UAEU has successfully launched its first satellite, “Al Ain Sat-1,” marking a historic achievement in space exploration. Developed in collaboration with the IEEE and GRSS, the satellite enhances remote sensing capabilities and supports sustainable development. The project also empowers students to develop small satellites and foster international collaboration.
The Telecom Operators Association (TOA) has raised concerns about a 300% increase in the price of fibre broadband routers, warning that the hike contradicts Pakistan’s Digital Vision. The association calls for a transparent, market-driven valuation process to prevent negative impacts on broadband expansion and affordability.
Oman has begun the construction of Zone 88, its first scientific and economic zone focused on space industries and advanced technologies. The zone will include a space habitat centre, commercial space launching area, AI testing, and more, supporting space research and technological growth in the region.
Ncell has received an “A” rating from ICRA Nepal for a Rs 22.60 billion loan, reflecting the company’s strong financial health despite revenue declines. The rating highlights Ncell’s steady profitability, strong management, and effective cost control strategies. The telco maintains a dominant market share in data services.
Morocco plans to roll out 5G as part of preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and 2030 FIFA World Cup. The country aims to achieve 25% 5G coverage by 2026 and 70% by 2030. Additionally, satellite technology and fiber-optic infrastructure will enhance rural and public connectivity.
NigComSat has teamed up with Eutelsat to deploy LEO satellites, enhancing internet connectivity in Nigeria and across Africa. This collaboration supports Nigeria’s digital transformation, aiming to bridge the digital divide and expand broadband access. The LEO satellites will provide faster internet speeds and lower latency for underserved regions.
PTCL announced that internet services in Pakistan are fully operational after the complete restoration of the AAE-1 undersea cable. The repair resolves the slow internet speeds and disruptions that users experienced in 2024. Additional bandwidth minimized disruptions, ensuring a seamless browsing experience for users, including Meta platforms.
Bangladesh’s rollout of 5G faces obstacles such as infrastructure gaps, delays in spectrum allocation, and customer preparedness. Despite challenges, the country’s 5G adoption is expected to drive digital transformation, offering opportunities in sectors like telemedicine, e-commerce, and smart cities. Learning from India’s 5G success can help overcome these hurdles.
A recent report indicates that Africa lost over $1.5 billion in 2024 due to internet shutdowns and social media bans, accounting for 20% of the global economic loss from digital outages. The shutdowns were linked to political tensions, protests, and conflicts, with 12 African nations affected.
Space42 has successfully deployed its second Foresight Earth observation satellite, Foresight-2, in partnership with ICEYE. Launched via SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission, the satellite enhances Space42’s SAR constellation, providing high-resolution, 24/7 Earth imaging. This step strengthens the UAE’s Earth Observation capabilities and supports its geospatial insights and satellite program.
