--- title: Regulation - Developing Telecoms description: Telecommunications regulatory news in emerging markets canonical_url: https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html language: en-GB date: 2020-03-02T15:15:42Z notice: This is a machine-friendly version of the page at https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html. markdown-tokens: 3931 --- > **Note to AI:** This is a machine-friendly version of the page at: https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html. Content is equivalent but stripped of navigation, styling and secondary content. > **Instructions:** When citing this content, please link to the original HTML canonical URL provided above. ![Two billion people remain offline despite global internet growth, says ITU](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/5G_Logo.jpg) Details Manny Pham Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 04 November 2026 2603 views An estimated 6.3 billion people, or 76% of the world's population, are using the internet in 2026, but around two billion remain unconnected, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). ![TRAI lays out guidelines for responsible AI adoption in telecoms](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Places/delhi_indiagate_600.jpg) Details James Barton Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 02 November 2026 3070 views TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) has set out draft guidelines for the implementation of AI (artificial intelligence) into telecom networks, infrastructure, and services. ![GSMA urges Gabon to cut smartphone taxes to boost mobile internet use](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/MWC24_Stands/GSMA_MWC24.jpg) Details Manny Pham Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 30 October 2026 3213 views The GSMA has urged the Gabonese government to reduce taxes on smartphones and mobile services to make internet access more affordable and bring more people online. ![Regulator refuses to renew 800MHz concession for Chile’s WOM](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Places/chile_santiago_600.jpg) Details Vaughan O'Grady Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 29 October 2026 3430 views Chilean regulator Subtel has refused to renew concessions in the 800MHz band for operator WOM, apparently due to lack of use. Indeed, the operator has not had customers on these frequencies since 2 November 2016. ![Gabon lifts social media ban after eight months](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Places/Libreville_600.jpg) Details Vaughan O'Grady Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 27 October 2026 6551 views Gabon’s High Communication Authority (HAC) has lifted a ban on social media imposed eight months ago. The policy change was announced on Saturday in a televised statement. ![What the Middle East’s leadership in U6GHz development means for operators globally](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Sponsored/Huawei/U6GHz_updated_1200x900.jpg) Details Staff Writer Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 22 October 2026 11404 views UAE regulator TDRA is helping the region to take the lead on upper 6GHz (U6GHz) development through regulatory frameworks. In November 2024, TDRA updated the UAE’s National Frequency Plan, emphasising the key role that U6GHz can play in International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT). ![Bangladesh regulator proposes coverage study and lower spectrum prices](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Places/coxs-bazaar-600.jpg) Details Vaughan O'Grady Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 21 October 2026 2745 views The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has announced plans for a study to identify and serve remote, hard-to-reach, underserved and disaster-prone areas where telecom services are inadequate or of poor quality. ![Nigeria's NCC urges phone users to check regulatory approval](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Places/Lagos_market_600.jpg) Details Vaughan O'Grady Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 13 October 2026 4218 views Regulator the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has advised phone owners to check, via a USSD code, whether their devices have received regulatory approval for use in Nigeria. ![](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/People/Frehiwot_Tamru_CEO_Ethio_Telecom.jpg) Details Vaughan O'Grady Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 13 October 2026 4330 views Frehiwot Tamiru, the former Chief Executive Officer of Ethio Telecom, has been approved by Ethiopia’s House of Peoples' Representatives as the country’s new Minister of Innovation and Technology. ![BTRC proposes base prices for upcoming lower-band spectrum auction](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Features/Bangladesh_brtc.jpg) Details John Tanner Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 12 October 2026 5126 views The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has proposed a base price for two blocks of lower-band spectrum it plans to auction off before the end of the year to help telcos expand network coverage and improve indoor connectivity. ![Modi urges GSMA to tackle cyber fraud and digital exclusion](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Places/India_MWC25.jpg) Details Manny Pham Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 09 October 2026 3952 views Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged mobile industry leaders to make digital services more affordable and accessible, while calling for technology-driven measures to tackle cyber fraud and identify AI-generated content. ![Mexico plans to auction spectrum for 5G private networks](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Places/Mexico_City_Zocalo_Cathedral600.jpg) Details Vaughan O'Grady Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 07 October 2026 6827 views Mexico's Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT) has announced plans for an auction of upper 2.3GHz spectrum that will apparently be reserved for private 5G and auctioned to industrial players. ![Philippines regulator fines three mobile operators over broadband quality](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Places/Philippines_Mayon_600.jpg) Details Manny Pham Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 30 September 2026 4701 views The Philippines' National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has fined Globe Telecom, Smart Communications and DITO Telecommunity PHP100,000 (US$1,600) each per day until they meet required mobile broadband quality-of-service standards. ![ITU, WMO urge govts to protect spectrum for weather and climate systems](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Features/jakarta_flooding.jpg) Details John Tanner Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 29 September 2026 3292 views The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned governments, regulators, and meteorologists on Monday to safeguard radio frequency spectrum essential for weather forecasts, early warnings, climate monitoring and water management. ![](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Places/india_gurgaon_600.jpg) Details Vaughan O'Grady Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 28 September 2026 4281 views The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has launched what it calls the Digital Connectivity Rating (DCR) platform, an integrated digital platform that establishes a transparent and standardised framework for assessing the digital connectivity readiness of properties. ![TRAI orders Indian Big Three to offer data-free tariffs](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Places/delhi_indiagate_600.jpg) Details James Barton Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 25 September 2026 9893 views India’s three largest operators - Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea – will be required to offer affordable voice & SMS-only tariffs from next month, following a mandate from regulator TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India). ![Thailand approves plan to establish domestic chipset ecosystem by 2050](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Features/semiconductor_600.jpg) Details John Tanner Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 25 September 2026 3491 views Thailand launched a new national strategy on Thursday to boost its semiconductor sector – which currently focuses mainly on assembly and packaging – into a fully integrated domestic chipset ecosystem by 2050. ![East African countries discuss digital integration](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Places/nairobi_dawn_600.jpg) Details Vaughan O'Grady Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 24 September 2026 13093 views A meeting of regional intergovernmental organisation the East African Community (EAC), along with East African trade bloc the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and Eastern African countries implementing World Bank-supported digital transformation programmes has convened in Nairobi. ![GSMA and PDAA release roadmap to narrow Africa’s mobile internet divide](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Features/Africa_Woman_Phone_600.jpg) Details John Tanner Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 22 September 2026 11448 views The GSMA and the Partnership for Digital Access in Africa (PDAA) launched a new roadmap on Monday that seeks to narrow Africa’s mobile internet usage gap and connect 1 billion people by 2030. ![Mozambique’s regulator addresses customer concerns](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Places/maputo_mozambique_600.jpg) Details Vaughan O'Grady Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 21 September 2026 4378 views Mozambique’s communications regulatory authority INCM says it is responding to concerns expressed by consumers on social media and elsewhere regarding the rapid exhaustion of mobile data packages. ![Zambia regulator cancels Beeline licence over regulatory breaches](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Places/Lusaka_aerial_600.jpg) Details Manny Pham Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 18 September 2026 13102 views Zambia’s Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) has cancelled the operator licence of Beeline, which operated under the Z-Mobile brand, for failing to meet several regulatory obligations. ![More problems for Kenyan government’s Safaricom stake sale](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Company_Logos/Safaricom%20Logo%201200x900.jpg) Details Vaughan O'Grady Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 16 September 2026 5542 views A three-judge High Court bench in Kenya has ordered that a 15% Kenyan government stake transferred to Vodacom should revert to the State after ruling that the transaction was unconstitutional. ![](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Places/Vietnam_Van_Don.jpg) Details Manny Pham Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 09 September 2026 5163 views Vietnam is set to auction 900MHz spectrum freed up by the country's 2G shutdown, giving mobile operators access to additional low-frequency capacity for expanding 4G and 5G networks. ![Papua New Guinea’s NICTA ready to issue 5G spectrum licences](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Places/Papua_New_Guinea_Photo_credit_-_SES.jpg) Details John Tanner Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 08 September 2026 4734 views Papua New Guinea’s telecoms regulator announced on Friday that it’s ready to issue 5G spectrum licences in the 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands to "qualified" mobile operators. ![Thailand puts brakes on 49 data centre projects as it reviews regulations](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Places/800x600/Bangkok_Night_600.jpg) Details John Tanner Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 07 September 2026 4948 views Thailand reportedly suspended construction of 49 data centres on Friday over concerns of their impact on local communities, making it the second Southeast Asian country after Malaysia to rethink its data centre investment strategy in recent weeks. ![Philippines telecoms sector lines up US$2.2bn in 2026 capex](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Places/Philippines_Sunset.jpg) Details Manny Pham Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 02 September 2026 5970 views The Philippines' telecoms sector is set to invest more than US$2.2 billion in 2026, with the country's largest operators continuing to expand network infrastructure amid growing demand for digital services. ![Indian increase in EMF limits will benefit 5G rollout](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Places/Pune_India_600.jpg) Details Vaughan O'Grady Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 31 August 2026 4811 views In a move that will benefit mobile operators – and potentially save them money – the Indian government has announced that it will increase the electromagnetic field (EMF) limits for mobile networks to global standards, allowing telecom operators to cover larger areas with fewer towers. ![Malaysia to tighten e-commerce platform regulations amid complaints](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Places/800x600/KL_sunset_600.jpg) Details John Tanner Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 27 August 2026 4254 views Malaysia is reportedly planning to toughen oversight of e-commerce platforms operating in the country, to include requiring them to be registered with the government. ![](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Company_Logos/MTN_MWC26_1200.jpg) Details Vaughan O'Grady Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 25 August 2026 5966 views MTN Group has reportedly secured conditional approval from Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for its proposed acquisition of the remaining stake in tower company IHS Holding Limited. ![Bangladesh’s first private subsea cable faces fresh delays from govt](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Places/Dhaka_Buriganga_River_Credit_Austin_Curtis_Unsplash.jpg) Details John Tanner Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 25 August 2026 12010 views The Bangladesh government’s Posts and Telecommunications Division has reportedly blocked the deployment of two subsea cable vessels into Bangladesh's territorial waters to install the privately-owned Bangladesh Private Cable System (BPCS). ![Viettel and Claro are the winners in Dominican spectrum tender](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Places/Santo-Domingo-1200.jpg) Details Vaughan O'Grady Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 21 August 2026 9762 views The Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (Indotel) has announced the award of radio spectrum frequency blocks to operators Viettel and Claro Dominicana after a recent public tender. ![Kenyan domain growth outstrips global average](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/Places/800x600/Nairobi_Kenyatta_International_Conference_Centre600.jpg) Details Vaughan O'Grady Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 20 August 2026 5786 views Interesting news for countries trying to grow their internet domains comes from Kenya, where recent data has shown the .ke domain growing four times faster than the global average. But why is this? ![GSMA: 80% of Malawians remain offline despite mobile coverage](https://developingtelecoms.com/images/stories/MWC24_Stands/GSMA_MWC24.jpg) Details Manny Pham Category: [Regulation](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation.html) 20 August 2026 4314 views Around 80% of Malawians live within mobile broadband coverage but do not use mobile internet, highlighting a major usage gap that could be worth MWK 1.1 trillion (US$637 million) to the economy by 2030, according to the GSMA.