Page 13 - SAMENA ELITE - Jan-Mar 2024

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The revamped value-proposition offered by du was anchored
in the superior capabilities of 5G technology, providing sub- Role of 5G FWA in Fulfilling National
scribers with unparalleled speed and reliability. Recognizing Broadband Visions
the evolving landscape of consumer preferences, du bun-
dled its 5G service with a curated selection of popular OTT
• One of the critical policy challenges, is to
harness market forces to promote conver-
gence or equalization in living standards
By deploying advanced multi-carrier
between villages, cities, and towns. This is
aggregation technology in its commercial particularly true of larger markets of the
wireless network, the Operator has SA-ME-NA region.
brought about noticeable shift in network • Policymakers and regulators may acceler-
speeds and user experience for its Home ate fulfillment of their broadband develop-
wireless services (FWA) portfolio, marking ment plans by implementing strategies for
broader economic areas that integrate cities
a new milestone for other operators in
with their surrounding rural areas.
the SA-ME-NA region as well neighboring • Predictable, stable and efficient policies
regions, such as Central Asia. and regulations are critical for ensuring that
Telecom Operators have enabling environ-
ments and incentives to extend broadband
platforms such as OSN, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. This
coverage to underserved areas.
comprehensive package not only addressed the need for
• There is an industry consensus that digital
fast internet but also tapped into the increasing demand for
inclusion (which fundamentally refers to
diverse and premium content. Moreover, du added further
reasonable broadband penetration rate and
value by including a specialized internet calling pack, cater-
data service access), must be increased
ing to the growing importance of seamless communication.
around the world, dramatically. While various
This strategic integration of advanced technology, premium
approaches can tackle the challenges of
content, and enhanced communication services formed a
connecting the unconnected, FWA may be
compelling value proposition, justifying a premium price point.
the optimal and most cost-effective way
In targeting a market segment willing to pay for this enhanced
forward to fulfill this vision of digital inclusion.
and bundled experience, du not only solidified its position as
• To ensure market access for 5G FWA (or
a technological leader but also demonstrated a nuanced
even 4G FWA) Operators, it is important to
understanding of consumer needs and preferences. This for-
establish a legal and regulatory framework
ward-thinking approach not only retained existing subscribers
that is fully transformed to cater to new
but also attracted a new audience seeking a comprehensive,
broadband development and digital-in-
high-quality internet and entertainment solution.
clusion requirements, and not hindered by
legacy rules. For example, there should be no
Customers are increasingly choosing du’s Home Wireless for
limits on the number of independent service
its speed, convenience, and competitive pricing, reflecting
providers permitted to provide 4G/5G FWA
the product’s tremendous success. This reflects a notable
services to consumers.
achievement in the telecom industry for du.
• Governments should include 4G/5G FWA
into their national broadband plans, and it is
Home Wireless product has proven that wireless connectiv-
essential to introduce a strategy or specific
ity can be a viable and attractive alternative. By deploying
goal on FWA solutions for hard-to-reach
advanced multi-carrier aggregation technology in its com-
areas. National broadband-development
mercial wireless network, the Operator has brought about
plans should recognize FWA as an essential
noticeable shift in network speeds and user experience for
element for providing broadband access to
its Home wireless services (FWA) portfolio, marking a new
rural, remote or geographically-challenged
milestone for other operators in the SA-ME-NA region as well
areas.
neighboring regions, such as Central Asia.
• Governments of the SA-ME-NA region should
leverage FWA in those areas where Fiber-
du launched its FWA services in the UAE in 2021, which quickly
to-the-Home technologies are not feasible.
became popular among users. du’s contributions were also
Moreso, they should enable and encourage
recognized by SAMENA LEAD award for Fastest 5G FWA Experi-
FWA deployment with innovative offerings in
ence. On the other hand, e& was recognized in the last
areas where there is extensive fiber presence
SAMENA LEAD awards for its leadership as Outstanding Digital
as well – as observed in the case of the UAE.
Transformation Enabler. Both Operators are integral to sus-
tainably building the UAE’s digital future.
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