Page 21 - SAMENA Trends - November-December 2019

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

values of inclusivity, diversity, and tolerance across customer its Friends & Family prepaid calling package to unite citizens and
segments during the nation’s Year of Tolerance. Abdulwahed residents with their loved ones overseas. This attractive package
Juma, Executive Vice President – Brand and Communications, du, enables Filipino customers to stay in touch with family and friends
said: “The evolution of du has seen the company establish and in the Philippines by subscribing to a Weekly Pack that provides
embrace a longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. 250 minutes at AED 25 or a Monthly Pack that delivers 1000
The prestige of this commitment ensures UAE residents across minutes at AED 79. Now in its 5th year, The Filipino Times Awards
all nationalities are able to benefit from our world-class services, is the most prestigious award-giving body for Filipinos in the
solutions, and connected value. The Filipino community is a vibrant Middle East, and recognizes Filipino change makers and leading
part of the UAE’s communities, which is why we are proud to be brands who have introduced innovative solutions and improved
considered a leading brand that is impacting positive change and the daily lives of OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) in the UAE.
enabling enriched connected ecosystems to flourish within the The awards gathered 76,000 online votes during the voting period
country’s vital population segments.” Earlier in 2019, du launched from September 1 to October 25 of 2019.

du Hits 1.8Gbps in Standalone 5G Trial

UAE-based telco du says it has achieved band. Saleem Alblooshi, Chief Technology and access networks … This is a milestone
download speeds of 1.8Gbps on its trial Officer at Du, commented: ‘We are for telecommunications in the UAE and
Standalone 5G network, with uploads committed to supporting the next evolution sets the bar high for future 5G network
reaching 213Mbps. The test was carried out of 5G with Standalone deployment and possibilities in line with the nation’s smart
using a single 100MHz carrier in the 3.5GHz seamless software evolution to our core city visions and national agenda.’

‘Building a 5G World’: EITC Hosts 2nd Annual Global Certification Forum
5G MENA Workshop

In cooperation with the Global Certification Forum (GCF), Emirates leadership agendas in the UAE and the wider region, EITC is proud
Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC) has hosted to be collaborating with GCF to highlight how the 5G landscape
the second annual GCF 5G MENA workshop under the theme: is evolving business opportunities and reinventing conventional
‘Building a 5G world’. The exclusive one-day forum was officially operator models for a more connected future. Cooperating with
opened by Jasim AlAwadi, Senior Vice President - Service a formative organization like GCF is hugely beneficial to the
Operations, EITC, and explored how regulators, network operators, industry’s journey towards 5G development, and we are thrilled to
manufacturers, and industries in the Middle East and North Africa have sparked conversation that will ignite the next wave of industry
(MENA) region are using and developing 5G in innovative ways. innovation.” Mr. Lars Nielsen CEO GCF, said: “Uncovering the full
The event was attended by operators, vendors, companies from potential of 5G will unlock a gateway to future opportunities as the
the testing industry, the Standardization bodies at GCF GSMA, technology proliferates in the years ahead. As a widely recognized
and regulators from the region to discuss and understand how hub for technology innovation and 5G leadership, Dubai and the
5G can enable new business opportunities beyond traditional UAE presents the ideal backdrop for the GCF 5G MENA workshop
services. Participants also engaged in discourse surrounding the to chart a path for the next chapter of connectivity. We look forward
importance of standards and interoperability towards supporting to further strengthening our relationship with EITC to present the
5G developments. 5G future in the region.” The GCF is the organizational backbone to
‘Building a 5G world’ GCF Certification and brings together technical experts from the
Saleem AlBlooshi, Chief Technology Officer, EITC said: “5G world’s leading manufacturers, operators, and the test industry.
technology is opening doors to a new era of connected use Together the GCF’s members define certification requirements in
cases and applications. As a catalyst for 5G development akin to line with future projections of the industry.

21 NOVEMBER 2019