Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Iran repelled a highly sophisticated cyberattack targeting telecom-linked national infrastructure, according to its ICT minister. The two-phase attack was contained using both external and domestic capabilities, highlighting Iran’s cybersecurity resilience despite ongoing international sanctions.
Oman Broadband plans to connect one million homes to its fiber-optic network over three years, expanding national coverage, supporting smart cities, and strengthening Oman’s digital economy through sustained infrastructure investment and local partnerships.
Engro has acquired over 10,000 telecom towers from Deodar through a $475 million fully Shariah-compliant financing structure. The deal strengthens local ownership of telecom infrastructure and supports cost-efficient shared tower models aligned with Pakistan’s digital growth goals.
Engro has secured $475 million in one of Pakistan’s largest Shariah-compliant financings to acquire Deodar and over 10,000 telecom towers. The deal strengthens shared telecom infrastructure, supports cost efficiency, and aligns with Pakistan’s push for digital connectivity and Islamic finance-led growth.
Bangladesh has taken a major step toward its first private submarine cable network after the BPCS Consortium signed an SLTE supply agreement with Nokia. The project aims to boost international bandwidth capacity, reduce reliance on terrestrial links via India, enhance cybersecurity, and support long-term internet affordability and digital growth.
Nepal Telecom plans to launch 5G in standalone mode through open bidding, potentially ending its long-standing partnership with Huawei for new network deployments. The move reflects security, policy, and technology considerations as Nepal advances its digital transformation agenda and prepares for nationwide 5G rollout.
Telecel Faso has begun deploying 300 telecom sites across Burkina Faso under a government project to connect 750 underserved areas. The initiative aims to reduce the digital divide, expand rural and urban coverage, and strengthen Telecel’s market position amid national digital transformation efforts.
Ericsson has signed a multi-year microwave contract with Jazz to modernise the operator’s backbone network in Pakistan. Using Ericsson’s Mini-Link solutions, the deployment will boost capacity, improve reliability, and support 4G expansion while preparing the network for a future transition to 5G nationwide.
Edotco has launched major sustainability initiatives in both Bangladesh and Malaysia, focusing on circular economy practices and low-carbon telecom infrastructure. In Bangladesh, a new partnership with state-owned TSS will establish a lithium-ion battery repair and refurbishment centre to reduce e-waste and build local technical capacity. In Malaysia, Edotco introduced the country’s first biochar-based telecom pole, cutting carbon emissions by up to 15 percent and improving installation efficiency. Together, these projects reinforce Edotco’s commitment to green, resilient network development across Asia.
Qatar is investing $500 million in a new terrestrial fiber route linking Oman to Europe via Iraq and Turkey, aiming to bypass Red Sea risks and boost global network resilience. The project enhances Qatar’s role as a digital hub, supported by telecom mergers, expanding data centers, and renewable energy-driven infrastructure.