Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Orange Jordan concluded its YO Ma’ak university tour, engaging students through interactive experiences and promoting youth-focused telecom services. The initiative highlighted flexible plans, free 5G access, and on-ground engagement across major universities, reinforcing Orange Jordan’s commitment to empowering youth and advancing Jordan’s digital ecosystem.
Sama X has received regulatory approval to launch Starlink satellite internet services across Jordan, marking the first phase of its regional expansion. As an authorised Starlink reseller backed by Alghanim Industries, the company aims to deliver high-speed connectivity to enterprises, public sector entities, and underserved communities nationwide.
Bangladesh is preparing to introduce a one-stop digital approval platform for telecom infrastructure under its Network and Licensing Policy 2025. By recognising tower and fibre providers as national connectivity infrastructure and streamlining right-of-way approvals, the country aims to accelerate 4G and 5G rollout, reduce deployment delays, and support digital inclusion and economic growth.
Pakistan plans a major telecom spectrum auction in early 2026 to address network congestion and improve internet quality. The government aims to auction nearly 600 MHz of spectrum, the largest in its history, enabling better 3G and 4G services and supporting the country’s first rollout of 5G, following approval of the framework by the ECC.
Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister emphasized the telecom and ICT sector as a cornerstone of economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness. Highlighting Bahrain’s use of modern technologies, he also praised the strong Saudi-Bahraini partnership, noting its continued role in advancing regional cooperation, digital development, and long-term economic progress.
Bahrain’s telecommunications regulator has authorised satellite direct-to-device services, allowing standard mobile phones to connect directly to satellites beyond terrestrial coverage. While commercial services are not yet live, the move positions Bahrain as a regional first and lays the groundwork for pilot deployments, emergency connectivity, and wider satellite-based communications.
Batelco has partnered with Cisco to modernize its IP backbone infrastructure, deploying advanced routing, automation, and monitoring technologies. The upgrade will enable AI-driven network operations and support 5G-Advanced, 6G, IoT, and cloud-native services, strengthening service performance and supporting Bahrain’s digital transformation goals.
Dialog Axiata has partnered with Starlink to deliver high-speed satellite internet across Sri Lanka, targeting underserved and remote regions. As an authorised Starlink agent, Dialog will provide low-latency connectivity alongside enterprise-grade support, strengthening national digital inclusion and expanding access beyond traditional network coverage.
Saudi stc Group has partnered with Qiddiya as the official connectivity provider for the Six Flags theme park, delivering advanced telecom services and smart city solutions. The collaboration will support seamless connectivity, visitor management, and digital experiences, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s tourism and entertainment infrastructure.
Pakistan’s telecom regulator has revised IoT and SRD regulations to support nationwide IoT growth through licensed and shared spectrum use. The framework introduces a new LPWAN licence, enables licence-exempt devices under strict conditions, enforces data localisation, and supports R&D trials, aiming to drive smart cities and industrial automation.