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SAMENA Daily - Industry News Briefing

Industry News Briefing
January 19, 2026

Featured Member News

Cisco announces its second annual AI Summit featuring the builders of the AI economy

Cisco has announced its second annual AI Summit, taking place February 3, 2026 in San Francisco and online, and a program lineup featuring leaders who are shaping the trillion-dollar AI economy...

Member News

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stc secures double victory at Telecom Review Excellence Awards 2025

stc Group, a leading digital enabler, was honored with the “Best Technology Deployment” and “Most Innovative Product” awards at the Telecom Review Excellence Awards 2025...

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Eutelsat signs launch agreement with MaiaSpace for future LEO satellite launches

Eutelsat and MaiaSpace have signed a multi-launch agreement for the future launch of LEO satellites, starting in 2027...

Policy and Regulation

•	NCC seeks stakeholder input on satellite Direct-to-Device connectivity The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has opened a six-week public consultation on the potential introduction of Satellite Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity in Nigeria, highlighting a possible shift in how mobile...

•	Zimbabwe govt leverages Econet’s industrial park plan to boost AI strategy Zimbabwe’s Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services said that it will support Econet Wireless’ plan to develop an industrial park in Harare that will also include a new data centre to support the...

South Asia

•	PTA launches initiative to protect overseas Pakistanis’ SIM cards The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced a new initiative to help overseas Pakistanis secure their mobile SIM cards and prevent them from being blocked during extended stays abroad...

•	Dialog introduces Blackview 5G smartphone and tablet to advance digital inclusion Dialog Axiata PLC has announced the introduction of two new affordable Blackview 5G devices to expand access to next-generation technology, reinforcing its commitment to democratising digital connectivity and accelerating...

3G, 4G and 5G Networks

•	EE's 4G now available to around 45 percent of the UK population The new locations to gain access to 4G are Amersham, Bolton, Chelmsford, Hemel Hempstead, Southend-on-Sea, Stockport, Sunderland, Sutton Coldfield and Wolverhampton...

•	Claro Peru extends 5G coverage to 100 districts Claro Peru has reached a milestone in its 5G rollout, with the network now available in nearly 100 districts across the country since launching a month ago...

Content & Immersive Technologies

•	Big Blue Marble launches TV-as-a-service platform in Germany Austrian broadcast and streaming service provider Big Blue Marble Group has launched its TV-as-a-service platform in Germany, rolling out a white-label, fully managed IPTV solution aimed at national and regional...

•	Riyadh municipality launches digital platform for urban plans Riyadh municipality has launched a unified digital platform to streamline the approval of all urban plans, according to the Saudi Press Agency...

Global Telecom Update

•	Vietnamese telecom Viettel begins construction of country's first chip plant Vietnam has emerged as a hub for semiconductor testing and packaging services, attracting global players like Intel, Samsung Electronics, Amkor Technology, Qualcomm, and Marvell Technology...

•	Optimum Mobile expands international calling and roaming options Optimum has announced the launch of its revamped International Calling & Roaming plans, delivering a simplified and more affordable way for customers to stay connected with friends and family around the world...

•	ETSI issues standard for AI model security ETSI has released the first globally applicable European Standard establishing baseline cybersecurity requirements to protect AI systems against evolving threats throughout their entire lifecycle...

Middle East

•	Orange Jordan achieves best score in mobile Data Services Benchmarking and Optimization test for 2025 Orange Jordan has achieved the highest overall score in the 2025 Mobile Data Services Benchmarking and Optimization (DSBO) Test, according to results released by Commsquare, a specialist in mobile network performance...

•	Zain upgrades score in global climate change disclosure to ‘A’ Zain has achieved the top ‘A’ score in the global climate change disclosure cycle issued by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)...

•	OpenText opens regional headquarters in Riyadh OpenText has opened its Middle East regional headquarters in Riyadh, reinforcing its long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia and the region’s fast-growing digital economy...

•	Vodafone Qatar to showcase smart technology and connectivity solutions at DIMDEX 2026 The company’s participation underscores Vodafone Qatar’s commitment to advancing technological innovation and digital transformation, as well as strengthening collaboration with government entities and...

North Africa

•	Moroccan retail-tech startup Woliz raises US$2.2 million pre-seed funding round Moroccan retail-tech startup Woliz has raised US$2.2 million in a pre-seed funding round to accelerate the development of its AI-powered, fintech-enabled platform...

Satellite & Internet

•	Globe strikes deal to resell Starlink D2C service in the Philippines Globe Telecom announced it has signed an MOU to partner with LEO satellite operator Starlink to resell its Direct to Cell (D2C) satellite service in the Philippines, making it the first operator in the country...

•	Astound expands East Coast fiber network for enterprise connectivity The fiber route spans more than 300 miles and introduces 33.6 terabits per second of additional capacity across the East Coast...

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