Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Meta’s 2Africa subsea cable project has been paused in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea due to regional military conflicts. ASN has halted operations citing high risks to vessels, leaving key segments unconnected. The delay threatens to slow digital expansion across Africa, highlighting the vulnerability of critical global internet infrastructure during geopolitical crises.
Ufone 4G’s parent company, PTML, acquired 180 MHz of 5G spectrum for $156.75 million in Pakistan’s latest auction. The allocation covers the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands, providing the capacity needed for urban 5G rollout. This infrastructure will support Ufone, Onic, and Telenor subscribers, facilitating a nationwide shift toward ultra-fast mobile broadband and low-latency digital services.
Vodacom South Africa has debuted “SuperUpload,” a 5G-Advanced feature reaching 254 Mbps uplink speeds. The technology uses dual-channel data transmission to provide fiber-like upload performance on mobile devices. This African milestone targets the growing demand for stable, high-speed connectivity in video conferencing, cloud gaming, and professional file sharing.
Pakistan is set to launch 5G pilot projects next week in major cities after raising $510 million in a spectrum auction. The initiative, confirmed by IT Minister Shaza Fatima, aims to boost internet speeds from 4 Mbps to 20 Mbps, with full commercial rollout in provincial capitals expected mid-2026.
Pakistan raised $510 million through its landmark 5G spectrum auction in the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands. With the assignment stage complete, telecom operators will begin pilot services next week. The initiative aims to triple network capacity and significantly increase national internet speeds, accelerating the “Digital Pakistan” vision.
The project is expected to be fully operational by June 2026. This development follows the PTA’s recent focus on regional connectivity, including the waiving of “Right of Way” charges in AJK to accelerate infrastructure deployment. For residents and the millions of tourists who visit these regions annually, this leap from 4G to 5G represents a significant upgrade in communication reliability and speed.
Ooredoo Algeria has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first operator to provide 5G coverage across all 58 provinces. This nationwide rollout facilitates Algeria’s digital transformation, offering high-speed internet and low latency to millions. Existing 4G users can easily activate the service via the app without changing SIM cards.
Zong has successfully acquired 5G spectrum, doubling down on its commitment to a “Digital Pakistan.” The company will leverage its 17,000+ sites and new AI-ready cloud platforms to drive industrial modernization and high-speed consumer connectivity. The rollout will also see immediate improvements to 4G quality across its 44 million data users.
Amber IT is deploying 500 Wi-Fi zones across Bangladesh in 2026, offering free access to its subscribers and low-cost coupons for others. Partnering with small businesses like tea stalls for hosting, the project aims to support students and freelancers while enhancing digital inclusion in both urban and rural public spaces.
Algeria is undergoing scheduled maintenance on the critical SMW4 submarine cable on March 10-11, 2026. Aimed at the power supply system, the work may cause temporary internet disruptions between Annaba and Palermo. Authorities have activated alternative routes to ensure service continuity and emphasize the intervention’s role in long-term network reliability.