Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
GSMA has signed an MoU with Ooredoo, confirming the operator as Strategic Operator Partner for MWC25 Doha. The event, set for 25–26 November, will bring together leaders from 60+ countries to explore AI, digital infrastructure, and frontier technologies, with Ooredoo showcasing its 5G and innovation leadership.
Pakistan’s telecom operators and GSMA have urged the government to ease 5G spectrum auction terms, citing high spectrum costs and risks to investment. They demanded lower reserve prices, rupee-based fees, flexible payment terms, and duty-free imports, warning that delays could cost the economy up to $4.3 billion in five years.
Pakistan’s telecom industry and GSMA have urged the government to adopt an investment-friendly approach to the upcoming 5G auction. Proposals include lower spectrum prices, rupee-based payments, duty-free imports, and flexible terms to spur digital transformation, reduce network congestion, and expand inclusion across the country.
The GSMA’s Digital Nation Summit in Islamabad praised Pakistan’s progress but warned of a 52% mobile Internet usage gap, the largest in APAC. With reforms on spectrum, taxation, trust, and regulation, Pakistan could transform into a digital powerhouse, boosting economic growth, social inclusion, and regional leadership in innovation.
GSMA’s report urges Pakistan to reform spectrum policy, reduce mobile taxes, and boost digital trust to close its 52% mobile internet usage gap. Strategic reforms can unlock economic growth and regional digital leadership.
Syria has rejoined the GSMA after over ten years, enhancing regional telecom cooperation with Jordan. The move enables Syria to access global telecom resources and expertise as it modernizes its infrastructure and fosters startup support through a new national incubator alliance.
Syria has rejoined the GSMA after over a decade, reconnecting with global telecom systems and regional digital frameworks. The move, supported by lifted U.S. sanctions, marks a significant step in Syria’s digital reintegration and cooperation with neighboring Arab countries.
Pakistan will host its first National Digital Summit on August 7, bringing together government and industry leaders to discuss digital transformation and telecom expansion. The summit supports Pakistan’s ambitions as a tech hub, backed by a large mobile user base, growing IT exports, and GSMA’s global involvement.
The GSMA’s new white paper calls for a united effort across governments, industry, and civil society to strengthen child online protections throughout Africa. It emphasizes youth-centred policies, digital literacy expansion, and public-private collaboration to create safer digital spaces for Africa’s rapidly growing youth population, recognizing that safeguarding children’s rights online is critical for the continent’s future social and economic progress.
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.