Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Reliable LEO satellite connectivity has been introduced on Gabon’s passenger trains through a partnership between Eutelsat OneWeb and Airtel Gabon, supporting national digital transformation goals, improving passenger experience, and extending broadband access to rail routes beyond terrestrial network coverage.
Reliable onboard Wi-Fi is being introduced on Gabon’s passenger trains through a partnership between Eutelsat and Airtel Gabon, using OneWeb LEO satellites. The project supports national digital transformation goals, enhances passenger comfort, and extends broadband access to rail routes beyond terrestrial network coverage.
Bahrain’s telecommunications regulator has authorised satellite direct-to-device services, allowing standard mobile phones to connect directly to satellites beyond terrestrial coverage. While commercial services are not yet live, the move positions Bahrain as a regional first and lays the groundwork for pilot deployments, emergency connectivity, and wider satellite-based communications.
Airtel Africa will deploy Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite service across 14 African markets in 2026, initially supporting SMS and text messaging. The partnership aims to extend basic mobile connectivity to remote areas by complementing terrestrial networks, subject to regulatory approvals in each country.
Satellite and mobile connectivity played a critical role in recent emergency responses in Sri Lanka and along the Thai–Cambodia border. Eutelsat and Bharti Airtel supported flood relief through LEO satellite services, while Thailand’s True Corporation maintained communications, supported evacuees, and restored network services amid border tensions.
The partnership between Space42 and Telkomsat signals Indonesia’s growing interest in direct-to-device satellite connectivity, combining UAE-led satellite innovation with local telecom expertise. By leveraging the Equatys joint venture, both companies aim to strengthen non-terrestrial networks, improve coverage in remote areas, and support national connectivity resilience amid rising global competition in D2D satellite services.
Mobi Egypt has signed an agreement to use Ku-band capacity on Es’hail-1, enabling the migration of its VSAT networks to Es’hailSat’s high-powered satellite for improved MENA-wide connectivity. The partnership expands Es’hailSat’s presence in Egypt and supports Mobi Egypt’s mission-critical services through robust satellite infrastructure and a Tier-4 teleport in Doha.
Es’hailSat has signed an agreement to provide Ku-band capacity on its Es’hail-1 satellite to Mobi Egypt, enabling the full migration of the company’s VSAT networks. The partnership boosts satellite connectivity across Egypt and MENA, supported by Es’hailSat’s Tier-4 teleport and high-powered satellites. The collaboration enhances reliability for mission-critical operations across multiple industries.
Avanti is boosting satellite capacity in Southern Africa through additional Türksat 5B bandwidth, strengthening enterprise and community connectivity while supporting regional telecom growth.
Thuraya, a subsidiary of Space42, has launched its Thuraya-4 satellite in South Africa to expand national coverage, strengthen communications for key sectors, and advance Vision 2030’s digital inclusion goals. The rollout aligns with Space42’s broader African strategy connecting schools, clinics, and governments through AI-powered satellite infrastructure.