Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
BSNL and Viasat are modernising the Indian Navy’s satellite communications by integrating Ka-band systems with existing L-band infrastructure. The move introduces a multi-band, multi-constellation architecture, improving coverage, throughput, and resilience for mission-critical naval operations using BSNL’s ground facilities and Viasat’s global satellite network.
Batelco and Qareeb are launching Bahrain’s first edge data centre at Beyon’s Data Oasis, delivering sovereign, low-latency and AI-ready colocation for enterprises and cloud providers across the GCC. The facility strengthens Bahrain’s position as a regional digital infrastructure hub.
NTT Data, Sumitomo, and JA Mitsui Leasing have formed a new joint venture to build the 8,100-km Intra-Asia Marine Cable linking Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. The US$1 billion system will use advanced WSS and SDM technologies to deliver 320 Tbps capacity and enhance regional digital resilience.
Starlink has made its satellite internet service free for users in Iran amid protests and state-imposed internet blackouts. The move allows terminals to operate without payment, bypassing censorship and reinforcing Starlink’s growing role as a geopolitical tool enabling uncensored connectivity in authoritarian environments.
Nepal Telecom is migrating user data to a new SMSC system on January 13–14, which may temporarily disrupt SMS services overnight. The upgrade is intended to improve reliability, speed, and security of text messaging across the network, strengthening the core infrastructure that handles message storage and delivery nationwide.
Orange Jordan has expanded its fibre broadband network to Tafila and new areas in Aqaba, extending coverage to more than 1.1 million homes nationwide. The move supports growing demand for high-speed internet and follows a major core network upgrade, strengthening access to digital services across Jordan.
Safaricom Ethiopia has expanded its 4G network to Tepi, Aksum, Adwa, and Geja, bringing faster and more reliable mobile connectivity to more communities. The move strengthens digital access for residents and businesses, supporting communication, economic activity, and Ethiopia’s broader digital transformation ambitions.
Iraq is rapidly reshaping its telecom landscape through local interconnection and strategic fibre investments. With the launch of IRAQ-IXP powered by DE-CIX, domestic traffic is now exchanged locally, reducing latency and cost. Combined with new international routes, Iraq is positioning itself as a future regional connectivity hub.
Ooredoo Qatar has introduced an enterprise-grade eSIM solution for IoT devices, enabling remote activation, multi-network roaming, and global scalability across 600 networks. The platform simplifies device management, enhances security through GSMA-aligned standards, and supports large-scale deployments across sectors including logistics, healthcare, utilities, and smart cities.
Omantel has upgraded its mobile network to 5G Standalone, enabling advanced services such as Voice over 5G, enterprise network slicing, RedCap IoT, and ultra-low latency applications. The seamless transition strengthens Oman’s digital infrastructure and positions the operator to support next-generation consumer and industrial use cases.