Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
du has launched its 5G+ network in the UAE, based on 5G-Advanced, delivering up to 2x faster speeds than 5G. Supporting AI, AR, and UHD streaming, the network offers peak speeds of 5.4Gbps, enhanced reliability, and future-ready features like URLLC and mMTC for smart industries.
e& delivered robust H1 2025 results with revenue of AED 34.9 billion (+23.3% YoY) and net profit of AED 8.8 billion (+60.7% YoY). Strong operational milestones, global acquisitions, AI and 5G innovation, and strategic partnerships reinforced its position as a global technology leader driving digital transformation.
Zain Bahrain has launched its flagship accelerator programme, Zain Great Idea (ZGI), in the kingdom for the first time. The initiative begins with an intensive Boot Camp for Bahraini tech entrepreneurs, offering training, mentorship, and workshops. One finalist startup will ultimately secure a transformative experience in Silicon Valley.
The TRC’s Q2 2025 report shows strong momentum in mobile and broadband usage. Mobile broadband grew 15.5% year-on-year, while fiber broadband reached 76% of subscriptions. SMS traffic surged 18.2%, and average monthly broadband usage hit 605 GB. Fixed voice services, however, continued their gradual decline.
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.