Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Ncell has written to Nepal’s Prime Minister warning that inconsistent telecom policies and unequal treatment are undermining investor confidence. The company cites discriminatory licence terms, high costs, and regulatory uncertainty, urging policy reform to ensure fair treatment, protect digital services, and sustain long-term investment in Nepal’s telecom sector.
Omantel has invested over RO 500 million in digital infrastructure over six years, expanding from a telecom operator into a regional technology group. The company’s 5G leadership, submarine cable connectivity, and national data centres are positioning Oman as a regional digital hub and strengthening its digital sovereignty.
Pakistan’s mobile networks are steadily upgrading as fiberization reaches 17.9% in 2025, up from 14.8% a year earlier. With over 58,000 cell sites, rising data consumption, and expanding international bandwidth, the country is strengthening its digital backbone and laying the groundwork for higher-speed, future-ready connectivity.
Jazz introduces ‘JazzWorld’ as new corporate group identity
Telecom operator Jazz has unveiled JazzWorld as its new corporate group identity, signaling a strategic shift that brings its expanding portfolio of digital and non-telecom businesses under a single umbrella.
The move mirrors global technology rebrands such as Facebook’s transition to Meta and Twitter’s evolution into X, where parent identities were redefined to reflect broader ambitions beyond their original platforms, while core consumer brands remained intact.
Jazz said JazzWorld represents its transformation from a traditional telecom operator into a multi-business group spanning digital services, financial platforms, lifestyle applications, health tech, cloud, and emerging technologies. Under the new structure, Jazz will continue to operate as the group’s core telecom brand within existing legal and regulatory frameworks, while JazzWorld becomes the overarching corporate identity.
Entities grouped under JazzWorld include JazzCash, Mobilink Bank, Tamasha, ROX, Simosa, Garaj, Teknosys, ApnaClinic, ZARR, and FikrFree, alongside newer growth areas such as data centres, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
As part of the restructuring, Jazz announced the creation of a Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer role, appointing Aamer Ejaz to lead the function. The company also confirmed that its Chief Information Security Officer will now report directly to the CEO, reflecting an elevated governance focus on cybersecurity.
The rebrand does not alter Jazz’s status as a licensed telecom operator. The Jazz brand will remain responsible for connectivity services, while JazzWorld serves as the corporate architecture for the group’s broader digital ambitions.
Further details on how the JazzWorld identity will be reflected across platforms and products are expected in the coming weeks.
Omantel has completed a major network upgrade enabling full 5G Standalone readiness without disrupting customers. The move unlocks advanced services such as Voice over 5G, ultra-low latency applications, and large-scale IoT, strengthening Oman’s digital foundation and positioning Omantel to support next-generation innovation across consumers and industries.
Pakistan offers some of the world’s cheapest mobile data, with prices as low as $0.12 per gigabyte and a $1.02 2GB basket. However, low ARPU, high inflation, currency depreciation, and rising operating costs are squeezing operator margins, raising questions about long-term sector sustainability.
Zain achieved a top ‘A’ score in CDP Climate Change 2025, becoming the region’s only telecom operator at leadership level. The recognition reflects strong climate governance, SBTi-aligned targets, and a clear Net Zero roadmap, positioning Zain among the top 12% of global telecom companies.
A turning point for Bangladesh’s telecom sector may be near. Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman says regulatory reform, dispute resolution, and fair taxation can restore investor confidence. With fibre, 5G, and digital services at stake, 2026 could reset the industry’s trajectory and unlock national digital growth.
Nigeria’s telecom regulator is positioning 2026 as a turning point, promising better service quality, stronger consumer protection, and a fairer market. The NCC says balancing user trust with operator sustainability will drive investment, innovation, and inclusion, supporting Nigeria’s ambition to build a $1 trillion digital economy by 2030.
A major shift in Pakistan’s spectrum policy could route half of auction proceeds to the Universal Service Fund, prioritising nationwide fibre rollout. The cabinet also pushed for easier payment terms for operators and live-broadcast auctions. Officials said the spectrum sale targets major gains in 4G and 5G speeds while addressing Pakistan’s regional lag.