Telecom

State-owned telecom operator BSNL has rolled out a set of special promotional plans to coincide with the Christmas and New Year period, aiming to attract value-conscious consumers and boost subscriber engagement. The festive offerings are designed to provide enhanced data, voice and validity benefits at competitive prices, reflecting BSNL’s focus on affordability and wider digital access. The timing aligns with a season of higher connectivity usage, as customers travel, stream content and stay connected with family and friends.

Bharti Airtel’s decision to elevate Shashwat Sharma to the role of chief executive officer marks a significant moment for one of India’s most influential telecommunications companies. The appointment underscores Airtel’s focus on leadership continuity, operational discipline and long-term growth in a fiercely competitive market. Sharma, a long-serving executive with deep institutional knowledge, is widely regarded as a strategic thinker with hands-on experience across core business verticals.

State-owned telecom operator Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. (MTNL) has completed the sale of a prime commercial property in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for Rs. 350.72 crore. The transaction marks a significant step in MTNL’s ongoing asset monetisation drive aimed at strengthening liquidity and reducing financial stress. For NABARD, the acquisition secures a strategic presence in one of India’s most expensive business districts.

In a strategic humanitarian initiative, Eutelsat Communications and Bharti Airtel have collaborated to provide satellite-based connectivity to support relief operations in Sri Lanka. The partnership leverages Eutelsat’s satellite infrastructure and Airtel’s communication expertise to ensure uninterrupted digital access for emergency responders, government agencies, and affected communities. This intervention aims to facilitate coordination, information dissemination, and essential services during critical recovery periods.

India’s mobile phone imports have plunged to an unprecedented 0.02% of total domestic consumption in 2024–25, marking a dramatic shift driven by robust manufacturing growth and the success of government-led incentive schemes. The near-elimination of imports underscores India’s transformation into a global handset production hub, backed by high-value investments, capacity expansion by major OEMs, and a maturing component ecosystem. As companies strengthen local assembly and begin diversifying into advanced manufacturing, India’s mobile sector is rapidly moving toward self-reliance.

Bharti Airtel and Nokia have announced a strategic partnership aimed at creating a robust ecosystem for developer monetization, signaling a significant step in India’s digital economy. The collaboration will leverage Airtel’s expansive telecommunications network and Nokia’s technological expertise to provide tools, platforms, and insights that help app developers optimize revenue streams, enhance user engagement, and scale their offerings.

In a significant step toward modernizing India’s road infrastructure, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has partnered with Reliance Jio to deploy advanced digital technologies aimed at improving highway safety and traffic management. The collaboration focuses on integrating real-time monitoring systems, connectivity solutions, and data-driven analytics across key national highway stretches. By leveraging Jio’s telecom and digital capabilities, NHAI aims to strengthen road surveillance, reduce accident response times, and enhance operational efficiency.

The Union government is re-evaluating the future of the Sanchar Saathi app, with Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia indicating that the platform may either be retained or discontinued depending on a comprehensive performance review. Designed to help consumers trace stolen mobile phones, verify SIM cards, and curb telecom-related fraud, the app has been widely used since its launch. However, officials are examining whether its functions can be integrated into broader digital governance platforms to streamline services.

The Indian government has announced that the Sanchar Saathi mobile application will now come pre-installed on new smartphones sold in the country. The app, developed to enhance mobile user security, helps verify the legitimacy of SIM cards, track mobile numbers, and prevent misuse. Authorities aim to bolster telecom security, protect user data, and simplify regulatory compliance for consumers and operators. Telecom experts note that pre-installation ensures wider adoption, strengthens fraud prevention mechanisms, and aligns with India’s broader digital governance initiatives.

As Cyclone Ditwah approaches India’s eastern coastline, telecom operators are implementing precautionary measures to safeguard network infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted connectivity. Leading mobile and broadband providers are reinforcing towers, deploying backup power solutions, and preparing rapid response teams to address potential service disruptions. Authorities are coordinating with telecom companies to maintain emergency communication channels, especially in cyclone-prone regions.