Vodafone Qatar has launched the world’s first digital “Instant SIM,” allowing customers to easily purchase and activate SIM cards without visiting a store or using data. Available in both physical and eSIM formats, the Instant SIM supports prepaid and postpaid lines and can be obtained from over 2,600 locations across Qatar.
The government has approved Ncell’s request to pay its license renewal fee in four annual installments of Rs5 billion each, with interest applied to the second, third, and fourth installments. This decision comes despite legal concerns raised by the Office of the Attorney General, which advised against the installment option.
e& enterprise, the enterprise arm of UAE’s e& group, has acquired Turkey’s GlassHouse Bilgi Sistemleri for $60 million. The acquisition strengthens e&’s service portfolio, particularly in data backup, business continuity, and SAP infrastructure. GlassHouse’s financials will be consolidated into e&’s from September 1, with minimal impact on overall figures.
ONIC, a digital telco brand launched in 2023, has quickly revolutionized Pakistan’s telecom industry with innovative solutions and exceptional customer service. The brand’s rapid growth, digital-first approach, and strategic partnerships have set new standards in connectivity, earning ONIC prestigious awards and establishing it as a leader in the country’s digital transformation.
The Global AI Summit 2024 in Riyadh, hosted by SDAIA, will bring together over 300 global AI leaders to explore advancements in AI, including Generative AI and ethical governance. The event aims to foster international collaborations and drive innovation, with high-profile sessions and agreements expected to shape the future of AI globally.
Google’s Director for Pakistan, Farhan S Qureshi, highlighted the growth potential of Pakistan’s app and gaming sector at Think Apps 2024 in Lahore. The event focused on equipping developers with AI tools to drive innovation. Pakistani studios are leading the field, contributing to the country’s potential $6.6 billion digital export revenue by 2030.
The UAE National Pavilion will participate in SOFEX 2024 in Jordan, showcasing advanced defence technologies from leading UAE companies. Supported by the Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council, the pavilion aims to foster international cooperation, form strategic partnerships, and highlight the UAE’s role as a regional hub for defence innovation and manufacturing.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has upgraded its Web Management System (WMS) to intensify efforts against illegal online content, blocking 183 apps and 2,369 websites. Additionally, PTA has launched a comprehensive cybersecurity audit for telecom operators to strengthen cyber defenses across Pakistan and ensure compliance with international standards.
Dubai AI Campus and Google Cloud have partnered to enhance the startup ecosystem within the DIFC Innovation Hub. The collaboration will provide startups with mentorship, access to Google Cloud’s AI technologies, and support for growth. This initiative aims to establish Dubai as a global hub for AI innovation and technology-focused companies.
Telenor Pakistan is part of the launch of the country’s first low-carbon Energy Storage as a Service (ESaaS) project, which aims to reduce the telecom sector’s carbon footprint by 8.33 kilotons annually. The initiative involves deploying 25 MWh of battery infrastructure, reducing reliance on diesel, and saving PKR 5 billion in costs.
