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 will hold separate 5G spectrum auctions for Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK after the national rollout. PTA favours free spectrum allocation in these regions to boost infrastructure investment, alongside reforms to remove right-of-way charges and streamline approvals.
PTA reaffirmed its commitment to fair tariffs and improved mobile services under the Mobile Tariff Regulations 2025. The regulator highlighted upcoming spectrum investment, strict consent rules for value-added services and accessible complaint channels to protect consumer rights.
PTA has mandated telecom operators to bid on the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands in Pakistan’s upcoming 5G auction to ensure a practical nationwide rollout. The regulator will conduct a mock auction before bidding, with a USD 15 million bank guarantee required per operator.
A telecom customer has filed a Rs2 million lawsuit after Rs823 was deducted for a weekly package that was never activated. The Consumer Court has issued notice to the company amid rising complaints over failed activations, balance deductions, and weak customer support on the associated fintech platform.
TRCSL is accelerating 4G expansion under the ‘Communication to the Village’ project, introducing new reimbursement guidelines to support rural tower construction and enhance nationwide digital connectivity.
The UAE Central Bank has approved AEC Wallet to enable AE Coin top-ups via cryptocurrency settlement, integrating regulated stablecoin payments into mainstream retail transactions and advancing the nation’s digital payments infrastructure.
CST has completed its Ramadan 1447 AH operational plan, expanding 5G coverage and deploying round-the-clock technical teams to ensure reliable digital services for pilgrims at the Two Holy Mosques.
Nigeria’s telecom regulator has set March 20 for stakeholder submissions on the revised National Telecommunications Policy, paving the way for a 2026 framework focused on spectrum management, broadband growth, sustainability, and emerging technologies.
Pakistan’s upcoming spectrum auction is expected to generate $300 to $700 million while accelerating 5G rollout, improving broadband speeds by 25 percent, expanding coverage, and strengthening fibre infrastructure nationwide.
PTA has opened public consultation on the proposed merger between Telenor Pakistan and Ufone’s parent PTML, following PTCL’s acquisition of Telenor Pakistan. The regulator will assess competition, spectrum concentration, and consumer impact before granting approvals required to complete the telecom sector consolidation.