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NERA recommends key reforms for a successful 5G spectrum auction in Pakistan

The National Economic Research Associates Inc. (NERA) has outlined critical recommendations for ensuring the success of Pakistan’s upcoming 5G spectrum auction while addressing the challenges in its telecom sector. NERA advocates for reasonable reserve prices, extended payment terms, and a transition to rupee-based pricing to mitigate risks associated with exchange rate volatility.

High spectrum prices, the consultancy warns, reduce competition, stifle innovation, and harm consumers, ultimately weakening the sector’s long-term potential. Pakistan’s telecom industry is severely spectrum-starved, ranking lowest in South Asia due to auction delays, high base prices, and unsold spectrum in litigation.

To address this, NERA recommends releasing more spectrum, including the disputed 140 MHz in the 2600 MHz band, and resolving market structure issues, such as the number of operators post-mergers. Additionally, it emphasises the urgent need for infrastructure development, particularly expanding fibre-optic backhaul networks, which currently account for only 15% of mobile towers, and addressing the limited adoption of 5G-capable smartphones due to their high costs.

Reforms like the Telecom Infrastructure Sharing framework and measures to make smartphones more affordable are critical for fostering competition and sector growth. NERA underscores the trade-off between short-term government revenue from high spectrum prices and the long-term benefits of a competitive and thriving telecom sector.

It highlights that a robust telecom environment requires sustained investments in infrastructure, wider spectrum availability, and affordable tariffs. By implementing its recommendations, including encouraging smartphone upgrades, expanding fibre networks, and creating favourable pricing structures, Pakistan can maximise the potential of 4G and 5G technologies.

These measures are not only vital for the success of the 2025 spectrum auction but also for ensuring a dynamic and sustainable telecom industry capable of driving digital transformation across the country.

OpenAI services suffer second outage in December

OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Sora, and developer API experienced a significant outage on Thursday, disrupting services for over four hours. The issue began around 11 a.m. PT, with partial recovery reported by 2:05 p.m. PT. By 3:16 p.m. PT, OpenAI stated that Sora was operational, though ChatGPT users might still encounter issues accessing their chat history.

According to OpenAI’s status page, the outage was caused by one of their upstream providers, but the company did not provide further details. This marks the second major outage for OpenAI’s services in December. Two weeks ago, a similar incident attributed to a telemetry service malfunction resulted in a six-hour disruption, a notably longer downtime than usual.

Interestingly, popular platforms utilising OpenAI’s API, such as Perplexity and Siri’s Apple Intelligence integration, appeared unaffected during the outage, as confirmed by their status pages and independent testing. OpenAI is actively working to ensure full restoration of its services while addressing the root causes behind these recurring disruptions.

U Mobile and Huawei Malaysia partner to enhance 5G networks and drive digital growth

U Mobile and Huawei Malaysia have entered into a strategic partnership to enhance U Mobile’s 5G networks and support its strategic roadmap. The collaboration builds on an earlier partnership focused on 5G innovation and adoption for businesses, with both companies committed to advancing Malaysia’s telecommunications infrastructure.

The partnership also aims to deploy advanced hardware and software to create a high-performance second 5G network in Malaysia, leveraging Huawei’s global expertise in Radio Access Network (RAN) technologies and future technological advancements. Additionally, both parties will intensify research and development efforts to enhance customer satisfaction and drive greater 5G adoption in both consumer and enterprise markets, focusing on enterprises that require ultra-low latency and high bandwidth.

The collaboration will also explore project financing opportunities, including vendor financing and deferred payment plans, to support the development of these technologies and unlock new business opportunities.

Through this partnership, U Mobile and Huawei Malaysia are positioning themselves to meet the growing demand for 5G services across various sectors. The goal is to ensure the infrastructure can support the evolving needs of businesses and consumers alike.

By combining their strengths and expertise, the two companies aim to fast-track the growth of Malaysia’s telecom services and contribute to its digital economy, ultimately supporting the nation’s transition into a more connected and digitally advanced future.

AI transformed the 2024 Paris Olympics and took centre stage

AI became a defining feature of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Athletes benefited from AI-driven tools like chatbots for cybersecurity and systems offering 360-degree performance replays. AI also enhanced event safety with software monitoring crowd dynamics and abandoned objects, paving the way for future global events.

Outside the Olympics, AI was integrated into consumer technology. Car manufacturers such as Volkswagen and XPeng introduced AI-assisted features, transforming vehicles into adaptive companions. Volkswagen’s ChatGPT integration enhanced in-car assistance, while XPeng’s AI-defined car promised autonomous decision-making.

Flying taxis generated excitement but failed to soar as anticipated. Despite setbacks, companies like Volocopter and Hyundai showcased designs, while Joby secured a UK license, with commercial flights expected by 2025. Tesla unveiled the Cybercab, relying solely on AI for navigation, with a 2026 market launch planned.

Smartphones and smart glasses underwent significant innovation. Bendable phones by Motorola and Lenovo offered new flexibility, and Samsung’s toughened foldable displays impressed. Meta’s neural-interface glasses broke ground but raised privacy concerns, demonstrating the balance between progress and ethics in technology.

Viettel High Tech and High Cloud Technologies forge strategic partnership to enhance 5G systems in the Middle East

Viettel High Tech (VHT) and High Cloud Technologies (HCT) have formed a strategic partnership through a $1 million deal to supply 5G systems for the Middle Eastern market. That collaboration strengthens HCT’s position as the region’s leading telecom solutions provider and opens doors for future partnerships with other telecom operators.

Under the agreement, VHT will provide 4G and 5G base stations using Non-Standalone (NSA) technology and cloud-based core network infrastructure, showcasing its expertise in end-to-end telecom solutions. The goal is to implement these solutions, conduct 5G trials, and demonstrate the reliability and performance of VHT’s products with major telecom operators.

The following partnership is expected to enhance telecom coverage, especially in suburban and rural areas, contributing to improved education and living standards across the UAE and the broader Middle East. The collaboration also supports regional growth in sectors like education, healthcare, and business, which depend on robust digital infrastructure.

Why does it matter?

VHT’s entry into the Middle East marks a significant milestone in its technological journey, as it has been developing 4G technologies since 2017 and began 5G research in 2019.

Google Maps timeline shifts to local storage

Google is introducing major updates to its Maps Timeline feature, shifting towards enhanced privacy by storing location history locally on users’ devices. This change means that any unbacked location history data will be automatically deleted after three months unless users take action to save it. Notifications regarding the update will provide a six-month window to back up data, urging users to preserve personal memories or valuable travel records before permanent deletion.

To save Timeline data, users can utilise Google’s export tools on their devices or through the web. This process allows users to maintain access to their past location history while ensuring it remains private and under their control. However, some users have reported unexpected deletions, emphasising the importance of regular backups to avoid data loss.

These updates are part of the US-based tech giant’s broader efforts to address privacy concerns by limiting the storage of sensitive data on its servers. While this move enhances data security, users are encouraged to take proactive steps to back up important information, explore privacy features like incognito mode, and consider additional tools such as VPNs to protect their online activity.

Ignoring router updates puts millions at risk

A recent survey by Broadband Genie reveals worrying gaps in how users secure their home routers, leaving millions vulnerable to cyberattacks. Over half of respondents admitted they have never adjusted factory settings, while a staggering 86% have never changed the default administrator password, a critical oversight that invites hackers to exploit networks.

Neglecting router security extends to Wi-Fi passwords, with 72% never updating them, and 89% failing to install firmware updates. Default network names, which can expose vulnerabilities, also remain unchanged in most households. With an average home hosting numerous connected devices, failing to monitor network activity adds to the risks.

Experts stress the importance of simple measures like changing passwords, renaming networks, and keeping firmware up to date. Educating users about the dangers of default settings is essential to combat growing cyber threats targeting connected devices.

Thailand tightens SIM card rules to combat scam

Authorities in Thailand are taking steps to regulate bulk SIM card purchases to combat their misuse in scams targeting Thai citizens. The issue came to light following the police seizure of 200,000 prepaid SIM cards linked to a Chinese call center gang.

Currently, there are no restrictions on corporate bulk SIM purchases, aside from a rule requiring registration for users holding more than five numbers. The lack of oversight has enabled SIM cards to be used illegally, particularly near borders where foreign SIMs are common.

Many of these cards are intentionally registered without clear user identities or are misused in IoT devices, GPS trackers, or sold to tourists. To address these gaps, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has proposed legal reforms requiring mobile operators and banks to verify buyer identities and notify users of suspicious transactions.

Additionally, stricter regulations on SMS messages with embedded links are set to take effect next year. Inspired by policies in countries like Singapore and Australia, these reforms aim to enhance accountability and curb abuse.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) emphasises a gradual approach to implementing these measures to minimise inconvenience for consumers and avoid disrupting legitimate business operations. While tackling the misuse of SIM cards, authorities aim to strike a balance between protecting the public and ensuring businesses can operate smoothly. This measured approach reflects the broader goal of preventing scams while maintaining economic and social stability.

Iran restores access to WhatsApp and Google Play

According to state media reports, Iran has lifted its ban on Meta’s WhatsApp and Google Play, marking a tentative move toward easing internet restrictions. Known for its stringent online censorship, Iran has long restricted access to US-based platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, though many Iranians bypass these blocks using virtual private networks.

The decision, announced after a meeting led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, reflects a ‘positive majority vote’ to restore access to some popular foreign platforms. Information and Communications Technology Minister Sattar Hashemi hailed the move as the ‘first step in removing internet limitations.’

Social media has played a significant role in Iran, particularly as a tool for organising anti-government protests. In response to such restrictions, the United States has urged Big Tech companies to support efforts to circumvent censorship in countries like Iran.

German parties outline technology policies ahead of election

As Germany prepares for national elections on February 23, political parties are outlining their tech policy priorities, including digitalisation, AI, and platform regulation. Here’s where the leading parties stand as they finalise their programs ahead of the vote.

The centre-right CDU, currently leading in polls with 33%, proposes creating a dedicated Digital Ministry to streamline responsibilities under the Ministry of Transport. The party envisions broader use of AI and cloud technology in German industry while simplifying citizen interactions with authorities through digital accounts.

Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD, polling at 15%, focuses on reducing dependence on US and Chinese tech platforms by promoting European alternatives. The party also prioritises faster digitalisation of public administration and equitable rules for regulating AI and digital platforms, echoing EU-wide goals of tech sovereignty and security.

The Greens, with 14% support, highlight the role of AI in reducing administrative workloads amid labour shortages. They stress the need for greater interoperability across IT systems and call for an open-source strategy to modernise Germany’s digital infrastructure, warning that the country lags behind EU digitalisation targets.

The far-right AfD, projected to secure 17%, opposes EU platform regulations like the Digital Services Act and seeks to reverse Germany’s adoption of the NetzDG law. The party argues these measures infringe on free speech and calls for transparency in funding non-state actors and NGOs involved in shaping public opinion.

The parties’ contrasting visions set the stage for significant debates on the future of technology policy in Germany.