Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
PTML has acquired additional spectrum to strengthen its network capacity and prepare for future 5G services in Pakistan. The move is expected to enhance mobile connectivity, improve data speeds and support the country’s broader digital transformation and digital economy growth.
Morocco saw a sharp decline in traditional mobile communication in 2025, with voice calls falling 12.55% and SMS dropping 16.46% as users shifted to messaging apps. Meanwhile, mobile subscriptions, internet users and 5G adoption continued to grow, reflecting increasing demand for data services.
Bangladesh has launched Starlink satellite internet on moving trains for the first time on a trial basis. The service is currently available free on three trains and allows passengers to access Wi-Fi by scanning a QR code. Authorities plan to expand the service nationwide if the pilot proves successful.
The expansion of 5G infrastructure is expected to strengthen Algeria’s digital economy by improving connectivity, enabling business digitalisation, and supporting the development of advanced digital services.
In November 2025, reports indicated that work on the Red Sea segment of the 2Africa system had already been temporarily halted due to permitting challenges and attacks on vessels by Iran-backed Houthi forces. The Google-backed Blue-Raman cable project was also reported to have paused work in the region under similar circumstances.
HFCL Senior Vice President Bhuvnesh Sachdeva noted that the decision demonstrates strong operator confidence in the IO platform, adding that real-world deployment within an operational network provides valuable validation for telecom operators and enterprise customers across the region.
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.