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SAMENA Daily - Industry News Briefing

Industry News Briefing
February 3, 2025

Featured Member News

Omantel and Sultan Qaboos University sign partnership agreement to support the UNESCO Chair in AI

In line with Omantel’s vision to transition from a telecommunications and information services provider to a technology company specializing in integrated digital solutions, with artificial intelligence (AI) being a key pillar, Omantel has signed an agreement with Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) to support the UNESCO Chair in AI...

Member News

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FIFA+ channel launches on STARZ ON, bringing a 24/7 free football channel to fans in MENA

evision, the media and entertainment arm of e&, announced a collaboration with FIFA+ to bring the channel to STARZ ON - its ad-supported streaming platform. Football fans can now immerse themselves in the world of FIFA+ with...

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Nokia upgrades ESpanix’s IXP infrastructure to reduce energy consumption and complexity

The 400G upgrade uses Nokia’s Interconnect routers to deliver a more efficient and sustainable alternative to bundling multiple 100GE connections, reducing complexity, power consumption, and operational costs for...

Policy and Regulation

•	Auction of 6 spectrum bands planned for April Thailand's NBTC is planning to auction six spectrum bands by April, aiming to improve mobile and broadband services across the country...

•	NCC: Internet usage surged to 973,455 terabytes in December Nigeria's internet consumption reached a record 973,455 terabytes in December 2024, a 36.5% increase from the previous year, indicating a significant rise in internet usage despite a decrease in active telecom...

South Asia

•	Bangladesh to establish first green data centre to boost investment and services Bangladesh is partnering with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to establish the country's first green data center near Chattogram, aiming to attract foreign investment and support the nation's growing digital...

•	Headstart and ILO launch trilingual AI assistant SK Telecom has begun internal testing of its AI agent for businesses, Adot Biz, with plans to release a commercial version for SK Group companies in the first half of 2025...

Content & Immersive Technologies

•	wedotv partners with ZDF Studios to launch new channels wedotv and ZDF Studios are partnering to launch two new channels: wedotv get.factual, a documentary and lifestyle channel for the Middle East and North Africa, and Time2Rlx, a global relaxation channel featuring calming...

•	BSNL launches BiTV for mobile users in partnership with OTTplay BSNL has launched a new internet TV service, BSNL Intertainment, in partnership with OTTplay, offering its mobile users free access to over 450 live TV channels and premium OTT content...

Global Telecom Update

•	Nigerian MVNO Vitel gets own mobile number series from NCC Aspiring Nigerian mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) Vitel Wireless said thar it has been issued a mobile number series by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), making it the first of the country’s dozens...

•	SK Telecom kicks off beta testing for AI agent ‘Adot Biz’ SK Telecom has begun internal beta testing of its AI agent for businesses, Adot Biz, with plans to launch a commercial version in the first half of 2025...

•	Verizon unveils enterprise network AI strategy Verizon Business has launched AI Connect, a new offering that leverages its existing network infrastructure and partnerships to support the growing demand for AI capabilities among businesses...

Middle East

•	Zain Innovation Campus launches cybersecurity skills program for Jordanian university students This initiative seeks to provide a solid foundation in cybersecurity, helping to build a skilled workforce capable of tackling emerging challenges in the digital space...

•	Oman hosts Vision One SPC by Trend Micro at Oman Data Park Tawasol Integrated Telecom and Oman Data Park have partnered to launch Trend Vision One SPC, an AI-powered cybersecurity solution, to enhance Oman's digital security and support the country's Vision 2040 goals...

•	Akurateco and DineroPay expand mobile payments in Saudi Arabia The collaboration introduces Apple Pay and Google Pay to local businesses and consumers, supporting the country’s rapid transition toward digital-first financial solutions...

•	Wipro secures major IT transformation deal with Etihad Airways These technological advancements are setting the stage for greater operational efficiency, ultimately improving the passenger experience and supporting long-term growth for both Etihad Airways and Bahrain International...

North Africa

•	Morocco aims to become Africa’s technology hub for tourism Morocco is aiming to become Africa's technology hub for tourism by promoting digital transformation and innovation in the sector, supported by initiatives like startup competitions and investment funds...

3G, 4G and 5G Networks

•	4G adoption to hit 50 per cent in Nigeria by 2030 Despite the rise of 5G, 4G is expected to remain the dominant mobile technology in Sub-Saharan Africa, reaching 50% adoption by 2030, while 5G adoption is projected to be at 17%...

•	TPG, Optus regional 4G/5G network sharing goes live Optus and TPG Telecom have launched their regional network sharing agreement in Australia, expanding mobile coverage and service options for customers in regional areas...

Satellite & Internet

•	Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme announced The programme will focus on advancing the green transition by developing space-based services that enhance early warning systems for hazardous weather and climate-related events...

•	Globe Telecom’s 50GPON pilot sets stage for next-gen broadband connectivity Globe Telecom has successfully tested 50GPON technology in the Philippines, achieving speeds five times faster than current systems and paving the way for enhanced broadband connectivity and digital transformation...

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