Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Starlink has launched its corporate internet service in Bangladesh, with Eastern Bank and 20 other firms signing up. The world’s largest Starlink ground station in Gazipur will power the service, while Robi becomes the first reseller. High costs could restrict uptake, but the service promises to transform rural connectivity.
North Africa is rapidly embracing 5G, led by Tunisia’s pioneering launch and Egypt’s nationwide rollout in 2025. With Algeria and Morocco preparing deployments, the region is on track to accelerate digital transformation, attract investment, and drive socio-economic growth through innovation in smart cities, logistics, and digital services.
Vodafone Qatar will offer Apple’s iPhone 17 series, new Apple Watches, and AirPods Pro 3, with pre-orders opening on September 12 and availability starting September 19. Customers can purchase online or at major Doha malls, and will also receive a two-year extended local warranty on eligible Apple devices.
Absa Group has expanded its partnership with AWS to accelerate cloud adoption, positioning itself as a cloud-native bank delivering secure, agile, and personalized services. The collaboration will modernize infrastructure, boost innovation, and extend community impact through initiatives like Women in Tech, which will provide AWS training to 150 women across five African countries.
Oman Lens has signed agreements to launch a satellite in 2026, equipped with 50 cm high-resolution imaging, multispectral sensors, and an AI platform capable of 400 trillion operations per second. The project supports Oman’s AI-driven digital future and strengthens the GCC’s regional technology capabilities.
Knetco has been named the main partner for Huawei’s 5G Advanced deployment in Kuwait. The project will power smart cities, AI-driven industries, and advanced digital services, while showcasing Kuwait’s readiness to adopt next-generation connectivity and strengthen its role in regional digital transformation.
Saudi Arabia’s telecom providers are shifting their focus from infrastructure and pricing to customer experience. A New Metrics survey shows service quality, reliability, and trust as key loyalty drivers, while poor coverage and pricing trigger churn. Seamless integration of digital and physical channels will define future market leadership.
Starlink has installed four gateways in Bangladesh—in Gazipur, Rajshahi, and Jashore—marking a major step in its local rollout. Working with partners like Robi and BSCL, the company aims to serve both enterprise and rural markets, targeting critical sectors and bridging connectivity gaps with high-speed satellite internet.
The launch of 5G across North Africa in 2025 marks a turning point in digital transformation. Tunisia and Egypt’s early rollouts showcased major speed gains, while Algeria and Morocco prepare for rapid adoption. With infrastructure partnerships and policy support, 5G is set to boost competitiveness, innovation, and economic growth in the region.
AFR-IX Telecom has adopted VC4’s Service2Create to centralize and automate management of its Pan-African telecom backbone. The partnership enhances efficiency, transparency, and scalability, while supporting AFR-IX’s expansion projects like the Medusa Submarine Cable and Barcelona CLS. The move strengthens Africa’s position in global connectivity and digital transformation.