e& UAE has launched a revolutionary Fibre-to-the-Room (FTTR) solution, delivering high-speed internet directly to each room in homes. This innovative service addresses Wi-Fi coverage issues in large residential spaces, ensuring seamless connectivity for smart homes, gamers, and tech users. It represents a significant step towards a digitally empowered future.
Oman’s postpaid mobile subscriptions rose by 9% in the first half of 2024, reaching 1.89 million, while prepaid subscriptions dropped by 4.5%. Fixed internet subscriptions grew by 6.5%, but fixed-line subscriptions declined by 21.7%. Muscat led in fixed analogue lines, despite a 71.1% drop in this category.
Jordan’s telecommunications sector is booming with nearly 798,800 fixed broadband subscriptions and a 69% market share for fiber internet. The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission’s report highlights robust high-speed internet demand, mobile broadband growth, and 5G adoption, reflecting the nation’s rapid digital transformation and technological advancements.
Telenor Asia, parent of Grameenphone, has urged the Bangladesh government to fully restore mobile internet services. Major telecom operators reported a shutdown of 3G and 4G networks ordered by local authorities, leaving only 2G services available. Previous internet blackouts and social media restrictions have raised concerns about safety and connectivity.
Grameenphone launched ‘gpfi unlimited’, a fixed wireless access service providing Wifi-like internet without cables. Customers can choose from routers priced at Tk 4,000 and Tk 7,500, and plans ranging from Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,900 per month. The launch event featured key figures from the telecom industry and Grameenphone executives.
Bangladesh restored mobile internet services after a 12-day outage caused by violent protests. However, social media platforms remain blocked pending talks with government officials. State minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak cited “planned sabotage” for the blackout, while digital rights groups urge an independent enquiry into the incident’s true cause.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah bin Amer Al-Sawah, launched the “National Internet Switchboard” in Riyadh to enhance internet quality. This initiative, part of the National Transformation Program 2020, aims to activate digital services and boost information security, supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.
In May 2024, Qatar topped the Speedtest Global Index for mobile internet speed, with a median download speed of 329.37 Mbps and an upload speed of 25.36 Mbps. It was followed by the UAE, Kuwait, Denmark, and Norway. Rankings require at least 300 unique user results per location.
As the Middle East continues to advance its broadband infrastructure, the potential for a fully connected, high-speed future seems imminent.
Qatar Airways will introduce Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency Wi-Fi on three Boeing 777-300 aircraft by year-end, expanding fleet-wide within two years. This collaboration enhances passenger experience with up to 500 Mbps connectivity, enabling streaming, gaming, and more with simple one-click access.
