Page 97 - SAMENA Trends - August-September 2025

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

99% nationwide and 98.5% at district level. Drive tests will ensure Daily Star, the commission has formally taken up the matter, with
compliance, with operators required to achieve 98% call setup hearings already underway. Despite being designated a significant
success and keep automated drops below 2%. Customer care is market power (SMP) operator, Robi alleges Grameenphone
also covered under the framework: at least 90% of calls to service "continues to disrupt the natural course of competition in the
centers must be answered within 40 seconds, and all calls within mobile telecom sector to maintain its dominant position." Robi's
90 seconds. Non-network complaints must be resolved within 28 complaint states, "This conduct constitutes a clear violation of
days. Operators must submit monthly reports on accessibility, Sections 15 and 16 of the Competition Act. Such anti-competitive
retainability, and network integrity, with breaches treated as behavior is ongoing, as reflected in Grameenphone's pricing of
offences under the 2001 Telecommunication Regulation Act. SIM cards, distribution system, marketing strategies, retail price
Officials say the new framework is intended to bring greater controls, and determination of retailer commissions." Robi claims
transparency and accountability, particularly in rural and suburban that these activities make it difficult for new entrants to survive
areas. (September 1, 2025) www.meatechwatch.com and for existing operators to sustain their business, ultimately
narrowing consumer choices and limiting innovation in the
The Bangladesh Competition Commission (BCC) is investigating telecom industry. "At the same time, Grameenphone continues to
a complaint by Robi Axiata PLC against Grameenphone (GP), adopt various anti-competitive strategies to maintain its dominant
accusing the country's largest mobile operator of abusing its market position. These practices hinder fair competition, disrupt
dominant market position through predatory pricing and excessive market equilibrium, and negatively impact the introduction of new
subsidies. The complaint, filed with the BCC on January 21 this and innovative services," Robi alleges. However, Grameenphone
year, alleges that Grameenphone's business practices violate has denied all allegations of anti-competitive behavior.
the Competition Act 2012. According to documents seen by The (August 7, 2025) www.thedailystar.net

Egypt

Egypt has announced its ambition to play a central role in to the digital economy. (September 8, 2025) www.meatechwatch.com
advancing artificial intelligence (AI) for public good across the
Middle East and Africa, backed by a comprehensive national President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has reviewed a comprehensive
strategy for AI-driven transformation. The announcement was report regarding plans to develop telecommunications networks,
made by Minister of Communications and Information Technology, enhance their efficiency and expand their coverage to deliver
ahead of the upcoming Ai Everything MEA event, set to take place high-quality services to citizens across Egypt. During a meeting
in Egypt in February 2026. The event will be hosted by the Ministry with state officials, Sisi directed continued efforts to strengthen
of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the network capabilities, broaden coverage areas, and fully leverage
Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), modern technologies—particularly the potential of 5G. Prime
and GITEX GLOBAL, underscoring Egypt’s growing prominence in Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Interior Mahmoud Tawfik
the global technology landscape. “AI is rapidly transforming the and Minister of Communications and Information Technology
architecture of global competitiveness, and Egypt is determined Amr Talaat attended the meeting. The meeting was followed by
not only to adapt but to shape this shift,” Minister said. “Our a smaller session during which the minister of communications
National AI Strategy reflects a bold vision: to position Egypt as a presented the ministry’s latest activities. He noted that between
leading force in responsible AI adoption, policy innovation, and November 2022 and 2024, 74 outsourcing companies committed
inclusive development.” In parallel with its AI strategy, MCIT has to hiring 60,000 specialists in Egypt. Talaat also highlighted that
launched a major national technology contest called Digitopia, Egypt currently hosts over 260 outsourcing centers, including
which has already attracted over 25,000 participants. Open to around 190 centers operated by international companies. He also
youth and entrepreneurs aged 10 to 35, the competition includes emphasized Egypt’s regional leadership in attracting investment
tracks in AI and software solutions, digital arts and gaming, and toward tech startups in the communications and information
cybersecurity. The contest offers total prizes exceeding $205,000 technology sector. The president reaffirmed the state's full support
(EGP 10 million), with the top award valued at $20,500 (EGP 1 for the communications and IT sector.
million). More than 6,500 teams have registered, reflecting the (August 17, 2025) www.egypttoday.com
strong appetite among Egyptian youth to innovate and contribute

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