Page 72 - SAMENA Trends - September 2021

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

A SNAPSHOT OF REGULATORY ACTIVITIES

IN THE SAMENA REGION

Afghanistan

Johannesburg-based emerging markets mobile carrier MTN of war. In August 2020 the South African carrier announced its
Group is reportedly in talks with potential buyers for its MTN intention to make a strategic exit from the Middle East region to
Afghanistan wireless unit as it accelerates plans to exit the focus on the African market. In announcing its interim financial
country in the wake of the recent takeover by the Taliban. Press results for 1H20, it said: ‘As part of our ongoing portfolio review,
cites unnamed people with knowledge of the matter as saying we believe the group is best served to focus in the future on our
that MTN is in talks with several interested parties, although pan-African strategy. We will therefore be exiting the Middle East
the negotiations reportedly do not include any Chinese buyers. in an orderly manner over the medium term. As a first step we are
A write-down of MTN’s Afghanistan operation without any in advanced discussions to sell our 75% stake in MTN Syria to
proceeds from a disposal would cost about USD49 million, they TeleInvest, which is the minority shareholder in MTN Syria with
said. The news agency notes that in unveiling its new government a 25% holding.’ MTN Afghanistan is the country’s leading mobile
this week, the Taliban stated that investments from China will provider by subscribers with around 2.35 million users and a
be key to helping rebuild an economy devastated by decades 27.6% market share. (September 10, 2021) Bloomberg.

Bahrain

There are now 121 mobile phones for every 100 people living in broadband packages in the country, for both fixed and mobile
Bahrain, says the country’s telecom watchdog. Mobile phone networks. The measurement platform consists of 21 fixed probes
penetration has reached 121 per cent, with 98pc describing call distributed at seven locations: Budaiya, Seef, Hamad Town,
quality as ‘excellent’, the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority Manama, Muharraq, Riffa and Sanad. Acting general director
said. The authority said it closely monitors key performance Shaikh Nasser bin Mohammed Al Khalifa said the watchdog is
indicators throughout the year to ensure fair competition in the working to improve services, reduce prices and offer consumers
market. It operates a platform designed to continuously assess greater options in service packages and providers.
and monitor the Quality of Service (QoS) of the most widely used (September 26, 2021) zawya.com

Bangladesh

Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar has said this regard. Noting that the technology of the Fourth Industrial
that Bangladesh will enter 5G era in December this year. He said, Revolution would be the 5G, he said, “We have already tested 5G
“The process of introducing 5G technology is a planned effort of through Huawei and Robi, which has boosted our confidence.
the government. Teletalk will launch 5G technology by December. Through this, we have been able to prove that we will not be
It will be expanded later. We will also see other operators rolling lagging behind even an inch as far as adopting 5G technology
out the 5G within 2022.” The minister came up with the disclosure is concerned”. Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory
while addressing a webinar titled “5G: Ecosystem in Bangladesh Commission (BTRC) Chairman Shyam Sunder Sikder addressed
and Upcoming Technologies” organized by Telecom Reporters' the webinar as the special guest while BTRC Commissioner
Network Bangladesh (TRNB). The success of technology cannot and Chief of 5G Guideline Committee AKM Shahiduzzaman was
be achieved without the involvement of the people, Jabbar present as the guest of honor. Teletalk MD Md Shahab Uddin,
said, adding that the people need to be motivated and involved Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman, Robi's acting CEO M Riyaaz
in the process while the media can play an important role in Rasheed, Chairman of AMTOB and CEO of Banglalink Erik Aas,

72 SEPTEMBER 2021