Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Jordan’s mobile phone imports in 2024 increased by 13.7%, totaling JD176 million for 1.855 million devices. This marks a positive shift in the market after years of decline. The value and quantity of imports saw growth, reflecting rising demand for mobile phones in the country.
iQ Networks has signed Iraq’s first dark fibre IRU agreement with Gulf Bridge International, marking a significant milestone in the country’s telecom infrastructure. The deal coincides with the Silk Route Transit network surpassing 1 Tbps in capacity, positioning Iraq as a crucial telecom hub linking Europe and Asia.
Outlier Ventures has unveiled its “Post Web Thesis,” predicting a shift to a decentralized internet powered by AI and blockchain. The Post Web will focus on an “intention economy,” where AI agents perform tasks for users, simplifying the internet and transforming digital interactions. The Middle East is a key region for early adoption.
Nepal Telecom has launched 4G service in Karmarong, Mugu district, bringing high-speed data and VoLTE for the first time to this remote region. The service spans multiple areas and trekking routes, benefiting local businesses and enhancing digital inclusion in the area. This marks a significant upgrade in telecommunications.
Konecta Egypt is set to serve markets across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas with a $100 million investment. The company plans to hire 3,000 specialists over three years and offer advanced digital services such as AI solutions, digital transformation, and multilingual customer support from New Cairo.
The interim government in Bangladesh plans to raise the supplementary duty on mobile phone services from 20% to 23%. This increase will raise taxes on recharges, leaving users with less usable balance. The move has sparked concerns about its impact on internet usage and the country’s ICT progress.
Algerie Télécom is optimizing its BaridiMob platform to enhance user experience following recent disruptions. The company has apologized for transaction delays and assured users that updates are aimed at improving service efficiency. A significant rise in user adoption underscores the need for these improvements to meet growing demand.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has mandated mobile operators to offer unlimited internet packages with data rollover and has restricted offerings between 12 AM and 6 AM. The move aims to enhance consumer satisfaction, support digital inclusion, and provide greater flexibility and affordability in internet services.
Bahrain’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has signed an agreement with Batelco to offer exclusive benefits to housing beneficiaries in 2025. The partnership aims to enhance services such as special rates for mobile, broadband, and devices, while providing dedicated support for housing projects.
Al-Futtaim has launched Blue AI, an innovative feature within the Blue Rewards app that enhances customer experience through personalized recommendations and seamless shopping. Initially available in the UAE, it will expand to eight regional markets, empowering users with tailored insights and a smarter, more convenient shopping journey.