Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Turkcell and Huawei successfully completed the world’s first Full Duplex Radio Link trial on the 80 GHz E-band, achieving 50 Gbps speeds. This breakthrough technology enables simultaneous data transmission and reception, boosting 5G network performance and supporting Türkiye’s digital transformation and future-ready connectivity goals.
GNEXT opens its first Apple Authorized Service Center in Lahore, offering certified repairs and launches Shield+ protection plan, with plans to expand service locations and improve accessibility across Pakistan.
Nepal Telecom to sell 30% shares to the public, with the government maintaining majority ownership, as announced in the 2025/26 budget speech.
Lebanon negotiates with Starlink to launch satellite internet, aiming to improve connectivity and reduce high costs, benefiting multiple sectors amid longstanding telecom challenges.
Orange Jordan launches flexible, discounted Saudi Passenger Roaming bundles with unlimited internet and voice minutes for Hajj pilgrims, ensuring seamless 5G connectivity on Saudi networks from May 22 to June 11, 2025.
SMS usage in Jordan grew 27% in 2024, driven by business communication needs in banking, e-commerce, and healthcare. Despite messaging apps’ popularity, SMS maintains high open rates, supporting Jordan’s advancing digital economy.
Africa’s smartphone shipments rose 6% in Q1 2025, led by Egypt and Algeria, with mixed results in Sub-Saharan countries. Midrange phones dominate sales, supported by financing schemes, signaling resilient market growth amid global downturns.
Touch and Zain Omantel International sign roaming deal to reduce fees for Gulf region visitors in Lebanon, enhancing customer convenience by allowing number retention and supporting Lebanon’s telecom sector recovery.
Ethio Telecom and ZTE deployed a gigabit FTTR all-optical network at GERD’s office, improving connectivity and reducing costs. The solution enhances network management and supports Ethiopia’s digital transformation as GERD nears completion amid regional water concerns.
Zain Omantel International, Horizon Scope Telecom, and ITPC collaborate to build a terrestrial fibre corridor from the Middle East to Europe via Iraq, enhancing connectivity, security, and capacity. The route provides a reliable alternative to subsea cables, supporting regional digital transformation and economic growth.