Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Turk Telekom has extended its fixed-line concession in Turkey until 2050 with a $3B payment plan and $17B investment pledge. The agreement secures the operator’s role in providing and developing fixed telecom infrastructure, with authorities expecting a $20B contribution to the economy.
NNET has launched nationwide internet and IPTV services in Nepal, offering WiFi 6 and IPv6-powered FTTR connectivity. With affordable packages, discounts, and plans to expand into rural regions, the ISP aims to compete with major players while promoting digital inclusion across the country.
Spain has contracted Vodafone UK to provide communications services for the expert team studying the proposed Gibraltar Strait tunnel to connect Spain and Morocco. The two-year deal, worth over €29,000 annually with taxes, ensures secure, continuous connectivity for the project’s ongoing feasibility work.
Telecom Egypt and Jordan’s NaiTel have completed the Coral Bridge subsea cable across the Gulf of Aqaba. The 48-fiber-pair system provides over 1 petabit of capacity, linking Egypt and Jordan directly for the first time in 25 years and enabling seamless onward connectivity between Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Kenya has launched its broadband mapping system under the Africa-BB-Maps initiative, supported by the ITU and EU. The system will guide policy and investment, identify connectivity gaps, and accelerate universal digital access while linking broadband to socio-economic priorities like education, health, and commerce.
Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison and Cisco have launched Indonesia’s first sovereign SOC, powered by Splunk Cloud, to deliver AI-driven threat detection while keeping national data under local jurisdiction. The initiative also supports training one million Indonesians in cybersecurity and networking by 2030.
Iraq has signed two new submarine cable deals — one with Batelco by Beyon and another with UAE’s Breeze Investments — to land new systems at Al-Faw Peninsula. These projects, along with Ooredoo’s FIG cable, aim to transform Iraq into a strategic hub for regional and global data traffic.
Iraq is set to launch Vodafone Iraq, a new state-backed operator introducing 5G services under a 20-year brand license with Vodafone. The operator will rely on Iraqi graduates trained by Vodafone, cover major cities in its first phase, and hold exclusive 5G rights for three years to accelerate adoption.
Egypt’s Prime Minister reviewed national ICT and digital transformation strategies with key ministers, highlighting efforts to attract investment, build digital skills, and foster startup growth. The ICT sector now contributes 5.8% to GDP, with major initiatives like the Digital Egypt platform, AI projects, and a booming outsourcing industry.
Madari Space, an Abu Dhabi startup, will launch a proof-of-concept orbital data centre in 2026, partnering with MBRSC and the UN. The mission aims to demonstrate sustainable off-planet data storage to cut carbon emissions, support AI-era infrastructure, and prepare for the cislunar economy.