Cellcom, a leading service provider in Israel, and open RAN software platform provider Parallel Wireless have announced the launch of what they describe as their first-of-a-kind pilot, which will demonstrate the deployment of autonomous 5G standalone (SA) core sites in Israel.

UAE-based e& is acquiring a 50.03% stake in Uber’s Middle East subsidiary Careem Super App for US$400 million, in a deal that will significantly expand the operator’s e-commerce standing.

Zain Jordan has selected Nokia in a multi-year deal to supply 5G radio access network (RAN) equipment throughout the country. Through the deal, says Nokia, Zain will be able to support the digital transformation of the country by offering superior 5G services with enhanced connectivity and capacity to customers. A major part of the deployment is expected to be completed during 2023.

Thuraya, the mobile satellite services subsidiary of the UAE’s flagship satellite solutions provider Yahsat, has concluded Heads of Terms for an investment agreement with Astrocast, a leading low Earth orbit (LEO) and Internet of Things (IoT) network operator.

Operator Ooredoo Qatar and Reailize, a company that says it injects automation intelligence into every aspect of telco operations, have announced that Ooredoo Qatar has implemented Reailize's Continuous Assurance (CA) solution to digitize its network operations centre (NOC) and provide what is described as a single pane of glass into the health of its network, service and customer experience.

Industrial action by employees of Lebanon’s state-run Ogero has been suspended by the Executive Council of the fixed operator’s union.

Recent announcements in Africa have yet again underlined the growth of payment technology across the continent, with major names in the digital payments space announcing significant agreements in Egypt and Tanzania.

Nokia has deployed 25Gbps-capable PON-based fibre broadband access technology for Vodafone Qatar in the Msheireb Smart City district.

Omani service provider Omantel has partnered with Wingu Group’s Djibouti Data Centre to expand into the African market and, it says, further boost its standing as a leading regional wholesale hub.

Liquid Intelligent Technologies has acquired Egyptian cloud and security firm Cysiv MEA, formerly known as SecureMisr.

Vertiv, a provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, has formalized a distribution partnership with iPoint, one of Bahrain's largest multi-brand distributors of electronics, computer peripherals, and gadgets for individuals and businesses.

Helios Towers highlighted moves to lower capex for 2023 and focus on organic growth this year, as the company reported boosts to revenue and operating profit. 

Telecom Egypt chose IBM automation technologies to upgrade its OSS systems across mobile, fixed and core networks to enable the operator to reduce operational costs and minimise the time in finding and fixing network incidents.

Omani service provider Omantel and du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), have announced plans to link the UAE and Oman through a newly activated 275-kilometre international fibre optic submarine cable named the Oman Emirates Gateway (OEG).

United Arab Emirates operator E& announced it is sending AED20 million worth of telecoms equipment to Turkey as part of efforts to aid the country in its recent natural disasters, reported Emirates News Agency.

Agility Logistics Parks (ALP) has announced the launch of tailored, master-planned data centre campus sites in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt and Ghana, with more to come.

Nokia is set to provide OSS/BSS software solutions to Egypt’s New Administrative Capital city.