Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Jordan’s telecommunications regulator reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening women’s participation in leadership and entrepreneurship across the telecom and postal sectors through dialogue, recognition programmes, and awareness initiatives marking International Women’s Day.
Ufone and Zong have each deposited US$15 million to qualify for Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction, which offers 597 MHz across multiple bands. The PTA hopes to raise over US$634 million, though operators face strict rollout and investment requirements that raise concerns about 5G’s financial viability.
Egypt’s telecom regulator will introduce child-specific SIM cards with stricter controls on adult content, violent material, VPN use, and certain online games. The move forms part of a broader draft law establishing age ratings, parental safeguards, and regulatory standards to enhance online child protection while maintaining user freedoms.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has introduced the Mobile Tariff Regulations, 2025, requiring dominant operators to obtain prior approval before revising mobile tariffs. The move aims to protect consumers while ensuring market sustainability, alongside measures to improve service quality and prevent unauthorised billing practices.
The amendment represents a notable policy shift, positioning Bangladesh toward a governance model that prioritizes transparency, regulatory accountability, and the protection of digital connectivity as a foundation for economic and social development in the digital age.
Bangladesh’s telecom regulator is reviewing arbitration and mediation proposals from Grameenphone and Robi to resolve a Tk 13,447 crore audit dispute, as legal complexities surrounding statutory claims and arbitration rules prolong a six-year conflict affecting regulatory clarity and investor confidence in the telecom sector.
Nigeria’s NCC and NDPC have signed an MoU to strengthen data protection and privacy in the telecommunications sector, aligning regulatory responsibilities and improving oversight as digital services expand, with the agreement aimed at safeguarding consumer data, enhancing governance and supporting the country’s growing digital economy.
Qatar’s CRA participated in the 48th GCC Telecommunications Bureau Technical Committee meeting in Bahrain, contributing technical papers on spectrum management, mobile device applications, and interference mitigation while reinforcing regional coordination and global ICT engagement.
Nigeria’s telecom regulator has appointed PwC to assess competition across the sector, examining market concentration, pricing, entry barriers, and consumer behaviour. The review aims to strengthen regulatory certainty, preserve fair competition, and guide proportionate interventions that sustain innovation, investment, and service quality amid shifting industry dynamics.
SIM card registration in Afghanistan has reached 90 percent coverage, improving security, reducing crime and harassment, and limiting misuse of mobile services. With accountability in place and infrastructure expanding, the policy strengthens social order, public trust, and responsible communication while supporting better monitoring and regulation of the telecom sector.