Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Airtel Chad has launched a US$90 million investment programme to address service quality issues, expand 4G and fibre connectivity, and modernize its network. The initiative, spanning through mid-2026, includes new site deployments, fibre backbones, and infrastructure upgrades, with monthly reports submitted to regulator ARCEP.
Telecom Egypt has expanded its international footprint with a new PoP at Aqaba Digital Hub in Jordan, paired with the Coral Bridge subsea cable. The initiative strengthens Egypt-Jordan digital links, enhances regional resilience, and provides high-capacity infrastructure to support cloud, AI, and international data transit across the Middle East.
Grameenphone and Rakuten Symphony are rolling out South Asia’s first Open RAN pilot, starting with 4G and 5G NSA sites in Bangladesh. The initiative is expected to pave the way for a nationwide Open RAN deployment, reinforcing Grameenphone’s strategy for a flexible, future-ready network.
Ooredoo has sold a 6% stake in Qatar’s Meeza to Fiera Capital (UK), retaining only 4% as it prepares for a full exit. The move supports Ooredoo’s strategy to expand Syntys, its AI-ready hyperscale data centre platform, across MENA to power cloud, AI, and digital transformation.
du has launched 5G+ in the UAE, delivering up to 2x faster speeds, lower latency, and improved performance through standalone 5G-Advanced infrastructure. The upgrade supports ultra-HD streaming, lag-free gaming, AI-powered apps, and next-generation mobile experiences, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in digital connectivity.
Bangladesh’s telecom regulator BTRC has set a 10 Mbps minimum 4G download speed requirement nationwide under new QoS rules, extending to mobile operators, NTTNs, and ISPs. The policy also tightens standards for voice quality, fixed broadband, and customer service, with monthly compliance checks starting September 2025.
IMARAT Group is set to disrupt Pakistan’s real estate sector by launching a full-scale proptech vertical at ITCN Asia 2025, featuring AI-driven planning tools, a Land Information System, and CRM solutions via Graana.com and Propmax.ai. The move signals Pakistan’s entry into the global proptech wave, with ambitions to unlock transparency, trust, and investment-driven growth.
Nepal Telecom has expanded 4G to multiple Manang localities including Pisang, Dawal, Tanki Manang, Khangsar, Koto Gaun, and Talgaun, boosting connectivity for residents, tourists, and businesses. The initiative brings high-speed mobile broadband to remote Himalayan regions and supports NTC’s goal of nationwide 4G coverage by 2082.
Annaba State has achieved rapid progress in telecom and postal services since April 2025, with fiber subscriptions up 46%, 40 new mobile stations added, digital skills training launched, and mobile post offices deployed. The initiatives reflect Algeria’s broader push to modernize communications and improve citizen services.
Google is building four new subsea cable hubs in Africa to expand connectivity and support AI growth. Linked to the Equiano and Umoja cables, the hubs will be completed in three years, alongside investments in AI training, funding, and free AI Pro access for students across multiple African nations.