Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General Hafeez Ur Rehman, represented Pakistan at the GSMA roundtable on spectrum challenges at the Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona. He emphasized global collaboration for equitable spectrum allocation and advancing telecom infrastructure to bridge digital divides.
EFInA CEO Foyinsolami Akinjayeju discussed the organization’s collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other agencies to expand connectivity in rural Nigeria. Despite high mobile and internet penetration, limited infrastructure has hindered financial inclusion. Ongoing projects aim to enhance connectivity and improve access to financial services through digital technology.
Pakistan is enhancing its digital infrastructure with 26.5 Tbps of international connectivity through five submarine cable projects. Additionally, proposals are underway to expand satellite-based internet services, and the government is working on improving network security to optimize internet performance and reduce slowdowns caused by VPNs and DDoS attacks.
du has partnered with PEACE Cable to extend the PEACE Cable System into the UAE, enhancing global connectivity and digital infrastructure. This partnership will provide high-speed, secure connections, benefiting du’s Wholesale and Enterprise customers. The extension is expected to be operational by the second half of 2026, supporting the UAE’s digital vision.
AITA has partnered with SKYFive Arabia to provide high-speed in-flight connectivity to Egyptian airlines using advanced air-to-ground (A2G) technology. This collaboration will enhance passenger and crew connectivity on international routes, starting with Egypt-Saudi Arabia by 2025. The A2G network will benefit over 25 million passengers annually.
Elon Musk expressed excitement about launching Starlink in Bangladesh following a meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Prof. Muhammad Yunus. The discussions focused on how Starlink could improve connectivity for youth, rural areas, and underserved communities. Musk also accepted an invitation to visit Bangladesh for the potential launch.
Batelco by Beyon has launched ‘One Plan’ in Bahrain, allowing customers to combine up to five postpaid mobile lines and one fibre Internet line into a single plan with one unified bill. This first-of-its-kind product aims to simplify mobile and home connectivity, providing exceptional value for money.
Saudi Arabia’s CST and SCIT Group have partnered for a $100 million investment to enhance Air-to-Ground (A2G) communication technology. The initiative aims to improve aviation safety, passenger connectivity, and airline operations, while fostering local talent and regional expansion. This collaboration positions Saudi Arabia as a global leader in aviation technology.
Mobily has announced a $905 million investment in data centers and submarine cables to enhance Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure. This initiative supports the Kingdom’s digital economy growth, contributing to Vision 2030 by improving global connectivity, expanding data center capacity, and fostering innovation across various industries.
Ooredoo Qatar has upgraded its Aamali portfolio, introducing new business solutions like enhanced Aamali Mobile and Mobile Broadband plans. The launch of Aamali GoConnect offers eSIM-enabled devices with global data plans, ensuring seamless connectivity and enhanced productivity for businesses across industries and regions.
