After years of anticipation, 5G networks are going live around the world. And the interest for 5G is high among consumers in the MENA region. Commercial 5G deployments with leading service providers have taken place in the region during 2019 and 2020 with 5G subscriptions estimated to reach 220 million by end of 2020, according to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report. Furthermore, the report estimates that more than 1 billion people – 15 percent of the world’s population – will live in an area that has 5G coverage rolled out and in 2026, 60 percent of the world’s population will have access to 5G coverage, with 5G subscriptions forecast to reach 3.5 billion.
People expect the new technology to deliver both a better experience of traditional voice and data services, as well as completely new services, in areas like entertainment, gaming and education. 5G represents a great potential for industries as well such as ports , airports , Oil& Gas and Mining for service providers in Oman to create and capture new value in with the different verticals.
Oman, in particular, is driven by aspirations to leverage innovation and shared learning to build a better life for its people with technological innovation forming a key part of the Oman Vision 2040. This strong futuristic vision will be realized through 5G technologies – transforming the way we live, think and work.
Ericsson is assisting service providers in Oman to evolve their consumer and enterprise propositions and capture the opportunities enabled by 5G through our leading technology, global industry insights, and a collaborative approach to business development. And this is just a new chapter in a decades-longrelationship.
On May 14, 1973, the Ministry of Communication in the Sultanate of Oman signed the first telecom contract in the country with Ericsson, Sweden, which became the first project for the company in the sultanate. Under the agreement, Ericsson provided the first National Telephone infrastructure network, establishing telephone facilities throughout Oman, which was considered a milestone at that time. It consisted of 23 automatic exchanges and a total capacity of 12,000 lines distributed throughout the country.
Over the years, Ericsson has provided groundbreaking telecommunications services to Oman, including the first Public Mobile Automatic Telephone System in 1984, and several projects with the country’s different operators.
Today, we are working with service providers in Oman to create the most appealing and innovative 5G services for their customers – creating value to consumers, enterprises and society.
Unleashing the full potential of 5G
Earlier this year,Omantel selected Ericsson to accelerate the Sultanate’s ongoing 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) deployment plans in a multi-year partnership.Ericsson Radio System portfoliowasdeployed to support Omantel’s commercial 5G deployment at key locations across Oman.
Ericsson technology enabled Omantel to expand coverage while simultaneously providing a network fit for the future. Subscribers will enjoy speeds of more than 1Gbps and low latency in user experiences such as streaming, downloading, gaming, infotainment and interactivity. Additionally, Omantel will be able to explore and build new business models and use cases, including Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
5G technology allows service providers to meet growing data traffic demands and deliver high-quality fixed wireless access as well as enhanced mobile broadband experiences. Omantel’s 5G network development reflects its contribution to the Oman 2040 Vision initiative, as well as its commitment to empower the transformation of Oman’s business and society.
The technology also offers significant benefits to industry and enterprise in Oman. Through this ground-breaking technology, many 5G use cases will emerge for people as well as industries with examples such as Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) enabling individuals and enterprises in Oman to enjoy extremely low latency and ultra-high-speed broadband, supporting home and business applications and for industries such as wirelessly operated harbors and mines.
Driving growth through innovation
Oman’s Ministry of Finance, in partnership with Ericsson, has signed an agreement to establish a Center of Excellence (CoE) for Advanced Telecommunications technology and IoT to facilitate 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) in Oman.
The Center of Excellence in Communication Technologies project is one of the components of Oman Tawazun (Offset) Program, which is one of the economic tools used in more than 100 countries around the world with the aim of diversifying the country’s economy by investing in projects and programs that serve the country's strategic objectives.
Ericsson, in support of the Tawazun program, will provide technological support and oversee training programs that include workshops, trainings, specialized professional courses and mentoring programs targeting participants from telecommunications institutions, commercial and industrial institutions, as well as university students, researchers and innovators. It will also support the development of research projects, including projects on 5G and IoT applications.
In addition, digital laboratory programs will be implemented for school students aged 11 to 18 years, as well as access to online learning platforms. The CoE aims to spearhead the development of Oman’s 5G mobile network infrastructure to support Oman’s digitalization, as well as empower the transformation of Omani business and society.
Such an abundance of possibilities, once only part of science fiction, is now within reach for us. Though 5G opportunities are substantial, they do not come without their challenges. And through demand-focused service innovation and collaboration with ecosystem players, service providers in Oman can drive customer value and keep relevant to their customer base.