Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Bangladesh has taken a major step toward its first private submarine cable network after the BPCS Consortium signed an SLTE supply agreement with Nokia. The project aims to boost international bandwidth capacity, reduce reliance on terrestrial links via India, enhance cybersecurity, and support long-term internet affordability and digital growth.
Banglalink has secured approval from Bangladesh Bank to launch digital payment services, allowing it to offer transfers, remittances, bill payments, and merchant transactions. The move targets financial inclusion in Bangladesh, where most of the population remains unbanked, and leverages Veon’s regional digital finance expertise to support the country’s digital economy.
Telenor Asia’s latest study shows that 96 percent of Bangladeshi internet users now regularly use artificial intelligence, reflecting rapid digital adoption across daily life and work. AI is increasingly used for learning, remote work, financial management, content creation, and personalized advice. The report highlights the growing responsibility of telecom operators to ensure secure, trusted digital infrastructure.
PulseTech has raised $3 million in pre-Series A funding to expand its Medbox platform and roll out One Pharmacy, a franchise network aimed at digitizing and regulating small pharmacies across Bangladesh. The startup focuses on authentic medicine sourcing, traceability, and operational efficiency. Backed by investors from Vietnam and Singapore, PulseTech has shown rapid revenue growth and now serves over 12,000 pharmacies nationwide.
Telenor Asia’s 2025 report shows that AI adoption in Bangladesh has surged, with 96 percent of internet users now using AI regularly. Daily AI usage is widespread in content creation, education, and personal assistance, while workplace adoption has jumped to 62 percent. However, gaps remain in formal AI strategies, automation use, and digital inclusion, especially as younger users voice privacy and job security concerns.
Banglalink has launched a new brand identity to reflect its transformation into a modern, customer-centric digital operator aligned with VEON’s global digital ambition. The refresh introduces a vibrant visual system, warmer tone of voice, and stronger focus on intuitive digital experiences. The company is also investing in network modernization and digital ecosystems to support Bangladesh’s growing digital economy.
EDOTCO Bangladesh and TSS have partnered to launch a Battery Repair and Refurbishment Centre aimed at extending lithium-ion battery life, reducing e-waste, and building local technical expertise in telecom power systems. The collaboration combines EDOTCO’s global technical know-how with TSS’s industrial infrastructure and workforce. Government officials described the initiative as a key step toward improving network reliability, cutting import dependence, and strengthening sustainability across Bangladesh’s telecom sector. The partnership may later expand into battery assembly, smart poles, and IoT solutions.
The TSS–EDOTCO partnership is a strategic move for Bangladesh’s telecom future. By localising repair and refurbishment of critical power components, the country can increase resilience, reduce import dependency, and strengthen its broader digital and industrial ecosystems.
Grameenphone has partnered with Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited to deliver Starlink satellite internet to enterprise clients across Bangladesh. The service is aimed at remote and hard-to-reach areas where traditional networks are limited, ensuring business continuity during outages or emergencies. Leaders from both organizations said the collaboration will strengthen the nation’s digital backbone and improve connectivity for critical operations.
Bangladesh will auction the 700MHz band for the first time on 14 January 2026, offering 25MHz to the country’s four mobile operators. The band—critical for long-range 4G and future 5G expansion—comes to auction after years of disputes and legal delays. With reduced spectrum prices and strong industry demand, the auction is expected to reshape nationwide coverage and improve mobile broadband quality.