Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) reported blocking around 1.3 million URLs due to “anti-Islam, indecent, and immoral” content. This action follows a petition to ban TikTok in the country, highlighting the platform’s failure to prevent blasphemous material. The PTA aims to enhance community guidelines compliance.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has confirmed that internet services in the country have been fully restored after resolving issues with the South East Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 4 (SMW4) and Asia-Africa-Europe 1 (AAE-1) submarine cables. This resolution eliminates the 1,750 Gbps shortfall, ensuring optimal internet performance.
Egypt’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (NTRA) has partnered with the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) to establish a digital platform for resolving telecom complaints more efficiently. The platform will feature an online complaint registration system and an automated process, improving response times and user awareness of rights and responsibilities.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is inviting public feedback on draft guidelines for Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Satellite Service Operators. The guidelines, available on BTRC’s website, aim to regulate satellite-based services in Bangladesh, with feedback due by 18 November. No licenses have yet been granted for NGSO services.
The TDRA held a ceremony to recognize participants in the Zero Government Bureaucracy (ZGB) Programme, aiming to enhance government service delivery efficiency in the UAE. The initiative has significantly reduced service turnaround times by 50-80% through innovative technologies, marking a milestone in the country’s digital transformation efforts.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has launched an auction for special numbers starting with 9, categorized as diamond and gold. The bidding process, conducted with Omantel and Ooredoo, follows strict regulations, with proceeds directed towards charitable causes as stipulated in Oman’s telecommunications laws.
The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology in Oman has closed registration for its ‘Governorate Ambassadors Initiative for Digital Transformation.’ The initiative aims to boost digital skills and services across the country, selecting 66 ambassadors for specialized training to enhance community engagement and foster a tech-savvy society.
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority has revoked the licenses of two internet service providers, C Data Communication and Life Net, due to non-compliance with operating terms and failure to initiate the renewal process, respectively. Both companies must also fulfill required payments within 30 days as directed by the NTA.
Bangladesh’s telecom regulator has fined Grameenphone, Robi Axiata, and Banglalink for violating promotional SMS regulations, each receiving a BDT 5 lakh penalty for exceeding the limit of three SMSs per day. The operators argue that these restrictions hinder effective communication with customers due to low SMS delivery rates.
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Qatar has introduced the Communications Consumer Protection Policy and Regulation, setting new standards for consumer rights in the telecommunications sector. This initiative enhances transparency and accountability among service providers, ensuring that consumer rights are safeguarded in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.