Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Northstar Telecom has partnered with Kingston 10 in Bahrain to provide enterprise-grade internet and IO by HFCL Wi-Fi access points. The deployment ensures reliable, high-speed connectivity for the Caribbean restaurant and lounge, enhancing guest experience and supporting advanced ICT solutions.
Microsoft Azure services in the Middle East have been disrupted by undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea, affecting internet connectivity across the region and beyond. The outages highlight global dependence on submarine fiber optic infrastructure, which supports 97% of internet traffic and remains vulnerable to damage and regional instability.
BTCL has launched free Wi-Fi and telephone services at Sylhet Osmani International Airport to boost connectivity for travelers. The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications confirmed that full airport-wide Wi-Fi coverage will follow, marking a step toward improved digital services for passengers.
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.
SK Telecom has invested 2.2 billion yen (US$14.8 million) in Japan’s TimeTree, marking its first overseas application of AI agent technology. The partnership will enhance TimeTree’s platform while positioning Japan as SK Telecom’s regional hub for global AI service expansion.
Thailand’s NBTC will allocate 100MHz on the 4800MHz band free of charge to factories for 5G private networks. The move aims to drive industrial innovation, prevent consumer market overlap, and foster nationwide adoption of enterprise 5G use cases, while 3500MHz spectrum allocation remains under review.
Nigeria’s NITDA has signed an MoU with Kaspersky Global to enhance cybersecurity capacity, including training, awareness campaigns, research, and intelligence sharing. With cybercrime costing Nigeria an estimated $500 million annually, the partnership aligns with broader reforms and international collaborations to strengthen the country’s cyber resilience.
Kenya and Nigeria are tightening oversight of digital lending with new regulations. Kenya’s CBK has licensed 153 digital credit providers under laws to curb predatory practices, while Nigeria’s DEON Regulations mandate registration, ethical recovery, fair interest rates, and data protections to safeguard consumers in a rapidly expanding credit market.
IFS will spotlight its Industrial AI strategy at IFS Connect MEA 2025 in Riyadh, positioning AI as core to mission-critical operations in energy, aviation, construction, and telecom. With partnerships, acquisitions, and regional investments, IFS aims to align with Saudi Vision 2030 and cement its leadership in the Middle East’s AI-driven future.
Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and stc Bahrain have launched the kingdom’s first digital bus station, a milestone in smart and sustainable mobility. The initiative supports Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, enhances passenger experience with digital solutions, and sets a blueprint for future smart transport hubs across the kingdom.