Page 111 - SAMENA Trends - May 2020

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

fighting against COVID 19 through technology. He congratulated He also added that all these projects are playing an integral role
the teams of USF and Telenor Pakistan and also hoped that they in enabling people of Pakistan to carry on their activities through
will continue to achieve these milestones in future as well. While broadband technology during the COVID 19 pandemic. Through
sharing his views at the ceremony, Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui said the project in Sanghar lot, broadband coverage will be provided
that the main objective of USF is to facilitate the masses through in 500 mauzas in Sanghar, covering an approximate unserved
broadband technology in the country. He added that during the area of 12,000 sq. km and benefitting a population of 1.47 million
Corona Virus pandemic, Ministry of IT & Telecom is making sure people. Sharing his views on the development, Irfan Wahab
that broadband connectivity plays an integral part in creating ease Khan, CEO Telenor Pakistan said, “We are more committed than
for people. He further said that USF projects are already making ever before to strengthen the pillar of connectivity as part of our
a huge difference in lives of people and with the new challenging purpose of connecting people to what matters most to them. At
scenario during the spread of Corona virus, these projects have Telenor Pakistan we are driven to empower the country through
become more crucial for socio-economic benefit. Also speaking enhanced connectivity, creating opportunities and uplifting the
at the ceremony, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhry, CEO USF informed lives of millions and stand firm in our commitment to break socio-
that Federal Minister, Syed Amin ul Haque, Secretary IT, Shoaib economic barriers through the use of mobile technology.”
Ahmad Siddiqui and USF Board of Directors have been giving (May 7, 2020) moitt.gov.pk
constant guidance and support to USF for making rapid progress.

Saudi Arabia

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) celebrated that the world is witnessing during the coronavirus pandemic. It
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day with highlighted the importance of adopting sustainability principles
the participation of the Saudi Communications and Information to overcome difficult times as well as the efforts exerted by
Technology Commission (CITC) to raise awareness about the the Kingdom on the digital transformation level to mitigate the
impact of telecommunications and IT on societies and their potential effects of the virus on businesses’ continuity and service
economies. CITC held a dialogue session and discussed the best delivery. (May 18, 2020) arabnews.com
ways to harness technology to achieve sustainable development
goals at a local community and international level to show the The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology
effective role of telecommunications and the importance of (MCIT) confirmed that the emitted electromagnetic waves and
IT for the future of the Kingdom. Under the slogan, “ICTs for the effects of modern radio communication waves, including
Sustainable Development Goals,” the virtual session was held fifth-generation networks, do not adversely affect the human
with the participation of prominent Saudi figures. Several themes body, health and environment and are safe. The ministry, after
were covered, including an historic overview of the concept summarizing the results of medical studies and research collected
of sustainable development and the role of the private sector until the time of preparing the report, indicated that there is no
in promoting sustainable development goals chaired by Al- correlation or scientific evidence to prove adverse health effects
Nuhait, general manager of the sustainability program at Saudi or general risks to human health and the environment by radio-
Telecom Co. Director General of the Secretariat of the National electromagnetic waves. The ministry added that more studies are
Digital Transformation Committee Norah Al-Zaid discussed being conducted around the world by relevant organizations, and
the importance of an enabling environment to help government a more conclusive outcome could then be detailed. The ministry
bodies and encourage partnership with the private sector to pointed out that the electromagnetic radiation emitted by radio
achieve these goals. Al-Zaid noted the recent virtual G20 meeting waves used in wireless communications for the fifth generation
of trade and investment ministers presided over by the Kingdom, technology will not exceed the levels of electromagnetic radiation
highlighting the recommendations and digital policies outlined to of the current fourth generation technology. The fifth generation
promote and accelerate responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. networks aim to provide high speed and low latency factor to
The session also established a link between the sustainability support the increasing demand for communication services.
that societies are seeking and the exceptional circumstances (May 1, 2020) saudigazette.com.sa

Sri Lanka

Microsoft and the Ministry of Education in Sri Lanka have remote pedagogy during a time when the health and safety
signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance of educators and students is paramount. The agreement will

111 MAY 2020