Page 23 - SAMENA Trends - November-December 2019

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

enjoyed working with Etisalat to complete mission, and efficient operations and on an A4 size backplane, shortening
the joint trial of compact OXC,” said Simon maintenance (O&M). To address these the service provisioning time from 30
Lu, President of Huawei Transmission requirements, Etisalat and Huawei minutes to three minutes and supporting
Network. “This is an innovative solution launched a joint innovation pilot solution. fully automating fiber scheduling. Third,
that will redefine and simplify the The tested product achieved three major optical layer visualization and minute-level
methodology to develop the optical innovation breakthroughs: troubleshooting. The digital optical layer
layer in the transport industry. Huawei First, the industry’s largest capacity. adopts the Huawei-developed optical label
will continue to carry out technological Liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) technology technology to support end-to-end visibility
innovation and research to provide Etisalat is used to enable the optical switching of wavelength-level network status. The
with intelligent, simplified, and ultra- capacity to Pbps level (Peta Bits Per optical network troubleshooting time
broadband all-optical transmission ON2.0 second) and achieve the industry’s highest is shortened from hours to minutes to
solutions, helping Etisalat to achieve compact 16-degree grooming capability. achieve efficient optical-layer operation
business success.” With the emergence The device integration is nine times that and maintenance. Huawei remains
of new technologies and services such of the traditional reconfigurable optical committed to open collaboration and
as cloud computing, big data, Internet of add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) solution, proactively promotes ICT development.
Things (IoT), and streaming media, Etisalat which can save 80% of the room space. As OXC technology matures, Huawei will
expects to continuously collaborate Second, the zero fiber-optic connection. further expand network bandwidth, create
with partners in product and technology Based on the industry’s unique optical greater value for customers and build
innovation, including emerging services, backplane technology, the OXC product a better-connected world to stimulate
high-performance, large-capacity trans- can print more than 1,000 optical fibers unlimited business opportunities.

5G Network Officially Launched in Oman

all challenges and ensure a wider spread of
the 5G network in the Sultanate within the
plans drawn up without delay. The decks
have been cleared for the phased launch
of the 5G mobile internet as per Oman
Vision 2040 strategy. It may be noted that
Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia have already
launched the 5G network. In October, TRA
granted two telecom operators – Omantel
and Ooredoo – the right to use a 100MHz
5G spectrum, which will offer endless
opportunities for upgrading their services.
Both the telecom companies will construct
and install 4,400 stations to operate 5G
technology in the next five years, including
1,000 stations in the year 2019-2020. To
enable the effective roll-out of 5G services
The 5G network has been officially services at their homes with speeds up and encourage investment in the sector,
launched in the country by Oman to 1Gbps. Customers can enjoy various the telecom companies will be exempted
Telecommunications Company (Omantel). lifestyle offers including basic home and from the annual frequency usage fees
TRA said that the launch of the 5G gaming. The launch of 5G Home is another for one year. With that announcement,
technology will be an addition and a important milestone in our strategy to TRA displayed its readiness for 5G
new experience within the company’s lead the digital innovation in Oman,” the services in the Sultanate, which will
services. The launch is in line with the statement said. The 250GB (20mbps) will enable companies to employ artificial
5G technology roadmap, announced by cost RO25, while 500GB (40 mbps) will intelligence in data analysis and decision
TRA on October 15 this year. “Omantel cost RO50 and 1TB (80 mbps) will cost making, providing pivotal impetus to the
has launched the commercial 5G network; RO45. TRA in a statement has confirmed overall economic development. TRA also
starting with 5G Home services Omantel the continuation of work in cooperation announced details of Oman’s 5G roadmap,
customers can get high-speed internet with the relevant authorities to overcome which will contribute to the research and

23 NOVEMBER 2019