Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Bahrain has approved Satellite Direct-to-Device services, becoming the first GCC country to allow smartphones to connect directly to LEO satellites. The move aims to eliminate coverage gaps across land and sea, strengthen digital resilience, and reinforce Bahrain’s position as a regional connectivity leader.
Saquib Ahmad has joined Systems Limited as Global Chief Growth Officer, bringing over 27 years of telecom and IT leadership experience. He will lead international growth and strategic expansion, drawing on senior roles at SAP, Oracle, and Nokia Siemens Networks across multiple global markets.
Nigeria added 2.1 million new telecom subscriptions in November 2025, driven largely by MTN and Airtel, which together control over 85 per cent of the market. The rebound followed earlier subscriber losses linked to SIM-NIN enforcement and signals renewed momentum in the mobile-first sector.
India crossed one billion broadband subscribers in November 2025, driven by a decade of rapid digital expansion, strong telecom policy, and nationwide infrastructure rollout. TRAI data shows broadband users increased more than sixfold, supported by 5G deployment, rising data usage, and initiatives like National Broadband Mission 2.0.
Iran repelled a highly sophisticated cyberattack targeting telecom-linked national infrastructure, according to its ICT minister. The two-phase attack was contained using both external and domestic capabilities, highlighting Iran’s cybersecurity resilience despite ongoing international sanctions.
PTCL’s merged Ufone-Telenor entity plans to participate in Pakistan’s 5G auction, focusing on spectrum optimisation and network expansion. The integration aims to strengthen digital services while assuring workforce continuity during the transition period.
India’s Vodafone Idea faces a $71 million tax penalty over alleged short payment of GST, which the company plans to challenge legally. The order comes amid ongoing financial stress, with analysts warning that a recent AGR moratorium alone may not resolve its liquidity issues.
Ethiopia’s two telecom operators have raised tariffs in response to currency depreciation, rising costs, and heavy infrastructure investment. Safaricom Ethiopia implemented a sharp data price increase amid foreign currency exposure, while Ethio Telecom introduced moderate adjustments to sustain service quality and network expansion.
Saudi Arabia has begun construction of the Hexagon Data Centre in Riyadh, set to become the world’s largest government data centre with 480MW capacity. Led by SDAIA, the Tier IV facility will support government digital services, strengthen national data infrastructure, and advance Vision 2030 goals for a knowledge-based, AI-driven economy.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 31, 2025 — As winter sets in across the GCC and temperatures ease, air conditioners…