The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has received proposals from international consultants for the 5G spectrum auction, expected to conclude by March 2025. However, concerns about the timing and infrastructure readiness for 5G persist among industry leaders, as Pakistan faces challenges like digital load-shedding and underutilized 4G services.
Ncell, a leading telecommunications provider in Nepal, has renewed its service operation license for five more years, paying the first installment of NPR 5 billion. The renewal process, approved by the Council of Ministers, allows Ncell to continue operations, with the remaining balance to be paid in installments with interest.
ONIC, a digital telco brand launched a year ago, has quickly transformed Pakistan’s telecom industry with its digital-first approach. The brand’s rapid growth in subscribers highlights its strong market appeal and innovative strategy, setting new standards and prompting competitors to follow suit in the traditionally conventional telco market.
Morocco’s telecommunications sector saw significant growth in the first half of 2024, with the subscriber base reaching 59.8 million, driven by a 5% increase in mobile users. Internet subscriptions also grew by 6.9%, surpassing 39.1 million, reflecting the country’s digital transformation and resulting in a mobile penetration rate of 152.1%.
Vodafone Qatar has launched the world’s first digital “Instant SIM,” allowing customers to easily purchase and activate SIM cards without visiting a store or using data. Available in both physical and eSIM formats, the Instant SIM supports prepaid and postpaid lines and can be obtained from over 2,600 locations across Qatar.
ONIC, a digital telco brand launched in 2023, has quickly revolutionized Pakistan’s telecom industry with innovative solutions and exceptional customer service. The brand’s rapid growth, digital-first approach, and strategic partnerships have set new standards in connectivity, earning ONIC prestigious awards and establishing it as a leader in the country’s digital transformation.
An undersea cable cut between Dubai and Oman has led to potential Internet service slowdowns for du network users in the UAE. Du is rerouting traffic through alternative systems to minimize impact and expects normal service levels to resume in a few days. The company is working on a swift resolution.
Ooredoo successfully tested 5.5G technology in Oman, achieving a record-breaking network speed of over 4.6 Gbps. This milestone positions Ooredoo at the forefront of telecommunications innovation, paving the way for advanced digital services and supporting Oman’s Digital Vision 2040.
Pakistan’s telecom operators are undergoing a cybersecurity audit directed by the PTA to secure the country’s digital infrastructure. This audit will evaluate adherence to cybersecurity protocols, employee security clearance, and data protection measures, with findings set to guide future actions in enhancing national digital security.
Kuwait’s CITRA has launched new frequencies to introduce advanced 5G technology, enhancing the country’s telecommunications infrastructure. This initiative, which includes discontinuing 3G services by June 2025, supports the adoption of IoT, AI, and smart city applications, providing ultra-high-speed data transfer and improved network capacities.
