The ₹50,000 Crore Milestone: Bharti Airtel’s Masterclass in Operational Efficiency.

 In the hyper-competitive arena of global telecommunications,there are those who chase volume, and there are those who chase value. As the dust settles on the third quarter of the 2026 financial year (ending December 31, 2025), Bharti Airtel Limited has made it abundantly clear which camp they occupy.

While the industry often finds itself bogged down in a race to the bottom regarding pricing, Airtel has executed a sophisticated "Premiumisation" strategy. This isn't merely a buzzword; it is a calculated effort to cultivate a high-value ecosystem that prioritises the smartphone elite and the digitally hungry home-owner. The results? A consolidated revenue leap of 19.6% year-on-year, touching a staggering ₹53,982 crore.

But the headline figure is only half the story. The real triumph lies in the efficiency of the machine. EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation) surged by 25.2% to ₹31,144 crore, pushing margins to a formidable 57.7%. In an era of rising infrastructure costs and 5G deployment pressures, these figures represent more than just growth—they represent a masterclass in fiscal discipline.

India: The Heart of the Engin

The domestic market remains the crown jewel of the Bharti empire. India operations contributed a lion’s share of the quarterly revenue, standing at ₹39,226 crore. What is particularly striking is the quality of this growth. It wasn't driven by a desperate grab for low-tier subscribers, but by "sustained premiumisation."

The Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) – the holy grail of telecom metrics – climbed to ₹259, up from ₹245 just twelve months prior. This ascent is fueled by a relentless migration of users from legacy devices to smartphones. Today, nearly 79% of Airtel’s mobile subscriber base are smartphone users, a demographic that treats data not as a luxury, but as a utility as essential as oxygen.

The Data Appetite

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The sheer volume of data being consumed is a testament to India’s digital transformation. Each customer is now devouring an average of 29.8 GB per month, a 29.2% increase from the previous year. Whether it is streaming high-definition content in tier-two cities or the seamless integration of cloud-based work in urban centres, Airtel’s network is the invisible scaffolding supporting this lifestyle.

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The Home Front: A New Frontier

While mobile services are the foundation, the "Homes" business is the new skyscraper. Delivering what management describes as "one of its strongest quarters," the division saw revenue surge by 32.6%.

The strategy here is simple but execution-heavy: deeper network coverage. By expanding into previously underserved markets and refining their "customer-centric" approach, Airtel added a record 1.16 million net customers in just three months. With a total base now exceeding 13 million, Airtel is no longer just a mobile provider; it is becoming the central nervous system of the modern Indian household.

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The African Renaissance

Across the Indian Ocean, the African story continues to defy expectations. Despite the myriad of macroeconomic challenges often associated with the continent, Airtel Africa has emerged as a powerhouse of momentum.

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Operating in a landscape where currency fluctuations can often swallow profits whole, Airtel’s constant currency revenue grew by 24.6%. However, a rare period of currency appreciation actually boosted these figures in reported terms, leading to a 28.3% increase to $4,667 million.

Mobile Money: The Financial Revolution

Perhaps the most exciting chapter of the Africa report is the "Airtel Money" segment. We are witnessing the birth of a financial superpower. This quarter, two psychological barriers were shattered:

1.  The 50 Million Mark: The subscriber base for mobile money services now stands at 52 million.

2. The $200 Billion Milestone: The annualised Total Processed Value (TPV) surpassed $210 billion, a 36% jump.

In many African markets, Airtel is not just providing a SIM card; it is providing a bank account, a credit facility, and a commerce platform. This "broader ecosystem" is the reason why constant currency ARPU in the region grew by nearly 10%.

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Operating with Precision

The underlying theme of this quarter is "Operational Momentum." This isn't just about having the most towers; it’s about having the most efficient ones. The EBITDA margin in the Africa business expanded to 48.9%, a testament to the "cost efficiency programme" that has been running in the background of their expansion efforts.

To provide a clearer perspective, here is the comparative breakdown of the India and Africa segments—the two engines powering Bharti Airtel’s record-breaking quarter—presented as high-impact editorial points.

India Operations: The High-Value Powerhouse

Segment Revenue: Generated a formidable ₹39,226 crore, marking a 13.2% increase as the primary growth driver.

Operational Efficiency: The India business achieved a stellar EBITDA margin of 60.4%, with an EBITDA of ₹23,676 crore.

The Premium Shift: Driven by a focus on high-value users, the average revenue per user (ARPU) reached an industry-leading ₹259.

Infrastructure Lead: India’s success is anchored in massive 5G and fibre deployment, adding over 1.16 million home broadband customers this quarter alone.

Market Scale: The total India customer base now stands at approximately 466 million, with 79% of mobile users on high-margin smartphones.

The Anatomy of the Upswing

1. The Revenue Engine

A 19.6% increase in consolidated revenue to nearly ₹54,000 crore is a rare feat for a company of this magnitude. This was not driven by a single territory but by a synchronised performance across India and Africa. The "Home" segment in India, in particular, acted as a high-growth catalyst, providing a stable, high-margin revenue stream that complements the more volatile mobile market.

2. Profitability and Margin Expansion

The 25.2% growth in EBITDA significantly outpaced revenue growth. This "positive operating leverage" suggests that as the company scales, its costs are not rising at the same rate. This is the hallmark of a mature, well-managed enterprise. The EBITDA margin of 57.7% is now amongst the highest in the global telecom industry.

3. The Quality of the Base (ARPU)

While the 5.7% growth in India’s ARPU to ₹259 might seem modest compared to the total revenue jump, it is arguably the most important number in the report. In a market like India, moving the needle on average revenue per user requires immense brand loyalty and a superior network experience. It proves that customers are willing to pay a premium for Airtel's "quality-first" ecosystem.

4. Continental Momentum

Reaching 179.4 million customers in Africa marks a 10% year-on-year increase. This expansion is crucial for Airtel’s long-term resilience. By diversifying its subscriber base across two of the world's fastest-growing digital economies, Bharti Airtel has created a natural hedge against regional economic downturns.

The Strategic Verdict

Airtel’s Q3 FY26 results reveal a company that has successfully pivoted away from the "volume wars" of the past decade. By focusing on the smartphone-heavy India mobile base, the exploding Home Broadband market, and the digitising African economy, the group has built a three-pillared foundation for sustained, high-margin growth.

The transition from a connectivity provider to a digital utility is no longer a future goal—it is the present reality

BY – Advik Gupta

TRAI’s 1600 Move: How India’s Financial Calls Are Getting a Safety Upgrade in 2026

If you’ve ever hesitated before answering a call claiming to be from your bank, you’re not alone. In a digital economy where financial fraud is evolving faster than ever, India’s telecom regulator is stepping in with a decisive fix — and it’s all about the numbers you see on your phone screen.

On November 19, 2025, the Telecom Regulatory Authority ofIndia (TRAI) issued a landmark Direction that will fundamentally change how banks and financial institutions reach customers over voice calls. Starting in 2026, entities across the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) ecosystem will be required to use a dedicated “1600” numbering series for all service and transactional calls.

Why 1600 Matters

The idea is simple but powerful: clarity equals trust. The 1600 series will act as a visual marker, helping citizens instantly identify legitimate calls from financial institutions — and, just as importantly, spot fraudulent ones. Once the new deadlines kick in, BFSI entities will no longer be allowed to make service or transactional calls from regular 10-digit mobile numbers — even if a customer has given consent.

Adoption Is Already Underway

This isn’t just a theoretical plan. TRAI’s sustained engagement with telecom service providers (TSPs) and financial regulators has already delivered results. Around 485 BFSI entities have migrated to the 1600 series, collectively subscribing to more than 2,800 numbers. With momentum building and fraud risks still high, the regulator believes the ecosystem is now ready for a full, time-bound rollout.

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Who Needs to Migrate — and By When

After consultations with BFSI regulators through the JointCommittee of Regulators (JCoR), TRAI has laid out a phase-wise migration schedule:

Commercial banks (public, private, and foreign): by January 1, 2026

Large NBFCs, payments banks & small finance banks: by February 1, 2026

Mutual funds & AMCs: by February 15, 2026

Central recordkeeping agencies (CRAs) & pension fund managers: by February 15, 2026

Qualified stockbrokers (QSBs): by March 15, 2026

Remaining NBFCs, co-operative banks, RRBs & smaller entities: by March 1, 2026

For the insurance sector, TRAI confirmed that timelines are still being finalised in coordination with IRDAI and will be announced separately. Meanwhile, other SEBI-registered intermediaries are free to adopt the 1600 series voluntarily after verification.

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A Small Change, Big Impact

In a country grappling with impersonation-based scams, the 1600 initiative could become one of the most practical consumer protection measures in recent years. For users, it promises fewer doubts and safer conversations. For the financial sector, it’s a clear signal: trust now begins with the number you dial from.

By Aaradhay Sharma

BSNL Collaborates with ACES India to Bring Seamless Connectivity to Noida International Airport

 Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), India’s state-owned telecom operator, has partnered with ACES India—the Indian arm of Dubai-based telecom infrastructure company ACES—to provide robust cellular connectivity at the upcoming Noida International Airport, scheduled to open later this month. The partnership aims to ensure uninterrupted mobile services across the airport from day one.

The agreement, signed at BSNL’s UP West Telecom Circle office in Meerut, involves installing advanced communication equipment throughout key airport areas, including terminals and associated facilities. The collaboration is designed to offer reliable voice and data services for passengers, airport staff, and other users in a busy, high-traffic environment.

Under the partnership, BSNL will utilize its nationwide network and operational expertise, while ACES India will manage the design and deployment of the integrated infrastructure. The setup will comply with stringent safety and operational standards necessary for major aviation projects.

BSNL brings prior experience to the table, having successfully implemented telecom infrastructure at Adani’s Navi Mumbai International Airport—demonstrating its ability to handle large-scale, high-volume connectivity projects.

Arun Kumar, Chief General Manager Telecom (CGMT), BSNL UP West, said, “This collaboration reflects BSNL’s dedication to enhancing telecom infrastructure at critical national assets. Reliable connectivity at major transport hubs is essential for improving passenger experience and supporting broader digital initiatives.”

The project highlights India’s increasing focus on digital infrastructure in aviation, ensuring that passengers and airport operations have access to seamless mobile and data services from day one.

BY- NIROSHA GUPTA

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has empanelled Informatic Computech Pvt. Ltd. (ICPL) as an authorized Digital Connectivity Rating Agency (DCRA)

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has empanelled Informatic Computech Pvt. Ltd. (ICPL) as an authorized Digital Connectivity Rating Agency (DCRA), granting the company PAN-India operational approval valid until December 18, 2030. This empanelment is part of TRAI’s Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024, an initiative aimed at creating a standardized framework to assess and strengthen in-building digital infrastructure nationwide.

Scope of ICPL’s Role

As a recognized DCRA, ICPL is now permitted to conduct independent and objective evaluations of digital connectivity across a broad range of properties, including residential complexes, commercial buildings, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and public infrastructure.

Evaluation Framework

The rating process will analyze critical aspects of digital readiness such as fiber infrastructure availability, mobile network coverage, in-building Wi-Fi systems, and overall service performance. Based on these parameters, properties will be awarded a connectivity score ranging from one to five stars, offering a uniform benchmark for digital quality.

Regulatory Mandates and Industry Impact

TRAI has mandated that central government properties of public importance—such as airports, railway stations, and similar facilities—must undergo digital connectivity ratings within one year of receiving occupancy certification.

These ratings are designed to benefit multiple stakeholders. Buyers and tenants gain greater transparency when evaluating properties, while developers and facility managers are encouraged to integrate robust, future-ready digital infrastructure from the design stage itself. The initiative supports India’s broader vision of creating digitally resilient and well-connected built environments.

By – Aaradhay Sharma

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) brought RANext Technologies on board as an accredited Digital Connectivity Rating Agency (DCRA)

On January 7, 2026, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) brought RANext Technologies on board as an accredited Digital Connectivity Rating Agency (DCRA)—a move aimed at strengthening the quality of indoor digital infrastructure across India’s real estate sector.

With this authorisation, RANext will operate as an independent evaluator, measuring how well residential complexes, commercial buildings, and mixed-use developments are equipped for reliable, high-speed connectivity.

What RANext Will Evaluate

The agency’s assessments will focus on the core building blocks of digital readiness, including:

Quality and coverage of fibre-optic infrastructure

Efficiency of in-building network architecture

Performance of broadband and Wi-Fi systems

The building’s ability to support next-generation smart and connected technologies

Star Ratings for Digital Readiness

Following its evaluations, RANext will award buildings a star rating ranging from 1 to 5, offering a clear and standardised indicator of indoor connectivity quality. These ratings are intended to act as a digital scorecard for properties, much like energy-efficiency or safety certifications.

Why These Ratings Matter

The initiative is designed to benefit:

Developers, by helping them benchmark and upgrade digital infrastructure

Facility managers, by identifying connectivity gaps

Homebuyers and tenants, by giving them transparent insights into everyday network performance inside buildings

Regulatory Background

RANext’s empanelment stems from TRAI’s Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024, a framework created to ensure buildings are future-ready for India’s rapidly growing digital needs and aligned with the broader Digital India vision.

Bigger Picture

By joining already-approved agencies such as Ardom Towergen, Crest Digitel, and Frog Cellsat, RANext becomes part of a national push to improve indoor network quality—a critical focus area, given that over 80% of mobile data usage takes place indoors.

By Aaradhay Sharma

In January 2026, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) took strict action against telecom service providers (TSPs)

In January 2026, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) took strict action against telecom service providers (TSPs), levying financial penalties totaling over ₹150 crore. The fines were imposed due to operators’ lapses in addressing spam calls and messages effectively.

Why the Penalties Were Imposed

The penalties stemmed from operators improperly closing consumer complaints and failing to promptly suspend or disconnect numbers used for spam. Audits covering a three-year period from 2020 highlighted that many complaints were marked resolved without proper verification or investigation.

Industry Reaction

Telecom companies have reportedly contested the fines, arguing against the financial disincentives imposed.

Enhanced Anti-Spam Regulations in 2026

TRAI has also strengthened its framework to fight spam more effectively:

Lower Complaint Threshold: Action against a number can now be initiated if five complaints are filed within 10 days.

Extended Complaint Period: Subscribers now have 7 days, instead of 3, to report spam calls or messages.

Mandatory Number Series: Banks, insurance, and financial institutions are required to use 1,600-series numbers for service and transactional communication.

Message Tagging System: SMS messages must include a suffix indicating type:

P – Promotional

T – Transactional

S – Service

G – Government

Stricter Penalties for Operators: Non-compliant telecom providers may face fines of up to ₹50 lakh per month, per licensed service area.

Over the last year, TRAI has already disconnected more than 21 lakh spam connections and blacklisted over one lakh entities to protect subscribers from unwanted communication.

Author: Advik Gupta

DoT Unveils National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025 to Power 5G, 6G and Satellite Communications

 The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has released the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) 2025, a key policy framework aimed at strengthening spectrum management and supporting next-generation communication technologies across India.

The updated plan is designed to enable the rollout of 5G, 5G Advanced and future 6G networks, while also facilitating the expansion of satellite communications, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, and advanced connectivity solutions. According to the Ministry of Communications, NFAP 2025 aligns India’s spectrum strategy with global standards, offering a long-term roadmap for telecom operators, spectrum planners, and equipment manufacturers.

Expanded Spectrum Coverage and Key Updates

NFAP 2025 covers radio-frequency spectrum allocations ranging from 8.3 kHz to 3,000 GHz, incorporating several strategic revisions to address rising demand for high-capacity wireless services. A major highlight is the identification of the 6425–7125 MHz band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), which is expected to significantly enhance mid-band spectrum availability for 5G, 5G Advanced, and upcoming 6G deployments.

To support the growing satellite communications sector, the plan earmarks the Ka, Q, and V bands for satellite-based services. These allocations will enable high-throughput geostationary orbit (GSO) satellites as well as large low- and medium-Earth orbit (LEO/MEO) constellations, accelerating the adoption of satcom services across the country.

Focus on Emerging and Mobility Technologies

NFAP 2025 also includes spectrum provisions for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communications, a critical component for connected vehicles, intelligent transport systems, and smart mobility initiatives. In addition, the plan supports In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC), ensuring broadband access for passengers and operators in aviation and maritime sectors.

Government Outlook on Satellite Spectrum

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia recently stated that the government is preparing to allocate spectrum to satellite communication players. He confirmed that provisional spectrum has already been granted to companies such as OneWeb, Reliance Jio, and Starlink to demonstrate compliance with India’s security and data localisation requirements.

Addressing Parliament, Scindia clarified that India’s satellite communication policy is already in place and that satellite spectrum will be assigned administratively rather than through auctions.

The Ministry of Communications said NFAP 2025 will help create a future-ready, high-capacity, and globally harmonised spectrum ecosystem, supporting digital innovation and the growth of next-generation communication technologies across India.

BY: Nirosha Gupta

Reliance Jio: The Network That Rewired Digital India

 Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (Jio) is India’s largest and most influential digital services and telecommunications company, credited with transforming the country’s connectivity landscape. A subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) under Jio Platforms, the company is headquartered in Navi Mumbai and operates one of the world’s largest all-IP networks.

Launched commercially in September 2016, Jio disrupted the telecom sector by making high-speed mobile data and voice services affordable and widely accessible. Its aggressive pricing reshaped consumer behavior, turned India into a global leader in mobile data consumption, and accelerated the nation’s digital adoption.

Today, Jio serves over 500 million subscribers, making it the largest mobile network operator in India and among the top three globally. The company operates a nationwide 4G and standalone 5G network across all 22 telecom circles, with True 5G now rolled out pan-India. Looking ahead, Jio is also working on next-generation technologies, including 6G.

Beyond connectivity, Jio has built a comprehensive digital ecosystem spanning:

• Broadband & Connectivity: Mobile services, JioFiber, JioAirFiber, and satellite-based Jio SpaceFiber

• Digital Platforms & Apps: JioCinema, JioSaavn, JioMart, cloud and enterprise solutions

• Devices: JioPhone, JioPhone Next (co-developed with Google), Jio Bharat 4G phones, JioFi, JioDive VR, and smart accessories like JioTag

• Enterprise & Business Services: Connectivity, cloud, and digital tools for SMEs and large enterprises

Backed by strategic global partnerships with companies such as Google, Samsung, Nokia, Ericsson, Cisco, and Meta, Jio continues to expand its technology leadership and infrastructure scale.

In essence, Reliance Jio is more than a telecom operator—it is a digital platform company driving India’s connected future. By combining affordable connectivity, rich digital services, and indigenous innovation, Jio has become a cornerstone of India’s journey toward a fully digital economy.

BY: Nirosha Gupta

Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for allocation to entities in the Banking

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued a Direction on 16th December, 2025 mandating that the entities regulated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) should adopt ‘1600’ series numbers by the last date of 15th February, 2026 for making service and transactional calls to the consumers. The Direction has been issued with the objective of enhancing consumer trust, curbing spam, and preventing fraudulent activities perpetrated through voice calls. The mandate for last date has been issued in consultation with IRDAI. Earlier TRAI had issued similar Directions for mandatory adoptions of 1600 series numbers by entities regulated by RBI, SEBI and PFRDA.

In response to TRAI’s regulatory initiative, the ‘1600’ numbering series has been assigned by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for allocation to entities in the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector, and Government organizations to clearly distinguish their service and transactional calls from other commercial communications. The series will enable citizens to reliably identify legitimate calls originating from regulated financial entities.

After the assignment of the series and allocation of numbering resources to the Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), TRAI has regularly engaged with TSPs and the BFSI sector regulators for adoption of 1600 series by BFSI sector entities. Consequent to these efforts, about 570 entities have already adopted 1600 series numbers, subscribing to a total of over 3000 numbers. Based on TRAI’s interactions with stakeholders, it was considered that time is now ripe to mandate timebound completion of the exercise so that entities continuing to use standard 10-digit numbers for service and transactional calls, also shift to 1600 series numbers to reduce the risk of fraudulent or misleading calls being made in the guise of trusted financial institutions. TRAI has taken input regarding timelines from the IRDAI, following deliberations held during the meetings of the Joint Committee of Regulators (JCoR). Based on the consultations held with them, an implementation schedule has now been issued.

The directions mandate Sebi-regulated entities, including all mutual funds (MFs) and asset management companies (AMCs), to complete adoption by February 15 while qualified stockbrokers have been told to start using 1600 number series by March 15. Other intermediaries may migrate voluntarily after verification, the regulator said.

Under PFRDA, central recordkeeping agencies and pension fund managers must adopt the new series by February 15, the regulator said. Meanwhile, the deadline for entities in the insurance sector to adopt the 1600 number series was under discussion with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai), and it will be notified later.

 By - Aaradhay Sharma

Nokia today announced a collaboration with Bharti Airtel

Nokia partners with Airtel to unlock advanced 5G network APIs for developers

Nokia today announced a collaboration with Bharti Airtel to make the operator's network capabilities available to third-party developers through Nokia's Network as Code platform with developer portal. This strategic partnership will provide developers and enterprises alike access to Airtel's extensive pan-India network assets, creating new monetization opportunities and innovative use cases that will span multiple industry verticals.

  Airtel's network APIs will be available on a subscription basis to an established ecosystem of developers, system integrators and enterprises using Nokia's Network as Code platform. This will enable the developer community to seamlessly build advanced solutions leveraging the Airtel network's robust capabilities such as Al, 5G, edge computing and more.

 Network APIs, which allow operators to virtualize parts of their networks and provide tailored data and features to developers, are changing the game. This technology is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of network capabilities while unlocking significant new revenue opportunities.

 “At Airtel, we are always working toward bringing the ecosystem together to collaborate for future-ready innovations. In line with this commitment, we are happy to partner with Nokia today for network APIs and enable the ecosystem to leverage our network capabilities for automation and building secure and innovative digital services” said Sharat Sinha, CEO, Airtel Business.

“Our partnership with Airtel represents a significant step in expanding the Network as Code ecosystem. It demonstrates our commitment to helping telecommunications providers monetize their network investments while fostering innovation in the developer community” said Arvind Khurana, Head of Cloud and Network Services, India, Nokia.

Nokia's Network as Code platform bridges the gap between developers and networks, enabling application innovation while accelerating digital transformation. It provides developers with standardized access to network functions, without having to navigate any of the underlying network technologies. It connects multiple API ecosystems and offers operators the broadest range of network exposure options, paired with robust multi-tier API security and simplified access to network functionalities

BY- Nirosha Gupta;)

Xiaomi India has announced the launch of Xiaomi Service+

 Xiaomi India has announced the launch of Xiaomi Service+, a one-stop app to address all service & support requirements of its customers. Xiaomi Service+ offers a range of support services such as device repair, price quotations, live chat assistance and others. Customers can avail all of them from the comfort of their homes with just a few clicks.

Xiaomi Service+ has been crafted for the brand to continue a strong relationship with the customer after they have purchased a product. The app can book repair requests for all Xiaomi devices, installation and demos. It can also be used to locate the nearest service center for outreach services. Users can view spare part prices as well as view the warranty information of their purchased devices. They will also be able to check the status of their service requests using the app. Additionally, Xiaomi Service+ ensures customers always have access to customer support with features like chat with an AI Bot and live chat with an agent.

Speaking at the launch of Xiaomi Service+, Muralikrishnan B, COO, Xiaomi India said, “At Xiaomi, we work towards building relationships that go beyond the purchase of a device. The launch of the Xiaomi Service+ app is a testimony to our commitment to providing seamless suport and after-sale services to every single customer for speedy redressal and solution delivery. Keeping in mind the growing need to receive at-home services, Xiaomi Service+ aims to address every customer’s service request from the comfort of their home with just a few clicks. The app can be effectively used to raise service requests, track the status of the request, and receive information on the warranty status of their device, among a host of other features. Xiaomi Service+ is a cornerstone in elevating the user after-sales service experience.”

The Xiaomi Service+ app aims to provide users with information with just a few clicks. It can be downloaded via Google Play or Getapps. It is the first touchpoint of service request and is supported by Xiaomi India’s ~2000 service centers across the country, one of the largest networks in India. These centers are ISO 9001 and 120001 certified and have a 96% turnaround time success rate.

BY- Nirosha Gupta

Airtel Money has announced the launch of its next-generation

 

Airtel Money has announced the launch of its next-generation, cloud-native mobile money platform, powered by Comviva’s mobiquity Pay, across Airtel Africa markets.

This strategic deployment marks the beginning of a continent-wide digital transformation program, designed to redefine how Airtel Money delivers financial services to its 49.8 million customers. The rollout, commencing in Kenya, will extend to several other Airtel Africa markets over the coming year.

The new platform enhances operational efficiency and scalability, unlocking a broader range of fintech services and positioning Airtel Money as a complete digital financial ecosystem. With over 50 advanced features and 120+ open APIs, it supports rapid partner onboarding, faster innovation cycles, and the creation of new revenue streams across Airtel Money’s pan African network.

Built on a security-first architecture, the platform incorporates advanced safeguards including federated identity and multi-factor authentication, ensuring trust, resilience, and regulatory compliance for millions of customers. It will enable enhanced user interfaces, self-service capabilities, and smoother international money transfers.

Airtel Money CEO, Ian Ferrao, said, “This is not just a technology upgrade, it's a complete transformation of how we serve our customers. With Comviva's mobiquity Pay, we are laying the foundation for a future-ready financial ecosystem, accelerating financial inclusion, and creating more opportunities for individuals and businesses across Africa.”

 Comviva CEO, Rajesh Chandiramani, said, “We are proud to partner with Airtel Money on this transformative journey. This cloud-native deployment is a catalyst for accelerating financial inclusion, enabling millions of people to access secure, seamless, and innovative digital financial services. By combining cutting-edge architecture and intelligent automation, we are empowering operators to drive sustainable growth and unlock socio-economic opportunities at scale.”

BY- Nirosha Gupta 

IT and security leaders prepare for the upcoming reduction in Transport Layer Security (TLS)

NEWTON, Mass. & PETACH TIKVA, Israel – November 19, 2025 – CyberArk (NASDAQ: CYBR), the global leader in identity security, today announced the TLS Certificate Renewal Impact Calculator alongside its TLS Certificate Discovery Scan to help IT and security leaders prepare for the upcoming reduction in Transport Layer Security (TLS) certificate lifespans — from 398 days to 200 by March 2026, and down to just 47 days by 2029. These interactive tools help organizations understand their certificate exposure and quantify the operational and financial impact of shorter certificate lifespans.

“Shorter certificate lifespans are more than a compliance shift — they are a business risk,” said Kurt Sand, General Manager of Machine Identity Security at CyberArk. “Organizations will face a surge in renewals that manual processes simply cannot keep up with. The result is higher costs, operational strain, and potential system outages that can result in financial and reputational impact. Our new tools make it simple for security leaders to understand their exposure and build a strong case for automation before disruptions occur.”’

Understand their exposure: Visualize how the shift to 47-day certificate lifespans will affect renewal volumes and labor needs.

Make informed decisions: Quantify operational costs and the ROI of automation to build a business case for modernization.

Stay ahead of the change: Use CyberArk guidance to proactively transition to automated certificate lifecycle management, reducing outages, saving time and improving resilience.

Privilege Controls Across Every Identity

The CyberArk Identity Security Platform delivers comprehensive privilege controls across the full spectrum of identities: human, machine, and AI. With the introduction of the Secure AI Agents Solution, these proven capabilities are extended to autonomous AI agents, applying the same principles of just-in-time access, least privilege, and continuous session monitoring that have defined CyberArk’s leadership in identity security.

This unified, privilege-first approach ensures that every identity is governed, secured, and monitored with the same rigor — enabling innovation without compromising security or compliance.

The CyberArk Secure AI Agents Solution will deliver:

Comprehensive Agent Discovery: Automatically detect AI agents across SaaS, cloud, and developer environments, with enriched profiles including ownership, roles, and access rights.

Secure Agent Access: Enforce strong authentication and least-privilege access, with zero standing privileges and agent activity auditing.

Real-Time Threat Detection: Continuously monitor for anomalies and unauthorized access, triggering automated alerts and rapid response.

Lifecycle Management and Compliance: Govern AI agent from creation through decommission, supporting evolving regulatory requirements and audit readiness.

 By - Aaradhay Sharma

LUMO is Oppo’s proprietary imaging system built around a human-centred imaging approach.

OPPO has announced the debut of its revolutionary LUMO Image Engine, set to redefine smartphone photography with the upcoming Find X9 Series, launching in India on November 18. LUMO represents a leap forward in computational imaging—an integrated system of optics, colour science, sensor control, and AI-driven processing engineered to reproduce visuals with natural human perception.

What is the LUMO Image Engine?

LUMO is Oppo’s proprietary imaging system built around a human-centred imaging approach. It’s designed to replicate how the human eye perceives light and colour, focusing on tonal balance, depth, and spatial realism. The system works on a foundational level, ensuring skin tones appear natural, transitions between light and shadow are smooth, and subjects separate from backgrounds without artificial blur.

How it works

The LUMO Image Engine functions through three major systems—Ultra-sensing computational optical system, Ultra-perceptive digital imaging engine, and End-to-End ProXDR.

Powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500 chipset, the Find X9 series strives to be an all-rounder while making photography its USP. The global models come with 6.59-inch and 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED displays with a high refresh rate and huge 7,000mAh+ batteries for endurance. The phones have flat-edge aesthetic with the circular camera island making way for a rounded rectangle.

According to the company, the LUMO Image Engine represents a significant leap in smartphone camera technology by combining advanced optics, sensor control, colour science, and image processing. The innovation is aimed at addressing a common challenge in smartphone photography — achieving natural light, depth, and texture without the artificial enhancements or over-saturated tones that often accompany digital images.

“LUMO Image Engine is the culmination of years of research in computational optics and digital imaging. It allows users to capture the world as they see it — in its most natural, balanced, and emotionally authentic form,” OPPO said in a statement.

The new system comprises four core components — an Ultra-Sensing Computational Optical System, an Ultra-Perceptive Digital Imaging Engine, End-to-End ProXDR, and integration with MediaTek's Dimensity 9500 platform. Together, these elements promise enhanced detail retention, improved low-light performance, and precise tonal reproduction even in challenging lighting conditions.

By - Aaradhay Sharma