Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
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.
eSIM technology is rapidly gaining traction in North Africa, particularly in Morocco and Tunisia, where travelers can easily access mobile data without the need for physical SIM cards. This shift offers greater convenience, supports digital mobility, and aligns with infrastructure modernization efforts, enhancing regional connectivity for locals and visitors alike.
Sri Lanka will introduce mobile number portability in June, allowing users to retain their numbers when switching operators. The Ministry of Digital Economy is also building 50 new mobile towers to improve connectivity. Other topics discussed include cryptocurrency regulation, personal data protection, and emerging technologies like AI.
Sri Lanka’s Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRCSL) has announced that mobile phones with non-registered IMEI numbers will not work on telecom networks in the future. Consumers are urged to purchase only IMEI-registered devices. The rule will not apply to phones connected to networks before January 28.
Nepal Telecom (NTC) enhanced mobile connectivity at the Gadhimai fair by installing 21 small cell BTS units and upgrading existing infrastructure to ensure optimal 4G and voice services. This effort helped provide reliable connectivity for large crowds over the 14-day event. NTC also extended high-speed services to other locations.
Ncell has introduced its “Resource Exchange” feature, allowing users to swap data for voice minutes and vice versa with the Sadhain ON pack. This new feature enhances flexibility, enabling users to get more out of their resources based on need, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient use of mobile services.
Africa’s digital transformation faces challenges due to reliance on outdated 3G/2G networks, limiting access to modern services. However, with the expansion of 4G/5G and infrastructure improvements, the continent is poised for growth in digital inclusion, economic participation, and connectivity, driving innovations in mobile financial services, healthcare, and education.