Bangladesh is rapidly adopting digital payments, with significant growth in both domestic and cross-border transactions, according to Visa. The shift towards online and contactless payments has seen a 14% increase in spending and a 17% rise in transactions, with Dhaka remaining the central hub for digital transactions.
Bangladesh faces some of the highest internet taxes in Asia, with a combined rate of 39%. The GSMA report highlights how these high taxes, along with regulatory challenges, hinder the telecom sector’s growth and digital transformation. The report calls for tax reforms, streamlined regulations, and better collaboration for progress.
stc Bahrain and the Supreme Council for the Environment (SCE) have signed an MoU to implement an IoT-based electronic waste transportation monitoring system in Bahrain. This initiative aims to strengthen pollution control, ensure compliance with waste transportation licensing, and support the country’s environmental sustainability and waste management goals.
Honor has announced its transformation into a global AI device ecosystem company with the launch of the Honor Alpha Plan. This includes a $10bn investment over five years, focusing on developing intelligent phones, expanding its AI ecosystem, and maximizing human potential. The company also made new consumer and sustainability commitments.
EDGE Group’s Learning and Innovation Factory (LIF) and MEXT have signed an MoU to enhance workforce development and digital transformation across the UAE, Türkiye, and the GCC. The partnership focuses on upskilling programs, green transformation, and providing access to new markets, empowering industries with advanced knowledge and skills.
Batelco has launched enhanced fibre speed plans in Bahrain, offering speeds from 300Mbps to 2Gbps. Existing customers will automatically benefit from speed upgrades, improving download speeds, streaming, and overall internet performance. This upgrade aligns with Batelco’s goal to boost Bahrain’s global speed rankings and improve national connectivity.
WISPAP has submitted recommendations to the PTA for modernizing Pakistan’s Local Loop Licensing Regime. The proposed changes include eliminating mandatory voice service requirements, introducing a broadband-only license, and promoting technology-neutral licensing to accelerate broadband expansion, innovation, and fair competition in the country’s telecom sector.
The registration process for Starlink’s satellite internet service has begun in Pakistan, following discussions between the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Starlink at the Mobile World Congress 2025. The partnership aims to improve broadband access in underserved areas and bridge the digital divide, enhancing Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.
Turkcell has partnered with Ericsson at Mobile World Congress 2025 to integrate generative AI into its network operations. The collaboration aims to enhance network efficiency, automation, and resilience for 5G, 6G, and future connectivity solutions. Both companies will explore AI-driven innovations to improve customer experiences and operational scalability.
The PTA is reviewing the Local Loop licensing regime to align with new technologies like VoIP and NFV. Proposals include allowing licensees to focus solely on broadband services, making the system technology-neutral, and improving efficiency. The aim is to foster competition, enhance service quality, and accelerate digital transformation.
