Pakistan is enhancing its digital infrastructure with 26.5 Tbps of international connectivity through five submarine cable projects. Additionally, proposals are underway to expand satellite-based internet services, and the government is working on improving network security to optimize internet performance and reduce slowdowns caused by VPNs and DDoS attacks.
The Middle East smartphone market experienced strong growth in 2024, with a 14% increase in shipments driven by rising demand for premium devices. However, growth slowed in Q4, reflecting macroeconomic challenges. Looking ahead, brands will face challenges as consumer behavior shifts towards longer replacement cycles and cautious spending.
Algeria and Slovenia have initiated a space cooperation framework, with SkyLabs identified as a strategic partner for satellite technology. Bilateral meetings, led by the Slovenian Space Office, focused on collaboration in satellite constellations. The partnership will soon be formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost both countries’ space programs.
Orange Jordan has upgraded its Broadband Network Gateway using Nokia’s 7750 Service Router across 76 sites in the country. The enhancement supports high-speed internet, IPTV, and personalized services, while also optimizing energy consumption. This upgrade helps meet growing demands and aligns with the company’s sustainability and efficiency goals.
AITA has partnered with SKYFive Arabia to provide high-speed in-flight connectivity to Egyptian airlines using advanced air-to-ground (A2G) technology. This collaboration will enhance passenger and crew connectivity on international routes, starting with Egypt-Saudi Arabia by 2025. The A2G network will benefit over 25 million passengers annually.
Etihad Salam Telecom and EdgeNext have partnered at LEAP 2025 to enhance telecommunications in Saudi Arabia. The collaboration includes co-locating servers, procuring high-speed internet services, and facilitating a peering connection with the Saudi Internet Exchange, aiming to improve content delivery and network efficiency in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
Elon Musk expressed excitement about launching Starlink in Bangladesh following a meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Prof. Muhammad Yunus. The discussions focused on how Starlink could improve connectivity for youth, rural areas, and underserved communities. Musk also accepted an invitation to visit Bangladesh for the potential launch.
Batelco by Beyon has launched ‘One Plan’ in Bahrain, allowing customers to combine up to five postpaid mobile lines and one fibre Internet line into a single plan with one unified bill. This first-of-its-kind product aims to simplify mobile and home connectivity, providing exceptional value for money.
stc Group and Huawei have launched the region’s first AI-driven 5G network software to enhance connectivity for the gaming and esports industries. The Intelligent Personalized Experience (IPE) 5G-Advanced solution optimizes key network metrics like bandwidth, delay, and jitter in real-time, providing high-quality, uninterrupted gaming experiences for users worldwide.
Tunisia’s major telecom operators, Orange Tunisia, Ooredoo Tunisia, and Tunisie Telecom, have all launched 5G services following the receipt of their licenses. The services promise faster speeds, enhanced connectivity, and greater coverage, contributing to the country’s digital transformation and future telecom infrastructure.
