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SAMENA Telecommunications Council - Logo Industry News Briefing
October 15, 2025
 
 
 
 
 
 
Featured Member News
 
e& and Space42 explore partnership to extend 5G Direct to Device services
 
 
Space42, the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company with a global reach, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with e& UAE, flagship telecom arm of global technology group e&, at GITEX Global 2025 to explore collaboration in Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity...
 
 
 
Member News
 
•  Omantel partners with Norton to enhance cybersecurity for customers in Oman
Member Logo Omantel, the Sultanate’s leading provider of integrated digital services, has partnered with Norton, a leader in Cyber Safety, to strengthen online security for individuals and families across Oman...
 
•  e& unveils world’s first 200G PON prototype at GITEX GLOBAL 2025
Member Logo e& UAE, the flagship telecom arm of global technology group e&, today announced the successful demonstration of the world’s first 200G Passive Optical Network (PON) prototype at GITEX GLOBAL 2025, positioning the...
 
•  e&, Khalifa University and Zayed University sign landmark agreement to establish UAE 6G Innovation Hub and Testbeds
Member Logo e& UAE, the flagship telecom arm of global technology group e&, in partnership with Khalifa University (KU) and Zayed University (ZU), announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policy and Regulation
 
Bahrain’s TRA launches public consultation on satellite direct-to-device connectivity
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Bahrain has launched a public consultation on a groundbreaking proposal to enable mobile phones to connect directly to satellites, a move aimed at eliminating connectivity...
 
Potraz advances nationwide digital inclusion with over 100% mobile penetration
Zimbabwe has achieved a major milestone in digital connectivity, surpassing 100% mobile penetration and reaching over 80% internet usage, according to the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe...
 
South Asia
 
Pakistan’s Tapmad expands to Bangladesh in partnership with Grameenphone
Under the new agreement, Grameenphone users can access Tapmad’s sports catalog via the MyGP app, the Tapmad app, or the Tapmad website, with subscription plans available on a weekly or monthly basis using mobile...
 
Robi's SmartPay gets cenbank approval to operate as digital payment service
SmartPay Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of Robi, will provide fintech-based electronic payment solutions, including utility bill payments and other related services...
 
Content & Immersive Technologies
 
Apple rebrands streaming service as Apple TV
Apple has rebranded its streaming platform from Apple TV+ to simply Apple TV, unveiling a fresh new identity as it prepares to debut F1 The Movie on December 12 and mark the first major rebrand in the service’s...
 
Yas Island metaverse sets new standard in tourism
The tourism landscape on Yas Island is undergoing a transformative evolution with the launch of the Yas Island Metaverse, a pioneering digital initiative created through the collaboration of Miral and e& enterprise...
 
Global Telecom Update
 
Arelion, Cellusys join forces to enhance global roaming security & performance
Arelion announced a partnership with Cellusys to bring a comprehensive suite of hosted roaming Value Added Services (VAS) to operators worldwide...
 
NBTC, US, and Wi-Fi Alliance discuss 6GHz spectrum expansion to boost Thailand’s digital economy
Thailand’s NBTC, in collaboration with the US government and the Wi-Fi Alliance, is advancing efforts to unlock the full 6GHz spectrum, following successful hospital trials...
 
Boingo scores major New York connectivity deal
The networking company stated the agreement covers connectivity for a wide range of the Port Authority’s properties spanning air, sea and land travel...
 
 
 
Middle East
 
Abu Dhabi unveils world’s first AI public servant at GITEX Global 2025
The TAMM AutoGov function launch takes service delivery to the next level, marking a pivotal milestone in Abu Dhabi’s journey to becoming the world’s first AI-native government, representing the next generation...
 
Startups in Dubai’s in5 incubator raise US$2.45 billion funding
Funding raised by start-ups within Dubai’s leading entrepreneurship incubator, in5, has crossed AED9 billion (US$2.45 billion) since its inception...
 
AI and digital payments fuel Saudi Arabia’s ecommerce boom
Saudi Arabia’s ecommerce industry is entering a new phase of rapid expansion, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), digital payments, and a young, tech-savvy population, according to a new market report by IMARC...
 
du launches park and platform for sovereign AI innovation
The AI Park – which will be deployed in phases over a period of five years – will feature several liquid-cooled hyperscale data centres that will eventually deliver up to 1GW of capacity, which du said will...
 
North Africa
 
CBE and MCIT launch ‘AI for FinTech’ Hackathon to empower Egypt’s next generation of innovators
The ‘AI for FinTech’ Hackathon marks a significant milestone in the CBE–MCIT partnership, reaffirming Egypt’s position as a regional hub for FinTech innovation and digital talent development...
 
3G, 4G and 5G Networks
 
Eastel becomes U Mobile’s first 5G partner
Malaysia’s newest 5G network provider, U Mobile, has signed its first wholesale access agreement with Eastel in a move that signals stronger competition in the local mobile market...
 
Ucom network available to over 91% of population
With the launch of its 5G network a year ago, Ucom has provided over 91% (91.2%) of Armenia's population with access to fast and reliable mobile internet...
 
Satellite & Internet
 
United launches SpaceX Starlink internet service on Boeing 737 routes
United Airlines will launch its first mainline flight equipped with SpaceX's Starlink Wi-Fi, offering high-speed satellite internet service on its on Boeing 737 routes.
 
Bedford County advances broadband project
Bedford County’s broadband expansion is moving ahead with local firm Cottle’s Asphalt, promising faster internet and potential new cell service for the community by October 2026...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Disclaimer: Information contained herein has been obtained from sources, which we deem reliable. SAMENA Telecommunications Council is not liable for any misinformed decisions that the reader may reach by being solely reliant on information contained herein. Expert advice should be sought.
 
 
 
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