Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Bharti Airtel, DoT, Maxis, U Mobile, COAI, TRAI, Indus Towers, among others.
Bharti Airtel to Pay ₹2.14 Lakh Penalty for Subscriber Verification Violations
Bharti Airtel will pay a ₹2.14 lakh penalty imposed by the Department of Telecommunications’ Karnataka licensing service area for alleged violations of subscriber verification requirements. The regulatory action follows a Customer Application Form audit examining compliance with licensing conditions governing customer verification before mobile connections are issued. Telecom operators must follow prescribed procedures to verify subscriber information and comply with the department’s instructions. Airtel has decided not to contest the penalty and will make the payment, according to its regulatory disclosure. The financial impact is limited to the penalty amount. The case highlights continuing regulatory scrutiny of subscriber onboarding and documentation practices across India’s telecom industry.
Maxis and U Mobile Revive Merger Talks to Reshape Malaysia’s Telecom Market
Malaysia’s Maxis and U Mobile have reportedly revived discussions about a potential merger that could create the country’s largest wireless operator by market value. Maxis has approached selected banks and law firms to seek proposals for advising on a possible transaction, signalling progress in evaluating the combination. The companies’ renewed discussions could reshape competition with established rival CelcomDigi. Reports indicate that U Mobile’s owners may seek a valuation of RM10 billion or more, although negotiations remain ongoing and no final agreement has been announced. The potential merger comes as operators compete to expand 5G connectivity, strengthen network infrastructure and attract customers in Malaysia’s mobile telecommunications market.
COAI Urges India to Rationalise Microwave Backhaul Spectrum Charges
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has urged the government to implement the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s recommendations for rationalising microwave backhaul spectrum charges. The industry body said microwave links are essential for connecting mobile network sites to core networks, particularly where fibre deployment is difficult, delayed or expensive. COAI estimates that microwave backhaul demand could increase three to five times over the next five years as 5G networks mature. It also highlighted that backhaul spectrum accounts for nearly 75 percent of operators’ total spectrum usage charge payments. A simpler, predictable pricing framework could improve network economics, support infrastructure investment and facilitate 4G and 5G expansion.
Indus Towers Begins Generating Revenue from African Expansion
Indus Towers has started generating revenue from telecom towers deployed in Zambia and Uganda, marking an important step in its international expansion. The Indian passive telecom infrastructure provider plans to begin tower deployment in Nigeria during the current quarter. Chief Financial Officer Abhishek Maheshwari said initial capital expenditure per tower remained within planned levels, supporting the company’s cost model. Airtel is its primary anchor customer in African markets, while Indus Towers is engaging potential additional customers to expand its shared-infrastructure business. In India, the company added 2,869 towers during the September quarter, taking its total tower base to 270,480, up 5.6 percent year over year.
