Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
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.
The Moroccan government has announced a new program to extend high-speed internet to 1,800 rural areas, part of its National Plan for the Development of High and Very High Speed Broadband. This initiative, aligned with the National Digital Development Strategy 2030, aims to boost economic growth, improve public services, and foster digital inclusion.
Morocco plans to launch 5G internet service by 2030, aligning with its 2030 digital strategy and in preparation for co-hosting the World Cup with Spain and Portugal. The initiative aims to enhance online data speed and expand rural internet coverage, recognizing digital connectivity as essential for various sectors post-pandemic.
The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) awarded a feasibility study grant to CdNet Communications Ltd for the Bangladesh International Submarine Cable (Bagha-1). This project aims to boost internet capacity and quality across Bangladesh, enhancing digital infrastructure and connectivity for advanced services like 5G and international data centers.