Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Kyivstar, Apple, Samsung, Vodafone Idea, among others.
Kyivstar’s Digital Strategy Delivers 26 Percent Core Profit Surge
Ukraine’s leading telecom operator Kyivstar reported a 26 percent rise in core profit for 2025, with EBITDA reaching about $648 million as strong demand for digital services fueled growth. Digital offerings now generate around 16 percent of total revenue, with digital revenue surging 467 percent to $124 million. The increase was largely driven by the 2025 acquisition of ride-hailing platform Uklon, which contributed roughly $80 million. Kyivstar’s digital ecosystem also expanded rapidly, with monthly active users rising 41.6 percent to 15 million across services including ride-hailing, healthcare, entertainment, and its growing super-app platform.
Next Phase for ‘Make in India’: Government Plans Fresh Push for Mobile Manufacturing
India is preparing a fresh set of incentives to support domestic mobile phone manufacturing as its flagship Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme concludes this month. The new policy is expected to focus on boosting exports and increasing the use of locally produced components, strengthening India’s position as a global smartphone manufacturing hub. The earlier PLI program successfully attracted major global manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung and significantly expanded production capacity. As a result, India’s mobile phone output surged, with production reaching about $60 billion in FY2024–25. Smartphone exports also climbed sharply to $21.7 billion, making them one of the country’s fastest-growing export categories.
GST Setback for Vodafone Idea: Telecom Operator Slapped With ₹21.58 Lakh Penalty
Vodafone Idea has received a GST penalty order of ₹21.58 lakh from the Assistant Commissioner of Central GST, Dimapur Commissionerate, for alleged non-payment of tax under the reverse charge mechanism. The order was issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act and relates to the financial years 2018–19 and 2019–20. The development was disclosed by the telecom operator in a regulatory filing on 13 March 2026. According to the order, the amount includes the tax demand along with applicable interest and penalty.
SHAFANA FAZAL
