Telekom Malaysia Switches 5G Wholesale Partner from DNB to U Mobile
U Mobile, which is continuing its nationwide 5G rollout, said it remains ahead of schedule in targeting 80% population coverage by the second half of 2026.
U Mobile, which is continuing its nationwide 5G rollout, said it remains ahead of schedule in targeting 80% population coverage by the second half of 2026.
Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction is advancing as $30m in earnest money has been deposited ahead of the February 27 deadline. With Ufone and Zong confirmed and Jazz expected to join, the March 10 sale of 597 MHz aims to raise over $634m and accelerate next-generation mobile services nationwide.
Ericsson ConsumerLab research shows half of Saudi consumers would choose guaranteed 5G performance in key moments, with many willing to pay more. Assured connectivity now strongly influences mobile plan decisions and could add up to two months of ARPU annually. AI growth is expected to further increase demand for premium network experiences.
Oman has achieved full internet coverage across schools, with over 97% connected via fibre and 5G and 50 remote schools linked through Starlink. Rapid growth in fibre and fixed 5G subscriptions reflects the country’s broader digital infrastructure expansion.
Saudi Arabia is leveraging MORAN to accelerate 5G rollout, reduce infrastructure duplication, and enhance sustainability under Vision 2030. By enabling shared radio infrastructure while preserving competition, the model supports giga-project connectivity, faster deployment, and lower energy consumption nationwide.
Pakistan will hold separate 5G spectrum auctions for Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK after the national rollout. PTA favours free spectrum allocation in these regions to boost infrastructure investment, alongside reforms to remove right-of-way charges and streamline approvals.
Oman has expanded fibre, 5G and satellite connectivity across schools, reaching 100% internet coverage and over 97% fibre/5G penetration. Satellite solutions support remote areas, while national fibre and fixed 5G subscriptions have surged, strengthening the country’s digital education ecosystem.
Pakistan has finalised its Mobile and Electronic Devices Manufacturing Policy 2026–33 ahead of the March 10 5G spectrum auction. The plan includes export incentives, lower duties on parts and higher duties on imports to boost local smartphone production and support the transition to 5G-ready devices.
PTA has mandated telecom operators to bid on the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands in Pakistan’s upcoming 5G auction to ensure a practical nationwide rollout. The regulator will conduct a mock auction before bidding, with a USD 15 million bank guarantee required per operator.
Jazz has completed a Proof of Concept for a fully converged Single Voice Core, unifying 2G, VoLTE, and VoWiFi services to simplify architecture and enhance call quality across Pakistan’s largest mobile network.