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 approves telecom amendment bill to accelerate internet and mobile network expansion, simplifying Right of Way access, strengthening governance of NTC under the SOEs framework and enhancing regulatory oversight to support nationwide digital infrastructure growth.
Pakistan’s telecom committee recommends amendments to the Telecommunication Re-organisation Act, introducing streamlined Right of Way access, governance reforms for NTC under the SOEs framework, and clearer approval timelines to accelerate infrastructure deployment. The Electronic Transactions Amendment Bill was deferred pending political consensus.
Morocco’s Government Council is reviewing draft measures to extend telecommunications licences and update public holiday regulations, alongside broader legislative and administrative decisions covering aviation cooperation and public sector governance.
TDRA confirmed that importing telecom devices into the UAE requires a customs clearance permit to ensure legal and safe entry. The regulator urged businesses and individuals to review guidelines on its website or call 80012, as part of efforts to prevent unauthorized and potentially risky equipment from entering the country.
Morocco has ordered major ISPs to block unlicensed betting platforms, enforcing DNS and IP restrictions after a court ruling backed by the state lottery operator. The move aims to protect players, curb illegal gambling, and keep betting revenue within the country, with daily fines for non-compliance.
PTA has licensed nine local VPN providers and launched a free registration portal, with over 30,000 users already enrolled. The move supports secure remote work for businesses and freelancers while strengthening oversight through new IP whitelisting rules to curb misuse and enhance cybersecurity.
Nigeria’s telecom regulator has opened a public consultation on direct-to-device satellite services, exploring spectrum models, coexistence with mobile networks, and public-interest safeguards. The move aligns with Airtel Africa’s planned rollout of Starlink’s Direct to Cell service, signalling Nigeria’s readiness to shape a regulatory framework for satellite-mobile convergence.
Nepal Telecom has warned VAS providers against sending offensive SMS that threaten social, religious, or political harmony. The operator said strict action will follow any violations and reaffirmed that it does not share subscriber data, responding to public concern over misuse of bulk messaging platforms.
Nigeria’s telecom regulator has engaged PwC to conduct its first industry-wide competition review since 2013, amid concerns over market dominance and sustainability. The study will assess structural shifts, new technologies, and barriers to entry, as the sector faces ARPU decline, MVNO fragility, and intensifying digital competition.
A turning point for Bangladesh’s telecom sector may be near. Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman says regulatory reform, dispute resolution, and fair taxation can restore investor confidence. With fibre, 5G, and digital services at stake, 2026 could reset the industry’s trajectory and unlock national digital growth.