Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Bangladesh’s telecom regulator, BTRC, will host a public hearing on November 25 to collect consumer and stakeholder feedback on telecom service quality and regulatory performance. Participants must register by November 19. Common issues include call drops, slow mobile data, poor broadband, and registration problems. The hearing aims to shape future regulatory actions and improve operator accountability.
Nigeria’s NCC is intensifying efforts to eliminate pre-registered SIM cards, warning that they pose serious cybersecurity risks by enabling fraud and identity-related crime. Despite previous clean-up campaigns, illegal SIM sales continue due to informal resellers. The regulator will increase field inspections, penalise operators, and work closely with security agencies and NIMC to enforce stricter compliance and combat call masking and interconnect fraud.
Egypt has approved IoT services for smart vehicles, enabling automakers to offer connected features such as navigation, diagnostics, and emergency assistance. The move supports Egypt’s smart transport goals, strengthens its automotive industry strategy, and accelerates digital transformation through safer, more efficient and technology-driven mobility.
Iran engaged regional regulators at SATRC-26 to advance digital cooperation, align on emerging ICT policies, and strengthen spectrum, connectivity, and innovation frameworks across South Asia.
Qatar’s CRA has introduced updated regulations for radio communications sites, merging previous frameworks into one guideline to boost 5G rollout, promote infrastructure sharing, and ensure safety compliance in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
The UAE’s TDRA has launched a national 6G initiative to build a next-generation connectivity roadmap integrating AI, quantum computing, and satellite networks. The effort will establish research programs, global partnerships, and standards to position the UAE as a 6G innovation leader.
Morocco’s Y Combinator–backed startup Chari has secured new funding from Egypt’s DisrupTech Ventures to expand its fintech-driven retail network. The investment strengthens Chari’s goal of turning local stores into financial hubs across Africa, accelerating digital inclusion and economic growth.
Qatar’s CRA has launched a unified regulatory framework for mobile network site construction and sharing, streamlining approvals, mandating infrastructure sharing, and enhancing safety standards to accelerate 5G deployment and sustainable digital infrastructure.
The Competition Commission of Pakistan has recovered Rs772 million in fines from LDI operators penalized for forming a cartel under the International Clearing House arrangement. The CCP said it will continue enforcement despite pending Supreme Court appeals.
Algeria’s government has approved a draft law on digital identity and trust services, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation journey. The legislation, approved under the chairmanship of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, establishes a comprehensive legal framework to regulate secure and trusted digital transactions for individuals and businesses.