Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Batelco and Qareeb are launching Bahrain’s first edge data centre at Beyon’s Data Oasis, delivering sovereign, low-latency and AI-ready colocation for enterprises and cloud providers across the GCC. The facility strengthens Bahrain’s position as a regional digital infrastructure hub.
NTT Data, Sumitomo, and JA Mitsui Leasing have formed a new joint venture to build the 8,100-km Intra-Asia Marine Cable linking Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. The US$1 billion system will use advanced WSS and SDM technologies to deliver 320 Tbps capacity and enhance regional digital resilience.
Bahrain’s national cybersecurity strategy is strengthening trust in its digital economy, including online gaming. By enforcing governance standards, building cyber awareness, and aligning with global best practices, the Kingdom is creating a secure environment where gaming platforms and players can grow with confidence.
Starlink has made its satellite internet service free for users in Iran amid protests and state-imposed internet blackouts. The move allows terminals to operate without payment, bypassing censorship and reinforcing Starlink’s growing role as a geopolitical tool enabling uncensored connectivity in authoritarian environments.
Nepal Telecom is migrating user data to a new SMSC system on January 13–14, which may temporarily disrupt SMS services overnight. The upgrade is intended to improve reliability, speed, and security of text messaging across the network, strengthening the core infrastructure that handles message storage and delivery nationwide.
ABC Labs has been named among Global Finance’s World’s Best Financial Innovation Labs for the fourth time. The recognition reflects Bank ABC’s leadership in AI, automation, digital onboarding, and tokenised assets, delivering measurable gains in productivity, customer experience, and time-to-market across its regional and global operations.
Omantel has invested over RO 500 million in digital infrastructure over six years, expanding from a telecom operator into a regional technology group. The company’s 5G leadership, submarine cable connectivity, and national data centres are positioning Oman as a regional digital hub and strengthening its digital sovereignty.
Orange Jordan has expanded its fibre broadband network to Tafila and new areas in Aqaba, extending coverage to more than 1.1 million homes nationwide. The move supports growing demand for high-speed internet and follows a major core network upgrade, strengthening access to digital services across Jordan.
Safaricom Ethiopia has expanded its 4G network to Tepi, Aksum, Adwa, and Geja, bringing faster and more reliable mobile connectivity to more communities. The move strengthens digital access for residents and businesses, supporting communication, economic activity, and Ethiopia’s broader digital transformation ambitions.
Iraq is rapidly reshaping its telecom landscape through local interconnection and strategic fibre investments. With the launch of IRAQ-IXP powered by DE-CIX, domestic traffic is now exchanged locally, reducing latency and cost. Combined with new international routes, Iraq is positioning itself as a future regional connectivity hub.