Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake raised concerns about the lack of access to Starlink’s data systems, which could pose a national security risk. Unlike local telecom providers, the initial agreement with Starlink didn’t include provisions for accessing data during security threats, though a dashboard is being developed.
Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has introduced a new bylaw to regulate international telecommunications cables. The decision aims to strengthen the country’s telecom infrastructure, attract investment, and improve service quality. It establishes a streamlined regulatory framework for cable installation, operation, and maintenance in Omani lands and waters.
Morocco will launch 5G mobile technology in November, ahead of the African Cup of Nations. The government aims to provide 5G access to 25% of the population by 2025, expanding to 70% by 2030. The deployment will prioritize urban centers, economic zones, and industries, enhancing connectivity across key sectors.
Bangladesh Bank has authorized mobile operators to accept roaming service payments from residents traveling abroad in Taka, simplifying the process. Customers can pay up to Tk 6,000 per trip and Tk 30,000 annually. This initiative eliminates the credit card requirement, boosting the telecommunications sector and retaining revenue within the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with China in space technology and telecommunications. During a meeting with Galaxy Space, the Chinese delegation expressed interest in investing in Pakistan’s space sector and collaborating on joint projects with local space institutions and telecom companies.
Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, met with Iraq’s Minister of Communications, Dr. Hiyam al Yasiri, to discuss potential cooperation in telecommunications. The focus was on strengthening collaboration, sharing expertise, and stimulating investment and business opportunities between the two countries.
The African Egyptian Centre for Telecommunication Regulation (EG-ATRC) hosted an online training course on frequency spectrum monitoring from April 6-10. The course, attended by 28 experts worldwide, covered spectrum monitoring techniques, interference identification, and electromagnetic field measurements. This collaboration with the ITU Academy strengthens the Centre’s regional role in ICT training.
Pakistan’s 3G/4G user base continues to grow, with mobile penetration hitting 58.31% in March 2025. The telecom sector shows promising growth, with Jazz, Zong, Telenor, and Ufone all reporting increases in 4G subscribers. This shift reflects ongoing digital adoption, enhancing mobile connectivity and internet access nationwide.
Morocco has signed MoUs with Nokia and Ericsson to accelerate its Digital Morocco 2030 plan. Both companies will focus on digital talent development, 5G deployment, and expanding fiber optic networks. The partnerships aim to foster innovation, support entrepreneurs, and improve the country’s digital infrastructure in preparation for global events.
AWASR and NOOL Delivery have formed a strategic partnership to expand AWASR’s broadband services across Oman. Customers can now access AWASR’s products at NOOL offices, ensuring more convenient service delivery. This partnership aims to enhance customer experience and extend AWASR’s reach using NOOL’s robust delivery network.