Page 13 - SAMENA Trends - October-December 2024

FEATURED SAMENA TRENDS

Bocar BA, CEO & Board Member of SAMENA Telecommunica-
tions Council, in his opening keynote stated that “Observations
and advancements necessitate that both Government sector
and the Private sector work closely together and exchange
priorities and capabilities on the fixed network fronts, more
closely, and be empowered by each other."

BA, in the opening of the SAMENA ACCELERATOR, also
received recognition from Director General of TDRA, HE Engr.
Majed Al Mesmar, for his contributions to the Industry and
for his relentless efforts in bringing industry leaders together,
fostering impactful cooperation, and for catalyzing industry
initiatives locally, regionally, and internationally.

During the SAMENA Accelerator, a meaningful 10Giga
Acceleration Ceremony was also held, with its distinct
symbolism to mark continuity of dialogue on developing optical
networks and to harness the power of fiber, to accelerate
10Gigabit Society into Reality. “For ICT maturity to manifest,
for societies and economies to thrive, Gigabit capabilities
must be attained”, read the backdrop.

In his closing remarks, BA emphasized on policy requirements:
“We need to advance the necessary fixed-line infrastructure,
unlock new capital, and new ways of sharing responsibilities
to develop that infrastructure, and develop human capital
for the digital age, and make broadband connectivity and
quality-of-service affordable, with bare minimum speeds set
as benchmarks.” BA further remarked that “I would like to

In 2023, during the SAMENA Accelerator,
SAMENA Council launched the 10Gigabit
Society Initiative to accelerate digital
economic development in the Middle
East, with participation of World
Broadband Association (WBBA), IPv6
Forum, Arab ICT Organization (AICTO),
Omdia, Huawei, and various ministries
and regulatory authorities.

SAMENA Council has been of the view
that, over the next few years, as nations
strive to achieve the “Giga” milestone, a
key objective is to create impact beyond
just simple Internet. Fixed-line networks,
which literally are the backbone of
national digital transformation, and are
During the SAMENA Accelerator, a meaningful 10Giga key to sustainable digital development,
Acceleration Ceremony was also held, with its distinct are the most important infrastructure
for communities and businesses, for
symbolism to mark continuity of dialogue on developing resilient communication, and for fulfilling
optical networks and to harness the power of fiber, to national digital visions. Moreover,
accelerate 10Gigabit Society into Reality. “For ICT matu- emerging technological capabilities are
playing important role to support the
rity to manifest, for societies and economies to thrive, end-to-end network quality for 10Giga
Gigabit capabilities must be attained”, read the backdrop. Society.

13 OCT-DEC 2024