Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Freedom Telecom International and e& have signed a strategic MoU to explore global fintech–telco collaboration, combining digital financial services and telecom innovation to develop new value propositions and expand services across international markets.
Egypt is pushing to expand local manufacturing of telecom devices while advancing data centres, cloud services, and 5G as part of a wider strategy to strengthen digital infrastructure, boost economic growth, and build a knowledge-based economy nationwide.
Tunisie Telecom marks 30 years as a cornerstone of Tunisia’s national and international connectivity, evolving from traditional telephony to advanced digital infrastructure. Its expansion of fibre networks, data centres, and submarine cables has supported digital inclusion and economic development nationwide.
PTCL has completed the acquisition of Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers, creating a larger telecom platform pending full integration. The deal aims to strengthen customer experience, expand reach, and accelerate innovation under regulatory oversight.
Zain Jordan closed 2025 with multiple regional and global awards recognising digital transformation, sustainability, AI innovation, 5G expansion, and workplace excellence. The achievements highlight three decades of impact and reinforce the company’s role in strengthening Jordan’s digital economy and regional technology leadership.
The PTA has warned that mobile SIM cards must be registered in the name of the actual user, holding registered subscribers fully accountable for misuse. The move supports wider efforts to prevent illegal activities linked to improperly registered SIMs and reinforces mandatory compliance with telecom regulations.
Jordan’s mobile subscriptions reached 8.48 million in Q3 2025, driven by rising data consumption and rapid growth in 5G adoption. While mobile and broadband usage continued to expand, fixed-line voice services declined, reflecting a broader shift toward digital-first connectivity and increasing pressure on operators to invest in network capacity.
Iraq has reinstated a 20 percent tax on mobile and internet recharge cards to boost revenues and address budget constraints. Critics argue the move shifts the burden to consumers despite legal responsibility resting with telecom companies, raising concerns over service quality, fairness, and fiscal priorities.
Bangladesh has approved the Telecommunication (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, guaranteeing uninterrupted internet access by legally prohibiting shutdowns under any circumstances. The ordinance strengthens telecom regulation, protects data privacy, enhances national security safeguards, and aligns the sector with international standards to support investment and digital resilience.
Ericsson and Zain Bahrain have expanded their partnership to deploy advanced 5G Edge solutions, enhancing network performance with ultra-low latency and resilient connectivity. The initiative will support Industry 4.0 use cases, AI-driven applications, and enterprise digital transformation, reinforcing Bahrain’s ambitions for a future-ready digital economy.