Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Nepal Telecom is set to shut down its 2G network on the 1800 MHz band, focusing on expanding its 4G infrastructure. This decision follows the company’s significant 4G growth, with 1.64 crore users. While 2G will remain on the 900 MHz band, the shift aims to improve 4G service and prepare for 5G.
Mobily has announced the landing of the Africa-1 submarine cable in Duba, Saudi Arabia, enhancing broadband connectivity across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. With a capacity of 96 terabits per second, it will power 5G networks, AI systems, and IoT, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
Grameenphone (GP) posted a 10% profit growth in 2024, reaching Tk 36.4 billion, and declared a record 330% cash dividend. Despite a 4.9% revenue decline due to cautious consumer spending, GP’s EBITDA rose, and the company plans continued investment in network improvements and AI technology to drive future growth.
Pakistan’s delayed telecom spectrum allocation could cost up to $4.3 billion in GDP losses by 2030, warns GSMA. The telecom body urges fair pricing in the 2025 auction to avoid hindering digital growth and 5G development, emphasizing the need for sustainable policies and infrastructure-focused approaches.
stc Group has become the largest telecom operator in MENA with a market capitalization of $57.7 billion. The company’s growth was driven by a 7.9% rise in mobile subscribers and a 2% increase in net profit. Additionally, stc launched Saudi Arabia’s first licensed digital financial institution, STC Bank.
Huawei will build a $3.5 million data center for Nepal Telecom in Kathmandu and Bhairahawa. The project will modernize Nepal Telecom’s data handling capabilities and improve service efficiency. Huawei will manage the physical infrastructure, with the data center expected to boost the telecom’s income and support its digital transformation.
Salam has been recognized as the fastest growing telecom brand in Saudi Arabia for 2024 at the 5th Annual Business Tabloid Awards. The company’s strategic initiatives, including fiber optic network sales and global cybersecurity partnerships, underscore its role in driving Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation aligned with Vision 2030.
Pakistan faces potential losses of $1.8 billion (Rs 500 billion) in GDP due to unsold spectrum in the upcoming auction, attributed to high reserve prices. The GSMA urges more affordable pricing to avoid delays in the country’s 5G rollout, which could impact digital infrastructure and mobile data services.
Maroc Telecom’s debt surged by 6.6 billion MAD, making it the most indebted company on the Casablanca Stock Exchange. This increase, driven by a legal dispute resolution, contributed to a 17% rise in net debt among non-financial companies. The report also highlighted growth in turnover and investments across sectors.
Zain Jordan has implemented an AI-powered chatbot platform using OpenAI’s LLM and OCR technology to improve document management efficiency. The platform allows employees to quickly retrieve data from both digital and scanned documents, saving time, reducing costs, and increasing accuracy, while driving digital transformation within the organization.