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 has issued a draft license framework for satellite internet services, reducing barriers for global providers like Starlink. The single-license model cuts costs, mandates local data compliance, and ensures rapid rollout. The move is expected to boost connectivity in underserved regions and advance Pakistan’s digital sovereignty.
Lebanon has granted a licence to Elon Musk’s Starlink to provide satellite internet services through a newly formed local entity. Initially limited to companies with packages from $100 per month, the move breaks state monopoly over internet services and aims to boost connectivity in one of the region’s slowest markets.
Starlink has launched its corporate internet service in Bangladesh, with Eastern Bank and 20 other firms signing up. The world’s largest Starlink ground station in Gazipur will power the service, while Robi becomes the first reseller. High costs could restrict uptake, but the service promises to transform rural connectivity.
DE-CIX India has become the country’s first Internet Exchange to integrate Starlink’s LEO satellite internet. With speeds up to 220 Mbps and affordable pricing, the move enhances rural and remote connectivity while complementing terrestrial networks, marking a major step for Digital India’s inclusive future.
Sama X, Starlink’s authorised reseller, is expanding satellite-powered internet across MENA, India, and Pakistan. Its hybrid LEO solutions bring low-latency, high-speed connectivity to underserved regions, enabling healthcare, education, logistics, and agriculture, while driving future-ready applications in AI, cloud, and autonomous systems.
Starlink is close to a deal with Saudia Airlines to provide in-flight Wi-Fi across 140 aircraft, expanding its Gulf presence and competing with Neo Space Group, Viasat, and Inmarsat. The move follows talks with Emirates and Gulf Air, and a Qatar Airways rollout.
The UAE is consulting on a new “Category B” licence to allow resale of broadband satellite internet services like Starlink. The move could expand connectivity for key sectors, enable market competition, and pave the way for Starlink’s UAE launch. Feedback closes on September 25, 2025.
Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited inks $2.5m deal to resell Starlink internet services, targeting corporate clients and expanding high-speed satellite coverage nationwide.
Starlink launches satellite internet in Chad, its 24th African market, to improve connectivity in remote regions. The move supports Starlink’s goal to increase Africa’s low internet penetration, though regulatory hurdles persist in countries like South Africa.
Orange Jordan partners with StarLink to expand advanced ICT solutions, enhancing digital transformation support for Jordan’s business sector. The collaboration strengthens cybersecurity, cloud, and data center capabilities aligned with national digital economy goals.