Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Grameenphone and Robi Axiata have commercially launched Bangladesh’s first 5G services, covering all divisional headquarters. The rollout is hailed as a transformative milestone, promising faster connectivity, innovation, and economic growth, while positioning Bangladesh for a more advanced digital future.
Indus Towers, backed by Bharti Airtel, is expanding into Africa with initial operations in Nigeria, Uganda, and Zambia. The move leverages Airtel’s presence and aims to diversify revenues. Indus will face competition from established players like ATC, IHS Towers, and Helios in Africa’s growing telecom infrastructure market.
A high-level meeting in Algiers reviewed the first eight months of Algeria’s telecom and postal sector projects. Minister Sayed Ali Zrouqi directed faster rollout of fiber optics, mobile upgrades, and expanded ATM networks, with a strong push for accountability and teamwork to improve service quality for all citizens.
Algeria will achieve full nationwide fiber-optic internet coverage by 2027, replacing copper lines with faster, more reliable networks. The government is pressing operators to expand coverage, while also improving postal services, adding ATMs, and creating 1,000 new jobs to support its digital future.
Iraq’s youthful population and growing digital appetite make telecommunications central to its future. Zain Iraq, the country’s largest operator, is driving this transformation by investing in networks, local talent, innovation, and cultural trust — ensuring that connectivity becomes a bridge to opportunity, resilience, and progress.
Oman’s TRA has introduced new retail tariff regulations to protect consumers, requiring clear pricing, explicit consent, transparent contracts, and secure verification. The rules ban misleading claims and hidden charges, improve roaming transparency, and align with Oman Vision 2040 to ensure fair, competitive telecom services.
The UAE now has 100% internet coverage, with many residents adopting two-phone setups for work-life separation. Mobile subscriptions have reached 203 per 100 residents, while high-speed fixed internet usage continues to rise, reflecting growing digital connectivity and changing lifestyle habits.
Pakistan has waived ROW charges for IT and fiber installations in Islamabad, aiming to cut costs for providers and speed up broadband rollout. Officials say the move supports affordable Internet expansion, though shutdowns and platform censorship continue to challenge digital access.
Türk Telekom’s Q2 2025 revenue rose 13.2% to TL 50.4B, with record mobile growth, strong fiber expansion, and TL 21.8B in first-half investments. The company readies for Türkiye’s 5G auction, advances TRNC fiber project, and nears a 25-year concession renewal to drive long-term digital transformation.
Saudi Arabia’s telecom sector reported strong Q2 2025 results with a 17.4% profit increase and 3.7% revenue growth. stc led profits, followed by Mobily and Zain KSA, benefiting from operational efficiency, 5G expansion, and digital demand. The sector’s growth is expected to continue, driven by government initiatives and emerging technologies.