Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched a registration system for freelancers in the IT sector to register their VPNs using mobile numbers. This move aims to facilitate secure and uninterrupted VPN use, ensuring the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy. Over 31,000 VPNs have already been registered.
Sri Lanka will transition to digital TV to free up spectrum space for 5G deployment. The government is also constructing 276 towers to enhance broadband connectivity and support 5G rollout. A proposal for the establishment of a Digital Economy Authority is part of the country’s goal to expand its digital economy.
Qatar has been ranked among the world’s top nations for broadband quality, data infrastructure, and digital government services, according to the Digital Economy Navigator 2025 (DEN 2025) report by the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO). The report highlights Qatar’s advanced governance frameworks, sustainability-driven investments, and leadership in next-generation digital technologies.
Severed Red Sea cables disrupted internet services across the Middle East, India, and Pakistan, affecting providers like Du, Etisalat, and Microsoft Azure. The outages highlight the fragility of subsea cable systems, which carry 97% of global internet traffic, and raise fresh concerns over regional digital security.
This strategic move supports Bahrain’s Fifth National Telecommunications Plan (NTP5) to consolidate fixed telecommunications infrastructure under BNET.
Dubai, UAE: The excitement for the upcoming polo season officially begins as the UAE Polo Federation announced the teams and…
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) in Oman has launched a project to measure and ensure the quality of fixed broadband services. Subscribers will receive a free device to evaluate their Internet service, enhancing transparency, consumer satisfaction, and competition based on service quality.
Omantel achieved a group net profit of OMR 371 million in 2025 (+87.7% YoY) and revenue of OMR 3.41 billion (+11.4%). Growth was driven by a 56.7% surge in ICT services and Zain Group contributions. The company declared a 55% dividend, supported by 5G expansion and a regulatory reduction in mobile service royalties.
Orange Jordan advances digital inclusion by collaborating with government and disability advocates to foster accessible ICT workplaces, promote assistive technology, and empower persons with disabilities in Jordan’s tech sector.
Umniah, a leading Jordanian telecom operator, has launched the pioneering Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWi-Fi) service in Jordan, enhancing communication quality even in areas with poor cellular coverage. Additionally, Umniah has partnered with Intella to integrate AI-driven Arabic speech-to-text technology in customer service centers, aiming to improve efficiency and customer experience.