Page 94 - SAMENA Trends - October 2021

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

meet the users’ current and future requirements. TDRA drew the characterized by comprehensive digital transformation, IoT and
customers’ attention to the shutdown date of 2G networks, to stop smart cities, where there is a need for a modern and more capable
using 2G only supported devices by that date, and to use devices network to communicate between huge number of devices. This
that support the newer generations of telecom networks, which step reflects the rapid development of the ICT sector, in which
enables access to the best telecom services. TDRA indicated that mobile networks play a major role, as the technology lifecycle
this step comes in light of the increasing importance of the ICT includes the disappearance of an old technology when a new
sector, the rapid development of telecom technologies, and the technology emerges, driving telecom companies to shut down
need to direct all capabilities towards adopting and using the the least effective networks to allow the operation and activation
latest and best technologies, which contributes to achieving a of the most effective ones. The activation of 2G mobile network
comprehensive digital transformation that ensures the provision (GSM) in the UAE dates back to 1994, and it is still active to date,
of best smart services. TDRA emphasized that the UAE was a despite the succession of generations until 5G, of which the UAE
pioneer in implementing 2G, and today it is a leader in shifting was a leading country in its application through a comprehensive
to new generations of telecom technologies, in a new era strategy and a clear roadmap. (October 5, 2021) tdra.gov.ae

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