Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Regulators in Chad and Zambia have criticised poor telecom quality, finding major faults in Moov Africa and Airtel Chad networks and warning Zambian operators to improve coverage, capacity, and sustainability. Both countries are tightening oversight to safeguard digital transformation and enforce higher telecom service standards.
Bangladesh’s BTRC will deactivate all unregistered phones from Dec 16 under its new NEIR system, linking each handset to a verified SIM to curb illegal imports, reduce fraud, and promote local smartphone manufacturing.
Lebanon’s new Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, officially launched by Minister Charles Hage, signals a long-awaited reform of the sector, aiming to foster competition, expand high-speed internet, and attract private investment after years of state monopoly.
Morocco’s telecom regulator has mandated fiber optic infrastructure sharing to boost competition, lower costs, and expand broadband coverage. The reform targets growth from 1.5M households in 2022 to 5.6M by 2030, aligning with Morocco’s Digital 2030 vision and paving the way for enhanced internet quality and 5G readiness.
PTA has introduced a 10-year Class Licence for internet services, requiring ISPs to launch operations within a year, connect 100 subscribers, and follow strict service, security, and consumer protection standards. The move aims to expand internet access, encourage competition, and strengthen digital accountability in Pakistan.
Airtel Chad has launched a US$90 million investment programme to address service quality issues, expand 4G and fibre connectivity, and modernize its network. The initiative, spanning through mid-2026, includes new site deployments, fibre backbones, and infrastructure upgrades, with monthly reports submitted to regulator ARCEP.
Oman’s TRA has introduced strict new rules on telecom pricing and promotions to prevent price wars, protect consumers, and maintain fair competition. Measures include limits on offers, intervention triggers on steep price drops, and stricter oversight of dominant operators, with the framework set for ongoing review.
Egypt’s NTRA will begin disconnecting mobile devices making unregistered promotional calls from 24 August 2025. Offenders face fines and possible imprisonment, while citizens can report nuisance calls through multiple channels. The move follows widespread complaints and aims to better protect user privacy.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced plans to launch a public evaluation map that will allow subscribers to measure…
UAE’s TDRA launches an interactive system to monitor electromagnetic radiation nationwide, enhancing public transparency and health safety around telecom infrastructure.