Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority is actively dismantling illegal wireless networks to protect telecom stability, prevent interference, and safeguard user data, emphasizing strict enforcement and regulatory compliance.
The Thai Senate has appointed five members to the NBTC’s superboard oversight committee, representing broadcast, television, telecommunications, consumer protection, and rights promotion sectors. These appointments follow a rigorous vetting process to enhance NBTC governance and sectoral oversight.
Bangladesh’s government plans to establish a national fibre optic bank to centralize and monetize underutilized fibre assets from public agencies. This initiative aims to lower costs, improve internet speeds, enable nationwide 5G deployment, and enhance digital inclusion, while ensuring transparency and fair competition in the telecom sector.
Nigeria’s NCC has introduced mandatory licensing and centralized routing for A2P messaging to combat spam, enhance consumer protection, and secure telecom revenues. The new framework imposes operational requirements and supports national goals for digital sovereignty and cybersecurity.
Sri Lanka is developing a hybrid cloud infrastructure combining local sovereign and global public cloud services to support its digital identity program and broader data governance. The National Data Exchange and digital credentialing systems complement this infrastructure as the country targets rapid digital economic growth driven by AI and cloud technologies.
Pakistan has taken a major step in regulating its digital assets ecosystem by establishing the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA). This new independent body will license and oversee virtual asset providers, enforce AML protocols, and align with global standards. The move reflects Pakistan’s ambitions to become a South Asian digital assets hub following recent crypto policy developments.
Oman’s TRA has intensified field inspections against illegal wireless networks redistributing internet without licenses, citing risks to network security, service quality, and user data. The authority is enforcing legal actions and equipment removals, urging compliance to protect the telecommunications ecosystem.
Algeria’s government convened to accelerate flagship projects including Gara Djebilet mining and railway, digital infrastructure expansion, university service improvements, and enhanced summer transport logistics, reflecting strategic goals for industrial sovereignty, digital transformation, and citizen well-being.
Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction is delayed due to PTCL’s incomplete submissions for its Telenor acquisition, stalling regulatory approval by the Competition Commission. Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja confirmed the independent regulatory process as the main bottleneck amid merger uncertainties.
Bahrain’s Central Bank has introduced a comprehensive stablecoin regulatory framework mandating licensed issuance, full fiat backing with a 1:1 reserve ratio, and robust governance measures. The rules aim to ensure legal clarity, consumer protection, and financial stability, reinforcing Bahrain’s leadership in regulated digital assets and fintech innovation.