Today’s telecom news includes announcements on M:tel, Crnogorski Telekom, One Crna Gora, Ethio Telecom, ZTE, DoT, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, among others.
Montenegro’s Telecom Operators Commit More Than €52 Million to 2026 Upgrades
Montenegro’s three telecom operators – M:tel, Crnogorski Telekom and One Crna Gora – plan to invest more than €52 million in 2026 to upgrade infrastructure and services. The investment program, reported by telecom regulator EKIP, is focused on keeping networks aligned with technological developments and growing demand for electronic communications. The operators are also planning further investments of about €56 million in 2027 and €51.5 million in 2028, indicating a sustained multi-year commitment to network modernization and service development. The planned spending is expected to support infrastructure improvements, research and development, and enhanced telecommunications services across Montenegro. The investment plans reflect the operators’ efforts to strengthen network capabilities and maintain competitiveness as digital connectivity requirements continue to expand.
Ethio Telecom and ZTE Accelerate Network Modernization as 4G Coverage Reaches 92 Percent
Ethio Telecom and ZTE are advancing a major network modernization program aimed at expanding high-speed connectivity and strengthening Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure. The project covers radio access network, transmission and IP infrastructure upgrades, with work completed across 879 sites, including 462 RAN modernization sites. The upgrades include LTE layering, LTE enhancements, network swaps, microwave-link improvements and expanded IP RAN infrastructure. Another phase includes 124 new sites, U2100 spectrum refarming at 272 sites and 115 rural connectivity sites. Ethio Telecom said the modernization program has helped increase 4G mobile population coverage to 92 percent across its ZTE network footprint. The companies are also exploring smartphone financing models to improve device affordability and encourage greater mobile internet adoption.
Supreme Court Keeps ₹3,300 Crore Spectrum Charge Relief in Place for Telecom Operators
India’s Supreme Court has declined to stay a Bombay High Court order that quashed the government’s demand for approximately ₹3,300 crore in one-time spectrum charges from telecom operators including Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea. The dispute concerns spectrum held beyond 6.2 MHz between July 2008 and December 2012, with the government calculating charges using prices from the 2012 spectrum auction. The Bombay High Court had ruled that the retrospective levy lacked a contractual or statutory basis and set aside the Department of Telecommunications’ demand. The Supreme Court has issued notices on the Centre’s appeal but refused to suspend the High Court ruling. As a result, the operators continue to receive relief while the Supreme Court considers the government’s challenge.
SHAFANA FAZAL
