Page 22 - SAMENA Trends - June-August 2021

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

which is expected to grow to more than launches were happening for the first time it. According to the June 2021 edition of
40 by end of the year, the program offers all over the world, but the vast majority of the Ericsson Mobility Report by the end
Etisalat a unique opportunity to not only these were focused solely on connectivity, of 2026, 5G will account for 73 percent
leverage actionable consumer insights but rather than the many consumer use cases of all mobile subscriptions in the Gulf
also connect with innovation partners to that 5G enables. Ericsson recently released Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. By
emerge as a frontrunner in their markets.” the largest global 5G consumer study to diversifying and evolving their offerings,
Ekow Nelson, Vice President and Head of date – Five ways to a better 5G – revealed communication service providers in the
Global Customer Unit Etisalat and Pakistan that 80 percent of 5G early adopters in UAE region could capture USD 200 billion in
at Ericsson Middle East and Africa says: expect new innovative apps and services 5G consumer revenues between now and
“We’re excited to have Etisalat on board to be made available over 5G and are even 2030.
for our Startup 5G program. 4G created willing to pay 20-30 percent higher for
the foundation for the App Economy that
has transformed our societies beyond
recognition. 5G is poised to continue
and extend this transformation. Our
global industry knowledge and expertise
positions us to act as matchmakers in the
5G ecosystem, introducing communication
service providers to products and services
ready to launch on a mass scale. We are
using our extensive consumer research
to identify the startups with the highest
potential for success and are glad to
have Etisalat on this journey with us.”
The Ericsson Startup 5G concept was
first initiated in November 2019, as 5G

Telcos and 5G are the Main Drivers of Digital Transformation

The telecoms industry and 5G play a major technologies, underscored 5G’s huge experts. Mohamed Almarzooqi, Vice
role in supporting digital transformation potential as a game changer for several President, Synergy and Operation Support,
as businesses move towards more industries. 5G offers exciting new revenue Etisalat International, shared his insights
collaborative and immersive remote prospects but telcos need to go beyond into Next generation networks with the
working, said Hatem Bamatraf, Chief connectivity to achieve good return on power to transform how industries operate.
Technology Officer, Etisalat International, investment, he stressed. Recent analysis Antonio Ricciardi, Senior Vice President,
during the Telecoms World Middle East has estimated that by 2025 there will be Consumer Intelligence and Engagement,
2021. The pandemic has accelerated around $4.7 trillion of revenue generated Etisalat, meanwhile took part in a panel
digital transformation globally with a shift and associated in some way by 5G or discussion on ‘Unlocking value with
in investment opportunities and changes advanced connectivity. Around $1.6 trillion the next generation of customer value
in online behaviors. Remote working will be directly due to connectivity, and the management. At a session titled Building
infrastructure, new online services, remaining $3.1 trillion will be hardware, digitally connected infrastructure in Middle
technology skills and cyber security are software, services, platforms, etc. The two- East and Africa, Abdulrahman Alhumaidan,
now common investment priorities for day virtual event on 15th and 16th June Senior Director, Fixed Access Network
governments, corporates, and SMEs. brings together CEOs and key decision Planning and Design, Etisalat, discussed
These changed investment priorities are makers of the leading regional operators to the opportunities and challenges of
accelerating the digital transformation discuss the current landscape, their growth building a digitally connected national
of society, said Bamatraf. Bamatraf, who strategies, and investing for their future. infrastructure, the impact of 5G on national
delivered a keynote opening presentation Etisalat chief executives participated in infrastructure, and the investment and
titled Shaping a new future for businesses panel discussions and live interactive regulatory framework.
and consumers with 5G and advanced sessions moderated by global and regional

Etisalat Increases Stake in Maroc Telecom

Abu Dhabi-based Etisalat Group has full control of holding company Societe de owns 53% of Maroc Telecom, a group
increased its indirect stake in African Participation dans les Telecommunication which has operations in Morocco and ten
telco group Maroc Telecom to 53% in a (SPT) by acquiring the 8.7% stake owned other African countries. The acquisition
USD505 million deal. Etisalat has taken by Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. SPT will be funded by bank borrowings.

22 JUN-AUG 2021