Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
TRAI has introduced stricter rules to curb spam calls and messages, imposing fines ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh on telecom operators for misreporting spam counts. The new regulations require operators to monitor call patterns and flag potential spammers in real time to ensure compliance.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) in Oman plans extensive field visits in 2025 to assess key performance indicators in telecommunications. These visits will cover various locations, including tourist destinations, highways, and airports. Results will be published online to ensure transparency and improve telecom services in the country.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Pakistan’s Minister of IT and Telecom, emphasized the need for ethical AI, data privacy, and global cooperation at Leap 2025 in Riyadh. She discussed Pakistan’s commitment to ethical AI governance, highlighted the importance of bridging the digital divide, and presented the “Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2024.”
The PTA has proposed the installation of express feeders to resolve Karachi’s telecom network issues caused by power outages. Despite backup power systems, network downtime persists in key districts. The PTA’s survey reveals improvements in call completion rates and 4G data speeds, with ongoing efforts to stabilize network infrastructure.
Bahrain’s revamped eKey 2.0 app, developed with Beyon Connect, achieved 13,000 registrations on its first day. The app provides secure digital ID authentication for government and private sector services, with features like password-less login, facial recognition, and user-controlled data sharing, supporting Bahrain’s digital transformation initiatives.
In 2024, Bahrain’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) conducted 148 inspections and reviewed over 11,400 telecom device import applications. Violations related to imports decreased significantly, reflecting improved compliance. TRA emphasized the importance of licensing and adhering to technical regulations to prevent interference and ensure optimal use of the frequency spectrum.
The Oman Shura Council has referred the Telecommunications and IT Regulation Law to the State Council for further review, aiming to modernize the sector’s regulatory framework. The session also saw approvals for maritime transport agreements and initiatives for World Heritage site development and enhanced personal communication channels.
Algeria has launched a national campaign to protect children from online dangers, focusing on safe internet practices. The initiative, involving multiple government bodies and organizations, aims to raise awareness about cyberbullying, online predators, and excessive gaming. The campaign promotes digital literacy, responsible internet use, and cybersecurity.
In 2024, Bahrain’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) conducted 148 inspections and reviewed 11,423 import license applications. Violations related to telecommunications imports dropped, reflecting improved compliance. The TRA’s proactive inspections, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, ensure adherence to technical regulations, preventing interference and supporting Bahrain’s telecom infrastructure.
Bahrain’s iGA, in collaboration with Beyon Connect, has launched eKey 2.0, a biometric authentication system to streamline access to services. This upgrade enhances security, user experience, and data privacy while supporting Bahrain’s digital transformation goals under Economic Vision 2030, providing benefits across various sectors including banking, telecommunications, and healthcare.