Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
MTN dominates Sub-Saharan Africa’s mobile speed rankings as 5G adoption spreads across key markets. With strong performances in South Africa, Nigeria, and Uganda, MTN leads regional connectivity improvements amid expanding investments in 4G, 5G, and fiber infrastructure.
Bangladesh ranks among the world’s lowest 5G adopters, with 16% of shipments in early 2025 being 5G devices. But new operator launches and affordable handsets from TECNO and VIVO signal the start of wider adoption, paving the way for stronger connectivity and digital transformation.
MTN South Africa’s new ‘Handset Rent-to-Own’ program offers affordable 4G/5G smartphones without credit checks, supporting users ahead of the 2027 2G/3G shutdown. The initiative targets low-income customers to boost smartphone adoption and network transition.
Singer Sri Lanka expands 5G smartphone offerings with exclusive HONOR launches, reinforcing its market leadership and commitment to broad 5G accessibility alongside global brands.
Singer Sri Lanka and Hutch’s partnership expands mobile connectivity through Singer’s retail network, offering instant SIM access, smartphone upgrades, and enhanced digital services to promote digital inclusion nationwide.
SINGER Sri Lanka has partnered with Hutch to expand mobile connectivity by offering Hutch SIM cards and instant activation at 410 SINGER showrooms. Customers can also upgrade to 4G or 5G smartphones at discounted rates. The collaboration aims to improve digital connectivity and enhance the customer shopping experience.
A Telenor report reveals that while Bangladeshis are embracing mobile technology and AI, concerns about online security remain high, with seven in ten users worried about account safety. The report highlights a gender gap in AI adoption at work, with men outpacing women in usage.
HUTCH has partnered with Singer Sri Lanka to introduce a fully digital onboarding model for eSIM activation, simplifying the mobile experience. Customers can now easily activate eSIMs or request physical SIMs via a seamless, paperless process. This collaboration also offers discounts on select smartphones, enhancing digital inclusivity.
Rakuten Mobile and AST SpaceMobile have successfully completed the first-ever broadband video call between unmodified smartphones in Japan using a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite. This achievement paves the way for expanded mobile coverage in remote and disaster-affected areas, with plans for broader satellite-to-mobile broadband services in Japan by late 2026.
Dialog Axiata has achieved a 6.2Gbps speed on its 5G Standalone (5G SA) Ready network, marking the fastest ever recorded in Sri Lanka on a commercial smartphone. In collaboration with Huawei and Samsung, this milestone demonstrates the potential of 5.5G Ultra Advanced Technology for transforming mobile connectivity.