Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistan raised $510 million through its landmark 5G spectrum auction in the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands. With the assignment stage complete, telecom operators will begin pilot services next week. The initiative aims to triple network capacity and significantly increase national internet speeds, accelerating the “Digital Pakistan” vision.
The project is expected to be fully operational by June 2026. This development follows the PTA’s recent focus on regional connectivity, including the waiving of “Right of Way” charges in AJK to accelerate infrastructure deployment. For residents and the millions of tourists who visit these regions annually, this leap from 4G to 5G represents a significant upgrade in communication reliability and speed.
Ooredoo Algeria has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first operator to provide 5G coverage across all 58 provinces. This nationwide rollout facilitates Algeria’s digital transformation, offering high-speed internet and low latency to millions. Existing 4G users can easily activate the service via the app without changing SIM cards.
Zong has successfully acquired 5G spectrum, doubling down on its commitment to a “Digital Pakistan.” The company will leverage its 17,000+ sites and new AI-ready cloud platforms to drive industrial modernization and high-speed consumer connectivity. The rollout will also see immediate improvements to 4G quality across its 44 million data users.
Amber IT is deploying 500 Wi-Fi zones across Bangladesh in 2026, offering free access to its subscribers and low-cost coupons for others. Partnering with small businesses like tea stalls for hosting, the project aims to support students and freelancers while enhancing digital inclusion in both urban and rural public spaces.
Algeria is undergoing scheduled maintenance on the critical SMW4 submarine cable on March 10-11, 2026. Aimed at the power supply system, the work may cause temporary internet disruptions between Annaba and Palermo. Authorities have activated alternative routes to ensure service continuity and emphasize the intervention’s role in long-term network reliability.
VEON’s Jazz secured 190 MHz in Pakistan’s 5G auction, the largest share among bidders, for approximately $239.5 million. The auction tripled the nation’s available spectrum, enabling Jazz to enhance 4G quality and launch 5G services in major cities by late 2026, supporting a transition to AI-driven digital services for 100 million users.
LTT and ZTE signed a landmark MoU at MWC26 to modernize Libya’s telecommunications and expand 4G/5G coverage. The partnership targets digital financial services, e-commerce, and high-performance hardware like FWA to bridge the digital divide. This strategic move aims to underpin Libya’s economic reconstruction through enhanced connectivity and a diversified digital ecosystem.
Pakistan raised $507 million in its inaugural 5G auction, with Jazz, Ufone, and Zong acquiring 480 MHz of spectrum. The move doubles national capacity, heralding faster 4G within months and 5G rollouts by late 2026. Notably, Pakistan also became the first Asian nation to eliminate right-of-way charges for fiber.
China’s GeeSpace is expanding its satellite footprint in Africa through partnerships with Algeria and Morocco. The agreements focus on satellite IoT services, LEO satellite manufacturing, and commercial satellite connectivity, supporting digital transformation, infrastructure monitoring, and industrial applications across North Africa’s emerging space and connectivity ecosystem.