Today’s telecom news includes announcements from Mauritius Telecom, TRAI, Vodafone Idea, and others.
Zimbabwe Calls for Major Internet Price Cuts to Boost Digital Access
The Zimbabwean government has urged telecom operators to lower internet service prices to accelerate digital adoption and inclusion across the country. Information and Communication Technology Minister Tatenda Mavetera highlighted that high data costs are a major barrier to internet use, affecting access to e‑learning, telemedicine, remote work and other digital services. The government is encouraging operators to review pricing models and improve service delivery, even as discussions continue on reducing taxes and operational costs for the sector. Internet penetration in Zimbabwe was around 38.4 percent in 2023.
Mauritius Telecom Charts Ambitious Africa‑Asia Digital Corridor for 2026–2029
Mauritius Telecom has launched its ambitious Africa‑Asia Digital Corridor strategy as part of its 2026–2029 plan, aiming to transform Mauritius into a major digital hub linking Africa and Asia. The initiative focuses on four strategic corridors: Connectivity Corridor to strengthen resilient infrastructure with diversified subsea cables and satellite links; AI & Compute Corridor to expand Tier IV data centers, high‑performance computing, and sovereign cloud capabilities; Financial Corridor to enhance secure digital payments and cross‑border fintech services; and Innovation & Scale‑Up Corridor to support startups, partnerships, and regional tech growth, positioning Mauritius Telecom as a central player in regional digital transformation.
Vodafone Idea Fined Rs 6 Lakh by TRAI for Quality of Service Lapses
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has imposed a Rs 6,00,000 financial penalty on Vodafone Idea (Vi) for failing to meet prescribed quality of service benchmarks in April 2025. The violations were identified across multiple service areas under the Standards of Quality of Service of Access and Broadband Regulations, 2024. Vodafone Idea received the regulatory order on 23 January 2026 and has disclosed the penalty under SEBI listing requirements. The fine underscores TRAI’s continued enforcement of service standards for telecom operators, aiming to ensure reliable network performance and consumer protection.
Shafana Fazal
