Page 137 - SAMENA Trends - June-July 2025

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Bangladesh

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) for long from third parties. But they are not permitted to import
has allowed mobile operators to import and sell SIM card-based modems and routers. ISPAB general secretary Nazmul Karim
warless routers and modems in the local market, potentially Bhuiyan told the Daily Sun that they have already submitted a
creating the scope for money laundering. The telecom regulator, written statement to the BTRC, requesting the regulator to refrain
however, said the approval has been given to the mobile operators from giving such approval to mobile operations as it will harm their
to improve access to internet services in remote areas and help roll business and create a scope for money laundering.
out 5G services across the country. Posts and Telecommunications “This is not a realistic decision. It will pave the way for mobile
Minister Mustafa Jabbar expressed his discontent with the operators to launder money abroad. We will officially protest
decision as it is not the job of the mobile companies to import against it after getting the letter from the BTRC,” he said. ISPAB
and sell modems and internet routers. Internet Service Providers director Jakir Hossain said, “The mobile operators are foreign
Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) also strongly opposed the companies and the BTRC has failed to realise long due payments
decision, as it might create the scope for money laundering in from those companies. Now BTRC is giving them a scope to
addition to harming their business. The BTRC gave the approval launder money abroad.” Mobile operators have informed BTRC
after the telecom operators sought permission to import USB that their routers will not be connected with wires as broadband
modems and routers for selling in the local market. BTRC Director routers do. The SIM-based routers will connect to the mobile
General Brigadier General Mohammad Moniruzzaman Jewel told network through access frequency that has been allocated for the
the Daily Sun that they have given the approval in line with the mobile operators. ISPAB said that such devices are fixed in nature
government’s policy to roll out 5G services across the country. and in direct competition with their products and services.
“I hope this will not create any scope for money laundering,” he (July 312, 2025) www.daily-sun.com
added. The telecom operators are selling SIM card-based modems

Egypt

The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) digital transformation. The strategy aims to position Egypt as a
confirmed the suspension of approximately 60,000 mobile devices strategic AI innovation hub connecting Africa, the Arab world, and
suspected of violating rules related to phones brought into the global technology ecosystems. The updated national roadmap
country by travelers. The devices were flagged through NTRA’s is structured around six pillars: Governance, Technology, Data,
electronic monitoring system, launched on 1 January 2025, which Infrastructure, Ecosystem, and Talent. It targets raising ICT’s GDP
has so far exempted 650,000 mobile phones under the policy contribution to 7.7%, establishing over 250 AI-driven startups, and
allowing each traveler to bring one device duty-free via official training more than 30,000 AI specialists by 2030. The government
customs channels. A recent review revealed that 13,000 devices is also focused on developing regulatory standards and data
obtained exemptions illegally, violating customs and regulatory governance frameworks to ensure AI’s secure and inclusive
procedures; these remain suspended. Meanwhile, 47,000 devices deployment. In parallel, Egypt is strengthening global partnerships
were verified as eligible and have been reactivated. Under current and investments. Capgemini is opening an AI Center of Excellence
regulations from NTRA and the Egyptian Customs Authority, in Cairo to scale generative AI solutions globally, aiming to double
travelers may bring one mobile phone for personal use without its Egyptian workforce to over 1,200 by end-2025. Microsoft has
taxation if declared upon arrival. The mobile phone governance pledged to train and certify 100,000 people in AI technologies,
system aims to regulate device registration and taxation, as well supporting national talent development initiatives. These efforts
as curb smuggling of unregistered phones into Egypt. signal Egypt’s evolution from an AI participant to a regional
(July 31, 2025) www.meatechwatch.com leader, emphasizing infrastructure, education, and regulation to
drive digital transformation across the MENA region and beyond.
The Egyptian Ministry of Communications and Information Minister Talaat highlighted the strategy as a practical blueprint to
Technology (MCIT), led by Minister Amr Talaat, has unveiled accelerate Egypt’s AI-driven growth and regional influence.
the Second Edition of Egypt’s National Artificial Intelligence (July 16, 2025) www.meatechwatch.com
Strategy (2025–2030), marking a major step in the country’s

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