Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Algeria and Mauritania have signed a cooperation agreement focused on personal data protection, aiming to enhance data privacy and foster collaboration between their respective data protection authorities. The agreement, signed in Algiers, reflects both nations’ commitment to uphold citizens’ rights while advancing their data protection frameworks.
The TDRA will showcase innovative technologies at GITEX Global 2024, highlighting the UAE’s digital transformation and sustainable solutions. Visitors will explore advanced communication systems like 6G, AI-powered solutions, and smart city initiatives, all aimed at achieving the UAE’s “We the UAE 2031” vision.
Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology signed agreements with Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, and e& Egypt for the second phase of 5G licences. These agreements aim to enhance 5G services, improve network performance, and support sectors like smart cities, healthcare, and logistics.
The UAE Cabinet has established the Supreme Space Council, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, to oversee space sector policies and strategies. The council will focus on developing national priorities, enhancing space security, and fostering international partnerships to advance the UAE’s space ambitions.
Oman’s Telecom Regulation Authority (TRA) has revealed that 86% of children use the Internet, with initiatives being implemented to protect them from online threats. These include parental control features and partnerships with UNICEF. A proposed law will further regulate children’s Internet usage.
Kuwait has pre-qualified four companies, including Batelco, e&, Brookfield Corp, and TIM Group, to bid on a project aimed at developing its fixed telecommunication network. The 50-year partnership will be between the government and the private sector.
Air Vice Marshal Bandula Herath (Retd; Sri Lanka Air Force) has been appointed as the new Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka. He brings extensive experience in strategic management, leadership, and problem-solving to guide the TRCSL’s future action plans.
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) is conducting a detailed Phase II Merger Review of PTCL’s acquisition of Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers. The review focuses on competitive dynamics, market power concentration, and potential industry impacts, with all stakeholders presenting their perspectives during the hearings.
Mobile operators have underperformed in the latest service quality assessment by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), corroborating user complaints. The drive tests highlighted failures in key performance indicators, with operators struggling to meet standards for call drop rates and setup times, emphasizing the need for improvement in service quality.
The 74th ICT Governance Committee meeting in Bahrain, chaired by Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, reviewed significant digital initiatives, including a virtual court project, an EV charger payment app, and an animal registration system. Bahrain also celebrated its ranking of 18th in the UN’s eGovernment Development report 2024.