Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Telenor’s exits from Pakistan and Thailand leave Bangladesh and Malaysia as its last Asian strongholds. For the first time, senior executives have acknowledged that Grameenphone could be part of future deals, even as they reaffirm “business as usual.” The shift reflects a broader strategy to reduce exposure outside core Nordic markets.
Telenor completed the sale of Telenor Pakistan at a valuation of NOK 5.3 billion, confirming the transaction announced in December 2023. Over 20 years, the operator served more than 40 million customers and supported digital inclusion and economic growth across Pakistan.
The CCP will conditionally approve PTCL’s USD 400 million acquisition of Telenor Pakistan after an 18-month review, imposing safeguards on pricing, infrastructure sharing, and competition. The decision balances market dominance concerns with potential efficiencies, setting a precedent for rigorous telecom merger oversight.
Pakistan’s telecom operators invested Rs. 267.6 billion over three years, with Jazz leading at Rs. 95.45 billion, followed by Zong, Ufone, and Telenor. Despite this, service quality gaps persist, prompting PTA to issue warnings and show-cause notices. Over 65,000 complaints were filed, mainly about data services.
Telenor Velocity partnered with women-led startup FitHer to boost digital innovation in women’s health. FitHer will receive support in app and business development, preparing for integration with Telenor’s digital health platform, aiming to expand women’s wellness solutions across Pakistan.
Grameenphone saw declines in revenue and EBITDA in Q2 2025 but added 1.4 million customers, reflecting growth despite profitability pressures. Analyst consensus remains bullish with a Buy rating and NOK170 price target. Telenor continues to hold a strong position in Bangladesh’s telecom sector via Grameenphone.
Telenor’s Pakistan exit is delayed by regulatory hurdles, threatening digital progress and 5G rollout; the group focuses on stronger markets while urging faster approval for its PTCL sale.
Telenor IoT has partnered with stc to provide IoT connectivity management services in Saudi Arabia. The collaboration will enable seamless connectivity for customers in the Kingdom, including manufacturers in the transportation sector. This partnership supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the growing demand for connected devices and services.
Telecom operators in Pakistan, including Wateen and Jazz, have raised concerns about PTCL’s acquisition of Telenor Pakistan, warning it could lead to reduced competition and increased market dominance. They called for regulatory safeguards to prevent monopolistic practices and ensure a balanced telecom landscape in the country.
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd (PTCL) has secured a $400 million deal with an IFC-led consortium for the acquisition of Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers. This strategic move is set to enhance PTCL’s market presence and contribute significantly to the growth of Pakistan’s telecom sector.