Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistan plans to auction 600 MHz of new spectrum to improve mobile services and launch 5G for the first time. The government says limited spectrum availability has constrained digital growth and that the auction will unlock economic potential and support nationwide digitisation.
Morocco has cut import duties on mobile phones to 2.5 percent and introduced VAT exemptions on pasta and other essential goods under its 2026 Finance Law. The measures aim to ease consumer prices, support key sectors, and strengthen customs enforcement.
Kuwait has introduced a new mobile number portability framework allowing users to switch operators while keeping their numbers. The regulation promotes competition, strengthens consumer rights, and modernizes telecom operations under CITRA oversight.
Bangladesh rewrote its telecom policy in 2025, introducing new licensing rules, surveillance reforms, and satellite internet entry. While the reset addressed long-standing issues, concerns remain over foreign ownership caps, regulatory independence, and competitive balance.
PTA has started issuing district-level class licences for internet services to boost broadband access and local entrepreneurship. The 10-year licences come with defined fees and align with wider government efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure and advance Pakistan’s digital transformation agenda.
Pakistan’s telecom regulator has warned users to ensure SIM cards are registered in their own names, stressing accountability for misuse. The advisory follows extortion-related complaints in Karachi and aims to strengthen telecom security and regulatory compliance.
India’s Vodafone Idea faces a $71 million tax penalty over alleged short payment of GST, which the company plans to challenge legally. The order comes amid ongoing financial stress, with analysts warning that a recent AGR moratorium alone may not resolve its liquidity issues.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has approved the regulatory frameworks for four Special Economic Zones located in Jazan, the Cloud Computing Zone,…
Algeria’s government reviewed progress on its national social map and the Dzair Digital Services portal, focusing on accelerating digitisation, improving public service delivery, and strengthening data-driven governance as part of broader efforts to modernise state administration and expand citizen access to digital services.
Kuwait has introduced a new mobile number portability framework allowing users to switch operators within 12 hours while retaining their numbers. The rules aim to strengthen competition, protect consumer rights, and modernize telecom regulation.