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.
du and Huawei have launched the Youth Digital Pioneers Program to equip young people in the UAE with cutting-edge digital skills. The program includes immersive training in technologies like 5G, cloud computing, and the Metaverse, preparing participants for future careers in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Vodafone Qatar has achieved a 4-star GSAS rating for its headquarters’ interior fitout in Lusail, marking a major sustainability milestone. The office features energy-efficient designs, smart LED lighting, sustainable sourcing practices, and air quality improvements, underscoring Vodafone Qatar’s commitment to environmental responsibility and supporting Qatar’s sustainability goals.
Forty-six deep-tech startups graduated from the KACST Venture Program in Riyadh, representing sectors like energy, healthcare, and renewables. The program, backed by the National Technology Development Program, supports emerging technologies and aims to transform research into marketable products. The new phase will involve partnerships with Saudi universities.
A new international data corridor linking Europe and the Gulf via Iraq has been launched by ITPC and CITRA, in collaboration with Zajil Telecom. The land-based route offers a faster, more reliable alternative to maritime services, providing quicker and secure data transmission from Kuwait to Europe.
Pakistan has joined the 2Africa Cable Project, which spans 45,000 km of undersea cables connecting 46 stations across 33 countries. The telecom sector saw significant growth, with a 17% revenue increase, while Pakistan’s global digital rankings improved. The country also advanced in mobile connectivity and cybersecurity efforts.
