Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Batelco by Beyon has partnered with Cisco to modernise its IP Backbone infrastructure, introducing advanced routing, automation, and intelligent monitoring. The upgrade aims to improve network performance, enable AI-driven operations, and support future technologies such as 5G-Advanced, 6G readiness, IoT, and cloud-native services in Bahrain.
The launch of Satellite Direct-to-Device services positions Bahrain as the first GCC country to authorise mobile-to-satellite connectivity. The initiative allows standard mobile phones to connect beyond terrestrial networks, including maritime areas, enhancing safety, resilience, and nationwide connectivity while reinforcing Bahrain’s role as a regional leader in advanced telecommunications.
The expanded Zain Bahrain–Ericsson partnership brings advanced 5G edge capabilities to the Kingdom, enabling ultra-low latency, secure connectivity, and optimized performance. The deployment supports Industry 4.0 use cases such as AI-driven automation and real-time monitoring, strengthening Bahrain’s digital infrastructure and enterprise transformation efforts.
Nigeria’s telecom subscriptions reached 175.3 million in October 2025, with teledensity rising to 80.87 percent and broadband penetration hitting 49.89%. While steady growth reflects rising demand for mobile and data services, industry stakeholders say faster broadband expansion and improved service quality remain critical for digital inclusion.
Egypt successfully led the adoption of a UN resolution on artificial intelligence in telecommunication development at the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025. The resolution strengthens ICT capacity-building for developing countries and highlights Egypt’s expanding role in global digital and AI policy within the ITU framework.
Sri Lanka has entered its public 5G phase with commercial launches by Dialog Axiata and SLT-Mobitel. The rollout includes hundreds of live sites, supports advanced use cases such as AR, VR, and real-time gaming, and strengthens the country’s digital infrastructure for next-generation services.
Pakistan’s telecom regulator has indicated that the 5G spectrum auction may take place by mid-February 2026, pending the release of the auction information memorandum. The announcement signals renewed momentum for 5G deployment while highlighting rising cybersecurity risks and the need for stronger digital awareness among users.
Sri Lanka has officially launched commercial 5G services, with Dialog Axiata and SLT-Mobitel activating networks after the completion of the country’s 5G spectrum auction. The rollout marks a major milestone following years of trials, unlocking new opportunities for high-speed connectivity, enterprise applications, and nationwide digital transformation.
Egypt’s telecom regulator has warned of rising smartphone hacking attempts linked to unknown international calls and suspicious messages. The NTRA urged users to avoid answering unfamiliar calls, refrain from opening unknown links, and strengthen app security to protect personal data from cyber threats.
Telecom operators in Malaysia and Bangladesh are reinforcing emergency communications through partnerships with humanitarian agencies. CelcomDigi is supporting flood relief with connectivity, alerts, and on-the-ground aid, while Edotco Bangladesh is collaborating with the Red Crescent to strengthen disaster preparedness, early warnings, and network resilience in climate-vulnerable communities.