Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistan has issued a draft license framework for satellite internet services, reducing barriers for global providers like Starlink. The single-license model cuts costs, mandates local data compliance, and ensures rapid rollout. The move is expected to boost connectivity in underserved regions and advance Pakistan’s digital sovereignty.
PTA has denied reports of subscriber data leaks from telecom operators, stating the exposed datasets were aggregated from external sources. The authority blocked 1,372 online platforms trading personal data, while the Ministry of Interior launched a probe to identify leak origins and recommend corrective measures.
Pakistan’s telecom industry and GSMA have urged the government to adopt an investment-friendly approach to the upcoming 5G auction. Proposals include lower spectrum prices, rupee-based payments, duty-free imports, and flexible terms to spur digital transformation, reduce network congestion, and expand inclusion across the country.
Jazz’s completion of a full 4G upgrade across Central Punjab regions cements its leadership in digital connectivity. With 75% of users on 4G, over 53 million customers now benefit from faster internet and access to healthcare, finance, education, and entertainment services, marking a major step toward Pakistan’s digital inclusion.
The Senate IT Committee voiced frustration over Pakistan’s delayed 5G rollout, PTCL’s unpaid $800 million dues, and Telenor’s possible exit from the market. Lawmakers pressed for legal dispute resolution, transparency in the 5G auction, and direct government engagement with telecom operators to prevent further setbacks in the sector.
Pakistan’s telecom operators invested Rs. 267.6 billion over three years, with Jazz leading at Rs. 95.45 billion, followed by Zong, Ufone, and Telenor. Despite this, service quality gaps persist, prompting PTA to issue warnings and show-cause notices. Over 65,000 complaints were filed, mainly about data services.
Heavy rains in Sindh disabled over 2,500 telecom towers, cutting mobile and internet access for thousands of users. PTA restored 1,800 towers within 24 hours, with most of Karachi’s services back online. The incident underscores the risks posed to telecom infrastructure by extreme weather.
Zong and Huawei’s joint launch of GigaAAU FDD Massive MIMO has boosted Pakistan’s 4G capacity by over 150% in downlink traffic and 330% in user experience. With advanced beamforming, dual-band support, and near-zero off-peak power usage, this collaboration enhances performance, efficiency, and sustainability in the telecom sector.
Despite government projects, Pakistan still faces major internet access challenges due to slow spectrum use and legal issues, prompting lawmakers to demand accelerated action and better regulatory enforcement.
PTCL reports Rs7.2bn loss in H1 FY25; finance ministry warns of risks tied to Telenor Pakistan acquisition affecting digital transformation.