SLT-Mobitel has successfully landed the SEA-ME-WE 6 submarine cable in Matara, Sri Lanka, marking a significant step in enhancing the country’s global connectivity. The cable, offering 130 Tbps of high-speed connectivity, will be operational by mid-2026, positioning Sri Lanka as a key player in the global telecommunications network.
Emirates Transport has partnered with e& enterprise to enhance vehicle connectivity and fleet efficiency using advanced connected vehicle technologies. The collaboration aims to improve road safety, reduce environmental impact, and optimize fleet performance, supporting the UAE’s vision for smarter and more sustainable urban mobility solutions.
Bangladesh has improved its global mobile internet speed ranking, moving up to 88th place in November 2024. The country’s mobile internet download speed increased to 28.26 Mbps, with Banglalink emerging as the fastest provider. Bangladesh also saw progress in fixed broadband performance, rising to 99th globally.
Helios Towers has appointed Manjit Dhillon as Executive Chair of its Oman subsidiary while maintaining his role as Group CFO. This leadership shift aims to strengthen operational oversight in the region, enhancing Helios Towers’ market strategies and positioning. The company is a major player in telecom infrastructure across Africa and the Middle East.
Elon Musk has confirmed that Starlink, his satellite internet service, is set to launch in Pakistan pending government approval. This development comes amid Pakistan’s struggles with internet disruptions and infrastructure challenges. Starlink’s technology promises to revolutionize internet access, offering high-speed satellite connectivity to both urban and remote areas.
Satellite internet is transforming connectivity in the GCC, bridging the digital divide and empowering remote communities. By enhancing access to services like education, healthcare, and e-commerce, it’s driving innovation and boosting the economy. Satellite technology is also pivotal in industry advancements, including agriculture and oil, fueling the region’s growth.
Onda, a South Korean AI-driven hospitality tech company, has partnered with UAE-based Seed Group to expand into the Middle East. The company aims to complete SaaS localization testing by mid-2025 and strengthen its presence through marketing strategies and partnerships, showcasing its digital transformation technologies at regional industry events.
Pakistan’s telecom sector generated Rs2.521 trillion in revenue over the past decade, with major operators contributing Rs763.81 billion in taxes. Jazz led the industry, followed by Zong and Nayatel, underscoring the sector’s crucial role in supporting the economy through substantial tax contributions and meeting the country’s communication needs.
The Paktika Directorate of Telecommunications and Information Technology has installed 35 new telecommunication towers, enhancing coverage across the province. This project, worth 440 million Afghanis, resolves 90% of regional telecommunication issues. Future plans include expanding services in the province and preparing sites for 3G services by 1404 solar year.
Pakistan’s IT sector faces massive economic losses from Internet disruptions, totaling $1.62 billion in 2024. Experts urge the government to accelerate 5G rollout, improve Internet speeds, and address VPN restrictions. These efforts are critical to strengthening Pakistan’s digital economy and mitigating the impact on its freelance workforce.
