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 has retained its ITU G5 regulator status with a score of 75.77 in the 2025 benchmark, reflecting progress in regulatory reform, spectrum management, and digital policy alignment. The achievement strengthens the country’s standing in international telecom forums and signals continued advancement toward higher regulatory maturity.
Oman’s telecom regulator has urged operators to diversify beyond traditional services, highlighting IoT growth, automation, and digital infrastructure as key drivers of future revenue. The move reflects a broader shift toward innovation-led growth, improved service quality, and expanded digital ecosystems across the sector.
Sri Lanka’s TRCSL is accelerating 4G expansion through its ‘Communication to the Village’ project, introducing enhanced reimbursement support to speed up tower deployment in underserved areas. The initiative aims to improve rural connectivity, expand digital inclusion, and strengthen nationwide telecom infrastructure.
Ghana’s NCA has introduced stricter quality of service rules for mobile operators, including tighter dropped call limits, minimum data speed requirements, and mandatory coverage standards. The updated regulations aim to improve service reliability and align performance benchmarks with modern usage and digital transformation goals.
Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications has launched sustainability initiatives aligned with the UN Sustainable Transport Decade, focusing on emissions reduction, ESG integration, and sustainable mobility innovation to support the Kingdom’s carbon neutrality and development goals.
Bangladesh’s government has directed the allocation of 700 MHz spectrum to state-owned Teletalk despite significant outstanding dues, raising regulatory concerns while potentially strengthening rural coverage and future 4G and 5G expansion through access to low-band spectrum.
Bahrain has launched its National Aviation Strategy (2026–2027) to strengthen its aviation sector, expand air connectivity, and enhance infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. The initiative aims to position Bahrain as a regional aviation and logistics hub while supporting economic diversification and job creation under Economic Vision 2030.
Egypt has introduced a new telecom spectrum strategy backed by a $3.5 billion frequency deal, expanding capacity and strengthening 5G readiness. The initiative aims to improve service quality, support digital transformation, and position Egypt as a regional communications hub while meeting rising demand for data and advanced digital services.
Pakistan’s telecom committee has recommended amendments to simplify Right of Way access and bring NTC under the SOEs framework, aiming to accelerate telecom infrastructure deployment and strengthen governance. The proposed changes introduce approval timelines, dispute resolution mechanisms, and regulatory reforms to support digital connectivity expansion.
NADRA has launched a mobile registration drive in Ras Al Khaimah to provide identification services for overseas Pakistanis, enabling document applications, renewals, and corrections. The initiative supports digital service delivery through mobile teams and online platforms, improving accessibility and streamlining identity verification processes for citizens abroad.