TELECOM
TRAI sets port charge ceilings for IP-based interconnection, effective Jan 2027
TRAI has capped annual charges for telecom IP interconnection ports at ₹5.6 lakh for 1 Gbps and ₹42.3 lakh for 10 Gbps, effective January 1, 2027. The ceilings apply across fixed-line, mobile and long-distance services, with operators free to negotiate lower rates.
Airtel says prepaid plan tweaks are only a trial, calls for industry-wide shift in data pricing to lift ARPU
Airtel has told analysts that its prepaid plan changes were an experiment to raise average revenue per user, not a structural pricing fix. MD Shashwat Sharma said sustained ARPU growth would require users to pay more in proportion to data consumption, arguing that India's telecom sector underprices heavy usage.
Mphasis posts 19.6% growth in Q2 profit at Rs 561.1 crore
The Bengaluru-headquartered company's revenue for the three months ended September 30 rose 17.4% from a year earlier and 4.5% sequentially to Rs 4,580.9 crore.
Govt working on telecom PLI with focus on higher local value addition
The Ministry of Communications is preparing to propose a second edition of the telecom production-linked incentive scheme. This new scheme will emphasize design-led higher value addition in the telecom sector. The first edition of the telecom PLI scheme attracted significant investments and involved approvals from numerous companies. Additionally, incentives under design-led manufacturing have been applied for by several firms. The proposal will undergo inter-ministerial consultation before seeking Union Cabinet approval.
Government plans to empower TRAI to penalise telecom operators flouting rules
The government is addressing issues related to Trai's authority to penalise telecom operators for violating rules. Complaints about pesky calls and SMS have surged, reaching over 20.75 lakh in just the first half of this year. Although complaints have increased significantly, disconnections of telecom resources misused for such communications have decreased. Meanwhile, the number of blacklisted entities involved in this issue has risen continuously over the last few years.
Britannia CEO plays down Reliance's pricing threat in India biscuit market
Reliance Industries' Independence biscuits are entering India's competitive biscuit market with packs starting at Rs 5, but Britannia CEO Rakshit Hargave says disrupting the category will be harder than its Campa cola play. With biscuits already priced at Rs 5 and Rs 10, aggressive discounts could hurt margins. Britannia is also raising prices and shrinking pack sizes amid rising input costs.
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Govt lines up Rs 9,000 crore asset monetisation plan in FY28 to clear MTNL, BSNL liabilities
The Indian government is preparing an asset monetisation plan to address the liabilities of MTNL and BSNL. This plan is expected to generate Rs 9,000 crore in the next financial year. Government officials report that the liabilities of these telecom public sector undertakings are nearly Rs 50,000 crore. Additionally, several properties among the departments have been sorted for ownership clarity.
FIIs turn buyers in IT, telecom stocks in second half of October ahead of Diwali
Technology stocks in India are seeing increased interest from foreign institutional investors as Diwali approaches. After struggling in the first half of October, the IT and telecom sectors have gained attention. Foreign portfolio investors made significant net purchases of Indian equities in late October. This upward trend follows substantial selling earlier in the month. The shift highlights a renewed focus on technology investments within the Indian market.
Bharti Airtel shares jump 3% after Q2 net profit rises 31% YoY. What are brokerages saying?
Bharti Airtel shares rose on Friday after the telecom major reported a 31% year-on-year rise in Q2 FY27 net profit to Rs 8,887.5 crore. Revenue grew 17%, while ARPU improved to Rs 271. Brokerages largely remained positive, citing strong growth, improving margins and healthy cash flow generation.
Airtel profit surges 33% to Rs 9,015 crore in Q2, outpacing Jio in ARPU growth
Bharti Airtel has reported a profit surge to ₹9,015 crore in the September quarter. Average revenue per user increased to ₹271, widening the lead over Reliance Jio. The company missed analyst profit estimates due to high network operating costs impacting margins. Bharti Airtel added 1.2 million postpaid customers during this quarter but faced subscriber growth challenges. Overall revenue rose 16.7% year-on-year, indicating strong performance despite competitive pressures.
TRAI moots satellite network-as-a-service model, bars infra providers from directly serving users
TRAI has recommended a new framework for satellite communications, which includes authorising satellite network providers. These providers can offer infrastructure and capacity services to eligible telecom operators without directly serving consumers. The framework also enables potential direct-to-device connectivity using satellite and terrestrial mobile spectrum. Authorised providers will have an authorisation period of up to 20 years, with possible renewal.
TRAI rules out penalties on operators based on user tests
Launching the Network Anubhav platform, Lahoti said there would be "no penalty on the basis of user test alone." A penal action, he said, "has to follow certain standards before you conclude that it is a failure." Trai, he added, does not impose penalties but financial disincentives for not meeting specific regulatory requirements.
TRAI's new Network Anubhav platform to map real-world network speeds, call quality
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India recently introduced the Network Anubhav Platform for consumers. This new platform allows users to compare mobile and broadband networks based on location and performance. Consumers can view network tests, filter results, and make informed choices about service providers.
Indus Towers equips 50,000 sites with solar power; plans to double count by FY29
Indus Towers has installed solar systems at 50,000 telecom sites, adding around 300 MW of capacity, and aims to double the number by FY29. The company says the initiative, combined with battery storage and energy-management systems, has helped cut energy costs by 8-10% per kilowatt and reduce diesel consumption.
Corning operationalises Pune optical plant; capacity expansion planned by 2027
The company’s other plant in Chennai, has begun production of finishing glass for the first time in India. Inaugurated in December, 2025, it is currently undergoing validation by original equipment manufacturers (OEM), and will commence commercial production within the next few quarters, Pillai said.
Ambani tops Forbes' global billionaire gainers list with $6 bn wealth jump as Reliance shares soar
Mukesh Ambani has become the largest wealth gainer globally, adding USD 6 billion to his fortune. Reliance Industries shares surged 11.6 percent after a favorable quarterly earnings announcement. The company's consolidated net profit increased by 40.6 percent year-on-year, exceeding analysts' expectations significantly. Core earnings for its refining and Jio Platforms businesses experienced significant growth during the quarter. Ambani's wealth rose to USD 88.8 billion, placing him as the richest Indian.
Telcos to face up to Rs 20 lakh fine per quarter per circle for complaint redressal lapses
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has introduced new rules for telecom operators and internet providers to enhance complaint redressal. These providers will face penalties up to Rs 20 lakh if they fail to resolve consumer complaints quickly. The rules require complaint centres to operate 24 hours with human representatives available for assistance. Consumers will now have a shorter time frame of 15 days to appeal complaint resolutions.
Diwali cheer! Mukesh Ambani gets $8.5 billion richer in a day as RIL shares soar
Mukesh Ambani experienced a significant increase in wealth following a rally in Reliance Industries shares. The company's stock rose by 11.64%, marking its strongest gain in over six years. Reliance's quarterly earnings surpassed expectations, especially in its oil-to-chemicals and telecom sectors. Analysts have since shown increased optimism about the company's financial outlook and growth prospects. However, challenges remain for Reliance's retail business and overall stock recovery.
SpaceX in talks to buy Boost Mobile or use its network: Report
The Elon Musk-led rocket maker is looking to build a hybrid satellite-terrestrial mobile network through Starlink Mobile to challenge US wireless giants AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile, combining its satellite constellation with ground based infrastructure to compete directly in the telecom market.
Washington set to cut wire connecting Chinese companies to US phone numbers
The US Federal Communications Commission intends to vote on banning Chinese telecom firms from accessing US phone numbers. Concerns around national security have led to this potential decision against companies like China Mobile and China Telecom. The measure aims to prevent illegal robocalls and protect US telecommunications. China has opposed this likely ban, asserting it undermines legitimate business practices.
TRAI proposes board-approved AI policies, risk classification and mandatory incident reporting for telecom operators
TRAI has proposed draft guidelines requiring telecom operators using AI to adopt board-approved policies, classify AI systems by risk and report critical incidents to the regulator. The framework also mandates AI governance committees, human oversight, impact assessments and inventories of AI systems, making telecom entities accountable for their AI-driven operations.
French billionaire Xavier Niel gets CCI approval to acquire 16.2% stake in Vodafone
Xavier Niel's investment vehicle, Vega SAS, has obtained approval from the Competition Commission of India to purchase a 16.2 percent stake in Vodafone Group for approximately 4.4 billion pounds. Post-acquisition, Vega SAS will become Vodafone's primary shareholder, a pivotal step as Vodafone continues to concentrate on its core markets following earlier restructuring efforts. This decision also complies with India's fair competition regulations, promoting healthy market dynamics.
TRAI releases draft guidelines on responsible AI use in telecom networks, services
TRAI has released draft guidelines for the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence across telecom networks and services, inviting public comments by November 27, 2026. The proposed framework seeks to align the sector's AI adoption with the Centre's India AI Governance Guidelines, focusing on accountability, transparency, fairness and safety.
US plans to ban Chinese telecom firms from direct access to US phone numbers
The United States will soon prohibit Chinese telecom companies from having direct access to American phone numbers. This action aims to enhance national security and curb illegal robocalls. The Federal Communications Commission is set to vote on this proposal. The FCC may also revoke number authorizations for firms posing security risks. Concerns about espionage linked to Chinese firms have significantly increased in recent years.
Jio & let Jio, India’s crackling telco space
India's Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel are now among the world's top telecom companies due to significant evolution. The integration of AI technologies is transforming telecom networks and helping to optimize operations effectively. This shift enhances the capacity for high-speed data transfer, which is essential for supporting AI applications. Telecom firms are addressing challenges such as siloed data and adapting to provide better services.
Jio Platforms breaks into global top 5 telcos after listing
Jio Platforms made its public listing in India, achieving a market cap of $137.3 billion. This valuation positions it as the fifth-largest telecom company worldwide, surpassing Deutsche Telekom. Global competitors like China Mobile and Verizon continue to lead in market capitalization. Jio's valuation reflects its advanced 4G and 5G networks, which differ from legacy infrastructures of global giants.
Indus Towers starts earning revenue from Africa expansion
Indus Towers has initiated its expansion into Africa by deploying towers in Zambia and Uganda. The company aims to start operations in Nigeria soon while focusing on generating revenue from established markets. Indus Towers plans to build upon its shared-infrastructure model by engaging additional customers for its towers. The company has reported a growth in its overall tower base, reflecting its ongoing success in the Indian market.
COAI seeks rationalised pricing for microwave backhaul spectrum
The Cellular Operators Association of India emphasizes the need for early implementation of TRAI's spectrum charge recommendations. This follows the Department of Telecommunications retaining the existing pricing framework despite previous recommendations for reductions. COAI points out that the current structure poses a significant burden on operators' costs. As demand for microwave backhaul is expected to grow substantially, predictable charges are essential.
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