U.S. Cellular: Q4 Earnings Snapshot
February 16, 2023 GMTCHICAGO (AP) — CHICAGO (AP) — United States Cellular Corp. (USM) on Thursday reported a loss of $28 million in its fourth quarter.
On a per-share basis, the Chicago-based company said it had a loss of 33 cents.
Ukrainian engineers scramble to keep mobile phones working
December 2, 2022 GMTKYIV, Ukraine (AP) — With Ukraine scrambling to keep communication lines open during the war, an army of engineers from the country’s phone companies has mobilized to help the public and policymakers stay in touch during repeated Russian missile and drone strikes.
Analysts say Canada telecom merger could still go forward
October 26, 2022 GMTTORONTO (AP) — Analysts say a multi-billion-dollar merger between Rogers Communications Inc. and Shaw Communications, two of Canada’s largest telecommunication companies, could still be completed despite initial government rejection.
Canadian industry minister denies Rogers-Shaw telecom merger
October 26, 2022 GMTOTTAWA, Canada (AP) — Canada’s federal industry minister said Tuesday he would not approve a multi-billion-dollar merger between Rogers Communications Inc. and Shaw Communications, two of the country’s largest telecommunication companies.
Thai regulator approves $7.3 billion telecoms carrier merger
October 21, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s telecoms regulator has agreed to allow a merger between the country’s two main phone carriers in a decision that raises worries over whether reduced competition will harm consumer interests.
Millions in federal grants awarded for rural Alaska internet
October 11, 2022 GMTANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — More than $100 million in grants have been announced by the federal government as part of a major effort to close the digital divide in parts of rural Alaska.
Australian police make first arrest in Optus hack probe
October 6, 2022 GMTCANBERRA, Australia (AP) — A police investigation of a cyberattack on an Australian telecommunications company in which the personal data of more than one third of Australia’s population was stolen has resulted in its first arrest, investigators said Thursday.
Police say hacker concealed ID in Australian privacy breach
September 30, 2022 GMTCANBERRA, Australia (AP) — The computer hacker who stole personal data of almost 10 million customers of a telecommunications company in one of Australia’s worst privacy breaches used techniques to conceal their identity, actions and whereabouts, police said on Friday.
US candidate to lead UN telecoms agency after US-Russia race
September 29, 2022 GMTBUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Doreen Bogdan-Martin of the United States was elected Thursday to head the U.N.’s telecommunications agency, winning a U.S.-Russia face-off for the leadership of a global agency that sets guideposts for radio, internet, satellite and television communications.
Australia flags tough new data protection laws this year
September 29, 2022 GMTCANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia could have tough new data protection laws in place this year in an urgent response to a cyberattack that stole from a telecommunications company the personal data of 9.8 million customers, the attorney-general said Thursday.
Australia demands Optus pay for new customer ID documents
September 28, 2022 GMTCANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia’s federal and state governments on Wednesday called for Optus to pay for replacing identification documents including passports and driver’s licenses to avoid identity fraud after 9.8 million of the telecommunications company’s customers had personal data stolen by computer hackers.
Australia mulls tougher cybersecurity laws after data breach
September 26, 2022 GMTCANBERRA, Australia (AP) — The Australian government said on Monday it is considering tougher cybersecurity rules for telecommunications companies and blamed Optus, the nation’s second-largest wireless carrier, for an unprecedented breach of personal data from 9.8 million customers.
Internet service providers drop challenge of privacy law
September 6, 2022 GMTPORTLAND, Maine (AP) — One of the strictest internet privacy laws in the United States has withstood a legal challenge, as a group of telecommunication providers has dropped its bid to overturn the Maine standard.
Japanese business pioneer, philanthropist Inamori dies at 90
August 30, 2022 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Kazuo Inamori, founder of Japanese ceramics and electronics maker Kyocera who also became a philanthropist singing the virtues of fairness and hard work, has died. He was 90.
Inamori, who also founded major telecommunications company KDDI Corp., died Aug.
SK Telecom: Q2 Earnings Snapshot
August 9, 2022 GMTSEOUL, Korea, Republic Of (AP) _ SK Telecom Co. (SKM) on Tuesday reported profit of $201.6 million in its second quarter.
The Seoul, Korea, Republic Of-based company said it had net income of 10 cents per share.
Shenandoah Telecom: Q2 Earnings Snapshot
August 3, 2022 GMTEDINBURG, Va. (AP) _ Shenandoah Telecommunications Co. (SHEN) on Wednesday reported a loss of $3.2 million in its second quarter.
The Edinburg, Virginia-based company said it had a loss of 6 cents per share.
Cellphone, Wi-Fi service expanding across NYC subway system
July 29, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — New York City's sprawling subway system will be fully wired for cellphone and Wi-Fi service within about 10 years under a plan approved by transit officials this week.
Riders will be able to use their phones throughout the 418 miles of subway tunnels under the plan approved by Metropolitan Transportation Authority board members Wednesday.
Investors take $17.5B stake in Deutsche Telekom cell towers
July 14, 2022 GMTBERLIN (AP) — Deutsche Telekom says it is selling a majority stake in its German and Austrian cellphone tower business to American and Canadian investors for 17.5 billion euros (dollars).
The Bonn-based telecommunications company said U.S.-based DigitalBridge and Canada's Brookfield would take a 51% share in GD Towers while it would retain the remaining stake “with significant minority protection rights.”
India raids second Chinese mobile company this month
July 13, 2022 GMTNEW DELHI (AP) — Indian investigators have raided an Indian subsidiary of Chinese smartphone maker Oppo, accusing it of evading customs duties totaling 43.9 billion rupees ($551 million), the government said Wednesday.
Verizon, AT&T delay some 5G service over airlines’ concerns
June 18, 2022 GMTFederal regulators say Verizon and AT&T will delay part of their 5G rollout near airports to give airlines more time to ensure that equipment on their planes is safe from interference from the wireless signals, but the airline industry is not happy about the deal.
Internet, cellphone outage cuts knocks rural Arizona offline
June 16, 2022 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — A telecommunications outage over the weekend left swaths of rural northeastern Arizona without internet or phone connections, knocking out credit card processors and, in some cases, easy access to emergency services.
Canada bans China’s Huawei Technologies from 5G networks
May 20, 2022 GMTTORONTO (AP) — Wireless carriers in Canada won’t be allowed to install Huawei equipment in their high-speed 5G networks, the Canadian government said Thursday, joining allies in banning the giant Chinese technology company.
Telecom Argentina: Q1 Earnings Snapshot
May 11, 2022 GMTBUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) _ Telecom Argentina SA (TEO) on Tuesday reported earnings of $221 million in its first quarter.
On a per-share basis, the Buenos Aires, Argentina-based company said it had profit of 51 cents.
SK Telecom: Q1 Earnings Snapshot
May 10, 2022 GMTSEOUL, Korea, Republic Of (AP) _ SK Telecom Co. (SKM) on Monday reported net income of $175.4 million in its first quarter.
On a per-share basis, the Seoul, Korea, Republic Of-based company said it had net income of 9 cents.
Telecom groups end fight against California net neutrality
May 5, 2022 GMTSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Telecommunications industry groups on Wednesday ended their bid to block California's net neutrality law that prevents broadband providers from throttling service.
In a federal court filing in Sacramento, the groups and California Attorney General Rob Bonta jointly agreed to dismiss the case.
Shenandoah Telecom: Q1 Earnings Snapshot
April 28, 2022 GMTEDINBURG, Va. (AP) _ Shenandoah Telecommunications Co. (SHEN) on Thursday reported a loss of $603,000 in its first quarter.
On a per-share basis, the Edinburg, Virginia-based company said it had a loss of 1 cent.
Telecommunications firm to hire more workers for call center
March 16, 2022 GMTWEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A telecommunications firm plans to hire 350 new workers for sales and management positions.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Tuesday announced the plans of Charter Communications for its Spectrum workforce.
Unity-based telecom is bought by Idaho company
March 12, 2022 GMTUNITY, Maine (AP) — Unity telecommunications company UniTel has been sold to an Idaho-based broadband provider that plans to rapidly expand fiber internet service.
Direct Communications of Rockland, Idaho, has found a niche providing high-speed internet in small rural areas.
Shenandoah Telecom: Q4 Earnings Snapshot
March 1, 2022 GMTEDINBURG, Va. (AP) _ Shenandoah Telecommunications Co. (SHEN) on Monday reported earnings of $1.4 million in its fourth quarter.
The Edinburg, Virginia-based company said it had net income of 3 cents per share.
$28M to expand broadband to thousands in rural Maine
February 26, 2022 GMTPORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine is slated to receive $28 million to expand broadband services in the state.
The state's four-member Congressional delegation said Friday the funding is from the U.S.
State media: Syria awards license to 3rd cellular operator
February 21, 2022 GMTDAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — The Syrian government Monday awarded a telecommunications company a license to become the third cellular operator targeting areas of poor coverage in the war-torn nation, state media reported.
Cyberattack targets Vodafone Portugal, disrupts services
February 8, 2022 GMTLISBON, Portugal (AP) — Vodafone Portugal, one of the country’s leading telecommunications companies, said Tuesday it had been hacked though no confidential customer data was compromised.
The company said in a statement Tuesday that “a deliberate and malicious cyberattack aimed at causing damage and disruption” was underway.
US indictment: Chinese firm stole Motorola trade secrets
February 7, 2022 GMTCHICAGO (AP) — A federal indictment unsealed Monday accuses a Chinese telecommunications company of stealing technology from Illinois-based Motorola Solutions Inc., in another case highlighting longstanding fears about China pilfering vital U.S.
FAA clears Verizon and AT&T to turn on more 5G cell towers
January 28, 2022 GMTFederal safety regulators say they have cleared the way for Verizon and AT&T to power up more towers for new 5G service without causing radio interference with airplanes.
The Federal Aviation Administration said Friday that it took the steps after receiving details from the telecommunications companies about the location of wireless transmitters.
In blow to telecoms, California’s net neutrality law upheld
January 28, 2022 GMTA federal appeals court has upheld California’s net neutrality law, rejecting an attempt by telecommunications industry groups to prevent the state from enforcing it.
Norway’s Telenor to sell stake in Myanmar’s Wave Money
January 18, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Norwegian telecommunications company Telenor plans to sell its 51% stake in the Myanmar fintech company Wave Money to its main partner in the venture, Yoma Strategic Holdings.
Telenor confirmed the $53 million deal, reported earlier, in a statement seen Tuesday on its website.
Southampton bought by firm fronted by Serbian media giant
January 4, 2022 GMTSOUTHAMPTON, England (AP) — Southampton has been bought by a company fronted by the founder of eastern European telecommunications giant United Group, the English Premier League club said Tuesday.
Dragan Solak's Sport Republic purchased the 80% stake held by Chinese businessman Gao Jisheng, who has been majority shareholder at the south-coast club since 2017.
AT&T, Verizon reject U.S. request to delay 5G wireless plans
January 3, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Verizon and AT&T have rejected a request by the U.S. government to delay the rollout of next-generation wireless technology.
A joint letter Sunday from the telecommunications giants to U.S.
Cherokee County to expand broadband to 1,500 homes
December 9, 2021 GMTGAFFNEY, S.C. (AP) — A South Carolina county is partnering with a telecommunications company to expand broadband access to nearly 1,500 homes and small businesses in rural areas.
Cherokee County will invest $3 million in the expansion effort, with Charter Communications funding the rest, officials announced Thursday.
Thailand’s DTAC and True to merge, pursue tech businesses
November 23, 2021 GMTMajor Thai telecoms companies DTAC and True Corp. plan to merge to pursue opportunities in the tech sector, their parent companies said Monday.
Thai National Broadcast reported that regulators were asking the companies for clarification about the plan announced by Norway’s Telenor Group, parent company of DTAC, and Charoen Pokphand (CP) Holding, the parent firm of True.
US fund KKR interested in Italian telecoms giant TIM
November 22, 2021 GMTROME (AP) — The Italian telecommunications company TIM is assessing a non-binding “indication of interest” by the U.S. investment fund KKR to acquire the entire capital share, a potential 11 billion-euro deal.
3G shutting down in Maine, impacting older phones, devices
November 18, 2021 GMTBANGOR, Maine (AP) — Starting in 2022, the 3G mobile network will be shutting down in Maine, impacting older cellphones and some other devices that connect to the internet, according to the Federal Communications Commission.
Brazil’s awaited 5G tender yields billions in investment
November 4, 2021 GMTRIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazil held its much-anticipated auction for build-out of the nation’s fifth-generation wireless network on Thursday, with the open question of whether China's Huawei telecommunications company will be involved.
South Carolina Commerce chief Lightsey pledges transparency
November 4, 2021 GMTCOLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Reflecting on his first months on the job, Commerce Secretary Harry Lightsey says his dual-tracked background in the automotive and telecommunications industries will inform his tenure leading the agency tasked with growing and maintaining South Carolina’s business development engine.
Executive of Myanmar army-linked telecom firm fatally shot
November 4, 2021 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — A top executive of Myanmar’s military-linked telecommunications company was fatally shot Thursday near his home in Yangon, the country’s commercial capital, in an apparent assassination linked to the country's violent political unrest.
Trudeau: Canada’s decision on whether to allow Huawei coming
September 28, 2021 GMTTORONTO (AP) — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday that Canada will decide within weeks whether to allow Chinese tech giant Huawei into the country’s next-generation 5G wireless networks and noted that major telecommunication companies have already started to remove Huawei from their networks.
House asks companies to save Jan. 6 phone, computer records
August 31, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol is asking social media and telecommunications companies to preserve phone or computer records for hundreds of people who were potentially involved with efforts to “challenge, delay or interfere” with the certification that day of President Joe Biden’s victory or otherwise try to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
SoftBank profit declines following Sprint perk a year ago
August 10, 2021 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Japanese technology company SoftBank’s fiscal first quarter earnings dropped 39% because of the absence of the cash benefit from the merger of Sprint, which boosted its profits a year ago.
Columbia, Joplin win millions in lawsuit against CenturyLink
June 12, 2021 GMTCOLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — The city of Columbia should receive nearly $54 million after a long legal battle with a telecommunications company over unpaid taxes, a judge has ruled.
A ruling from St. Louis County Circuit Judge Ellen Ribaudo last week also awarded the city of Joplin $1.1 million.
$15-a-month internet law on hold in New York, judge rules
June 11, 2021 GMTALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York cannot require internet providers to offer broadband service for low-income customers for as little as $15-a-month starting next week, a federal judge ruled on Friday.
The low-income broadband consumers law passed in the state budget in April, which was supposed to come into effect on Tuesday.
CenturyLink seeks to ease Minnesota landline repair rules
June 9, 2021 GMTMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Telecommunications company CenturyLink has asked Minnesota utility regulators to ease a decades-old rule that requires it to give priority for repairs to landline customers, saying the requirement is obsolete in an era dominated by broadband communications.
Huawei rolls out its own operating system to smartphones
June 2, 2021 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Huawei launched its own HarmonyOS mobile operating system on its handsets on Wednesday as it adapts to having lost access to Google mobile services two years ago after the U.S. put the Chinese telecommunications company on a trade blacklist.
Kenyan arrested in Qatar first targeted by phishing attack
May 31, 2021 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A Kenyan security guard now facing charges in Qatar after writing compelling, anonymous accounts of being a low-paid worker there found himself targeted by a phishing attack that could have revealed his location just before his arrest, analysts say.
Telecom CEO gives graduates $1,000, says to give half away
May 21, 2021 GMTQUINCY, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts businessman and philanthropist handed out more than just sage advice during his commencement address at a local college on Friday — he gave each of the 490 graduating students a $1,000 cash gift.
Australian telco fined $39M for exploiting Indigenous folk
May 13, 2021 GMTCANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia’s largest telecommunications company Telstra was fined 50 million Australian dollars ($39 million) on Thursday for unconscionable conduct in selling remote Indigenous customers mobile phone contracts that they did not understand and could not afford...
Japan spends millions on technology for absent Olympic fans
March 23, 2021 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Japan’s top telecommunications company is getting 7.3 billion yen — about $67 million — in taxpayer money to design mobile tracking software to curb the spread of coronavirus infections during the Tokyo Olympics...
Profit at Japan’s SoftBank zooms on lucrative investments
February 8, 2021 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Japanese telecommunications and technology conglomerate Softbank Group Corp. reported Monday a whopping 1...
Iran’s president criticizes prosecution of telecom minister
January 27, 2021 GMTTEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday criticized Iran's hard-liner dominated judiciary over last week's prosecution of the countrys telecommunications minister.
Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi was released on bail after he was summoned for prosecution.
Senate OKs Trump pick for FCC, adding hurdle to Biden plans
December 8, 2020 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has narrowly approved President Donald Trump’s lame-duck nominee to become a member of the Federal Communications Commission, setting up the agency for a stretch of partisan gridlock likely to stymie President-elect Joe Biden’s policies...