Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
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.
e& and DE-CIX have partnered to establish an Internet corridor between the UAE and India. This collaboration combines e&’s global connectivity with DE-CIX’s Internet exchange services to deliver high-speed, reliable internet, enhancing digital innovation and user experience across the Middle East and India.
Jahanzeb Rahim, Member Telecom, proposed adopting orbital satellites to strengthen Pakistan’s internet connectivity and economic growth. The public-private dialogue emphasized the need for diversification in Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure, reducing reliance on submarine cables, and improving resilience, particularly in rural areas, to support the nation’s digital economy and IT exports.
Pakistan is set to benefit from an advanced undersea cable that will enhance internet speeds and connectivity, especially for social media and online services. The 45,000-kilometer cable, part of the 2Africa Pearls project, is set to improve internet performance, addressing current slow speeds and outages.