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’s Web Monitoring System (WMS) remains fully operational, monitoring illegal websites and grey telephony traffic without affecting internet speed. Ahead of the March 10 5G auction, the system safeguards national cyber infrastructure while supporting telecom expansion and nationwide digital connectivity.
Egypt grants Mercedes-Benz Egypt IoT licences for vehicles, supporting digital transformation, road safety, and advanced connected services.
PTA has launched a WhatsApp-based Digital Assistant to help telecom consumers access information and file complaints more efficiently. The initiative aims to improve response times, enhance regulatory awareness, and strengthen digital consumer support services.
Kuwait has issued Decree Law No. 10/2026 establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital commerce. The law mandates registration with the Ministry of Commerce, enhances transparency requirements, and strengthens consumer rights, including a 14-day return policy, aligning the sector with global standards and Kuwait’s Vision 2035.
Egypt’s telecom regulator will introduce child-specific SIM cards with stricter controls on adult content, violent material, VPN use, and certain online games. The move forms part of a broader draft law establishing age ratings, parental safeguards, and regulatory standards to enhance online child protection while maintaining user freedoms.
Oman’s central bank has introduced formal regulations for Buy Now, Pay Later services, strengthening oversight of the growing instalment-based financing market while supporting responsible fintech innovation.
Sources further indicated that the firewall initiative falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of IT, adding to concerns due to the continued lack of official communication. Reports suggest the project may have faced technical challenges during integration with telecom infrastructure, potentially leading to financial losses and raising questions about whether the government may consider permanently shutting down the system ahead of the planned 5G spectrum auction.
Ambassador Al Nassr highlighted Qatar’s dedication to enhancing bilateral cooperation in line with the shared aspirations of both countries and their peoples.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has introduced the Mobile Tariff Regulations, 2025, requiring dominant operators to obtain prior approval before revising mobile tariffs. The move aims to protect consumers while ensuring market sustainability, alongside measures to improve service quality and prevent unauthorised billing practices.
The RIPE NCC is an independent, not-for-profit Regional Internet Registry serving Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia. It provides Internet number resources—including IPv4 and IPv6 address allocations and Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs)—and supports Internet infrastructure development from its headquarters in Amsterdam and regional office in Dubai.