Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Apple, Google, One NZ, 2degrees, RANCo, MTN Nigeria, among others.
India’s Smartphone Manufacturing Share Reaches 18 Percent as China-Plus-One Gains Momentum
India is emerging as a major alternative manufacturing base to China as global smartphone companies pursue a China-plus-one supply-chain strategy, with the country’s share of smartphone production reaching roughly 18 percent in 2025. China remained dominant at about 63 percent, while China, India and Vietnam together accounted for more than 90 percent of global output. India’s domestic mobile phone production has expanded more than twentyfold in less than a decade, while exports have increased more than 100-fold. Apple now assembles nearly a quarter of its iPhones in India, while Google is shifting Pixel production toward the country. India is also targeting deeper local value addition across components and semiconductors, with a $120 billion-$150 billion semiconductor value-chain ambition by 2035.
One NZ and 2degrees Plan Major Mobile Network Infrastructure Sharing Move
New Zealand’s One NZ and 2degrees have proposed combining their mobile radio access network infrastructure into a jointly owned wholesale business, provisionally called RANCo. The arrangement would bring antennas and base stations under a shared network while allowing both operators to remain independent and compete on spectrum, core networks, fibre backhaul, satellite services, products and pricing. The companies say the model could reduce infrastructure duplication and enable more efficient investment in coverage, capacity, resilience and future technologies, including 5G. The proposal is subject to regulatory approvals, including from the New Zealand Commerce Commission and Overseas Investment Office, with completion targeted for the first half of 2027. The plan marks a significant shift toward infrastructure sharing while preserving retail competition.
MTN Nigeria Sets Telecom Supply-Chain Security Benchmark with ISO Certification
MTN Nigeria has become the first telecommunications company in Nigeria to achieve ISO 28000:2022 certification for its Supply Chain Security Management System. The international standard provides a framework for identifying, assessing and mitigating security risks across supply-chain operations, strengthening controls around assets, information and business continuity. MTN Nigeria said the certification reinforces its focus on internationally recognised practices in security, risk management and governance while supporting secure and efficient service delivery. The milestone is significant for telecom operators managing extensive networks, equipment procurement, logistics and critical infrastructure. By formalising supply-chain security processes, MTN Nigeria is strengthening operational resilience and risk management as telecom networks become increasingly important to national digital infrastructure and continuity of essential communications services.
SHAFANA FAZAL