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 is launching a National Data Exchange Layer to strengthen e-governance and digital collaboration. Backed by new spectrum auctions, fiberization policies, and market reforms, the initiative underscores Pakistan’s commitment to building a secure, inclusive, and competitive digital ecosystem across South Asia.
Oman’s TRA unifies royalty rate for telecoms, fostering investment, competition, and supporting Vision 2040’s digital transformation goals.
Bangladesh’s four licensed tower companies launched the Bangladesh TowerCo Association to drive policy reform and collaboration. Industry and regulators emphasized regulatory clarity, faster permitting, and infrastructure sharing as keys to unlocking 5G and digital growth.
Bangladesh TowerCo Association formed to unify tower companies, advocating for telecom reforms and better infrastructure to accelerate digital inclusion and 5G readiness.
ISPAB has proposed fixing minimum internet prices, active sharing, and ISPs’ control over customer connections to protect domestic entrepreneurs, presenting these at a TRNB workshop on Bangladesh’s draft telecom reform policy.
Bangladesh’s new three-tier licensing framework aims to modernize the telecom sector and improve regulation, but it faces mixed reactions. While major mobile operators support the move, mid-level domestic firms warn it favors foreign players and threatens local businesses. The government is investigating past corruption, with hopes of greater transparency ahead.
The BTRC has unveiled a draft policy to reform Bangladesh’s telecom licensing framework, aiming to simplify the system, reduce operational costs, and encourage infrastructure sharing. However, ambiguities in the policy may lead to regulatory challenges. The reforms include a three-stage migration process, with full implementation set for 2027.
Telecom operators in Bangladesh, including Robi, Banglalink, and Teletalk, are calling for the effective enforcement of SMP guidelines to ensure fair competition. Despite regulations imposed on Grameenphone, only a few have been implemented. Industry leaders stress the need for reforms, collaboration, and investment to foster healthy competition.