Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
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.
Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has launched a new electronic licensing management system to streamline the application process for telecom services. Users can now submit and track applications online, enhancing cooperation among regulatory bodies.
Kuwait’s CITRA reported an internet disruption due to an outage in the “Falcon” submarine cable owned by GCX. The authority is coordinating with GCX and local ISPs to repair the issue and reroute traffic through alternative cables to maintain service.
Egypt’s ICT Minister, Amr Talaat, outlined the ministry’s plans for digital transformation, focusing on electronics manufacturing, telecom infrastructure, and legislative reforms. Key laws include data classification and a national property ID system. Efforts are also underway to expand mobile coverage and modernize post offices.
Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority held a productive session in Muscat, discussing advances in telecom services, including upgrading from 3G to 4G/5G, combating cyber fraud, and promoting children’s online safety. This session aims to elevate service quality and foster robust stakeholder engagement within the sector.