The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has revoked the licences of 334 internet and telecommunications service providers for failing to renew their licences on time. The companies, including ISPs and call centres, were found non-compliant with BTRC’s rules, leading to licence cancellations and potential penalties for continued operations.
The 12th MEET ICT Conference and Bahrain International Technology Exhibition (BITEX) will focus on AI advancements, showcasing innovations in sectors such as cybersecurity, blockchain, and e-commerce. The event aims to foster business connections and explore investment opportunities, further supporting Bahrain’s ambition to lead in digital transformation.
Mawlawi Najibullah Hayat Haqqani, Acting Minister of Communications and Information Technology in Afghanistan, met with MTN Afghanistan officials to discuss the company’s operations, including SIM card registration and service quality. Minister Haqqani emphasized the need for regulatory compliance and continued sector support. MTN committed to improving services and investing in network development.
The Ministry of Transport has launched a project to regulate the taxi industry and update the framework for mobile apps and electronic mobility platforms. This initiative aims to ensure fair competition, combat issues like discrimination and ride refusal, and protect consumers’ purchasing power. A new app will guarantee transparent rates by mid-2025.
Nepal’s government has revoked the license of Hello Nepal (Nepal Satellite Telecom Pvt Ltd) due to the company’s failure to settle outstanding dues. Despite being granted time to clear payments, including frequency charges and royalties, Hello Nepal did not meet the required deadlines, leading to the cancellation of its license.
Morocco’s 5G tender call has once again been postponed, delaying the country’s plans for 5G deployment. Originally planned for earlier this year, the tender has been delayed due to ongoing regulatory and technical challenges. This setback reflects the complexities Morocco faces in implementing its 5G infrastructure.
Bahrain’s real estate sector is being transformed by digital initiatives, highlighted at Cityscape Bahrain 2024. Mohammed Ali Al Qaed discussed the role of digital infrastructure in streamlining services and attracting investment, presenting platforms like Planning and Benayat, which offer eServices to simplify processes and enhance transparency in real estate transactions.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has requested an extension for the VPN registration deadline beyond November 30, 2024, due to concerns about the complexity of the process. The Interior Ministry previously mandated registration of unregistered VPNs to curb misuse, including accessing illegal content and ensuring compliance with security regulations.
Oman’s Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA) has introduced new guidelines to reduce the carbon footprint of postal services. These measures aim to cut emissions in packaging, transportation, and storage, promote sustainability, and offer long-term financial savings for postal companies. The guidelines will help preserve natural resources for future generations.
Bangladesh’s telecom consumers, entrepreneurs, and experts are calling for internet access to be recognized as a fundamental right in the country’s constitution. They also demand the inclusion of data privacy and protection clauses, highlighting the economic impact of internet shutdowns and the need for secure data handling in the digital age.
