Page 56 - SAMENA Trends - Jan-Mar 2024

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

stc Bahrain Spearheads Connectivity by Integrating Next Generation Wi-Fi 7

Technology to Enhance Customer and Business Experience

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, enrich the communications experience for
stc Bahrain, a world-class digital enabler, individuals, businesses, and industries with
proudly announces a revolutionary step its unprecedented levels of connectivity.
forward with the integration of cutting-edge Commenting on the integration, Eng. Ahmed
Wi-Fi 7 technology into its services. Wi-Fi Alsharif, stc Bahrain Chief Technology &
7, also known as IEEE 802be, Extremely Digital Officer said, “In today’s fast paced
High Throughput (EHT) is set to redefine digital era, our commitment to providing
connectivity in the 5G era, allowing stc the best connectivity services remains a
Bahrain customers and businesses to top priority in line with our customers and
benefit from this technology by ushering businesses evolving demands. stc Bahrain
in an era of unparalleled connection is the first to launch Wi-Fi 7 technology in
speeds, and delivering 5.5G experience the Kingdom, empowering customers, and
to set new speed records in the Kingdom. businesses with advanced, reliable, and
As the demand for seamless connectivity secure communication solutions, further
continues to surge, stc Bahrain brings strengthening our position as a leading
speed, reliability, and efficiency with its digital enabler in Bahrain.” Moreover, stc
lightning-fast download and upload speeds, Bahrain’s introduction of Wi-Fi 7 technology
enhanced reliability, advanced security, will empower industries such as Healthcare, next generation of mobile connectivity,
and efficient network management by Education, Retail and Manufacturing when ensuring customers are at the forefront
integrating Wi-Fi 7 technology. The it comes to indoor and outdoor wireless of experiencing advanced communication
technology is set to revolutionize Bahrain’s solutions in campus network settings. services.
telecommunications landscape and stc Bahrain is committed to providing the

stc Bahrain Launches AI facial Recognition for eSIM Activation

stc Bahrain has launched what it claims customer’s ID, the eSIM is activated and convenience and efficiency.” stc also
is the first instant mobile eSIM activation ready to use. The telco says this makes the credited Bahrain’s Telecommunications
service that uses AI-powered facial remote activation process both easier and Regulatory Authority (TRA) for supporting
recognition to authorize users, one month more secure. It also eliminates the need the facial recognition activation service,
after Bahrain's telecoms regulator issued for users to present or upload documents, though it gave no details what that involved.
guidelines for facial recognition usage in visit a physical branch or wait for a delivery Last month, the TRA issued a position paper
telecoms services. Subscribers can use agent to come and authenticate and/or updating its official Electronic Solution
the My stc BH app to buy a new eSIM and register their fingerprint. "By leveraging Requirements document to include use of
download it instantly. The app enables AI face recognition technology and facial recognition technology. Under the
users to choose their favorite number eSIM capabilities, our existing and new updated guidelines, among other things,
and preferred mobile plan. After that, subscribers can get an eSIM number telecoms players in Bahrain can only use
stc subscribers can activate the eSIM online and activate it without visiting any facial recognition technology for identity
instantly by capturing a live photo using stc outlet," said stc Bahrain CEO Eng. verification of subscribers. Telcos must
their smartphone's camera for identity Nezar Banabeela in a statement. “Our aim also clearly inform subscribers in advance
verification. Once facial recognition is to empower customers by offering a that facial recognition data will be collected
software on the backend verifies the seamless digital experience that enhances and processed, what specific data is being
collected, and that it will only be used for ID
purposes during the onboarding process.
They must also obtain subscriber consent
first and provide an easy opt-out option.
Telcos must also enact explicit policies
prohibiting the use of facial data for any
purposes beyond identity verification, and
ensuring that the data is not processed
for marketing, surveillance, or any other
unrelated purpose. Use of facial recognition
also must also comply with relevant data
privacy and protection laws.

56 JANUARY-MARCH 2024