Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Nepal Telecom has expanded 86 telecom towers across Jumla, Kalikot, and Mugu to improve mobile and 4G connectivity in Karnali’s remote areas. The rollout aims to extend communication services to underserved rural communities and support wider digital inclusion.
Huawei and MTN Nigeria have completed the first commercial deployment of Huawei’s RuralCow mobile base station, designed for rapid rollout in rural regions. The solution drastically reduces power use, installation complexity, and deployment costs while extending coverage to remote communities. It shortens rural network ROI to around three years.
Nigeria’s approval to deploy 4,000 telecom towers marks a major step toward expanding rural connectivity. By targeting 23 million underserved citizens, the initiative aims to boost economic inclusion, strengthen security, and support agricultural transformation through improved digital infrastructure.
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.
Ethio Telecom and ZTE have rolled out 152 rural base stations, extending 2G–4G connectivity to over one million people in remote Ethiopian regions. Using modular, solar-powered technology, the project cuts construction costs and accelerates deployment while supporting services like Telebirr. The expansion strengthens national coverage as Ethio Telecom targets major revenue growth.
Morocco has achieved full smartphone penetration in urban households, with rural adoption rising quickly, according to ANRT’s latest ICT survey. Internet access and device ownership have grown sharply nationwide, driven partly by the pandemic. While digital connectivity improves access to education and services, rising online use among children is triggering increasing parental concerns and household tensions.
The Electronic Government Division of the Smart Zambia Institute (SZI) has rolled out Starlink satellite internet kits in Moomba Chiefdom,…
Nepal Telecom has launched 4G and 2G in Sarkegad Rural Municipality, Humla, covering multiple villages and wards. The rollout brings high-speed internet, HD voice, and video calling to remote areas, reinforcing NTC’s commitment to rural connectivity and digital inclusion across Nepal.
Starlink has officially launched its high-speed satellite internet service in Sri Lanka following regulatory approval. The service offers faster connectivity and broader coverage, including remote areas, marking Sri Lanka as the third South Asian country with Starlink access. The launch is part of Starlink’s global expansion, providing reliable internet through its extensive satellite constellation.
Nepal Telecom’s launch of 3G services in Sangta village marks a critical step toward digital inclusion in remote Nepalese regions. By overcoming logistical challenges and leveraging solar-powered infrastructure, NTC is enhancing communication access for residents and visitors alike. This move lays the groundwork for future 4G expansion, fostering economic growth and connectivity in underserved areas.