Page 72 - SAMENA Trends - June-August 2021

ARTICLE SAMENA TRENDS

ARTICLE

Mobile Technology: A Societal Boon

Omantel, way before COVID-19 impacted economies, was
pushing the boundaries of frontier technologies and playing a
major role in the national digital transformation strategy that

aims to create a sustainable knowledge-based society...

Let’s time travel. Not too much into the Now, back to 2021. We are already in It has touched the lives not just of urban
past. Maybe to just around two decades the age of 5G, surrounded by mobile dwellers, but in hinterlands too, with its
ago. Now let’s recollect how we functioned technology - using it from the moment application being as versatile as the needs
then – what were the ways in which we we wake up each morning till the time we of a society itself. A 2020 survey shows
transacted, studied, worked, enjoyed our retire for the night. We have witnessed that more than 95% of the Sultanate’s
leisure, or ran our businesses and homes. three generations of mobile technology in population has access to the internet,
It was during this time that mobile less than two decades. owns mobile phones, uses social media,
technology began percolating into the computers, and smart devices. This is
lives of common people, drop by drop. We carry our work, education, proof enough of how mobile technology
The 2G in mobile telephony was the first entertainment with us – it’s mobile, and has become a way of life, since Omantel
drop which created ripples that came no longer restricted to offices, classrooms, introduced it for the first time, developed
to change every aspect of humankind’s halls or shops. Mobile technology has it and upgraded it to reach new levels to
future evolution. Mobile phones combined liberated society by adding flexibility, make life easier to everyone especially
with the power of internet created a potent convenience and providing round the clock during the pandemic.
mix we cannot imagine our lives without. access to whatever we need.
Mobile technology had existed, but it is The power is all in our palms with devices
its application in daily life that has really We are no longer time-bound, that are becoming more intelligent by the
earned it recognition among the masses. geographically restricted, inhibited by day. While one may argue the downside
Cynicism, as they say, always precedes distance, or worried about slow response of such technologies like say, screen
first-hand experience. time. Mobile technology has changed addiction, but the benefits far outweigh the
society for good, and how! perceived disadvantages. This is evident
from the fact that, with the emergence
of new techs, the ICT world also offers a
shield of protection, gives users the power
to use their discretion and protect their
online data.

The world has shrunk, thanks to mobile
technology. We do not need fixed lines
to connect any more. Communication
is instant and quick. Speed offered
by mobile technology has brought
people and societies together, created a
generation that is highly aware of global
developments, sensitised businesses to

72 JUN-AUG 2021