Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Egypt lands the SEA-ME-WE-6 submarine cable, enhancing connectivity between Asia, Africa, and Europe. This infrastructure addresses growing bandwidth demand and strengthens Egypt’s role as a key global internet corridor. Commissioning is expected in 2026.
du and omantel launch a 275-km subsea cable boosting connectivity between UAE and Oman, enhancing speed and reliability. The OEG supports digital transformation, cloud access, and regional economic growth, with dual routes ensuring network resilience.
Omantel and du have activated the Oman Emirates Gateway, a 275km fiber optic submarine cable linking Oman and the UAE. This high-capacity infrastructure enhances network speed, resilience, and connectivity, supporting regional digital transformation and attracting global technology players. The project is positioned as a catalyst for economic growth and innovation in the Gulf.
Dialog Axiata has launched the IAX (India Asia Xpress) submarine cable system, enhancing Sri Lanka’s international connectivity. The system, part of a US$100 million investment, connects key regions like India, Singapore, and Europe. It complements Dialog’s existing infrastructure, ensuring high-speed, reliable, and secure data transmission.
A cut in the PEACE submarine cable in the Red Sea has disrupted internet connectivity between Asia, East Africa, and Europe. The incident, which occurred on March 4, 2025, is expected to cause significant delays in repairs, impacting business and communications for months. The cause of the damage is still unknown.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has reduced the national usage of terrestrial bandwidth from India to 50%, aiming to create a fairer competition between submarine and terrestrial cable operators. The move also includes raising the revenue-sharing rate for ITCs and increasing the market share target for submarine cables.
Airtel has landed the SEA-ME-WE 6 submarine cable in Chennai, further strengthening its global network. This addition, alongside the previously landed cable in Mumbai, enhances Airtel’s capacity and connectivity, benefiting businesses in India. The cable will provide 220 TBPs of global capacity, aiding Digital India’s growing demand for data.
Tunisie Telecom has signed a strategic partnership with Medusa for a high-capacity fibre optic link between Tunisia and France, aimed at enhancing regional and international digital connectivity. The project, set to be completed by early 2026, will boost Tunisia’s digital infrastructure and sovereignty.
Mobily has announced the landing of the Africa-1 submarine cable in Duba, Saudi Arabia, enhancing broadband connectivity across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. With a capacity of 96 terabits per second, it will power 5G networks, AI systems, and IoT, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
SLT-Mobitel has successfully landed the SEA-ME-WE 6 submarine cable in Matara, Sri Lanka, marking a significant step in enhancing the country’s global connectivity. The cable, offering 130 Tbps of high-speed connectivity, will be operational by mid-2026, positioning Sri Lanka as a key player in the global telecommunications network.