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 Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Oman has launched a public consultation to combat spam and scam messages, aiming to introduce new regulations for telecom providers. These regulations will help protect users from unwanted messages, ensuring better cybersecurity and reducing consumer complaints.
The 4th Digital Technology Forum, under the patronage of Eng. Abdullah Amer Al-Swaha, will take place on October 9th in Riyadh. Focusing on “Synergizing for a Sustainable Digital Future,” the event will explore tech investments, regulatory collaboration, and digital infrastructure, bringing together leaders and innovators to shape the future of technology.
Pakistan’s Ministry of IT has launched the Right of Way One-Window Operation, streamlining the process for telecom operators to obtain NOCs. This platform allows for electronic applications, real-time tracking, and online payments, accelerating fiber optic network rollout and contributing to the Digital Pakistan Vision.
NTRA and NTI have renewed their agreement to monitor electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from cell towers in Egypt. This initiative aims to ensure compliance with global safety standards, leveraging advanced technologies to measure radiation levels and support telecom infrastructure development.
Tunisia has enforced stricter regulations requiring telecom operators to deactivate unidentified SIM cards until they are linked to valid identification. These measures aim to enhance cybersecurity and combat financial fraud, ensuring proper subscriber identification and protecting users.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced stricter Quality of Service (QoS) regulations for telecom operators, setting new KPIs to improve service delivery. Amid industry concerns over financial challenges and load shedding, the NCC’s measures aim to enhance service quality while addressing broader industry issues like declining investment and rising operational costs.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has received proposals from international consultants for the 5G spectrum auction, expected to conclude by March 2025. However, concerns about the timing and infrastructure readiness for 5G persist among industry leaders, as Pakistan faces challenges like digital load-shedding and underutilized 4G services.
Ncell, a leading telecommunications provider in Nepal, has renewed its service operation license for five more years, paying the first installment of NPR 5 billion. The renewal process, approved by the Council of Ministers, allows Ncell to continue operations, with the remaining balance to be paid in installments with interest.
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) successfully recovered a Rs5 million penalty from Wateen Telecom after a prolonged legal battle. The penalty stemmed from an exclusive agreement between Wateen Telecom and DHA Lahore, which violated the Competition Act, 2010. The recovery was made under the CCP’s authority to enforce penalties on non-compliant entities.
The government has approved Ncell’s request to pay its license renewal fee in four annual installments of Rs5 billion each, with interest applied to the second, third, and fourth installments. This decision comes despite legal concerns raised by the Office of the Attorney General, which advised against the installment option.