Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Orange Côte d’Ivoire has launched Orange Sat, a satellite broadband service powered by Eutelsat to connect rural white zones. Offering both unlimited enterprise plans and low-cost prepaid passes, the initiative expands digital inclusion by bringing reliable internet to areas beyond 4G and fibre coverage.
Es’hailSat is showcasing its Tier-4 Teleport and satellite capabilities at DIMDEX 2026, highlighting secure GOVMIL communications for maritime and defence sectors. As Qatar’s national operator, it is demonstrating resilient, end-to-end connectivity for remote and high-risk environments across the region.
Amazon is preparing to launch its LEO satellite services in South Africa later this year through licensed local partners. The move expands broadband reach via ISP backhaul, aligns with ICASA’s regulatory framework, and places Amazon Leo alongside Starlink and OneWeb in a fast-growing African satellite connectivity market.
Vodafone Qatar has become the country’s first B2B reseller of Starlink satellite services, bringing high-speed, low-latency connectivity to remote and mission-critical business environments. The partnership strengthens enterprise resilience, expands national ICT infrastructure, and supports Qatar’s National Vision 2030 through next-generation satellite connectivity.
Morocco has renewed satellite communication licenses for nine operators, including Maroc Telecom and Wana Corporate, reinforcing its position as a leading African space and satellite market. The move supports VSAT, GMPCS, and 3RP networks, strengthening national connectivity and Morocco’s long-term investment in space and digital infrastructure.
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.
Algeria has launched the Alsat-3A Earth observation satellite from China, expanding its high-resolution geospatial capabilities. Supervised by senior defence leadership, the mission enhances national capacity in satellite imagery, mapping, and digital terrain modelling, building on two decades of investment in space technology and remote sensing infrastructure.
Morocco has renewed satellite communication licenses for nine operators, covering VSAT, GMPCS, and frequency-sharing services. Backed by ANRT, the move reinforces satellite connectivity as core infrastructure and positions Morocco among Africa’s leading space actors, supporting communications, environmental monitoring, security, and rural connectivity across the country.
Smart and Lynk successfully tested direct-to-device satellite connectivity in Catanduanes, enabling text messaging and light data access in remote areas. The trials highlight how LEO satellites can restore communications during disasters and extend coverage to unserved regions, supporting Smart’s plans for a commercial D2D launch in 2027.
BSNL and Viasat are modernising the Indian Navy’s satellite communications by integrating Ka-band systems with existing L-band infrastructure. The move introduces a multi-band, multi-constellation architecture, improving coverage, throughput, and resilience for mission-critical naval operations using BSNL’s ground facilities and Viasat’s global satellite network.