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 has joined the SEA-ME-WE 6 submarine cable system, adding 13.2 Tbps of international capacity to its digital infrastructure. The 19,200-km fibre network connects Singapore to France and delivers low-latency links while doubling the capacity of previous systems. With 4 Tbps activated immediately, the upgrade supports Pakistan’s cloud services, data centres and broader digital-economy growth.
Vodafone Qatar has completed a successful live-network test of Super Uplink technology on 5G-Advanced, achieving over 600 Mbps upload speeds. By combining two frequency bands, the solution boosts uplink performance by nearly half, enhancing everyday digital experiences and enabling advanced industrial applications. The milestone supports Qatar’s digital transformation goals and strengthens the nation’s position in next-generation connectivity.
Oman has signed a cooperation agreement with Airbus to build and launch OmanSat-1, its first national communications satellite. Based on the OneSat platform, it will strengthen digital sovereignty, expand secure telecom services and boost rural connectivity. Space Communications Technologies will operate the satellite, while the project drives talent development, SME participation and long-term space sector growth under Oman’s National Space Strategy 2023–2033.
Edotco Bangladesh and Summit Communications have renewed a five-year space and power lease agreement to jointly accelerate tower rollout across the country. The partnership enables closer coordination on site development, colocation, and transmission planning, improving readiness for 4G and 5G networks. By integrating towers with Summit’s fibre backbone, the collaboration strengthens rural and urban connectivity and supports Bangladesh’s long-term digital growth.
Space42 has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hisdesat Servicios Estratégicos, Spain’s government satellite operator, to explore joint commercial…
Pakistan’s international internet capacity has reached 17.21 Tbps with major submarine cables supporting global connectivity. New systems including 2Africa, Africa1, and SMW6 are underway to boost bandwidth, cut latency, and strengthen resilience. The national fiber backbone now exceeds 210,000 km across long-haul and metro networks.
Morocco is accelerating 5G deployment under its Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, aiming for 70% coverage by the end of the decade. The rollout includes long-term investment, terrain-specific engineering, and stronger network security measures. Once implemented, the country will benefit from faster, more reliable connectivity, enabling new digital services and economic opportunities.
Meta and global telecom partners have completed the 2Africa subsea cable, the world’s longest open-access system spanning 33 countries and connecting three billion people. With capacity exceeding all existing African subsea cables combined, it promises faster, cheaper, and more reliable internet, accelerating digital inclusion, AI innovation, and regional economic growth.
A national BTRC inspection found major gaps between operators’ claimed 4G coverage and actual service quality, with widespread dead zones, call drops, and weak indoor connectivity across multiple districts. Regulators flagged compliance failures and urged stricter benchmarks, more towers, and improved oversight to ensure reliable mobile service for users.
Shams Telecom and GlobalTek will jointly expand modern ICT and clean-energy solutions in Iraq, combining telecom expertise with renewable energy capabilities. The partnership supports national infrastructure modernization, improves service availability, and aligns with Iraq’s push for sustainable and efficient public and private sector systems.