Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Thailand’s NBTC will release 100MHz in the 4800MHz band for private 5G networks, enabling factories and enterprises to deploy non-profit networks free of charge. The move is designed to accelerate Thailand 4.0, supporting industrial IoT, robotics, and digital transformation, while keeping strict rules for commercial 5G use.
A consortium of PCCW Global, Sparkle, Telecom Egypt, and ZOI has launched the AAE-2 subsea cable project, linking Asia, Africa, and Europe via advanced subsea and terrestrial routes. The system will deliver unprecedented capacity, resilience, and scalability to meet global digital transformation and cloud connectivity demands.
Dhiraagu hosted the SEA-ME-WE 6 Global Consortium Meeting in the Maldives, where leading telecom providers reviewed progress on the submarine cable project linking Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Western Europe. The project will provide faster internet, strengthen Maldives’ digital infrastructure, and support broader regional economic growth.
Fintologya has secured $1 million in seed funding to scale its fintech infrastructure across the GCC. The Bahrain-based startup will expand operations, boost compliance, and enhance its product suite, positioning itself as a key enabler of secure, seamless, and innovative digital payment solutions in the region.
BNET has recorded a 99.63% success rate in delivering fibre-based home internet across Bahrain, driven by initiatives such as the One-Stop Shop, 24-hour appointment booking, and the Fast Track programme. The milestone reinforces Bahrain’s ambition to strengthen its digital infrastructure and position itself as a regional connectivity leader.
The UAE has launched a first-of-its-kind YouTube Academy in collaboration with Creators HQ to support emerging creators with tools, resources, and mentorship. The initiative aims to attract 10,000 influencers to the Emirates, building a content-driven economy and reinforcing the region’s role in the global creator ecosystem.
Kalaam Carrier Solutions has renewed its three-year partnership with Riedel Networks to enhance mission-critical connectivity for motorsport events and enterprises across MENA. Anchored by Bahrain’s KNOT cable system, the partnership will expand infrastructure, interconnection points, and digital services for industries and broadcasters.
Ericsson and Zain Bahrain have signed an agreement to expand mobile broadband capacity with advanced RAN products, boosting 4G and 5G performance. The partnership strengthens digital infrastructure in Bahrain, enhancing connectivity, spectrum use, and customer experience across the Kingdom.
Algeria’s Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has commissioned 17,000 new FTTH lines and activated three new Mobilis stations in Masila, with 28,000 more fiber lines and 10 additional stations underway. The rollout strengthens digital connectivity and supports Algeria’s wider digital transformation goals.
Space42 and Viasat have announced Equatys, a joint venture to provide global Direct-to-Device satellite services via a 3GPP NTN-compliant 5G platform. Using a shared multi-orbit infrastructure model, Equatys aims to deliver cost-efficient, universal connectivity to billions of smartphones and IoT devices within three years.