The Kuwait Municipality issued warnings to 34 housing properties and citations to 12 for illegally placing communication towers on rooftops. Despite warnings, the municipality removed encroachments from state property. Concerns regarding health risks from the proximity of towers to residential areas were referred to the Ministry of Health for further consultation.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has canceled the licenses of seven PSTN operators due to non-renewal. Companies like Tele Barta, Ranks Telecom, and National Telecom were affected. This leaves Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited as the sole national PSTN operator, with a few regional operators still active.
Sri Lanka’s Telecommunications Regulatory Commission has implemented a policy requiring all mobile phones to be registered by January 28, 2024, to improve security, prevent fraud, and stop illegal imports. Unregistered devices will be blocked from local networks, with exceptions for tourists and phones brought for personal use.
The PTA has urged consumers to register their mobile devices by paying taxes and duties to the FBR. This initiative, in collaboration with the FBR, aims to regulate mobile devices, combat smuggling, and ensure secure, compliant mobile services in Pakistan. Consumers are encouraged to buy PTA-approved devices.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is reforming the country’s telecom licensing framework to reduce costs, enhance competition, and improve consumer interests. The proposed changes include simplifying network structures, improving broadband services, and adopting green technologies. The BTRC aims to submit its proposals to the government by March.
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) is expected to announce its decision on PTCL’s acquisition of Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers soon. The Phase-II review is nearing completion, focusing on concerns over competition and market dominance. The decision will address potential remedies to mitigate negative effects on the market.
Starting February 7, Morocco’s ANRT will evaluate the internet service quality provided by Maroc Telecom, Inwi, and Orange. Volunteers will have quality measurement equipment installed in their homes to assess latency, speed, and other indicators. The campaign aims to ensure compliance with international standards and improve service quality.
Pakistan is set to launch 5G services in June 2025, following a detailed rollout schedule presented by the Ministry of IT and Telecom. The plan includes spectrum auctions and policy reforms leading up to the service launch. This marks a key step in Pakistan’s digital transformation.
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) ordered the NTMC and BTRC to preserve data from the August mass-uprising period and instructed telecom operators to assist in the investigation. The tribunal also addressed a media report on a non-existent order regarding wealth statements, calling for an explanation from the reporter.
Philip Marnick, General Director of Bahrain’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), addressed the Rotary Club of Manama on January 16, 2025. He discussed the TRA’s initiatives to boost investment and innovation in Bahrain’s telecom sector, highlighting the country’s competitive position compared to other GCC nations.
