Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The registration process for Starlink’s satellite internet service has begun in Pakistan, following discussions between the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Starlink at the Mobile World Congress 2025. The partnership aims to improve broadband access in underserved areas and bridge the digital divide, enhancing Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.
Saudi Telecom Company (stc) is expanding its 5G services to 75 cities, improving network capacity and performance through Juniper Networks’ 400G routers. The upgrades align with stc’s digital transformation and sustainability goals, offering faster, more efficient services while reducing energy consumption and operational costs.
Ericsson has partnered with Zain Bahrain to expand and modernize its 4G and 5G networks. The deal includes the extension of Managed Services, the deployment of energy-efficient RAN products, and network upgrades to support Bahrain’s digital transformation and sustainability goals. This collaboration aims to enhance network performance and customer experiences.
Ooredoo Qatar has partnered with Ericsson to enhance 5G network efficiency by integrating cloud-native Ericsson Mediation into its infrastructure. This will boost operational efficiency, manage growing data demands, and open opportunities for advanced use cases and new revenue streams. The move strengthens Ooredoo’s position in 5G services.
Juniper Networks has partnered with Saudi Telecom Company (stc) to enhance 5G services in 75 cities across Saudi Arabia. By leveraging Juniper’s 400G routers, stc has significantly boosted network capacity and efficiency, while reducing power consumption by 43%. This collaboration supports stc’s digital transformation and sustainability goals.
Pakistan recorded 21 internet shutdowns in 2024, the highest-ever annual total, highlighting a disturbing rise in digital censorship. These disruptions have significant economic and social consequences, undermining press freedom, damaging the economy, and restricting access to information. Urgent reforms are needed to protect digital rights and ensure continued growth.
du has launched a Travel eSIM to provide seamless, affordable data connectivity for transit travelers at UAE airports. The service allows passengers to easily access data bundles for over 190 countries, ensuring a smooth and convenient travel experience, with instant activation and setup via QR code scanning at the airport.
Aramco Digital has partnered with Recykal to promote a circular economy in Saudi Arabia, using AI-powered waste management solutions to enhance resource efficiency and sustainability. The collaboration supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by focusing on reducing landfill waste, improving waste management, and advancing sustainable practices in various industries.
The prpl Foundation will showcase its open-source platform at MWC 2025, with contributions from members like Bitdefender, SoftAtHome, and Qualcomm Technologies. They will demonstrate advancements in home gateways, IoT security, and edge computing, highlighting how prplOS enhances home connectivity, security, and subscriber experiences.
Wispap has urged Pakistan’s telecom regulator to modernize the local loop licensing framework, advocating for a broadband-only licensing category and the adoption of technology-neutral approaches. The reforms are crucial for enhancing broadband expansion, fostering competition, and attracting investments, particularly in rural and underserved areas.