Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Kazakhstan has launched a new telecommunications corridor connecting Central Asia to the UAE, enhancing digital transit capacity, reducing latency, and strengthening cross-border connectivity. The initiative supports the Digital Silk Road vision while positioning Kazakhstan as a strategic hub for international data traffic and regional digital infrastructure growth.
Pakistan has approved a new MVNO policy allowing virtual mobile operators to provide nationwide services without owning spectrum. The framework sets a $140,000 licence fee, promotes competition and innovation, and enables operators to use existing networks while complying with PTA security, service quality, and regulatory requirements.
Vodafone Egypt has expanded its 5G network to over 3,000 urban areas nationwide while renewing its partnership with Mohamed Salah as 5G ambassador. The move strengthens digital connectivity, supports advanced applications across multiple sectors, and reinforces Vodafone’s role in accelerating Egypt’s digital transformation.
WorldLink Communications has launched its 6G Wi-Fi technology in Nepal, offering 40% wider coverage and four times faster speeds than Wi-Fi 5G. Backed by Nokia, the innovation strengthens Nepal’s digital infrastructure and underscores WorldLink’s commitment to technological excellence and community development.
Orange Tunisia has become the first African operator to host the Medusa subsea cable, connecting Tunisia to 13 Mediterranean countries and boosting the nation’s role as a digital hub linking Africa and Europe.
Bangladesh’s state-run submarine cable operator denied claims of bandwidth shortage, citing 7,200 Gbps of current capacity and plans to reach 30,000 Gbps by 2026. The statement comes as the country’s first private cable project faces delays, underscoring tensions between state control and market liberalization.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has waived underground cable-laying fees for telecom firms for three years to expand affordable, high-speed internet. The policy aims to boost connectivity, lower infrastructure costs, and accelerate the province’s digital transformation and economic growth.
AFR-IX Telecom has secured USTDA funding to study extending the Medusa subsea cable to West Africa. The project aims to enhance Africa’s digital connectivity, enabling secure bandwidth for AI, 6G, and quantum technologies, while strengthening US-African cooperation against untrusted infrastructure providers.
Jazz’s completion of a full 4G upgrade across Central Punjab regions cements its leadership in digital connectivity. With 75% of users on 4G, over 53 million customers now benefit from faster internet and access to healthcare, finance, education, and entertainment services, marking a major step toward Pakistan’s digital inclusion.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a manual establishing India’s first standard framework for rating properties on digital connectivity. With indoor coverage critical for 4G and 5G services, the framework provides transparent criteria to guide developers, operators, and consumers toward stronger, future-ready digital infrastructure nationwide.