Page 25 - SAMENA Trends - November 2020

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Technology and Telecom Play a Major Role in Accelerating Towards a
Digital Economy Powered by 5G, IoT & Cloud, Says Etisalat Chief

Technology and telecom play a major role digital divide, and Etisalat was among the investments. Bocar A. BA, CEO and Board
in accelerating towards a digital economy first telcos to adopt digital transformation Member SAMENA Telecommunications
powered by 5G, IoT and cloud positively embodied in our strategy ‘driving the Council, UAE said: “Today’s event was
impacting every aspect of the society digital future to enable societies,” said a success with virtual discussions and
by building an advanced infrastructure Bamatraf. The discussion also highlighted keynotes focusing on the acceleration
fostering an innovative ecosystem and the importance of building the necessary of the digital economy gathering leaders
encouraging collaboration, highlighted ICT infrastructure, which requires updating and regulators from the telecom industry
Hatem Bamatraf, Chief Technology existing systems and making policies, encouraging them to work collaboratively
Officer, Etisalat International. Bamatraf such as ‘Cloud First’, defining steps to during today’s pandemic. I want to thank
participated in a panel discussion achieve strategic coordination of multiple Etisalat for its support and participation
organized by SAMENA Telecom Council stakeholders, making digital economy in the panel discussion adding valuable
titled ‘Accelerating a Sustainable Digital measurable, integrating the region and insights and perspectives on such a
Economy’. His session focused on create economies of scale for infrastructure relevant topic.”
achieving consensus on modeling the
digital economy for the next decade. The
other key panelists in the discussion
included other senior leaders from GSMA,
World Economic Forum, Saudi Arabia
and Africa. “In the current pandemic all
companies have accelerated their efforts
to digital transformation by identifying
gaps that need to be addressed touching
all aspects of the business, network and
technology infrastructure. As an industry,
policy makers and regulators need to
support this transition to the digital
economy by implementing favorable
ICT policies, fast-tracking infrastructure
development and fostering digital inclusion.
This will improve the socio-economics
of the region by sustainably closing the

Mobily Expects COVID-19 Measures to Impact
Telecom Sector By 2020-End

Etihad Etisalat Co. (Mobily) said in a bourse statement that the sector was limited, however, it is expected to be affected by end
impact of COVID-19 precautionary measures so far on the telecom of this year. In a Q3 2020 financial results earnings conference
call on Oct. 27, the company said the revenues of the business
sector witnessed a growth during the first nine months of 2020,
in addition to the development of the subscriber mix, and a rise in
wholesale sales. The telecom provider added that it has expanded
the coverage of 5G communications network to reach 48 cities in
the Kingdom.

25 NOVEMBER 2020