Page 65 - SAMENA Trends - June-July 2020

ARTICLE SAMENA TRENDS

communications. The foundation of an Leading the way as a Telecom Brand and 5G is a reality today in UAE
advanced futuristic network was laid during Operator
the early 2000s with High-Speed Downlink The year 2017 was significant with with Etisalat’s pioneering
Packet Access (HSDPA) technology that major successes in infrastructure and efforts in 5G to enable
provided high-speed internet services technology for Etisalat, it was the first time subscribers to enjoy and
through mobile phones and mobile data UAE was globally ranked as the widest
cards. It was part of the 3G evolution for FTTH network followed by the opening of unleash highly connective
mobile networks that followed the GSM/ a first of a kind ‘Open Innovation Center’ technologies blending
UMTS track. This was also a method to in Dubai and Etisalat being valued as
provide high-speed download to users. the most valued telecom operator in the physical and digital realms
Fostering innovation and innovators of Middle East by Brand Finance. In the same from AR and VR to IoT,
tomorrow was always integral to our year, we also enhanced our international
overall company philosophy of supporting connectivity to UAE with AAE-1 submarine AI, autonomous vehicles,
the youth in leading digital innovations. cable system. advanced robotics, 3D
Etisalat University became Khalifa printing, wearable tech and
University in 2007 providing a platform Today Fiber to the Home (FTTH) has
for future technology innovators and reached 95.7 percent across UAE, more.
entrepreneurs. This was followed with the maintaining the UAE’s position as a global
launch of the high speed internet service leader. This was only possible due the partnership with Microsoft to deliver the
(HSPA+) in the year 2010 for the first time efforts in building and investing on the comprehensive and trusted cloud from
in MENA. infrastructure over decades. In 2011, the their first data centre in the Middle East,
foundation of success on the network was Etisalat data centres acquiring PCI/DSS
Today Fiber to the Home laid with the implementation of 4G making an international and global certification
(FTTH) has reached 95.7 Abu Dhabi the first capital fully covered guaranteeing maximum safety of
customer data at all times and for quality
with fiber optic.
percent across UAE, the prestigious TL9000 certification.
maintaining the UAE’s This was followed by a series of 5G a reality for the next generation-
position as a global achievements in 2013 with cloud Journey and Achievements
computing services provided to SMEs, first
leader. This was only optic layer in 2016 connecting the region 5G is a reality today in UAE with Etisalat’s
possible due the efforts with fast internet providing IoT services pioneering efforts in 5G to enable
subscribers to enjoy and unleash highly
and establishing an IoT centre.
in building and investing connective technologies blending physical
on the infrastructure over Etisalat’s partnership and investments and digital realms from AR and VR to IoT, AI,
autonomous vehicles, advanced robotics,
have also given it a lead among
decades. competitors and in the region. The strategic 3D printing, wearable tech and more.

Our continuous investments and focus
on enhancing and building one of the
most advanced networks in the region
have empowered digital transformation
opening up opportunities to engage with
our customers in new ways. Innovation
was always at the core of our strategy and
all our efforts on enabling connectivity
based on speed and throughput, mobility,
connected devices and IoT, energy
efficiency, latency and reliability.

Etisalat embarked on its 5G journey in
2014 when it started construction of
the network with a dedicated team of
engineers and specialists to build one of
the most advanced networks in the region.
In 2015, the first major 5G project was
signed with Expo 2020 Dubai as part of the
premier partnership with Etisalat Group to

65 JUNE-JULY 2020