The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) is considering closing the Free WiFi Mobility service provided by ISPs like WorldLink, following complaints from telecom companies that it has impacted their revenues. If implemented, this decision could inconvenience users who rely on free WiFi hotspots for internet access in public places.
The Nepal government is considering reducing the telecom license renewal fee of Rs 20 billion to support the struggling industry. Telecom leaders, including Ncell’s CEO and NTA officials, urge policy revisions to attract investment, lower taxes, and address challenges like high renewal fees and foreign ownership regulations.
Zarrar Hasham Khan has been appointed as the new chairman of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), effective March 10, 2025, replacing Azfar Manzoor. Khan brings over two decades of experience in the telecom sector, including leadership roles at Saudi Telecom Company, and holds degrees from top universities.
Bangladesh’s mobile subscriber count dropped by 1.2 million in December 2024, continuing a six-month decline. The downturn was attributed to a rise in SIM taxation and economic challenges, with mobile operators losing millions of customers. A gender gap in mobile ownership also persists, with men far outpacing women in access.
Zong 4G hosted a delegation from NIPA as part of the Senior Management Course, offering insights into the company’s technological advancements and contributions to Pakistan’s digital ecosystem. Discussions covered network expansion, AI, and data governance. The visit highlighted Zong’s commitment to Pakistan’s digital transformation and fostering sector collaboration.
Pakistan’s government plans to launch 5G services by mid-2025, aiming to resolve internet speed issues. Despite financial concerns highlighted in the PTA’s 2024 report, the government remains committed to overcoming challenges in transitioning to 5G, with an emphasis on improving connectivity and telecom industry growth.
Pakistan’s mobile phone imports declined by 7.46% in the first half of FY 2024-25, totaling $733.425 million. While monthly imports showed a slight increase, the year-on-year growth remained negative. Locally manufactured handsets reached 28.43 million, with smartphones accounting for 65% of the market.
Nayatel has partnered with Agile Managex Technologies to deliver Bitdefender’s top-tier cybersecurity solutions across Pakistan. This collaboration aims to enhance endpoint security for businesses, offering AI-powered malware detection, real-time protection, and centralized management, helping protect against sophisticated cyber threats as Pakistan’s IT sector continues to grow.
Mobily was awarded the “Best Wholesale Company in the Middle East” at the 18th Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit for its role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation. The award highlights Mobily’s commitment to providing innovative digital solutions and its support for Saudi Vision 2030 through cutting-edge infrastructure and global connectivity.
The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce has reaffirmed its commitment to developing Pakistan’s IT and telecom sectors at the Tech Festival ITCN Asia. The event emphasized collaboration among government, private sector, and academic institutions, with forecasts suggesting IT exports may grow from $10 billion to $18 billion by 2028.
