Today’s telecom news includes announcements on TRAI, Vodacom, Safaricom, Paratus Group, Roke Telkom, among others.
India’s Spectrum Showdown: Big Tech and Telcos Clash Over 6 GHz Future
TRAI’s upcoming spectrum auction has triggered a sharp divide between Big Tech players and telcos over the crucial 6 GHz band. Apple, Meta, Amazon, and Intel argue the ecosystem is still immature, while Airtel supports delaying allocation until devices and networks catch up. Jio, in contrast, urges immediate release of the full 1,200 MHz to accelerate 5G and 6G innovation. The debate also extends to reserve prices and spectrum caps, highlighting strategic tensions in enabling wider deployment while maintaining investor confidence and competition.
Vodacom Moves to Tighten Its Grip on Safaricom in High-Value African Telecom Play
Vodacom is in talks to increase its stake in Safaricom, Kenya’s R157 billion telecom giant, by potentially acquiring part of the government’s holding. The move strengthens Vodacom’s position in a high-growth mobile and fintech market and underscores its commitment to operational efficiency, customer value, and innovation. By rejecting proposals to separate Safaricom’s M-Pesa unit, Vodacom highlights the strategic benefit of integrated services for consumer adoption and growth potential.
Paratus Ignites East Africa’s Connectivity Race with Bold Uganda Launch
Paratus Group has expanded its pan-African operations by launching Paratus Uganda through a joint venture with Roke Telkom. The partnership combines Roke’s established local fibre network with Paratus’ regional and international reach, backed by new investment in scalable fibre and satellite infrastructure. Part of the Paratus 500 growth strategy, the move targets enterprise customers across healthcare, mining, tourism, NGOs, and other data-driven sectors, delivering stronger cross-border communication and customer-focused, business-grade services.
Shafana Fazal
