerate expansion, especially in areas where companies are unwilling to
German government offers over EUR 1 bln in fibre subsidies and cuts bureaucracy
Amazon in talks to buy Globalstar to strengthen satellite business - report
Amazon.com is in talks to acquire satellite telecommunications group Globalstar, as part of efforts to strengthen its LEO satellite business. The two sides were still negotiating details of a deal after lengthy talks, people familiar with the matter told the Financial Times. Apple is part of the discussions, due to its 20 percent stake in Globalstar.
Amazon in talks to buy Globalstar to strengthen satellite business - report
SpaceX makes confidential filing for IPO - report
The rocket company and Starlink owner SpaceX has filed for an initial public offering of its shares in the US. The confidential filing was made with the US Securities and Exchange Commission in the past week, people familiar with the matter told the Financial Times, Bloomberg and other publications. The share sale is expected to be one of the largest on record and take place in June.
SpaceX makes confidential filing for IPO - report
NTT Docomo to launch direct-to-smartphone satellite service using Starlink
NTT Docomo will launch a satellite-to-smartphone communication service, branded 'docomo Starlink Direct', on 27 April, enabling connectivity in areas without terrestrial network coverage. The service uses SpaceX's Starlink satellite network to support text messaging and limited data communication via compatible applications. It is designed for use in locations like mountainous regions, remote islands and at sea, as well as during disasters where ground infrastructure is unavailable.
NTT Docomo to launch direct-to-smartphone satellite service using Starlink
NTT Docomo completes full virtualisation of mobile core network
NTT Docomo said it has completed the full virtualisation of its mobile core network, following infrastructure migration and the shutdown of its 3G services at the end of March 2026. The move transitions the operator's core network from dedicated hardware-based systems to a software-based architecture running on general-purpose servers. The core network supports mobile voice and data services for more than 90 million users.
NTT Docomo completes full virtualisation of mobile core network
Maziv plans to invest ZAR 9 bln over 5 years to expand fibre, create 10,000 jobs over 7 years
Fibre network operator Maziv has pledged to invest ZAR 9 billion over the next five years, ITWeb reported. Maziv is the parent company of fibre network operators Vumatel and Dark Fibre Africa and made the pledge at the sixth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC). It said the investment will accelerate the country's high-speed digital roll-out and includes a promise to create 10,000 direct and indirect job opportunities over seven years.
Maziv plans to invest ZAR 9 bln over 5 years to expand fibre, create 10,000 jobs over 7 years
Paratus Group launches Essential Access based on Starlink for critical services in remote areas
Paratus Group has announced the launch of Paratus Essential Access, powered by Starlink, to deliver priority satellite connectivity to organisations operating in remote communities. It offers preferential pricing and support for approved essential service organisations such as law enforcement, hospitals and local clinics, schools, tertiary institutions, fire and emergency response, community centres, non-profit agriculture and food security initiatives. It aims to provide critical institutions operating in
Paratus Group launches Essential Access based on Starlink for critical services in remote areas
MTN South Africa to invest ZAR 22 bln in network improvement by 2028
MTN South Africa has announced plans at the sixth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) to invest nearly ZAR 22 billion by 2028 to support digital transformation and economic growth goals, MyBroadband reported. CEO Ferdi Moolman said this is on top of its contributions to tax revenue and job creation. The investments will focus on network infrastructure and IT systems to enhance broadband connectivity.
MTN South Africa to invest ZAR 22 bln in network improvement by 2028
Vi to expand 5G footprint to 18 cities of Maharashtra by May
Indian operator Vi reports it is accelerating its 5G services expansion across the state of Maharashtra. The operator launched its 5G offer in eight additional cities, namely Kolhapur, Vasai, Nanded, Jalgaon, Satara, Malegaon, Shirdi, and Dhule.
