Starlink has received provisional permission to operate in Pakistan, marking the launch of satellite internet services in the country. The service aims to improve connectivity in remote areas, with discussions ongoing about regulatory requirements, including service shutdowns for security. Pakistan’s digital landscape is set for transformation with this development.
The Military Technological College in Muscat inaugurated new technical laboratories aimed at enhancing education and aligning with Oman Vision 2040. The laboratories will focus on disciplines like AI, cybersecurity, and environment-friendly energy, supporting the modernization efforts of the Sultan’s Armed Forces and fostering technological advancements.
North Africa saw significant improvements in fiber broadband deployment and performance in 2024, with Egypt leading in broadband speed. Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia also made notable progress, expanding fiber networks and improving speeds. Tunisia became the first in the region to launch 5G, further boosting connectivity.
Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC has announced a 10% reduction in internet service prices. The government is working to make internet more affordable through wholesale price cuts and new initiatives. Mobile companies will also reduce transmission costs, and Bangladesh will connect to a third submarine cable by mid-2026.
Starlink will demonstrate its internet services at the Bangladesh Investment Summit in April, but the official launch in Bangladesh is still pending. The event will feature over 550 foreign investors and focus on networking, startup investments, and opportunities in key sectors like digital economy, renewable energy, and healthcare.
Bangladesh’s mobile phone production saw a decline in February 2025, with feature phones losing market share to smartphones and 5G devices. Production of 2G and 4G phones dropped, while 5G production grew modestly. Imports also reflected a shift towards advanced mobile technologies, particularly 4G and 5G smartphones.
Egypt’s four telecom operators are set to launch 5G services in 2025, marking a major step in the country’s digital transformation. Telecom Egypt, Vodafone Egypt, Orange, and Etisalat have secured licenses, with significant investments and partnerships underway to enhance infrastructure, enabling AI, IoT, and smart city applications.
Turk Telekom has partnered with Cisco to integrate Cisco BroadWorks Cloud solutions into its data centers and deploy the Cisco Mobility Services Platform using 5G technologies. This collaboration aims to enhance IoT experiences, improve network reliability, and drive Turkey’s digital transformation by offering faster and more secure connections.
Chaudhary Group’s CG Telecom won spectrum licenses in Moldova’s recent auction, bidding nearly 570 million rupees for two 20 MHz blocks in the 3600 MHz range. The auction raised 26.31 million euros, and the licenses granted to telecom companies will facilitate expanded mobile services in Moldova.
Egypt’s government is focusing on expanding investments and creating jobs in the rehabilitation services and IT sectors through the Digital Egypt for the Rehabilitation Industry strategy. With a goal to increase digital exports and improve competitiveness, the strategy includes boosting local talent and establishing rehabilitation centers in provincial areas.
