Samadhan Services has made strides toward becoming a licensed Payment Service Provider in Bangladesh after securing the No Objection Certificate from Bangladesh Bank. The company must now meet regulatory conditions to enter the market, joining other digital wallet providers in the growing fintech industry.
PMI and ITU have signed an agreement to enhance project governance, implementation, and skill development in ITU’s global initiatives. This partnership focuses on addressing Africa’s connectivity gaps, aligning PMI’s project management expertise with ITU’s mission to promote digital inclusion and bridge connectivity challenges in underserved regions.
Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce has launched a campaign to regulate e-commerce businesses, requiring registration of e-store links, secure payment methods, clear return policies, and timely deliveries. Non-compliance will lead to legal consequences, aiming to protect consumers, promote fair competition, and boost the country’s digital economy.
The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, held a meeting to discuss the Personal Data Protection Bill, Starlink operations, and telecom companies’ revenues. The Committee also reviewed the performance of the Telecom Foundation and its future direction in line with government policies.
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.
