EU close to resolving Huawei, ZTE dispute; Three UK punished for customer service failure

> The European Commission decided to liberate the fixed telecoms market from regulation in Europe, and also redefined the boundaries of broadband markets to recognise that "virtual access products" can be considered substitutes to physical unbundling when they fulfil certain characteristics. Release

> Ofcom fined Three UK £250,000 (€317,000/$403 million) for failing to comply with the telecoms regulator's rules on handling customer complaints. Release

> Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella quickly backtracked on comments regarding pay levels for women working in the tech industry following a Twitter backlash. Report

> The European Union is reported to be close to resolving a long-running dispute with China over alleged illegal subsidies to manufacturers Huawei and ZTE. Article

> The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) has given preliminary approval to a joint bid by Safaricom and Airtel for the mobile assets of Essar Kenya, with the final approval of the deal possible next month. Article

> Google is gearing up to launch its largest smartphone to-date, a 5.7-inch Nexus device that will sport the latest version of the company's Android operating system. Report

And finally...Laughing could get more expensive--at least in one Spanish comedy club. The Barcelona-based Teatreneu club is using facial-recognition technology on tablets to track how much users enjoyed the show, and then charging them per laugh. Article