Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Etihad Salam Telecom has partnered with EdgeNext and Genesys to enhance its service offerings in Saudi Arabia. The collaboration with EdgeNext focuses on improving network capabilities, while the partnership with Genesys aims to elevate customer experience with scalable solutions. Both collaborations enhance Salam’s infrastructure and service delivery.
Space42 has partnered with FADA to enhance the UAE’s Earth observation capabilities with a contract valued at AED378 million. This collaboration will leverage data from Space42’s SAR satellites, advancing data-driven decision-making, situational awareness, and geospatial analytics. The initiative strengthens the UAE’s sovereign space and technology capabilities.
du has become the first UAE telecom operator to launch 5G Voice over New Radio (VoNR) and achieve full certification for its 5G Standalone Access (5G SA) network. This launch enhances voice quality, speeds, and network efficiency, paving the way for advancements in AI, AR, and smart city development.
Qatar has achieved 100% internet penetration, positioning itself as a global digital leader. This milestone reflects significant investments in infrastructure, government support, and a commitment to digital inclusion, aligning with Qatar’s Vision 2030 to become a knowledge-based economy and drive innovation across sectors.
Teletalk plans a Tk 50 crore 4G network expansion to provide mobile coverage to Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar. The project will install 33 towers in key areas, improving connectivity for 350,000 mobile users. Approval is pending from the Ministry of Telecommunications and the Ministry of Home Affairs for SIM registration.
Tunisie Telecom has launched its nationwide 5G network, offering faster speeds and improved services across the country. The rollout includes a strategic partnership to expand international connectivity with a new submarine cable, part of Tunisia’s digital transformation strategy aimed at strengthening its position as a hub for innovation.
Eutelsat OneWeb has applied for fast-track approval from India’s Department of Telecommunications to launch two earth station gateways connected to its LEO satellites. The initiative aims to provide satellite broadband services across South Asia, enhancing India’s role as a satellite communications hub and supporting disaster recovery and backhaul connectivity.
Pakistan is enhancing its digital infrastructure with 26.5 Tbps of international connectivity through five submarine cable projects. Additionally, proposals are underway to expand satellite-based internet services, and the government is working on improving network security to optimize internet performance and reduce slowdowns caused by VPNs and DDoS attacks.
The Middle East smartphone market experienced strong growth in 2024, with a 14% increase in shipments driven by rising demand for premium devices. However, growth slowed in Q4, reflecting macroeconomic challenges. Looking ahead, brands will face challenges as consumer behavior shifts towards longer replacement cycles and cautious spending.
Algeria and Slovenia have initiated a space cooperation framework, with SkyLabs identified as a strategic partner for satellite technology. Bilateral meetings, led by the Slovenian Space Office, focused on collaboration in satellite constellations. The partnership will soon be formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost both countries’ space programs.