Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Sudan’s National Telecommunications Corporation (NTC), in partnership with Sudatel and NGOs, is working to restore telecom services for relief workers amidst the ongoing conflict. This collaboration aims to improve communication for aid workers assisting those affected by war, disease, and famine, while addressing importation and clearance delays of telecom equipment.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched a registration system for freelancers in the IT sector to register their VPNs using mobile numbers. This move aims to facilitate secure and uninterrupted VPN use, ensuring the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy. Over 31,000 VPNs have already been registered.
Minister Gurung pushes for faster deployment of rural connectivity initiatives and the expansion of 4G and 5G services in Nepal. He emphasizes institutional cooperation and regulatory reforms, while urging the completion of pending projects to advance the Digital Nepal campaign.
Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction will be held in April 2025, with the government addressing IT infrastructure issues. Amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act are under review. The PTA also plans to introduce VPN licensing from January 2025. Industry leaders emphasize the importance of a stable, fast internet.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has revoked the licences of 334 internet and telecommunications service providers for failing to renew their licences on time. The companies, including ISPs and call centres, were found non-compliant with BTRC’s rules, leading to licence cancellations and potential penalties for continued operations.
The 12th MEET ICT Conference and Bahrain International Technology Exhibition (BITEX) will focus on AI advancements, showcasing innovations in sectors such as cybersecurity, blockchain, and e-commerce. The event aims to foster business connections and explore investment opportunities, further supporting Bahrain’s ambition to lead in digital transformation.
Mawlawi Najibullah Hayat Haqqani, Acting Minister of Communications and Information Technology in Afghanistan, met with MTN Afghanistan officials to discuss the company’s operations, including SIM card registration and service quality. Minister Haqqani emphasized the need for regulatory compliance and continued sector support. MTN committed to improving services and investing in network development.
The Ministry of Transport has launched a project to regulate the taxi industry and update the framework for mobile apps and electronic mobility platforms. This initiative aims to ensure fair competition, combat issues like discrimination and ride refusal, and protect consumers’ purchasing power. A new app will guarantee transparent rates by mid-2025.
Nepal’s government has revoked the license of Hello Nepal (Nepal Satellite Telecom Pvt Ltd) due to the company’s failure to settle outstanding dues. Despite being granted time to clear payments, including frequency charges and royalties, Hello Nepal did not meet the required deadlines, leading to the cancellation of its license.
Morocco’s 5G tender call has once again been postponed, delaying the country’s plans for 5G deployment. Originally planned for earlier this year, the tender has been delayed due to ongoing regulatory and technical challenges. This setback reflects the complexities Morocco faces in implementing its 5G infrastructure.