Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Algeria is undergoing scheduled maintenance on the critical SMW4 submarine cable on March 10-11, 2026. Aimed at the power supply system, the work may cause temporary internet disruptions between Annaba and Palermo. Authorities have activated alternative routes to ensure service continuity and emphasize the intervention’s role in long-term network reliability.
UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX has introduced 400 Gigabit Ethernet access, becoming the first Middle East IX to do so. This upgrade boosts capacity beyond six terabits and connects nearly 110 networks, strengthening its position as the region’s leading internet hub supporting growing digital demand.
Bangladesh has fallen six places to 82nd in Surfshark’s 2025 Digital Quality of Life Index, ranking 121 countries by digital wellbeing across five pillars. It performed best in internet quality at 65th, though speeds remain below global averages. Affordability challenges persist, with over four hours of work needed monthly for fixed broadband access. The country ranked 73rd in e-government and 85th in e-security, trailing India but ahead of Pakistan.
Logar Province will soon launch the Fiber to the Home (FTTH) Internet project in Pul-e-Alam city, covering 11,781 meters across six districts. Afghan Telecom will implement the project, aiming to provide high-quality internet to households. The initiative will first focus on the provincial center before expanding.
ICANN and Bahrain’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced the 2025 Middle East DNS Forum, which will take place in Bahrain from April 20-30, 2025. The hybrid event will foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and discussions on DNS technologies, attracting global stakeholders to contribute to a secure and inclusive digital future.
MENOG 24, hosted in Muscat by AWASR, gathered experts to discuss advancements in internet infrastructure and the region’s digital transformation. The event, organized by the RIPE NCC, focused on IPv6 adoption, routing security, and emerging challenges. It provided a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among Middle East stakeholders.