Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Bangladesh has launched a Starlink satellite internet trial on three intercity trains, allowing passengers to access free Wi-Fi during travel. The pilot project aims to test satellite broadband performance on moving trains and could lead to wider deployment across the national rail network.
Orange Tunisie has launched a satellite broadband service using Eutelsat’s KONNECT satellite, delivering speeds of up to 100 Mbps and targeting remote areas with limited connectivity. The launch is part of Orange’s broader satellite strategy across Africa and the Middle East through partnerships with Eutelsat and OneWeb.
Orange plans to grow its Max It super app user base from 25 million to 75 million by 2028 as part of its digital services strategy across Africa and the Middle East. The move is supported by strong growth in mobile financial services, AI-driven platforms, and expanding 5G connectivity across the region.
Northstar Telecom in Bahrain has standardized its Wi-Fi access point and switching infrastructure across business, residential, and enterprise broadband services using HFCL’s IO platform. The move introduces a unified, carrier-grade architecture with AI-powered network management through IO Canvas to improve performance, scalability, and centralized control.
Orange Tunisie has launched satellite broadband services using Eutelsat’s KONNECT satellite, offering speeds of up to 100 Mbps and nationwide coverage. The service is aimed at connecting remote areas lacking telecom infrastructure and forms part of Orange’s broader satellite connectivity strategy across Africa and the Middle East.
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.