Pakistan is preparing for a major spectrum auction to enhance its telecommunications infrastructure. The auction will release 567 MHz of spectrum to improve mobile broadband services, support 4G and 5G rollout, and boost the telecom sector’s growth. PTA and NERA are guiding the process, which aims to attract investment and drive economic development.
Tata Communications and Mobily have strengthened their partnership to enhance Mobily’s international roaming services, providing customers with seamless connectivity and advanced monitoring through RoamPulse. This collaboration aims to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and offer a superior roaming experience, while driving new revenue opportunities for Mobily.
Bangladesh’s Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is advancing the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR), which requires a triplet-based registration system linking IMEI, National ID, and SIM details. While aimed at curbing illegal handsets, concerns over the complexity of deregistration, especially for women and rural users, have been raised.
IceWarp has launched its advanced business communication platform in Sri Lanka, partnering with Fentons Information Technology. The platform offers scalable, secure alternatives to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, integrating AI-powered tools and enhanced support. This move strengthens IceWarp’s commitment to providing local enterprises with innovative communication solutions.
The global wireless industry achieved a historic milestone in 2024, reaching 2.25 billion 5G connections, with North America leading the way. 5G adoption continues to expand rapidly, with forecasts predicting 8.3 billion 5G connections by 2029. Meanwhile, IoT saw an exceptional surge, with 438 million new connections in 2024.
du reported its highest-ever financial performance in 2024, with revenue rising by 7.3% and net profit growing by 49.1%. The company’s success is attributed to strategic investments in 5G infrastructure, a shift towards ICT services, and a streamlined organizational structure. du is well-positioned for continued growth in the UAE.
e& PPF Telecom has acquired a 100% stake in Serbia Broadband (SBB) for EUR 825 million ($891 million), funded through secured debt. The acquisition expands e&’s footprint in Central and Eastern Europe, diversifying revenue sources, and will see the integration of SBB with its Serbian mobile subsidiary, Yettel.
Telecom companies in Pakistan have expressed frustration over being excluded from the government’s electricity tariff relief despite being granted industry status in 2004. They have also raised concerns about the tax regime and called for reforms, including tax relief for employees, a rollback of the Federal Excise Duty rate, and more equitable enforcement.
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority has warned against using signal boosters to access Indian mobile services, stating that it violates national telecom regulations. The authority emphasized that those caught using boosters for foreign services will face legal consequences, urging compliance with local telecom laws.
The Asia-Pacific telecommunications instruments market is expected to grow steadily, reaching 4.9 million units and $12.3 billion by 2035. Despite a decline in consumption and market value in 2024, key countries like China, India, and Japan continue to lead the market in both production and consumption, with long-term growth projections.
