Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Egypt has risen 40 points in the UN Index for Internet usage, driven by major telecom investments and nationwide service expansion. The country now has over 90 million mobile and 12 million broadband users, marking a decade of strong progress in digital inclusion and infrastructure modernization.
The UAE now has 100% internet coverage, with many residents adopting two-phone setups for work-life separation. Mobile subscriptions have reached 203 per 100 residents, while high-speed fixed internet usage continues to rise, reflecting growing digital connectivity and changing lifestyle habits.
Morocco ranks 96th globally with an average fixed broadband speed of 61.43 Mbps, well below the global average of 103 Mbps. Leading countries exceed 200 Mbps, highlighting a major gap. Continued investment is needed for Morocco to improve its digital infrastructure and connectivity.
Pakistan’s National Assembly committee raised concerns over poor internet coverage in underserved regions and delays in spectrum auctions. Projects are underway but challenges persist due to payment defaults, infrastructure gaps, and legal issues related to telecom mergers.
Starlink has launched its fixed telecommunications services in Oman, enabling high-speed internet access in remote regions with challenging terrain. The service, backed by a Class 1 licence from the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, aims to connect key industries such as oil and gas, tourism, and agriculture, while boosting digital infrastructure.
Starlink satellite broadband service is set to launch in Sri Lanka in April 2025, offering high-speed, low-latency internet access to remote areas. The government has ensured quality service and addressed national security concerns, with no outstanding issues for the service’s rollout.
Turkcell has introduced Wi-Fi 7 technology in Türkiye, offering ultra-high-speed internet with download and upload speeds of up to 1000 Mbps. This next-generation technology supports multiple devices, delivering low latency and enhanced capacity, ideal for gaming, broadcasting, and 4K streaming, while eliminating the need for wired connections.
Pakistan’s government plans to launch 5G services by mid-2025, aiming to resolve internet speed issues. Despite financial concerns highlighted in the PTA’s 2024 report, the government remains committed to overcoming challenges in transitioning to 5G, with an emphasis on improving connectivity and telecom industry growth.
Salam has partnered with CDNetworks to enhance internet services in Saudi Arabia, offering low-latency, high-quality connectivity. This collaboration addresses the growing demand for digital content and services, positioning the Kingdom as a hub for gaming, video streaming, and content delivery network markets, aligning with digital transformation goals.
Egypt has emerged as the top African country in fixed internet speed, driven by its digital transformation efforts. The country has also seen growth in digital service exports and outsourcing, alongside investments in AI and digital skills development. Egypt’s ongoing progress is positioning it as a digital leader in Africa.