Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Libya’s telecom operator Hatif Libya will gradually shut down outdated exchanges as part of a nationwide modernization plan. The programme includes new fibre networks, expanded 4G/5G coverage, cloud infrastructure, and automated systems, with fixed-line services shifting to LTT. The initiative supports Libya’s long-term goal of building a modern, sustainable digital infrastructure.
Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar have commercially released GSMA Open Gateway APIs, including Number Verification and SIM Swap, to provide standardized identity tools for developers and enterprises in Qatar to fight the rising tide of digital fraud.
Asiacell and Seamless Distribution Systems have expanded their 10-year partnership by deploying a next-generation Sales & Distribution platform to modernize Iraq’s telecom retail ecosystem. Announced at MWC Doha 2025, the new system unifies Asiacell’s nationwide retail network under a smart, data-driven framework that improves partner performance, enhances operational efficiency, and strengthens customer experience. Both companies say the upgrade marks a major milestone in Iraq’s digital and retail transformation.
Grameenphone has partnered with Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited to deliver Starlink satellite internet to enterprise clients across Bangladesh. The service is aimed at remote and hard-to-reach areas where traditional networks are limited, ensuring business continuity during outages or emergencies. Leaders from both organizations said the collaboration will strengthen the nation’s digital backbone and improve connectivity for critical operations.
This upgrade gives Pakistan a major capacity and resilience boost, improving latency, strengthening its role on the Asia-Europe digital corridor, and enabling faster growth across cloud, content and fintech ecosystems.
Asiacell has deployed Enea’s Data Traffic Management solution to improve subscriber experience and optimize network efficiency amid rising data usage in Iraq. The system enhances video streaming, boosts speeds, and provides real-time analytics for capacity planning, helping Asiacell deliver more reliable services and support innovative data plans across its nationwide 4G+ network.
Ooredoo will invest over $500 million to redesign international cable routes linking Iraq with Oman, Turkey, and Europe. The project aims to reduce latency, bypass vulnerable areas such as the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz, strengthen regional network resilience, and support Iraq’s digital transformation across key sectors including education, e-commerce, and finance.
Touch has boosted Lebanon’s mobile network capacity ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s visit, deploying temporary stations, enhancing coverage at major sites, and opening customer service centers during the event. Upgrades include expanded voice and data services, improved connectivity in key locations, and a special $1 package to support attendees and travelers.
e& UAE has completed the world’s first IP+DWDM dual-800GE trial, validating high-capacity, low-latency transmission across EMIX’s core network. The solution improves cost efficiency and integrates AI-powered traffic prediction and energy optimisation, supporting the UAE’s digitalisation goals and laying the foundation for future AI-driven WAN networks and next-generation connectivity.
Oman has partnered with Airbus to design and launch its first national communications satellite, OmanSat-1, with Space Communications Technologies serving as the national operator. The Ka-band high-throughput satellite will deliver over 120 Gbps capacity and wide regional coverage, strengthening Oman’s sovereign digital infrastructure. Full operations are slated for 2029, supporting Oman Vision 2040’s goals for a knowledge-driven economy.