The SAMENA Telecommunications Council and the World Broadband Association (WBBA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on expanding broadband access across South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa (MENA), as well as other emerging markets. The agreement establishes a framework for knowledge exchange, standardization support—especially for broadband customer premises equipment (CPE)—best practice promotion, and policy advocacy to accelerate digital transformation.
SAMENA CEO Bocar Ba emphasized the partnership’s goal to increase broadband availability in underserved regions, harmonize broadband policies and regulations, and raise awareness of broadband development challenges. “By joining forces with WBBA, we bring regional expertise to the global broadband conversation, promoting connectivity, innovation, sustainability, and greener broadband deployment,” Ba said.
WBBA Director General Martin Creaner highlighted the potential of the collaboration to empower regional stakeholders and foster globally harmonized broadband development, calling the partnership “a critical step toward scalable impact in emerging digital economies.”
The MoU also allows for future expansion via supplementary agreements on joint projects and events.