Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Sri Lanka has entered its public 5G phase with commercial launches by Dialog Axiata and SLT-Mobitel. The rollout includes hundreds of live sites, supports advanced use cases such as AR, VR, and real-time gaming, and strengthens the country’s digital infrastructure for next-generation services.
Engro has secured $475 million in one of Pakistan’s largest Shariah-compliant financings to acquire Deodar and over 10,000 telecom towers. The deal strengthens shared telecom infrastructure, supports cost efficiency, and aligns with Pakistan’s push for digital connectivity and Islamic finance-led growth.
Dialog Axiata has partnered with SpaceX to resell Starlink’s LEO satellite internet services in Sri Lanka, targeting enterprises and underserved communities. The collaboration complements Dialog’s terrestrial network, offering managed satellite connectivity with installation and maintenance to help bridge the country’s digital divide.
Amazon Web Services has launched Amazon Bedrock in Bahrain with iGA, enabling secure generative AI capabilities for government and private entities. Integrated into the government AWS cloud, the platform supports Arabic AI use cases, boosts operational efficiency, strengthens innovation, and reinforces Bahrain’s position as a regional leader in digital transformation.
Pakistan is nearing the launch of 5G services as the PTA finalizes preparations for a spectrum auction expected before Ramazan. With the Information Memorandum due shortly and the auction potentially scheduled for mid-February, the move is seen as a key milestone in advancing digital connectivity, innovation, and next-generation services across the country.
Nepal Telecom plans to build 4,965 Fiber Distribution Cabinets nationwide, expanding FTTH capacity to over 2.5 million lines. The project will extend fiber services to hundreds of local bodies, supporting broadband growth through NTC’s NT Fiber triple-play offering.
Nepal Telecom has expanded 4G and 2G services across multiple rural areas in Palpa district, improving access to voice and mobile broadband. The rollout supports the operator’s nationwide connectivity drive, with 4G coverage now exceeding 98 percent and a target of full national coverage in the coming years.
TECOM Group has launched Phase 4 of Innovation Hub in Dubai Internet City, investing AED615 million to add 263,000 sq.ft. of Grade-A office space by 2028. The expansion follows full leasing in earlier phases and supports Dubai’s digital economy growth under national strategies like D33 and the UAE Digital Economy Strategy.
Algeria has officially launched 5G following months of testing and regulatory preparation. Backed by the government and three licensed operators, the rollout supports national priorities in AI, IoT, and digital industries, with the digital economy projected to contribute up to $13 billion to GDP by 2030.
Airtel Africa’s partnership with SpaceX will bring Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity to 174 million customers across 14 African markets. Launching in 2026, the service will extend mobile coverage to remote areas without terrestrial networks, supporting messaging and data services while advancing digital inclusion across the continent.