Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Ericsson is expanding its antenna manufacturing in India, aiming to localize 100% of passive antenna production by June 2025. This strategic move will support India’s 5G rollout, accelerate time to market, and strengthen Ericsson’s position in the global supply chain, with significant export opportunities alongside domestic demand.
MTN has officially exited Afghanistan, transferring its stake to M1 Group, which will now operate the company under the brand name ATOMA. The handover ceremony marked the completion of MTN’s strategic shift to focus on African markets, with ATOMA pledging to improve network services and user experience in Afghanistan.
KAFD and Huawei have launched Saudi Arabia’s first Smart WiFi-7 service, enhancing connectivity across the King Abdullah Financial District. This partnership aims to advance the district’s position as a global smart city, providing fast, reliable internet and personalized digital services to residents, visitors, and businesses.
Pakistan plans to expand its fiber-optic network, aiming to connect 7.5 million households and achieve 80% FTTS coverage within five years. This effort is part of the National Fiberization Policy under the Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP), focusing on boosting broadband speeds and preparing for emerging technologies like 5G and IoT.
Iraq’s iDATA platform, supported by the UNDP Accelerator Lab, is transforming data access and usage across key sectors. It aggregates government and World Bank data into interactive dashboards, empowering policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs. The platform aims to address challenges like youth unemployment and education reform while fostering sustainable development.
The Bangladesh government expects mobile operators to reduce internet prices soon after wholesale price cuts at key distribution layers. Policy support and infrastructure improvements, including access to Dark Fiber and DWDM, aim to lower costs for consumers. Mobile operators are urged to pass on these benefits to ease inflationary pressures.
Zain Kuwait has earned the ISO 37301:2021 certification, marking a significant achievement as one of the first regional mobile operators to meet the standard for Compliance Management Systems. This reinforces Zain’s commitment to regulatory adherence, integrity, and its leadership in ISO certifications in the telecom sector.
Khazna Data Centers is expanding its UAE footprint with two new facilities in Abu Dhabi—AUH4 in Mafraq and AUH8 in Masdar City. These facilities, alongside QAJ1 in Ajman, will serve the growing demand for AI and cloud services in the UAE. The centers, built to LEED Gold standards, will support cutting-edge AI workloads and digital transformation goals.
MTN has officially transferred its Afghanistan operations to M1 New Ventures, a Lebanon-based investment firm, which will now operate under the brand ATOMA. The transition, completed under the Taliban’s regulatory framework, includes an auction for 48 megahertz of spectrum, generating around $100 million in leasing agreements.
Africa has the lowest internet usage rate globally, with only 38% of the population online in 2024, far below the global average. High costs, limited digital skills, and poor infrastructure, especially in rural areas, hinder access. The ITU urges stronger policies and investment to address digital inequalities and improve connectivity.