Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has warned that misuse of SIM cards will be the responsibility of the registered user. PTA emphasized that SIMs must be registered in the actual user’s name and urged consumers to follow regulations to protect the security and reliability of Pakistan’s telecom network.
Pakistan is moving forward with its 5G spectrum auction, offering 194 MHz in the 2600 MHz band despite legal disputes over part of the spectrum. Officials say the absence of a stay order allows the process to continue, aiming to attract investment and strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure.
Ericsson has signed a multi-year microwave contract with Jazz to modernise the operator’s backbone network in Pakistan. Using Ericsson’s Mini-Link solutions, the deployment will boost capacity, improve reliability, and support 4G expansion while preparing the network for a future transition to 5G nationwide.
Telenor Pakistan and UNICEF concluded their three-year partnership with a national ceremony in Islamabad highlighting key achievements in child online protection. The collaboration engaged regulators, government bodies, civil society, and youth to strengthen digital safety frameworks. Key outcomes include youth empowerment initiatives, policy advocacy, national education integration, and the launch of Pakistan’s first Child Online Protection Committee. New research from the Disrupting Harm II study will guide future policy reforms, with full findings due in April 2026.
PTA has approved the PTCL–Telenor merger with strict conditions to prevent market abuse, banning cross-subsidisation, discriminatory pricing, and exclusive deals. PTCL and Ufone must remain separate legal entities, and the merged operator must join upcoming spectrum auctions. The decision aims to protect competition as PTCL becomes a larger market force.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has granted conditional approval to Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited for its acquisition of Telenor Pakistan, marking…
Pakistan’s USF has approved Rs13.05bn for nine new projects to expand high-speed broadband and fiber connectivity to 5.55 million rural residents. The NGBSD and OFC initiatives span multiple provinces, strengthening national fiberisation, supporting digital inclusion, and enhancing access to education, health, and IT opportunities in underserved regions.
SUPARCO and NTC have signed an MoU to expand satellite-enabled communication and digital services across Pakistan, especially in remote regions. The agreement allows NTC to use geo-communication satellites for reliable connectivity while SUPARCO leverages NTC’s network for secure satellite imaging, cloud and geospatial services. The partnership strengthens national capabilities in telecom and space technology.
Pakistan’s international internet capacity has reached 17.21 Tbps with major submarine cables supporting global connectivity. New systems including 2Africa, Africa1, and SMW6 are underway to boost bandwidth, cut latency, and strengthen resilience. The national fiber backbone now exceeds 210,000 km across long-haul and metro networks.
Pakistan’s National Assembly committee has criticised the PTA for slow nationwide internet and ordered immediate surveys and improvement measures. The panel reviewed progress on Islamabad and Karachi IT parks, praised NTC’s cybersecurity initiatives, and noted spectrum shortages as the country prepares for a 5G rollout.